Activity Of Antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

Fucoxanthin alleviates the cytotoxic effects of cadmium and lead on a human osteoblast cell line.

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are non-biodegradable heavy metals (HMs) that persistently contaminate ecosystems and accumulate in bones, where they exert harmful effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of fucoxanthin (FX) against the chemical toxicity induced by Cd and Pb in human bone osteoblasts in vitro, using various biochemical and molecular assays. The effect of metals and FX on osteoblasts viability was assayed by MTT, then the effect of Pb, Cd, and FX on the cells' mitochondrial parameters was studied via assays for ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial complexes, and lactate production. Also, the effect of metals on oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes assays. Also the effect of FX and metals on apoptosis caspases and related genes was assessed. When Cd and Pb were added to human osteoblast cultures at concentrations ranging from 1-20μM for 72h, they significantly reduced osteoblast viability in a time and concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of Cd on osteoblasts was greater than that of Pb, with estimated EC50 of 8 and 12μM, respectively, after 72h of exposure. FX (10 and 20μM) alleviated the cytotoxicity of the metals. Bioenergetics assays, including ATP, MMP, and mitochondrial complexes I and III activities, revealed that HMs at 1 and 10μM concentrations inhibited cellular bioenergetics after 72h of exposure. Cd and Pb also increased lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species while reducing catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant activities and oxidative stress-related genes. This was accompanied by increased caspases -3, -8, and-9 and Bax/bCl-2 ratio. Co-treatment with FX (10 and 20μM) mitigated the disruption of bioenergetics, oxidative damage, and apoptosis induced by the metals, showing a concentration-dependent pattern to varying extents. These findings strongly support the role of FX in managing toxicities induced by environmental pollutants in bones and in addressing bone diseases associated with molecular bases of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bioenergetic disruption.

Tissue oxidative stress and expression of chicken UCP and ANT mRNA in laying hens exposed to acute cold stress

ABSTRACT 1. Exposure to stress alters normal homoeostasis and, hence, the antioxidant defence system. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acute cold temperature on the antioxidant defence system in hens. 2. Hy-line grey commercial layers (80 40-week-old) were randomly assigned to one of eight groups. In groups 1 to 5, hens were exposed to low temperature at −8.68°C (cool stressed) for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h, respectively. In groups 6 and 7, post 10 h cool stressed, hens were quickly transferred to room at 21°C to recovery for 2 h and 4h, respectively. In treatment groups 6 and 7, post 10 h cool stressed, hens were quickly transferred to room at 21°C for 2 h and 4 h, respectively. Group 8 was the control, where hens were housed under regular condition at 21°C as controls. 3. Antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in skeletal muscle, the kidney, liver and pancreas were measured. The transcription of avUCP and ANT mRNA was tested by RT-PCR. 4. The T-AOC activity was increased in the skeletal muscle of hens cold stressed for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h and the 2 h recovery groups compared with control hens (p < 0.05). The GPx activity was increased in the liver and skeletal muscle after cold stress 4 h and in the pancreas of cold stress 2 h compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Antioxidant SOD activity was increased in the kidney after cold stress 6 h and in the liver after cold stress 10 h compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Measured MDA activity was increased in the pancreas after 2 h cold stress (p < 0.05). 5. UCP mRNA expression level was increased in the pectoral muscle for 2 h and 4 h recovery groups compared with the control hens (p < 0.05) and avian uncoupling protein (UPC), adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) expression level was increased in the leg muscle of hens cold stress for 2, 6, 8 h and recovery 2 and 4 h. 6. The observed changes in the antioxidant defence system were tissue specific. Increments in levels of ANT (leg muscle) and UCP (pectoral and leg muscle) mRNA expression may be involved in the regulation of thermogenesis in skeletal muscle.

Effect of advanced chelate technology-based trace minerals on growth performance, mineral digestibility, tibia properties, and antioxidant status in two broiler strains

This research aimed to assess the impact of diet supplementation of Advanced Chelate Technology-based Mineral (ACTMS), on the Ross and Arian broilers performance. 520 broilers, of two strains, were allocated to 8 treatments (4 for each strain), 5 replicates, (13 chicks/replicate) and reared for 42 days. The treatments include 0 (CONT), 250 (SBC250), 1000 (SBC1000), and 2000 (SBC2000) of ACTMS. Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded, and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was also calculated. Serum antibody was measured in response to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) to evaluate humoral immune response. Blood sample and tibia were used to measure the bone composition of Ca and P. No significant difference was obtained in feed intake (P >0.05), however, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and EPEF showed significant differences (P˂0.05). The results showed that the interaction effect of Ross× SBC250 had the highest average daily feed intake during 25-42 and 0-42 days of age, but Ross×CONT group provided the lowest average daily feed intake (P˂0.05). Furthermore, the Ross×CONT group had the highest average daily gain during 0-10, 25-42, and 0-42 days of age (P<0.05). The Ross×CONT group also provided the best feed conversion ratio during 0-10 days of rearing period compared to other treatments (P<0.05). Various levels of ACTMS, significantly (P˂0.05) enhanced the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. No significant differences were obtained in blood parameter (P>0.05), though, SBC2000 exhibited the greatest numerical phosphorus content. There was no significant impact of strain effects on blood metabolites, however, the Ross strain exhibited higher values. The results indicated that the Arian× SBC250 group had the largest tibia diameter which had a significant difference from the Arian×CONT group (P<0.05). In conclusion, ACTMS inclusion in the ration (either replacement or on top) led to the significant improvement of FCR and ADWG (SBC250 as on top) and EPEF (SBC2000 replacement) in the Ross strain and some parameters in Arian strains (mostly numerically).

Bioenergetics disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation as underlying mechanisms of tramadol-induced nephrotoxicity.

Tramadol (TR), a commonly prescribed pain reliever for moderate to severe pain, has been associated with kidney damage. This study investigates TR-induced nephrotoxicity mechanisms, focusing on its effects on renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs). The study findings demonstrate that TR disrupts PTC bioenergetic processes, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. Significant toxicity to PTCs was observed with estimated effective concentration 50 values of 9.8 and 11.5 µM based on 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays, respectively. TR also interferes with the function of PTC transporters, including organic cation uptake transporter 1, organic cation transporter 2, P-glycoprotein, and multidrug resistance protein 2. Furthermore, bioenergetics assays showed that TR reduced the activities of mitochondrial complexes I and III, adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxygen consumption rate while increasing lactate release. TR also increased the production of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation thiobarbituric acid reactive substances end products, and the expression of the NRf2 gene while decreasing reduced glutathione (GSH-R) stores and catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant activities. Additionally, TR increased the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and their coding genes expression. Interestingly, the study found that antioxidants like GSH-R, inhibitors of IL-6 and TNF-α, and mitochondrial activating Co-Q10 could protect cells against TR-induced cytotoxicity. The study suggests that TR causes nephrotoxicity by disrupting bioenergetic processes, causing oxidative stress and inflammation, but antioxidants and agents targeting mitochondria may have protective and curative potential.

Beneficial Consequences of One-Month Oral Treatment with Cannabis Oil on Cardiac Hypertrophy and the Mitochondrial Pool in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Introduction: It has been demonstrated the dysregulation of the cardiac endocannabinoid system in cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the modulation of this system through the administration of phytocannabinoids present in medicinal cannabis oil (CO) emerges as a promising therapeutic approach. Furthermore, phytocannabinoids exhibit potent antioxidant properties, making them highly desirable in the treatment of cardiac pathologies, such as hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy (CH). Objective: To evaluate the effect of CO treatment on hypertrophy and mitochondrial status in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) hearts. Methods: Three-month-old male SHR were randomly assigned to CO or olive oil (vehicle) oral treatment for 1 month. We evaluated cardiac mass and histology, mitochondrial dynamics, membrane potential, area and density, myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and citrate synthase (CS) activity and expression. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n) and compared by t-test, or two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used as appropriate. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: CH was reduced by CO treatment, as indicated by the left ventricular weight/tibia length ratio, left ventricular mass index, myocyte cross-sectional area, and left ventricle collagen volume fraction. The ejection fraction was preserved in the CO-treated group despite the persistence of elevated systolic blood pressure and the reduction in CH. Mitochondrial membrane potential was improved and mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, area, and density were all increased by treatment. Moreover, the activity and expression of the CS were enhanced by treatment, whereas ROS production was decreased and the antioxidant activity of SOD increased by CO administration. Conclusion: Based on the mentioned results, we propose that 1-month oral treatment with CO is effective to reduce hypertrophy, improve the mitochondrial pool and increase the antioxidant capacity in SHR hearts.

A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Oxidative Stress in Patients with Epilepsy Treated with Old and New Generation Antiseizure Medications.

Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress resulting from a disturbance of the endogenous redox system is suspected in numerous diseases of the central nervous system, including epilepsy. In addition, antiseizure medications (ASMs), especially those of the old generation, may further increase oxidative stress. To evaluate the effects of ASM generation on oxidative stress, we conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with epilepsy treated with old, new, and polytherapy. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, as well as the concentrations of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, nitrate, nitrite, and glutathione in reduced and oxidized forms, were measured in 49 patients with epilepsy and 14 healthy controls. In addition, the plasma concentrations of ASMs and metabolites of carbamazepine and valproic acid were measured in the patients. Results: Patients with epilepsy showed increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase (p < 0.001), concentrations of glutathione disulfide and markers of nitric oxide metabolism (p < 0.001), and decreased activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione, and nitrite concentrations (p ≤ 0.005) compared to healthy controls. A comparison of ASM generations revealed increased levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase (p ≤ 0.007) and decreased levels of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase (p ≤ 0.01) in patients treated with old ASMs compared to those treated with new generation ASMs. In addition, an increase in protein carbonyl and nitric oxide metabolites (p ≤ 0.002) was observed in patients treated with old generation ASMs compared to those treated with new generation ASMs. Most oxidative stress parameters in patients receiving polytherapy with ASMs were intermediate between the results of patients treated with the old and new generations of ASMs. Conclusions: An increase in oxidative stress markers and modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities was observed in patients with epilepsy compared to controls. The results of our study showed significantly higher oxidative stress in patients treated with old ASMs compared to those treated with new generation ASMs.

Effects of red-light irradiation and melatonininjection on the antioxidant capacity and occurrence of apoptosis in abalones (Haliotis discus hannai) subjected to thermal stress

High ocean temperatures caused by global warming induce oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. Melatonin treatment and irradiation using red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been reported to reduce oxidative stress in a few aquatic organisms. However, the effects of red LED irradiation and melatonin injection on the antioxidant capacity and degree of apoptosis in abalones, which are nocturnal organisms, have not yet been reported. In this study, we compared the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes, total antioxidant capacity, and the degree of apoptosis in abalones subjected to red LED irradiation and melatonin treatment. The results revealed that at high water temperatures (25 °C), the mRNA expression levels of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) genes and the antioxidant activity of SOD decreased in abalones in the red-LED irradiated and melatonin-treated groups compared with those in abalones in the control group. Although high water temperatures induced DNA damage in the abalone samples, the degree of apoptosis was lower in the red-LED irradiated and melatonin-treated groups than in the control group. Overall, the abalones in the melatonin-treated and red-LED irradiated groups showed reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant enzyme levels under thermal stress compared with those in the control group. Therefore, red LED irradiation is a promising alternative to melatonin treatment, which is difficult to administer continuously for a long time, for protecting abalones from oxidative stress.

Captopril's influence on Danio rerio embryonic development: Unveiling significant toxic outcomes at environmentally relevant concentrations

Anticipating a global increase in cardiovascular diseases, there is an expected surge in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, notably captopril (CAP). This heightened usage raises significant environmental apprehensions, mainly due to limited knowledge regarding CAP's toxic effects on aquatic species. In response to these concerns, the current study aimed to tackle this knowledge gap by evaluating the potential influence of nominal concentrations of CAP (0.2–2000 μg/L) on the embryonic development of Danio rerio. The findings revealed that CAP at all concentrations, even at concentrations considered environmentally significant (0.2 and 2 μg/L), induced various malformations in the embryos, ultimately leading to their mortality. Main malformations included pericardial edema, craniofacial malformation, scoliosis, tail deformation, and yolk sac deformation. In addition, CAP significantly altered the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase across all concentrations. Simultaneously, it elevated lipid peroxidation levels, hydroperoxides, and carbonylic proteins in the embryos, eliciting a substantial oxidative stress response. Likewise, CAP, at all concentrations, exerted significant modulatory effects on the expression of genes associated with apoptosis (bax, bcl2, p53, and casp3), organogenesis (tbx2a, tbx2b, and irx3b), and ion exchange (slc12a1 and kcnj1) in Danio rerio embryos. Both augmentation and reduction in the expression levels of these genes characterized this modulation. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated a close association between oxidative damage biomarkers and the expression patterns of all examined genes with the elevated incidence of malformations and mortality in the embryos. In summary, it can be deduced that CAP poses a threat to aquatic species. Nevertheless, further research is imperative to enhance our understanding of the environmental implications of this pharmaceutical compound.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Sulfate Alleviate Boron Toxicity in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Boron toxicity significantly hinders the growth and development of cotton plants, therefore affecting the yield and quality of this important cash crop worldwide. Limited studies have explored the efficacy of ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate) and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in alleviating boron toxicity. Nanoparticles have emerged as a novel strategy to reduce abiotic stress directly. The precise mechanism underlying the alleviation of boron toxicity by ZnO NPs in cotton remains unclear. In this study, ZnO NPs demonstrated superior potential for alleviating boron toxicity compared to ZnSO4 in hydroponically cultivated cotton seedlings. Under boron stress, plants supplemented with ZnO NPs exhibited significant increases in total fresh weight (75.97%), root fresh weight (39.64%), and leaf fresh weight (69.91%). ZnO NPs positively affected photosynthetic parameters and SPAD values. ZnO NPs substantially reduced H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) by 27.87% and 32.26%, MDA (malondialdehyde) by 27.01% and 34.26%, and O2- (superoxide anion) by 41.64% and 48.70% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. The application of ZnO NPs increased the antioxidant activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) by 82.09% and 76.52%, CAT (catalase) by 16.79% and 16.33%, and POD (peroxidase) by 23.77% and 21.66% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. ZnO NP and ZnSO4 application demonstrated remarkable efficiency in improving plant biomass, mineral nutrient content, and reducing boron levels in cotton seedlings under boron toxicity. A transcriptome analysis and corresponding verification revealed a significant up-regulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis pathway, and ABC transporter genes with the application of ZnO NPs. These findings provide valuable insights for the mechanism of boron stress tolerance in cotton and provide a theoretical basis for applying ZnO NPs and ZnSO4 to reduce boron toxicity in cotton production.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 era drug combinations on hepatic functionality: A thorough investigation in adult Danio rerio

Current and thorough information on the ecotoxicological consequences of pharmaceuticals is accessible globally. However, there remains a substantial gap in knowledge concerning the potentially toxic effects of COVID-19 used drugs, individually and combined, on aquatic organisms. Given the factors above, our investigation assumes pivotal importance in elucidating whether or not paracetamol, dexamethasone, metformin, and their tertiary mixtures might prompt histological impairment, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of zebrafish. The findings indicated that all treatments, except paracetamol, augmented the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAD), along with elevating the levels of oxidative biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation (LPX), hydroperoxides (HPC), and protein carbonyl content (PCC). Paracetamol prompted a reduction in the activities SOD and CAT and exhibited the most pronounced toxic response when compared to the other treatments. The gene expression patterns paralleled those of oxidative stress, with all treatments demonstrating overexpression of bax, bcl2, and p53. The above suggested a probable apoptotic response in the liver of the fish. Nevertheless, our histological examinations revealed that none of the treatments induced an apoptotic or inflammatory response in the hepatocytes. Instead, the observed tissue alterations encompassed leukocyte infiltration, sinusoidal dilatation, pyknosis, fatty degeneration, diffuse congestion, and vacuolization. In summary, the hepatic toxicity elicited by COVID-19 drugs in zebrafish was less pronounced than anticipated. This attenuation could be attributed to metformin's antioxidant and hormetic effects.

Overexpression of OsDUF6 increases salt stress tolerance in rice

BackgroundSoil salinity is one of the primary environmental stresses faced in rice production. When plants are exposed to salt stress, a series of cellular balances will be disrupted. Dufulin is an immune-induced antiviral agent used in plants. The DUF gene family influences plant response to abiotic stress, and the functional role of OsDUF6(ABA98726.1) in rice response to salt stress is being investigated here.ResultsBased on the transcriptome analysis of Dufulin treatment in inducing salt tolerance in rice, we selected the OsDUF6 protein located on the cell membrane and studied its molecular function by overexpressing OsDUF6. Salt-induced decreases in root, stem, and leaf length and increased leaf yellowing rate and Na+ concentration in the wild-type plant were mitigated in the overexpressed lines. OsDUF6 overexpression increased the enzymatic antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. OsDUF6 also played a positive role in Na+ transport as reflected by the increased growth of a salt-sensitive yeast mutant complemented with OsDUF6 in the presence of salt stress. In addition, Reverse transcription quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that the overexpression of OsDUF6 significantly changed the expression level of other genes related to growth and stress tolerance.ConclusionsCombined with previously published data, our results supported the observation that OsDUF6 is an important functional factor in Dufulin-induced promotion of salt stress tolerance in rice.

Effects of hormopriming and pretreatment with gibberellic acid on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seed germination

Various approaches are used to improve crop production. Seed priming is one of the simplest and least expensive methods currently used to ensure rapid and uniform yields. Our study highlights the role of priming and imbibition in improving seed germination. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seed imbibition and hormopriming with 0.1 mM gibberellic acid (GA3) on germination performance and biochemical changes in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) radicles. The results showed that hydropriming and imbibition with GA3 significantly improved germination performance and radicle growth. Concurrently, treatments induced stimulation of the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbic peroxidase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase, and decreased lipid peroxidation, stimulated an increase in total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione content. Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and cytochemical analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ confirmed the role of imbibition in stimulating ROS. Interestingly the effects of imbibition with gibberellic acid were more effective then hormopriming, probably due to the partial degradation of GA3 during dehydration process.

Isoenzyme characterization of Leishmania infantum toward checking the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase

BackgroundLeishmania infantum is the major causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Mediterranean regions. Isoenzyme electrophoresis (IE), as a biochemical technique, is applied in the characterization of Leishmania species. The current study attempted to investigate the isoenzyme patterns of logarithmic and stationary promastigotes and axenic amastigotes (amastigote-like) of L. infantum using IE. The antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was also checked in the aforementioned forms.MethodAfter L. infantum cultivation and obtaining logarithmic and stationary promastigotes, axenic amastigotes were achieved by incubation of stationary promastigotes at 37 °C for 48 h. The lysate samples were prepared and examined for six enzymatic systems including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), nucleoside hydrolase 1 (NH1), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), glucose-phosphate isomerase (GPI), malic enzyme (ME), and phosphoglucomutase (PGM). Additionally, the antioxidant activity of SOD and GPX was measured.ResultsGPI, MDH, NH1, and G6PD enzymatic systems represented different patterns in logarithmic and stationary promastigotes and axenic amastigotes of L. infantum. PGM and ME showed similar patterns in the aforementioned forms of parasite. The highest level of SOD activity was determined in the axenic amastigote form and GPX activity was not detected in different forms of L. infantum.ConclusionThe characterization of leishmanial-isoenzyme patterns and the measurement of antioxidant activity of crucial antioxidant enzymes, including SOD and GPX, might reveal more information in the biology, pathogenicity, and metabolic pathways of Leishmania parasites and consequently drive to designing novel therapeutic strategies in leishmaniasis treatment.

Meta-topolin and silica nanoparticles induced vigorous carnation plantlet via regulation of antioxidant status and mineral absorption

This study is an attempt to explore the potential of meta-topolin (MT) and silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in carnation micropropagation - an in vitro vitrification sensitive cut flower. Among MT concentrations (0.5 mg/L - 3.0 mg/L), 1.0 mg/L MT treatment showed a significant increase in shoot height, leaf length, chlorophyll content, dry weight and dry matter index (DM). However, MT concentration > 2.5 mg/L resulted in increased number of shoots and vitrification. Beside different concentrations SiNPs (0.1 mg/L - 3.0 mg/L) were tested in shoot multiplication, chlorophyll content and DM increased; in contrast, the number of shoots, shoot height and other growth indicators all decreased significantly. The results indicated that MT improved shoot multiplication and reduced vitrification, while SiNPs were less suitable for this stage due to limited water absorption of shoots. Interestingly, SiNPs induced compact shoot structure and stimulated root system development, as well as induced densely closed stomata. Furthermore, the presence of SiNPs increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX); besides, SiNPs showed negative correlation with Cu, K and Ca uptake but significantly improved Mg, Fe and Si uptake. However, the plantlets derived from SiNPs showed 2.1–2.8-fold decrease in shoot height compared to the control but significantly increased chlorophyll content, DM index, primary root length and diameter as well as lateral root formation. At the highly tested concentrations of 2.0 mg/L - 3.0 mg/L SiNPs, a decrease in growth, uptake of Mg, Fe, Si and explosion of CAT, APX and SOD antioxidant activity was found, which presumably express stress-induced SiNPs. Nevertheless, carnation plantlets derived from SiNPs showed almost complete survival and well growth in greenhouse conditions. These findings suggest that MT and SiNPs can be used to stimulate growth, reduce vitrification, and harden carnation plantlet in practical micropropagation.

Analysis of antioxidants in water striders (Hemiptera: Gerridae) as bioindicator of water pollution.

The antioxidant enzyme system is an important defense mechanism to cope with Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) produced due to exposure to heavy metals. In the present study lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in water and the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was investigated in three species (Metrocoris communis, Limnogonus fossarum fossarum, and Aquarius adelaidis) of water striders collected from the industrial triangle of Punjab, Pakistan. The results of present study revealed that Pb, Cr, As, Cd and Ni were according to the permissible amount of WHO. The antioxidant activity of SOD, CAT and POD was found significantly different among species against oxidative stress, but found the highest activity of determining parameters in A. adelaidis. This is one of the pioneer studies in Pakistan reporting the role of water striders as a bioindicator of heavy metals present in the water through antioxidants enzyme variations. The current results supported that variant level of antioxidant enzyme activities in different species of water strider were reflective of heavy metal pollution in the Industrial triangle of Punjab, Pakistan and will be a useful ecotoxicological tools to evaluate the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollutants in aquatic organisms.

Comparative Evaluation of Native and Liposomal Curcumin Against Acute Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Cadmium Chloride in Male Mice

Exposure to cadmium chloride (Cd) is linked to reproductive disorders. Curcumin (CUR), a traditional medicinal compound, has been considered for its therapeutic properties. The present study evaluated the antioxidant effects of CUR and liposomal CUR on Cd‐induced testicular toxicity. Mice were exposed to Cd (2.5 mg/kg as a single intraperitoneal dose), Cd + CUR at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and Cd + liposomal CUR (15 mg/kg) orally for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, histological studies, sperm parameters, oxidative stress parameters, and blood–testis barrier (BTB) integrity were performed. Cd‐induced histopathological deleterious changes in the testis and epididymis tissues increased BTB permeability. It caused a significant decrease in sperm count and viability (p &lt; 0.001), as well as an increase in sperm abnormality (p &lt; 0.001) and a reduction in the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) (p &lt; 0.001), and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO; p &lt; 0.001) compared to the control group. Co‐treatment of CUR with Cd dose‐dependently and significantly attenuated Cd’s destructive effects on sperm and oxidative stress parameters at 50 mg/kg (p &lt; 0.01) and 100, 200 mg/kg (p &lt; 0.001). Although the liposomal form of CUR showed protective effects against some Cd‐induced changes, such as sperm viability and count (p &lt; 0.001), it did not significantly improve LPO and GSH levels. The results indicated that native CUR prevented Cd‐induced reproductive toxicity in male mice by suppressing oxidative injury, and there was no superior effect of liposomal CUR over native CUR.

Neuroprotective effect of sulforaphane on hyperglycemia-induced cognitive dysfunction through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate in cruciferous plants, has been reported to be effective in treating central nervous system diseases. However, how SFN protects the central nervous system needs further study. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of SFN and its possible mechanism of action. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to develop a cognitive impairment model. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate the effect of SFN on learning and memory, and haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and terminal transferase deoxyuridine nick-end labelling (TUNEL) were used to observe morphologic changes in neurons and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex. An oxidative stress marker kit was used to detect the content and activity of SFN, and the expressions of nuclear factor drythroid-2 related Factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) were measured by RT-PCR. SFN treatment significantly improved cognition, increased the number of neurons, and suppressed neuronal apoptosis. In addition, SFN significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, SFN elevated the expression of Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO-1. SFN ameliorated diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, providing a new perspective for SFN therapy to delay cognitive impairment in diabetes patients.

Evaluating the Antioxidant Effects of Onion (Allium cepa) on Blood Biochemical Factors and Antioxidants after Consuming Tartrazine in Rats.

Colors have been added to food naturally and artificially for centuries to make them look more appetizing. According to the Food and Drug Organization, eight artificial colors were registered for the nutrition application, one of them, is tartrazine, which is widely used in foods and cosmetics. Food colors significantly decrease weight and increase proteins, liver enzymes, thyroid hormones, total cholesterol, and triglyceride. Onion, as an antioxidant, can reduce the harmful effects of artificial food colors on weight gain, antioxidant activity, and blood biochemical factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the onion's antioxidant properties on serum biochemical factors and antioxidants in Wistar rats after consuming tartrazine. Eighty Rats were divided into four groups, 20 mice in each. The first group received water without additives and was considered the control, the second group received tartrazine, the third group received tartrazine with onion juice, and the fourth group received only onion juice through gastric gavage. This experiment was performed for 60 days, and then the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the biochemical parameters of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Tartrazine decreased the antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and the biochemical parameters of HDL and LDL. The results showed that the consumption of tartrazine causes the production of free radicals, which is the reason for the significant reduction of antioxidant activities and serum biochemical factors. Onion, as an antioxidant in this study, reduces the effects of tartrazine on antioxidant activities and serum biochemical factors.

The Role of Silver Nanoparticles in Response of In Vitro Boysenberry Plants to Drought Stress

Drought is one of the leading abiotic factors limiting morphological and physiological activities in blackberry cultivation. In this study, the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on some morphological and biochemical processes in boysenberry (Rubus ursinus Chamisso and Schlenhtendal) under drought stress were investigated. The experiment was performed with three drought stress levels simulated with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) (0, 4, 8%) and three AgNP treatments (0, 0.1, 0.2 mg L−1) in vitro conditions. Drought stress reduced root and shoot development of boysenberry plants grown in vitro. The addition of AgNPs significantly alleviated the adverse effect of drought stress and increased the plant growth parameters. Antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes increased in boysenberry leaves when treated with AgNPs under drought conditions, while the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased. As a result of the study, 0.1 mg L−1 AgNPs is recommended as the most effective dose to promote the growth and development of in vitro boysenberry plants under drought stress.

CARDIOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF CALLIANDRA PORTORICENSIS LEAF ETHANOL EXTRACT AGAINST KEROSENE VAPOUR INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Aim and objective: This study investigated the cardioprotective activities of Calliandra portoricensis leaf ethanol extract (CPLEE) on kerosene vapour–induced cardiotoxic male albino rats. Methods: Twenty-five male albino rats (120-150 g) were grouped into five groups (n=5). Group 1 received distilled water (normal control), while CPLEE constituted doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg b.wt p.o were administered once daily for the last 4 weeks to animals in group 4 and 5 respectively. Group 2 received kerosene vapour1.0 mL/kg body wt by inhalation for 4 weeks to induce toxicity, while group 3 received vitamin C 200 mg/kg p.o. Serum and cardiac samples were collected and used for the biochemical analyses. Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of CPLEE revealed the presence of different phytochemicals including flavonoids, tannin, saponin, alkaloids, cardiac-glycosides, etc. CPLEE caused a significant reduction (p&lt;0.05) in the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH in the treated kerosene vapour groups in contrast to the untreated kerosene vapour induced cardiotoxic group. CPLEE showed potentials to mop-up free radicals generated by kerosene, by significantly reducing (p&lt;0.05) lipid peroxidative-product (malondialdehyde, MDA) levels and increasing antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) in dose dependent manner in the treated kerosene vapour groups compared to the untreated kerosene vapor-induced cardiotoxic group. Conclusion: The findings suggests that the CPLEE have the capacity to improving cardiac functions at safe doses possibly due to its abundant phytochemicals and antioxidants that offers protections against kerosene vapour-induced oxidative-damage. Peer Review History: Received: 15 June 2023; Revised: 20 July; Accepted: 23 August, Available online: 15 September 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Iman Muhammad Higazy, National Research Center, Egypt, imane.higazy@hotmail.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Prof. Ali Gamal Ahmed Al-kaf, Sana'a university, Yemen, alialkaf21@gmail.com