Antioxidant Indices Research Articles

Pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant diets are associated with increased odds of cataracts and serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: Hospital-based case-control study

BackgroundOxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in cataracts' causal network. In this study, we used the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Dietary Antioxidant Index (DAI) to comprehensively examine the nutritional status related to inflammation and oxidative stress and investigate their association with the odds of cataracts. We hypothesize that higher DII scores (a pro-inflammatory diet) and lower DAI (a pro-oxidant diet) are associated with related serum biomarkers and increase the odds of cataracts. MethodsThe study included 263 patients with cataracts and 326 healthy controls. A valid 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) evaluated the participants' dietary intake over the past year. DII and DAI were calculated based on FFQ, and blood/serum indicators, e.g., hs-CRP, TNF-a, etc., were extracted from patients' records. ResultsBased on the multivariable linear regression models, there was a significant association between DII and hs-CRP (Beta = 0.095, CI95 %: 0.001–0.189) and between DAI and TNF-a (Beta = 0.494, CI95 %: 0.121–0.866) and LDL-C (Beta = 1.037, CI95 %: 0.159–1.915). In addition, in logistic regression models, after adjusting for multiple confounders, there was a significant association between DII (continuous variable) (OR = 1.27, CI95 %: 1.08–1.50) and DAI (continuous variable) (OR = 0.93, CI95 %: 0.87–0.99) and odds of cataracts. ConclusionThis study confirms the association between pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant diets, as indicated by higher DII scores and lower DAI, with serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Our study supports the notion that dietary interventions targeting inflammation and oxidative stress may have a potential role in preventing or delaying the onset of cataracts.

Biological Selenium Nanoparticles in Quail Nutrition: Biosynthesis and its Impact on Performance, Carcass, Blood Chemistry, and Cecal Microbiota.

This study was conducted to examine the influence of dietary supplementation of biological nano-selenium (BNSe) on productive performance, hematology, blood chemistry, antioxidant status, immune response, cecal microbiota, and carcass traits of quails. In total, 180 Japanese quails (1week old) were randomly allocated into four groups, with five replicates of nine chicks each in a complete randomized design. The 1st group was fed a control diet without BNSe, and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th treatments were fed diets supplemented with BNSe (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6g /kg feed, respectively). The best level of BNSe in body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) parameters was 0.4g/kg diet. Feed conversion was improved (P < 0.01) by adding BNSe in quail feed compared with the basal diet without any supplementation. The inclusion of different BNSe levels (0.2, 0.4, 0.6g/kg) exhibited an insignificant influence on all carcass traits. The dietary addition of BNSe (0.4 and 0.6g/kg) significantly augmented aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (P = 0.0127), total protein and globulin (P < 0.05), white blood cells (WBCs) (P = 0.031), and red blood cells (RBCs) (P = 0.0414) compared with the control. The dietary BNSe supplementation significantly improved lipid parameters, antioxidant and immunological indices, and increased selenium level in the blood (P < 0.05). BNSe significantly increased (P = 0.0003) lactic acid bacteria population number and lowered the total number of yeasts, molds, total bacterial count, E. coli, Coliform, Salmonella, and Enterobacter (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, adding BNSe up to 0.4 and 0.6g/kg can boost the growth, lactic acid bacteria population number, hematology, immunological indices, antioxidant capacity, and lipid profile, as well as decline intestinal pathogens in growing quail.

Interaction between composite dietary antioxidant index and physical activity on cognitive impairment in the elderly: NHANES 2011–2014

ObjectiveWe aim to explore the association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), physical activity, and cognitive impairment. Methods2395 participants from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. The association of CDAI and physical activity with cognitive impairment was analyzed using binary logistic regression. A stratified analysis was employed for a sensitivity analysis of the logistic regression, examining the interaction between CDAI and each stratified variable. ResultsBoth low scores on CDAI and physical inactivity are associated with higher prevalence of cognitive impairment. Compared to the fourth quartile of CDAI and active group, the prevalence of cognitive impairment is statistically increased in other sub-groups. ConclusionThere is an interaction between CDAI and physical activity. The elderly population with low scores on CDAI especially combined with physical inactivity should be focused, so as to reduce the adverse effects of cognitive impairment.

Effects of sea buckthorn pomace on growth performance, serum metabolites and antioxidant indexes of growing pigs

Sea buckthorn pomace (SBP), an agro-industrial waste, containing useful nutrition compounds for animal production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of growth performance and serum metabolisms in growing pig when consumed SBP. A total of 40 crossbred 70-day-old growing pig with initial body weight (IBW; 30 ±1.5 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The pigs were fed dietary supplementation of SBP (0.0%, 0.5, 1.5%, and 2.0 %) for 30 d. It concluded that the appropriate level of 1.5% SBP supplementation could improve pig growth performance. Serum immune and antioxidant indexes performed best in 1.5% SBP supplementation group. We suggested that the appropriate level of SBP supplementation would be 1.5% for growing pig, which could improve their growth performance, serum immune and antioxidant indexes.

Correction: Xu et al. Effects of Replacing Dietary Fish Meal by Soybean Meal Co-Fermented Using Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium on Serum Antioxidant Indices and Gut Microbiota of Crucian Carp Carassius auratus. Fishes 2022, 7, 54

In the original publication [...]

Dietary effects of microalga Tetraselmis suecica on growth, antioxidant-immune activity, inflammation cytokines,and resistance of Nile tilapia fingerlings to Aeromonas sobria infection.

The dietary effects of the green microalga Tetraselmis suecica (TS) on the growth, digestive enzymes, immune and antioxidant responses, genes expression,and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were investigated. This microalga was mixed with the diet'ingredients at doses of 0.0 (the control), 5, 10, 15,and 20 g/kg diet and then fed to fish daily for 84 days. After the feeding trial, fish were experimentally challenged with Aeromonas sobria, infection and fish mortalities were recorded for another 10days. Dietary TS significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced growth, digestive enzymes activities,and blood proteins, particularly at the level of 15 g/kg diet. Feeding the fish on 15 TS/kg feed exhibited highest mRNA expressions of GH and IGF-1 genes as well as SOD, CAT,and GPx genes compared to other TS groups. Moreover, highest levels of hepatic antioxidant and immune indices were found in the treatment of 15 g TS/kg feed. Significant downregulation of IL-1β and IL-8 genes expression and significant upregulation of IL-10 gene expression were observed in TS-fed fish, principally in fish groups fed on 15-20 g TS/kg feed. Conversely, hepatic malondialdehyde levels, blood glucose,and the activities of transaminases (ALT and AST) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in fish fed with 15-20 g TS/kg diet. Serum bactericidal activity against A. sobria was significantly higher in TS-fed fish groups, and its highest levels were found in treatments of 15-20 g/kg diet. Of interest, the survival rates of fish groups fed diets with 10-20 g TS/kg feed were higher after the challenge with A. sobria infection than the control group. Accordingly, we can conclude that supplementing fish diets with a 15 g TS/kg diet enhanced the growth, antioxidant and immune activities,and resistance of Nile tilapia fingerlings to possible A. sobria infection.

Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and coronary heart disease among US adults: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundThe Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) is a dietary antioxidant score that plays a protective role in many diseases, including depression, osteoporosis, papillomavirus infection, etc. However, the association between CDAI and coronary heart disease (CHD) is currently unclear. We aim to explore the correlations between CDAI and the risk of CHD.MethodsEligible participants were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. All participants in this cross-sectional study are required to undergo two separate 24-h dietary recall interviews. Average daily intakes of dietary antioxidants were used to calculate CDAI. CHD status was determined through a questionnaire. Weighted multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between CDAI and CHD. Moreover, we also used restricted cubic spline to explore Non-linear correlations. Sensitivity analysis using unweighted logistic analysis and subgroup analysis were used to demonstrate the stability of the results.ResultsA total of 34,699 participants were eligible for analysis.Compared to the participants without CHD, the participants with CHD showed lower levels of CDAI. After adjusting confounding factors in the multivariate weighted logistic regression model, CDAI was inversely associated with CHD (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.65 (0.51–0.82, P < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline showed that there was a negative non-linear correlation (L-shaped) between CDAI and CHD, suggesting a potential saturation effect at higher CDAI levels, with the inflection point of 0.16. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were stable. No significant statistically interaction was showed in subgroup analysis.ConclusionsThere was a negative non-linear correlation between CDAI and CHD in US adults. However, further prospective studies are still needed to reveal their relationship.

Physical activity modifies the association of the composite dietary antioxidant index with all-cause mortality in the US osteoarthritis population.

It remains unclear how antioxidant intake affects all-cause mortality in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. In this prospective cohort study, we aim to explore the association of the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) with all-cause mortality and investigate the interaction of physical activity (PA) and CDAI on all-cause mortality in OA populations. A total of 3,197 adults with OA in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2018 were included in this study. Death outcomes were obtained from National Death Index (NDI) records. Multivariable Cox regression analyses with cubic spines were applied to estimate the association of CDAI with all-cause mortality. The interaction between CDAI and PA on all-cause mortality was further assessed in stratified analysis and interaction tests. The hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 0.95 (0.77-1.17) for Q2, 0.75 (0.59-0.97) for Q3, and 0.71 (0.55-0.92) for Q4 (P for trend <0.001), compared with the lowest quartile of CDAI. A negative linear association was found between CDAI and all-cause mortality. In the stratified analyses, CDAI was negatively associated with all-cause mortality in the insufficient PA group. While in the low and sufficient PA group, there were nonlinear relationships of CDAI with all-cause mortality. A negative linear relationship was observed between CDAI and all-cause mortality in OA patients, and this association was significantly modified by PA. Higher intake of dietary antioxidants might be the interventional objective to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in the US OA population.

Tryptophan alleviates chronic heat stress-induced impairment of antioxidant capacities, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial function in broilers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on serum biochemical indices, antioxidant indices, cytokine levels, mitochondrial biosynthesis, and mitochondrial morphology of heat-stressed broilers. A total of 180 female Arbor Acres broilers (18-day-old) were randomly allocated into three groups with six replicates of 10 broilers each. Broilers in thermoneutral (TN) (23 ± 1 °C) group were fed a basal diet; the other two groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 or 0.18% Trp under heat stress (HS) (34 ± 1 °C for 8 h/day (h/day) and 23 ± 1°C for the remaining time) condition. The heat stress lasted for 21 days (days 21 to 42). The results indicated that heat stress reduced serum total protein content (TP) and decreased the activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), but increased the levels of serum uric acid (UA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 (P < 0.05) compared to the TN group. However, dietary supplementation with 0.18% Trp enhanced serum TP content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), SOD, catalase (CAT) activities, and T-AOC; decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities (P < 0.05); and lowered serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 contents (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, heat stress exposure downregulated the mRNA expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5A (COX5A) in ileum (P < 0.05) as compared to the TN group. Dietary Trp supplementation enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the mRNA expression of TFAM, COX1 in ileum mucosa (P < 0.05) and ameliorated the damage of mitochondrial structure. Collectively, dietary supplementation with Trp could improve antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial structure and regulate mitochondrial function-related genes and decrease inflammatory response in heat-stressed broilers. Dietary Trp supplementation might be an effective nutritional strategy to protect against heat stress impairment.

Effects of High-Lipid Dietary Protein Ratio on Growth, Antioxidant Parameters, Histological Structure, and Expression of Antioxidant- and Immune-Related Genes of Hybrid Grouper

The hybrid grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ E. lanceolatus) is a new species of grouper crossed from giant grouper (E. lanceolatus) as the male parent and brown-marbled grouper (E. fuscoguttatus) as the female parent. We hypothesized that optimal levels of dietary protein may benefit liver function. High-lipid diets are energetic feeds that conserve protein and reduce costs, and are a hot topic in aquaculture today. Therefore, the objective of the research is to investigated the effects of dietary protein level in high-lipid diets on serum and liver biochemistry, liver histology, and liver immune and antioxidant indexes and gene mRNA expression of the juvenile hybrid grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ E. lanceolatus). Six iso-lipidic (161 g/kg) diets were formulated containing graded levels of protein (510 as control, 480,450, 420, 390 and 360 g/kg). Each treatment consisted of three replicates and 30 fish (6.70 ± 0.02 g) in one replicate. After an 8-week feeding experiment, the results indicated the following: (1) With the decreasing of dietary protein level, the specific growth rate (SGR) of groupers increased gradually and then decreased; SGRs of the 390 and 360 g/kg groups were significantly lower than other groups (p &lt; 0.05). (2) In terms of serum and liver, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) content, and the activity of immune enzymes such as lysozyme (LYS) and immunoglobulin (IgM) was significantly increased under the appropriate protein level. (3) Based on liver histology, we know that high or low dietary protein levels cause liver damage. (4) Dietary protein levels can significantly affect the mRNA expression levels of an anti-inflammatory factor gene (tgfβ), pro-inflammatory factor genes (il6, il8), heat shock proteins, and antioxidant and immune genes (hsp70 and hsp90, gpx, nrf2, keap1). It is concluded that the appropriate protein level can promote the growth performance of groupers, improve antioxidant activity and immune enzyme activity in serum and liver, and enhance the expression of immune genes.

Dietary antioxidant intake reduces carotid intima-media thickness in coronary heart disease patients: From the CORDIOPREV study

BackgroundAtherosclerosis is the leading underlying cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). In patients with CHD, intima-media thickness of common carotid arteries (IMT-CC) is a reliable, validated, and non-invasive marker of the progression of atherosclerosis. Dietary intervention may affect IMT-CC evolution through different pathways. There is a lack of clinical trials evaluating the effect of total dietary antioxidant content of diets on IMT-CC, especially in patients with CHD. ObjectiveWe evaluated the correlation between the diet's total antioxidant content and the changes in IMT-CC produced after 5 years of dietary intervention following two healthy diet models (Mediterranean diet and low-fat diet). We also evaluated whether the diet's total antioxidant content was related to the total redox capacity of the participants. MethodsFrom the total participants of the CORDIOPREV study (clinical trial register NCT00924937), 805 participants completed the IMT-CC measurement and the dietary antioxidant evaluation at baseline and after 5 years of dietary intervention. IMT-CC was carried out by ultrasound and the dietary antioxidant evaluation was performed by the Dietary Antioxidant Index (DAI). Additionally, direct redox balance was evaluated in a subset of population by the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSH) by colorimetric assay. ResultsWe observed an inverse correlation between evolution of DAI and IMT-CC after 5-years of dietary intervention. The mean of the DAI index augmented in the Mediterranean Diet group, whereas it decreased in the Low-fat group. DAI was correlated to the GSH/GSSG ratio, supporting DAI as an adequate estimator of diet's antioxidant content. When looking for individual components of the DAI that were associated to the changes in IMT-CC, an inverse correlation was found for carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc and the IMT-CC. ConclusionsOur study indicates that, after five years of dietary intervention, changes in DAI inversely correlate with changes in IMT-CC in patients with CHD. Overall effect of Mediterranean diet resulted in an increase of DAI, conversely to low-fat. Specific elements included in the DAI index were inversely correlated with IMT-CC.

Dietary antioxidant status indices may not interact with CETP Taq1B polymorphism on lipid profile and severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients under coronary angiography.

The association of CETP Taq1B polymorphism with some metabolic traits is still controversial. The interaction of adherence to dietary indices with this polymorphism on the severity of coronary artery stenosis and serum lipid parameters needs to be investigated. This study aimed to test this hypothesis. This cross-sectional study included 453 patients who were referred from Afshar Hospital of Yazd and undergoing coronary angiography from 2020 to 2021. Dietary intake was evaluated by a 178-item validated and reliable dietary questionnaire. Dietary indices such as dietary antioxidant index (DAI), dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS), and dietary phytochemical index (DPI) are determined according to dietary guidelines. The Taq1B variant was genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). Two-way ANOVA was used to test the interaction between Taq1B polymorphism and dietary indices. The results of the frequency analysis of Taq1B genotypes showed that 10.4% were B1B1, 72.4% B1B2, and 17.2% B2B2. No significant interaction was found between the Taq1B variant with high adherence to DAQS, DAI, and DPI on total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG) levels, and Gensini score (GS) and Syntax score (SS). In high-adherence dietary indices, lipid profile and coronary artery stenosis scores did not differ significantly in Taq1B genotypes. Due to the insignificant results in this research, further studies are needed to investigate the role of Taq1B SNP in modulating dyslipidemia and the severity of the CAD in interaction with dietary indices.

Association between dietary antioxidant indices and glaucoma in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between dietary antioxidant indices (DAI) and glaucoma using the data from the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).MethodsOur study comprised participants who completed the NHANES dietary intake interview and visual health questionnaire at age 40 or older. The intakes of the vitamins A, C, and E as well as of zinc, selenium, and magnesium were used to generate the DAI, which represents the overall antioxidant qualities. The self-report method for glaucoma diagnosis (ever been told by an eye doctor) was used. Survey logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the association between DAI and glaucoma.ResultsA total of 6,128 participants were included in our study. The unadjusted model’s findings revealed a negative correlation between dietary antioxidant indices and self-reported glaucoma [0.93 (0.90, 0.96), p &amp;lt; 0.0001]. For every unit increase in dietary antioxidant indices, the risks of self-reported glaucoma in model 1 (adjusted for age, sex, race, marital status and PIR) decreased by 5% [0.95 (0.90, 0.99), p = 0.02]. After adjusting all the covariates (model 2), the risks of self-reported glaucoma decreased by 6% [0.94 (0.90, 0.99), p = 0.02] for each unit increase of dietary antioxidant indices. After converting DAI into classified variables (tertile), the same trend was found (p = 0.001).ConclusionIn this analysis of the NHANES database, we found higher dietary antioxidant indices were associated with lower risk of glaucoma.

A novel photosensitizer DTPP-mediated photodynamic therapy induces oxidative stress and apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways in LA795 cells

ObjectiveInvestigation of the effects of 5–5- (4-N, N-diacetoxylphenyl)-10,15,20- tetraphenylporphyrin (DTPP)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis in LA795 lung cancer cells. MethodsProteomics was used to identify differentially expressed proteins after PDT treatment. The apoptosis rate was determined by flow cytometry. Morphologic observation of apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant indices, nitric oxide (NO) content, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and Caspase- 9 and Caspase-3 were determined by assays; apoptosis-related protein levels of Cytochrome (Cyto) c, Bcl- 2, Bax were determined by Western blot. ResultsTypical apoptosis morphology of LA795 cells was observed after PDT. The cells were mainly in the apoptosis death pathway with high cell apoptosis rates. The proteomics study observed the apoptosis-associated proteins, oxidative stress proteins, antioxidant proteins, the cytoskeletal protein and mitochondrial dysfunction in LA 795 cells. Additional results indicated that PDT could increase levels of ROS, NO; decrease glutathione (GSH) content and MMP; upregulated Bax, Cyto c, and Caspase-3 protein expression, inhibited Bcl-2 protein expression, and further induced cell apoptosis. The effect of DTPP-PDT on lung cancer was: first, mitochondrial Cyto c is released into the cytoplasm, then Caspase- 9 / Caspase-3 was activated, Bcl-2 decreased/Bax increased, initiating cell apoptosis. ConclusionDTPP-PDT could induce oxidative stress and apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways in LA795 cells.

Indicators of free radical oxidation in neutrophils of patients with primary and recurrent soft tissue sarcomas

Purpose of the study. To carry out a comparative analysis of lipid peroxidation intensity and antioxidant system indices in blood neutrophils of patients with primary and relapsed soft tissue sarcomas (STS) depending on sex and age.Patients and methods. Of the 81 patients included in the study, 48 had primary STS, 5 patients with continued growth, and 28 patients with recurrent STS. The patients were divided by sex and age; the level of lipid peroxidation products, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total peroxidase activity (TPA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and reduced glutathione (RG) content in blood neutrophils were investigated by conventional spectrophotometric methods. The comparison groups (donors) consisted of 12 men and 17 women divided into the same age subgroups: ≤ 45 years and &gt; 45 years.Results. In donors, there was a multiple decrease in the SOD/TPA ratio with age, especially in women, and in men this was accompanied by an age-related decrease in GPx activity. In primary sarcomas in older women and in men with continued growth and recurrence, there was an increase in diene conjugates (DC). In men over 45 years of age, there was an increase in SOD, TPA, and GPx. Women of the older age group were characterized by activation of SOD and GPx, expressed in the relapsed process to a significantly greater extent than in men, and an increase in RG was observed in women. The increase in both components of the glutathione system and SOD activity was especially significant in the development of relapses in women for periods exceeding three years, which was accompanied by a decrease in DC content. Conclusions. Neutrophils are characterized by an increase in DC content in patients of both sexes in the older age group with primary and recurrent STS, with its highest content in men with continued growth and relapses. GPx activity, increased in both men and women in the older age group in all variants of STS development, may play an important role in the antioxidant protection of blood cells in STS. Thus, the most pronounced activation of GPx, accompanied by a maximum increase in reduced glutathione and activation of SOD, contributes to a decrease in the level of DC and the absence of MDA increase in women with slow development of recurrences.

Alkylation Repair Homolog 5 Regulates N(6)-methyladenosine (m6A) Methylation of Mitsugumin 53 to Attenuate Myocardial Infarction by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress.

N(6)-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is involved in the progression of myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we investigated the effects of demethylase alkylation repair homolog 5 (ALKBH5) on cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in MI. The ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury mouse model and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cell model were established. The levels of ALKBH5 and mitsugumin 53 (MG53) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence analysis. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay, flow cytometry, and western blot. Oxidative stress was assessed by antioxidant index kits. Methylation was analyzed by RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), MeRIP, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. We observed that ALKBH5 and MG53 were highly expressed in MI. Overexpression of ALKBH5 inhibited H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress in vitro, and it inhibited I/R-induced collagen deposition, cardiac function, and apoptosis in vivo. ALKBH5 could bind to MG53, inhibit m6A methylation of MG53, and increase its mRNA stability. Silencing of MG53 counteracted the inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by ALKBH5. In conclusion, ALKBH5 suppressed m6A methylation of MG53 and inhibited MG53 degradation to inhibit apoptosis and oxidative stress of cardiomyocytes, thereby attenuating MI. The results provided a theoretical basis that ALKBH5 is a potential target for MI treatment.

Female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI); a case-control study

BackgroundAdequate intake of natural antioxidants may improve female fertility. The aim of this study was to examine the link between female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI).MethodsThis case-control study was conducted on 125 women with recently diagnosis of reduced ovarian reserves (AMH < 1.1) as the case group and 125 women with normal ovarian reserve as the control group in Rasht, Iran. The amount of food intake was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the DAI was calculated to estimate the antioxidant capacity of the diet.ResultsRegarding dietary intake, the infertile women had a lower intake of potassium (2789.25 ± 777 vs. 2593.68 ± 443 mg/d, P = 0.02), magnesium (204.12 ± 66 vs. 189.73 ± 34 mg/d, P = 0.03), copper (0.93 ± 0.40 vs. 0.82 ± 0.20 mg/d, P < 0.01), vitamin C (133.99 ± 46 vs. 122.62 ± 24 mg/d, P = 0.02), and fiber (14.53 ± 3 vs. 13.44 ± 2 g/d, P < 0.05), and a higher intake of cholesterol (205.61 ± 58 vs. 227.02 ± 46 mg/d, P < 0.01) than the control group (All P < 0.05). The DAI was negatively associated with infertility (OR: 0.94, CI 95%: 0.88–0.97, P = 0.03). The association remained significant after adjustments for age, BMI, the underlying diseases, fertility frequency, IVF failure, and calorie intake.ConclusionFollowing an antioxidant-rich diet may reduce the risk of infertility. More longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these results and discover the underlying mechanisms.

Effects of dietary commercial phytobiotic “Sanacore® GM” on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) growth, immune response, redux status, intestinal health, and disease resistance against Fusarium solani

The use of phytobiotic as functional feed additives is a promising inducer for growth performance and immune response in the Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). It can be also commercially applied in combination with chemotherapeutic agents and vaccines. This study was carried out to evaluate the use of a commercial phytobiotic feed additive, Sanacore® GM, containing vegetable fatty acids and inactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae with herbal extracts, on growth, body composition, non-specific immune response, antioxidant index, intestinal microflora count, and fungal resistance to Fusarium solani challenge in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimp juveniles (5.00 ± 0.1 g) were randomly distributed into 12 hapas (1 m3) in triplicates at a stocking density of 20 shrimp per hapa and fed increasing levels of Sanacore® (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%) for 63 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the experimental shrimp were infected with F. solani, and mortality was recorded for 15 days. Results revealed that growth performance, feed utilization, and whole-body protein deposition were improved with increasing dietary sanacore levels. A significant improvement was reported in cellular (hemocyte counts, phagocytosis, phagocytic index, respiratory burst activity) and humoral (lysozyme and phenoloxidase) immune responses with higher dietary sanacore levels. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were notably improved in shrimp-fed sanacore-supplemented diets. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased in all sanacore-supplemented shrimp. Furthermore, the dietary sanacore consistently increased probiotic bacterial counts and decreased enteric and Clostridium sp. counts in the intestine. Juveniles fed with Sanacore exhibited significantly lower mortality rates when challenged with F. solani. In conclusion, dietary sanacore could exhibit a profitable effect on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, intestinal microbial, and the health condition of L. vannamei. Thus, sanacore can be used as an attractive feed supplement in the L. vannamei diet (0.2–0.3%), providing more insights into its application in aquaculture as a functional immunostimulant feed additive.

Effects of supplementary thyme on immunity responses, antioxidant indices, rumen enzymes concentrations and rumen bacteria composition in Hu sheep

The thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) plant contains volatile oils, flavonoids and monoterpenoids, which are reputed to possess medicinal properties. The present study examined the effects of supplementary thyme intake on immunity responses, antioxidant indices, rumen enzymes concentrations and rumen bacteria composition in sheep. Six rumen-fistulated, 12-month-old Hu rams (63.1 ± 8.54 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design in which three levels of air-dried thyme were offered: 0 g/d (CON), 16 g/d (T16) and 80 g/d (T80). The serum concentrations of albumin (p = 0.06), total proteins (p = 0.06) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (p = 0.07) tended to increase linearly with an increase in thyme intake. Concentration of serum non-esterified fatty acids increased (p = 0.03) and changed quadratically (p = 0.02) with an increase in thyme intake. Serum antioxidant indices were not affected by thyme intake. The concentration of rumen lipase increased linearly (p < 0.01) with an increase in thyme intake, and was greater in the T80 than the CON rams. Thyme intake increased (p < 0.05) the abundance of the rumen probiotics f__Lactobacillaceae, g__Lactobacillus and o__Lactobacillales, and the abundance of g__UCG-002 and g__Eubacterium_saphenum_group. It was concluded that thyme can: 1) promote protein synthesis and utilization; 2) enhance immunity responses; 3) mediate energy metabolism; and 4) increase the abundance of rumen probiotics in sheep. In the current study, the best response was observed at an intake of 80 g of air-dried thyme/d.

Biological activities of Agrocybe praecox (spring fieldcap mushroom)

Mushrooms, regarded as a significant component of the ecosystem, are utilised by individuals for various purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the biological activities of Agrocybe praecox (Pers.) Fayod, commonly referred to as the Spring Fieldcap mushroom. The ethanol extract of the mushroom was obtained with the Soxhlet apparatus. Subsequently, the quantification of total antioxidant, total oxidant, and oxidative stress index of the mushroom extract was conducted utilizing Rel Assay kits. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The agar dilution method was employed to assess the antimicrobial activity of the mushroom extract. The antiproliferative activity of the compound was assessed using A549 lung cancer cells. Elemental levels of the fungus were measured using the wet digestion method. The findings of the study revealed that the levels of the elements fell within the range reported in the existing literature. In addition, it was determined that the total antioxidant value was 2.97±0.08, the total oxidant value was 7.63±0.16, the oxidative stress index was 0.26±0.01, and the total phenolic content was 49.7±3.0 mg/g. It was found to be effective against microorganisms at concentrations between 50-200 µg/mL. Furthermore, it was ascertained that this mushroom exhibited antiproliferative activity, with the degree of activity being contingent upon the concentration of the extract. Consequently, it was determined that Agrocybe praecox exhibits potential as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent.