Antioxidant Protective Effects Research Articles

Laminaria japonica polysaccharide protects against liver and kidney injury in diabetes mellitus through the AhR/CD36 pathway.

The lipid accumulation associated with diabetes causes continuous liver and kidney damage. Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (fucoidan) has been shown to regulate the disorder in lipid metabolism caused by diabetes. Herein, we established a diabetes mellitus (DM) rat model through a high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect serum lipid content, and hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, periodic acid-silver-methenamine, and Oil Red O staining were used to observe changes in the structure of the kidney and liver, including fibrosis and lipid accumulation. We confirmed that fucoidan could ameliorate renal injury, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated that amino acid metabolism is an important process. We further demonstrated a novel role of fucoidan in regulating kidney and liver lipid metabolism through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated CD36 signaling pathway. Similar results were found in DM rats treated with an AhR inhibitor, as well as in those treated with a combination of both an AhR inhibitor and fucoidan. Importantly, we observed a higher expression of AhR/CD36 in the kidneys and liver of rats with DM, and the level of AhR/CD36 correlated with lipid accumulation and kidney function, suggesting that AhR/CD36 signaling could be a promising therapeutic target for fucoidan in treating lipid metabolism in DM. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: As the main component of Laminaria japonica, fucoidan has excellent antioxidant properties and protective effects against liver and kidney damage in diabetes mellitus. It can play a protective role in the daily diet of diabetic patients. Alternatively, it could be developed as a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of diabetes.

Association between Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Odds of Preeclampsia: A Case-control Study

Background: Preeclampsia may cause maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in the development of preeclampsia; however, the role of dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) on preeclampsia risk has not yet been elucidated. Thus, this study aims to assess the relationship between DTAC and odds of preeclampsia. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 240 pregnant women (preeclampsia, n=60; controls, n=180) in Qazvin, Iran. Controls were 3:1 ratio matched with cases in terms of participants’ age and gestational age. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire evaluating the preceding year. DTAC was measured by two methods: ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between preeclampsia and DTAC and also selected antioxidants. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, a significant inverse relationship was found between ORAC and preeclampsia; individuals in the highest tertile of ORAC were 67% less likely to have preeclampsia than those in the lowest tertile of ORAC (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11-0.97; P-trend<0.05). There was no significant relation between FRAP and preeclampsia. The risk of preeclampsia was 70% lower among subjects with the highest tertile of vitamin C intake compared to the lowest tertile of it. Conclusion: Pregnant women with the highest tertile of ORAC and vitamin C intake were at lower risk of preeclampsia. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to confirm the protective effects of dietary anti-oxidants on preeclampsia incidence.

Protective effect of soluble protein hydrolysate against H2O2‑induced intestinal injury: An interventional study.

The present study aimed to investigate whether soluble protein hydrolysate (SPH) protects against intestinal oxidative stress injury. An in vitro lactate dehydrogenase assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity and protective effect of SPH. For in vivo assessment, friend virus B NIH Jackson mouse pups aged 21 days were administered with 5% w/v soluble protein hydrolysate (SPH) through drinking water for 14 days and then luminally injected with 0.3% or 0.6% H2O2. Thereafter, the fecal samples of mice were collected, and the mice were sacrificed. Intestinal epithelial injury was assessed, and the expressions of 84 oxidative stress‑related genes in intestinal tissues was determined. SPH prophylactically protected against H2O2‑induced oxidative stress injury in human intestinal epithelial cells. An animal model of oxidative stress‑induced intestinal injury was established using 0.3 and 0.6% H2O2. SPH treatment reduced oxidative stress (0.3% H2O2)‑induced gut injury in mice. As no accelerated body growth was observed in SPH‑treated mice, it was hypothesized that the underlying protective mechanism of SPH is not related to nutrient oversupply. Treatment with SPH upregulated five oxidative protective genes that were not consistent between the sexes. Some antioxidative genes, including ferritin heavy polypeptide‑1 (Fth1), heme oxygenase‑1 (Hmox1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (Nqo1) and superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), were commonly upregulated in both male and female mice. Overall, an antioxidative protective effect was observed following SPH treatment, which may be attributed to the upregulation of genes that protect against oxidative damage. The findings of the present study highlight the promising potential of SPH as a functional food for alleviating intestinal oxidative stress injury.

Thymoquinone Protection Against Oxidative Stress Caused by Cisplatin Through Increased Superoxide Dismutase Expression in the Cochlea of Wistar Rats

Background: Cisplatin (Cis) is the primary and most effective chemotherapy drug for treating head and neck cancer. The side effect of cisplatin therapy is toxicity in the cochlea. The most active chemical in Nigella sativa (habbatussauda) is thymoquinone (TQ). The protective effects of thymoquinone antioxidants against oxidative stress caused by cisplatin in the cochlea of Wistar rats still need to be better understood. The purpose of this study is to ascertain if thymoquinone antioxidants may protect Wistar rat cochlea from oxidative damage caused by cisplatin.Methods: We divided 24 healthy male rats into four groups for this experimental animal study (Rattus norvegicus). The researchers named the group that received cisplatin alone the Cis group. The group given cisplatin and thymoquinone at 25 mg/kg/day was called the Cis+TQ25 group. The group given cisplatin and thymoquinone at 50 mg/kg/day was called the Cis+TQ50 group. The group that gets nothing is called the control group. On day 10, we will test the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat cochlear tissue using an immunohistochemistry examination.Results: The Cis group significantly decreased the expression of SOD in cochlear tissue (26.64±5.02) compared to the control group (64.18±5.93) with a p = 0.000. The Cis+TQ25 group (51.95±2.98) and the Cis+TQ50 group (56.19±5.43) significantly increase SOD expression in cochlear tissue compared to the Cis group (26.64±5.02) with a p = 0.009 and a p = 0.002.Conclusion: Thymoquinone decreases oxidative stress caused by cisplatin by upregulating SOD expression in Wistar rat cochlea.Keywords: Antioxidants; Cisplatin; Cochlea; Oxidative stress; Rats; Thymoquinone

Impact of Subacute Heat Stress on Hepatorenal Histophysiology in Wistar Rats and Protective Role of Combined Antioxidants

Aim: This study investigates the impact of subacute heat stress on hepatorenal function and histology in Wistar rats, alongside the protective effects of combined antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium) Study Design: Sixty rats were divided into control, heat-stressed, and antioxidant-treated heat-stressed groups. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in the Department of Veterinary Pathology and rats were housed in Central Laboratory Animal House, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, NDVSU, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (M.P.), India, from April 2024- Aug 2024 (5 months). Methodology: Serum biochemistry was done at the end of the experiment i.e., on day 30 for parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Rats were humanely sacrificed and the liver and kidney were collected for histopathology. Results: Biochemical markers (ALT, AST, BUN, and total protein) and histopathological evaluations revealed significant hepatorenal damage in the heat-stressed group, with marked amelioration in the antioxidant-treated group in both male and female rats. Conclusion: These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of antioxidant supplementation in mitigating heat stress-induced organ damage.

Strawberry and Drupe Fruit Wines Antioxidant Activity and Protective Effect Against Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Synaptosomes

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity of fruit wines and their protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in rat synaptosomes in vitro. The wines were produced from strawberries and drupe fruits (i.e., plum, sweet cherry, peach, and apricot) through microvinification with a pure S. cerevisiae yeast culture. Fruit wines were produced with and without added sugar before the start of fermentation, whereas subvariants with and without pits were only applied to drupe fruit wines. First, synaptosomes were treated with the wines, while oxidative stress was induced with H2O2. Subsequently, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of membrane injury, were determined. In addition, the Briggs–Rauscher reaction (BR) was used to evaluate the inhibition capacity against free radicals. All investigated fruit wines increased the activity of the studied antioxidant enzymes and decreased MDA content compared to the corresponding controls (synaptosomes treated with H2O2). After synaptosomal treatment with plum wine, the highest activities were observed for SOD (5.57 U/mg protein) and GPx (0.015 U/mg protein). Strawberry wine induced the highest CAT activity (0.047 U/mg protein) and showed the best ability to reduce lipid peroxidation, yielding the lowest MDA level (2.68 nmol/mg). Strawberry, plum, and sweet cherry wines were identified as samples with higher antioxidant activity in both principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Finally, plum wine exhibited the highest inhibitory activity in the BR reaction (397 s). The results suggest that fruit wines could be considered potential functional food due to their protective effects against oxidative stress.

The total extract of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) medic flowers (TEA) mediated Nrf2-TFAM signalling to regulate mitochondrial antioxidant mechanism

Skin, as the first line of defence of the human body, is exposed to dangers such as overheating substances, ultraviolet rays, and environmental pollutants, and the incidence of skin diseases is increasing annually. Oxidative stress plays a dominant role in most skin diseases. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) medic flower (TEA) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat injuries to the skin such as water and fire scalds. It has been reported that TEA has excellent antioxidant effects. In this study, we aimed to explore the antioxidant and mitochondrial protection effects of TEA in H2O2-mediated HaCaT cell damage. HaCaT cells were incubated with H2O2 to simulate oxidative stress in the skin. The effect of TEA on HaCaT cells was also evaluated. Cell morphology was observed via inverted microscopy, and cell viability was measured via the MTT reagent. The cells were stained with Hoechst 33,324 solution. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and ATP detection kits were used to detect the corresponding indicators. The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA and mtDNA expression. The expression of the target protein was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. H2O2 triggered oxidative damage in HaCaT cells, which manifested as apoptosis, increased ROS and MDA contents, and decreased SOD activity. H2O2 activates the KEAP1/Nrf2/NQO1 signalling pathway, which decreases the expression of the intracellular KEAP1 protein and slightly increases the expression of the Nrf2 and NQO1 proteins, further causing mitochondrial oxidative stress, resulting in changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential, a reduction in the mtDNA copy number, and decreased expression of the PGC-1α and TFAM proteins. In addition the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain genes and proteins decreased. TEA promoted the expression of Nrf2 in HaCaT cells, activated the downstream antioxidant response, and alleviated the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage caused by H2O2. ML385 is an Nrf2 inhibitor, under which the antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effects of TEA are inhibited. When TFAM was knocked down, the protective effect of TEA on mitochondria was also inhibited. TEA protects HaCaT cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage and mitochondrial oxidative damage through the KEAP1/Nrf2/NQO1/PGC-1α/TFAM pathway.

A Mechanism Study on the Antioxidant Pathway of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE Inhibiting Ferroptosis in Dopaminergic Neurons.

The pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) indicates that iron deposition exists in dopaminergic neurons, which may be related to the death of cellular lipid iron peroxide. The extracellular autophagy adaptor SQSTM1(p62) of dopamine (DA) neurons can activate the intracellular Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis, which has a protective effect on DA neurons. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of the Keap1- Nrf2-ARE antioxidant pathway against iron death in dopaminergic neurons. The experiment was divided into a control group (Control group), 1-methyl-4- phenylpyridiniumion control group (MPP+ Control group), p62 overexpression group (MPP+OVp62), and p62 overexpression no-load group (MPP+ OV-P62-NC). The inhibitors brusatol and ZnPP inhibited the activation of NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) and Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), respectively, and were divided into brusatol group (MPP+OV-p62+brusatol) and ZnPP group (MPP+OV-p62+ZnPP). RT-qPCR was used to detect transfection efficiency, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect cell activity. FerroOrange, 2,7-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), and Liperfluo probes were used to detect intracellular iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Western Blotting detected the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1 (Keap1), and their downstream Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4). The levels of LGlutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by GSH and MDA kits, and the activation of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway was verified at the cellular level to have an antioxidant protective effect on iron death in dopaminergic neurons. (1) The results of RT-qPCR showed that compared with the control group, the expression of the p62 gene was significantly increased in the MPP+OV-p62 groups (P = 0.039), and the p62 gene was significantly increased in the brusatol and ZnPP groups, indicating successful transfection (P =0.002; P=0.008). (2) The immunofluorescence probe flow results showed that compared to the normal control group, the contents of three kinds of probes in MPP+ model group were significantly increased (P =0.001; P ＜0.001; P＜0.001), and the contents of three kinds of probes in MPP+OV-p62 group were decreased compared to the MPP+ model group (P =0.004). The results indicated that the levels of iron, ROS, and LPO were increased in the MPP+ group and decreased in the MPP+OV-p62 group. (3) Compared with the control group, the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 in the MPP+OV-p62 group were increased (P =0.007; P =0.004; P=0.010), and the expressions of Keap1 and ACSL4 in MPP+p62 overexpression group were decreased (P =0.017; P =0.005). Compared with the MPP+ control group, Nrf2 and GPX4 were increased in the MPP+OV-p62 group, and ACSL4 was decreased in the MPP+OVp62 group (P =0.041; P ＜0.001; P ＜0.001). The results of the GSH and MDA kit showed that compared with the normal control group, the content of GSH in the MPP+ control group was decreased (P < 0.01), and the content of MDA was increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the MPP+ model group, GSH content was increased (P = 0.003), and MDA content was decreased in the MPP+OV-p62 group (P < 0.001). Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 increased in the MPP+p62 overexpression group but decreased in the brusatol group and ZnPP group (P < 0.001). Based on the transfection of P62 plasmid, it was found that P62 plasmid can inhibit the lipid peroxidation of iron death in dopaminergic nerve cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thus playing a protective role in dopaminergic nerve cells.

β-pinene ameliorates ICV-STZ induced Alzheimer's pathology via antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and mitochondrial protective effects: In-silico and in-vivo studies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. The disease aetiology is closely associated with proteinopathies, mitochondrial abnormalities, and elevated ROS generation, which are some of the primary markers for AD brains. The current research was intended to elucidate the chemical interaction of β-pinene against potential targets and evaluate its neuroprotective potential in ICV-STZ-induced sAD. ology: The potential binding interactions of β-pinene and galantamine were evaluated against the active sites of PP2A, SOD1, catalase-3, and AChE using Autodock vina. Additionally, the β-pinene and galantamine were subjected to tests of their ADMET by employing the Swiss ADME and Protox-II web servers. To assess the neuroprotective potential, β-pinene (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and galantamine (2 mg/kg) was administered p.o in ICV-STZ-treated wistar rats for 21 days. Moreover, behavioral parameters (NOR & MWM), biochemical, AChE activities, and mitochondrial complexes were performed. A molecular docking study showed that β-pinene can interact with human PP2A, SOD1, Catalase-3, and AChE with better ligand efficiency as compared to galantamine. In-vivo data showed that β-pinene treatment (100, and 200 mg/kg) for 21 days exhibited significantly enhanced cognitive performance, as shown in behavioral studies. Additionally, β-pinene treatment significantly re-established antioxidant levels and mitochondrial capacities and attenuated altered AChE activity as compared to ICV-STZ-induced groups. In-silico studies revealed that β-pinene shared the same binding pocket as galantamine, supporting its neuroprotective effects in the ICV-STZ-induced animal model by alleviating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing AChE activity.

Carvacrol attenuates varicocele-induced infertility in rats.

Carvacrol is a common ingredient in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and perfume industries. It possesses various pharmaceutical properties including pain relief, anti-cell death, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the protective impact of carvacrol on infertility caused by varicocele in rats. The animals were assigned to nine groups randomly: control, sham-operated, carvacrol alone at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg b.w./day, varicocele-induced control, and varicocele-induced rats treated with carvacrol. After thirty days of treatment, the serum was collected to evaluate testosterone levels, and left epididymal sperm samples were obtained to assess sperm quality. Additionally, the left testis was removed for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. The findings demonstrated that carvacrol administration (20 and 40 mg/kg) notably improved sperm quality in rats with varicocele. Furthermore, carvacrol treatment (20 and 40 mg/kg) increased antioxidant levels, reduced MDA levels, decreased AQP9 expression in testicular tissue, and improved testicular tissue structure. Hence, carvacrol (20 and 40 mg/kg) may serve as a therapeutic agent for male reproductive system disorders, particularly varicocele-related infertility, due to its antioxidant properties and protective effects on testicular function.

Investigation of the Protective Effects of Dexmedetomidine, Midazolam, Propofol, and Intralipid on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats with Lidocaine-Induced Toxicity.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine, midazolam, propofol, and intralipid on lidocaine-induced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8 per group): control (C), lidocaine (L), lidocaine + dexmedetomidine (LD), lidocaine + midazolam (LM), lidocaine + propofol (LP), and lidocaine + intralipid (LI). Dexmedetomidine (100µg/kg), midazolam (4 mg/kg), propofol (40 mg/kg), and intralipid (10 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally as pretreatment. Lidocaine (90 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to induce oxidative stress in all groups except the control. After 60minutes of electrocardiography (ECG) recording, the rats were sacrificed, and heart and brain tissue samples were collected. Comparative measurements of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and inflammatory parameters were conducted. In heart tissue samples, TAS was significantly higher in LI and LD groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, oxidative stress was significantly higher in the LM group (p < 0.05). Despite an increase in oxidative stress in brain tissue samples across all groups, it was found that all groups exhibited antioxidant protective effects (p < 0.05). Inflammatory parameters in heart and brain tissues significantly decreased in all groups, especially in the LI group (p < 0.05). It was observed that pretreatment with midazolam increased oxidative stress induced by lidocaine, while dexmedetomidine and intralipid exhibited greater antioxidant effects. Dexmedetomidine and intralipid used as pretreatment were shown to be more effective in protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Annona muricata Aqueous Extract Ameliorates Testicular and Epididymal Sperm Toxicity in Rats Exposed to Gasoline Fumes

In the present study, aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata was assessed for its capacity to mitigate testicular damages and sperm toxicity induced by gasoline fumes. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups of eight animals per group: the control group was given distilled water, and the PEBI group was exposed to petrol by inhalation and petrol‐exposed animals that were concomitantly treated with A. muricata at 100 and 200 mg kg−1 body weight (b.w), respectively (PEBI + AM100 and PEBI + AM200) via oral gavage. Oxidative stress markers, sperm quality variables and histological examination of the testes evaluated at the end of the 10‐week exposure period showed that coadministration of A. muricata significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, elevated catalase (CAT) activity, diminished DNA fragmentation and improved sperm quality, thereby attenuating testicular and epididymal sperm toxicity in rats exposed to gasoline fumes. Interestingly, the higher dose A. muricata could also lower lipid peroxidation to below the control values, demonstrating the antilipoperoxidative and antioxidant protective effects of A. muricata in a gasoline fume model of testicular and spermatoxicity in rats.

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of hydroxy derivatives of chalcones for sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus, Linnaeus, 1758) sperm.

The aim of this work is to study the effect of adding hydroxy derivatives of chalcones to the basic cryomedium on the ability of sterlet sperm to utilize superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, the intensity of lipid peroxidation of male fish germ cells, and their viability both before cryopreservation and after 3 days of freezing at liquid nitrogen temperature. The ability of phenolic derivatives of chalcones to increase the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of sterlet sperm and to reduce the intensity of lipid peroxidation has been established. The antioxidant activity of the derivatives exceeds the effect of Trolox, which inhibits the functioning of the enzyme component of the antioxidant protection of fish sperm and promotes lipid peroxidation of fish sperm before cryopreservation. A beneficial effect of hydroxy derivatives of chalcones on the motility parameters of thawed sperm has been shown, indicating their ability to increase the cryoresistance of sperm in such a promising aquaculture species as sterlet.

An Advanced Combinatorial System from Vitis vinifera Leaves and Propolis Enhances Antioxidants' Skin Delivery and Fibroblasts Functionality.

Background/Objectives: Vine leaves are a bulky by-product that are disposed of and treated as waste in the wine production process. In the present study polyphenols from vine leaves were extracted and simultaneously encapsulated in a new delivery system consisting of liposomes and cyclodextrins. This system was further combined with propolis polyphenols encapsulated in cyclodextrins, resulting in a colloidal suspension for the release of antioxidants in a time-controlled way, the rate of which depends on the ratio of the materials. The result is a raw material that exhibits antioxidant and ECM protective effects when administered in skin fibroblasts (NHDFs). Methods: The antioxidant and ECM promoting efficacy of the produced raw material was assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, DPPH assay, and in cellulo assays in fibroblasts, such as the cell viability assay, scratch assay, cell migration assay, gene expression analysis, and immunofluorescence analysis, for the detection, visualization, and quantification of collagen-I, collagen-IIIa, and elastin signals and collagenase assay. Results: Treatment of NHDFs with the combinatorial delivery system promoted collagen and elastin synthesis and deposition in normal conditions and, upon induced external stress, as assessed by in vitro transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. A significant inhibition of collagenase was also observed, suggesting a multitargeted efficacy of the active ingredients also by preventing collagen degradation. Conclusions: Therefore, this liposome-cyclodextrin encapsulated polyphenol complex represents a novel bioactive ingredient with promising skin applications.

Influence of Secondary Metabolites According to Maturation of Perilla (Perilla frutescens) on Respiratory Protective Effect in Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Induced Human Nasal Cell.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure worsens chronic respiratory diseases through oxidative stress and inflammation. Perilla frutescens (L.) has potential respiratory protective properties, but the impact of growth stages on its beneficial metabolites is unclear. We aimed to evaluate how different growth stages affect phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polycosanols in perilla seeds and flowers and their efficacy in countering PM2.5-induced damage. Perilla seeds and flowers from five varieties at 10, 20, 30, and 40 days post-flowering were analyzed for metabolite content. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory protective effects were tested in RPMI 2650 cells. Our findings indicated that perilla flowers contained higher levels of functional components than seeds and exhibited significant variation with maturation. Phenolic acids of perilla flowers were highest at the early stages of maturation after flowering. However, individual flavones of perilla flowers were the highest at the late maturation stages after flowering. Extracts from perilla flowers harvested 20 days after flowering exhibited significant respiratory protection, effectively inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, mucus secretion, and oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, the flower parts of perilla, particularly those harvested 20 days after flowering, are useful materials for obtaining phenolic compounds, including rosmarinic acid, with high antioxidant and respiratory enhancement effects.

Perilla Seed Oil and Protein: Composition, Health Benefits, and Potential Applications in Functional Foods.

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) seeds are emerging as a valuable resource for functional foods and medicines owing to their rich oil and protein content with diverse nutritional and health benefits. Perilla seed oil (PSO) possesses a high level of a-linolenic acid (ALA), a favorable ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, and other active ingredients such as tocopherols and phytosterols, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. The balanced amino acid ratio and good functional properties of perilla seed protein make it suitable for a variety of food applications. The chemical composition, health benefits, and potential applications of PSO as well as the structural characterization, functional properties, modification methods, bioactivities, and application scenarios of perilla seed protein are comprehensively presented in this paper. Furthermore, the challenges as well as future prospects and research focus of PSO and perilla seed protein are discussed. The growing interest in plant-based diets and functional foods has made PSO and perilla seed protein promising ingredients for the development of novel foods and health products. The purpose of this paper is to highlight implications for future research and development utilizing these two untapped resources to improve human health and nutrition.

Antioxidant effect and protective effect of Salvia plebeia extract against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in neuronal cell

Antioxidant effect and protective effect of <i>Salvia plebeia</i> extract against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in neuronal cell

Thymus spp. Aqueous Extracts and Their Constituent Salvianolic Acid A Induce Nrf2-Dependent Cellular Antioxidant Protection Against Oxidative Stress in Caco-2 Cells.

The increasing incidence of colorectal cancer and inflammatory diseases poses a major health concern, with oxidative stress playing a significant role in the onset of these pathologies. Factors such as excessive consumption of sugar-rich and fatty foods, synthetic food additives, pesticides, alcohol, and tobacco contribute to oxidative stress and disrupt intestinal homeostasis. Functional foods arise as a potential tool to regulate redox balance in the intestinal tract. Herbs (such as Thymus spp.) have long been screened for their antioxidant properties, but their use as antioxidants for medicinal purposes requires validation in biological models. In this study, we addressed the potential antioxidant protection and preventive effects of extracts from two thyme species at the intestinal level, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action. Caco-2 cells were pre-exposed (4 h) to aqueous (AD) and hydroethanolic (HE) extracts of Thymus carnosus and Thymus capitellatus, followed by a recovery period in culture medium (16 h), and then treated with tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (TBHP; 4 h), before analyzing cell viability. The effect of the extracts' main components was also analysed. Cellular oxidative stress, cell-death markers, and the expression of antioxidant-related proteins were evaluated using flow cytometry on cells pre-exposed to the AD extracts and salvianolic acid A (SAA). Results showed that pre-exposure to AD extracts or SAA reduced TBHP-induced oxidative stress and cell death, mediated by increased levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein. The protective activity of T. capitellatus AD extract was shown to be dependent on NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) protein expression and on increased glutathione (GSH) content. Furthermore, ursolic acid induced cytotoxicity and low cellular antioxidant activity, and thus the presence of this triterpenoid impaired the antioxidant effect of HE extracts. Thus, AD extracts show high potential as prophylactic dietary agents, while HE extracts arise as a source of nutraceuticals with antioxidant potential.

Association between dietary antioxidant levels and diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

The onset and progression of diabetes mellitus (DM) is strongly linked to oxidative stress. Previous studies have highlighted the protective effects of individual dietary antioxidants against diabetes. However, the relationship between a comprehensive combination of dietary antioxidants and diabetes has rarely been examined. Therefore, this study assessed the association between various dietary antioxidant intake levels and diabetes among US adults and further investigated potential associations using the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI). The study employed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2018 for cross-sectional analysis. Dietary information was obtained from two 24-h dietary recall interviews. The CDAI was calculated using intakes of six dietary antioxidants from the dietary information. Multifactorial logistic regression models were employed to investigate the association of different dietary antioxidants and CDAI with DM. The relationship between CDAI and DM was further explored using subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline curves. A total of 7,982 subjects (mean age 47.32 ± 16.77 years; 48.50% male and 51.50% female) were included in this study. In the multivariate-adjusted single antioxidant model, vitamin C intake was significantly and negatively associated with diabetes prevalence (P for trend = 0.047), while zinc intake demonstrated a potential trend toward reduced diabetes risk (P for trend = 0.088). This association was similarly observed in the multivariate-adjusted model for the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) in the female population (p = 0.046). Intake of vitamin C was negatively associated with DM prevalence. Additionally, CDAI was found to reduce the risk of DM in the female population.

Effects of Dihydroquercetin on the Intensity of Oxydative Stress in Rat Liver Mitochondria at Hypothermia

A decrease in body temperature in homeothermic animals can cause a state of the body called hypothermic. It is accompanied by the development of a number of pathological processes, many of which are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the development of oxidative stress. In connection with the widespread introduction of hypothermia into medical practice, the question of the possibility of a regulatory influence on the proxidant-antioxidant status of mitochondria at low body temperatures remains relevant. In recent years, plant polyphenols, in particular dihydroquercetin (DHQ), have gained wide popularity as therapeutic agents with antioxidant and membrane protective effects. In this work, we investigated the effects of DHQ on the intensity of oxidative stress in rat liver mitochondria under moderate hypothermia. It was found that a course (5 days) oral administration of DHA at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly reduces the levels of LPO and OMP products in the liver mitochondria of control rats, increasing the content of non-enzymatic components of the thiol-disulfide antioxidant system`s. DHQ effectively protects liver mitochondria from the development of oxidative stress during hypothermia, as evidenced by a significant decrease (and in some cases, complete normalization) in the levels of diene conjugates, MDA, Schiff bases and carbonyl groups in a group of animals subjected to hypothermia with prior administration of this polyphenol. At the same time, DHQ significantly increases the levels of glutathione and vitamin E, and also normalizes the content of thiol groups in mitochondrial proteins. In vitro, DHQ exhibits a dose-dependent antioxidant effect, suppressing OMB in mitochondria incubated in Fenton's medium (IC50 = 0.160 mg/ml).