Antioxidant Activity In Mice Research Articles

Geraniol alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity in mice

Objective: To explore the effect of geraniol on cyclophosphamide- induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: Mice were divided into five groups: the control group, the cyclophosphamide group (200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide, i.p. on day 7), the group treated with geraniol 100 and 200 mg/kg from day 1 to day 14, along with a single dose of cyclophosphamide on day 7, and the geraniol alone group (200 mg/kg geraniol from day 1 to day 14). At the end of the study, animals were sacrificed, and blood and heart were collected and analyzed for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes. Results: Treatment with 200 mg/kg geraniol significantly reduced the levels of cardiac injury markers, malondialdehyde, and inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while increasing antioxidant activities in mice with cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity. Moreover, it remarkably alleviated histopathological aberrations in cardiac tissue. Conclusions: Geraniol attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.

The Effect of Lemon Juice (Citrus limon L.) Treated with Melatonin on the Health Status and Treatment of K14HPV16 Mice.

Lemon is a fruit rich in antioxidant properties and has several health benefits, namely the reduction of skin edema and anticarcinogenic properties, which are due to its high content of bioactive compounds. Melatonin can improve and preserve the properties of lemon for longer and also has health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of lemon juice after melatonin treatment on murinometric parameters of wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic mice carrying human papillomavirus (HPV). Two trials were performed for oral administration of the lemon extract compound: in drinking water and in diet. First of all, lemons were treated by immersion with melatonin at 10 mM. Then, lemons were squeezed, and the juice obtained was freeze-dried and stored to be subsequently added to drinking water or diet, according to the assay. Thus, mice were divided into eight groups in the drink assay (each with n = 5): group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 1 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, WT, 1.5 mL lemon), group 4 (G4, WT, 2 mL lemon), group 5 (G5, HPV16, control), group 6 (G6, HPV16, 1 mL lemon) group 7 (G6, HPV16, 1.5 mL lemon) and group 8 (G6, HPV16, 2 mL lemon). The diet assay was divided into four groups: group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 4 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, HPV16, control) and group 4 (G4, HPV16, 4 mL lemon). In the drink assay, the highest concentration of melatonin (308 ng/100 mL) was for groups 4 and 8, while in the food assay, there was only one concentration of melatonin (9.96 ng/g) for groups 2 and 4. Both trials lasted 30 days. During this time, body weight, food and water were recorded. Afterward, they were sacrificed, and samples were collected for different analyses. At the concentrations used, the lemon juice with melatonin had no adverse effects on the animals' health and showed a positive outcome in modifying weight gain and enhancing antioxidant activity in mice. Moreover, a reduction in the incidence of histological lesions was observed in treated animals. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of lemon extract on health and treatment outcomes in this animal model.

Effect of HY7602 Fermented Deer Antler on Physical Fatigue and Antioxidant Activity in Mice.

Lactobacillus curvatus HY7602 fermented antler (FA) ameliorates sarcopenia and improves exercise performance by increasing muscle mass, muscle fiber regeneration, and mitochondrial biogenesis; however, its anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects and mechanisms of FA. C2C12 and HepG2 cells were stimulated with 1 mM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress, followed by treatment with FA. Additionally, 44-week-old C57BL/6J mice were orally administered FA for 4 weeks. FA treatment (5-100 μg/mL) significantly attenuated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo experiments showed that FA treatment significantly increased the mobility time of mice in the forced swimming test and significantly downregulated the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate. Notably, FA treatment significantly upregulated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) and increased the mRNA expression of antioxidant genes (SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GPx1, GPx2, and GSR) in the liver. Conclusively, FA is a potentially useful functional food ingredient for improving fatigue through its antioxidant effects.

Screening of Selenium/Glutathione-Enriched Candida utilis and Its Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities in Mice.

This study aimed to screen a mutant of Candida utilis SE-172 with high selenite tolerance and glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis capability via 60Co γ-radiation mutagenesis to prepare selenium (Se)-enriched yeast. The maximal intracellular contents of GSH and organic Se of 22.94 mg/g and 1308.1 μg/g were obtained, respectively, under a batch culture of SE-172. The physiological mechanism underlying increased GSH and organic Se contents in Se/GSH-enriched C. utilis SE-172 was revealed based on assaying activities of γ-glutamylcysteine synthase (γ-GCS) involved in GSH biosynthesis and selenophosphate synthase (SPS) related to organic Se bioconversion, and by determining intracellular ATP and NADH contents and ATP/ADP and NADH/NAD+ ratios associated with energy supply and regeneration. Moreover, the effect of this selenized yeast on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in mice with colitis was investigated. The supplementation of Se/GSH-enriched yeast decreased the dextran sodium sulfate-induced damage to colon tissues, reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] in serum, increased the antioxidant-related enzyme [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)] activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde content in colon. The Se/GSH-enriched C. utilis SE-172 showed potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in mice with colitis.

GABA content and an antioxidant profile positively correlated with the anticonvulsive activity of Microcos paniculata in acute seizure mice

This study evaluated the effects of different parts of M. paniculata (MP) extracts on convulsions and antioxidant activities in mice. Six polyphenolic compounds were identified, where epicatechin and quercetin have been identified in the highest amounts (23.01 and 32.23 mg/100 g of dry MP extract, respectively) in MP leaf and stem extracts, using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography. 7-day oral administration of MP at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight (BW) significantly reduced convulsions and reduced mortality rates compared with seizure inducer groups. Antioxidant potentials were measured by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and reduced glutathione (GSH) content in whole-brain homogenates. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels significantly increased in leaves and stem-treated groups, suggesting that MP leaves and stems have potent antioxidant properties that can attenuate convulsions by modulating the GABAergic system and antioxidant activities.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Effect of Combined Leaf and Seed Extracts of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) on Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Mice: A Biochemical and Histological Study.

Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds. The aim of the present study was to screen M. oleifera methanolic leaf (L) extract, seed (S) extract, and a combined leaf/seed extract (2L : 1S ratio) for antidiabetic and antioxidant activities in mice following administration at a dose level of 500 mg/kg of body weight/day. Diabetes was induced by alloxan administration. Mice were treated with the extracts for 1 and 3 months and compared with the appropriate control. At the end of the study period, the mice were euthanized and pancreas, liver, kidney, and blood samples were collected for the analysis of biochemical parameters and histopathology. The oral administration of the combined L/S extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose to normal levels compared with L or S extracts individually; moreover, a significant decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, liver enzymes, and oxidant markers was observed, with a concomitant increase in antioxidant biomarkers. Thus, the combined extract has stronger antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties than the individual extracts. The histopathological results also support the biochemical parameters, showing recovery of the pancreas, liver, and kidney tissue. The effects of the combined L/S extracts persisted throughout the study period tested. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic effects of a combined L/S extract of M. oleifera in an alloxan-induced diabetic model in mice. Our results suggest the potential for developing a natural potent antidiabetic drug from M. oleifera; however, clinical studies are required.

Multifunctional thermosensitive hydrogel based on alginate and P(NIPAM-co-HEMIN) composites for accelerated diabetic wound healing

Non-healing wounds in patients with diabetes are a concerning issue associated with amputation and a high mortality rate. These wounds are exacerbated by oxidative stress and microbial infections resulting from hyperglycemia. Therefore, advanced materials for repairing wound beds must be identified urgently. This paper introduces a topically applicable composite hydrogel with thermosensitive properties and presents the antibacterial and antioxidant activities in mice with diabetes-induced wounds. This composite is developed by combining poly N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM)-copolymerized HEMIN (NIPAM-co-HEMIN) and amine-modified alginate (ALG-EDA) biomaterials, with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated into the system as an antibacterial agent. Results of antibacterial tests show that the p(NIPAM-co-HEMIN)/ALG-EDA/AgNP composite system is effective against E. coli and S. aureus. Additionally, the AgNP composite exhibits low cellular toxicity in NIH3T3 and CT-2A cell lines. The wounds in diabetic mice treated with the composite system healed in <12 days, and the composite system accelerated the healing process by increasing collagen synthesis. In conclusion, the biocomposite reported herein is highly promising for repairing diabetic skin wounds and treating infections caused by bacterial microbes.

Surfactin alleviated hyperglycaemia in mice with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with liver dysfunction and intestinal dysbiosis. Bioactive peptides (BAPs) have been reported to ameliorate T2DM by preventing oxidative damage to the liver. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fmb50 produces the lipopeptide surfactin with a wide range of biological activities. The effects of surfactin on T2DM, on the other hand, have not been studied. In the present study, 80 mg/kg body weight surfactin supplementation lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels by 21.05 % and insulin resistance (IR) by 18.18 % compared with those in the T2DM group, reduced inflammation, and increased antioxidant activity in mice with T2DM induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). According to further research, surfactin administration reduced Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratios while increasing Bifidobacterium abundance by 20 times and the level of the tight junction protein Occludin by 18.38 % and ZO-1 by 66.60 %. Furthermore, surfactin also improved hepatic glucose metabolism by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway, increasing glycogen synthesis and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) protein expression while reducing glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) protein expression. In addition, the increased Bifidobacterium abundance indirectly reduced the liver burden of the metabolic products indole, cresol and amine produced by saprophytic bacteria. All of these findings revealed that surfactin not only ameliorated HFD/STZ-induced gut dysbiosis and preserved intestinal barrier integrity but also enhanced hepatic glucose metabolism and detoxification function in T2DM mice. The gut microbiota appeared to be important in controlling glucose metabolism, IR, fat accumulation, inflammation and antioxidation, according to Spearman’s correlation coefficients. All data indicated that surfactin alleviated hyperglycaemia in mice with T2DM induced by HFD/STZ.

Oenanthe javanica Ethanolic Extract Alleviates Inflammation and Modifies Gut Microbiota in Mice with DSS-Induced Colitis.

Oenanthe javanica, commonly known as water dropwort, has long been used to treat acute and chronic hepatitis, abdominal pain, alcohol hangovers, and inflammation in various traditional medicine systems in Asia. However, whether O. javanica has beneficial effects on colitis-induced intestinal damage remains elusive. This study tested the hypothesis that O. javanica has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. First, treatment of O. javanica ethanol extract (OJE) inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-affected macrophages. Second, in mice with DSS-induced colitis, OJE administration reduced pathological damage to the colon while alleviating weight gain and decreasing colon length, including inflammation and mucosal necrosis. In addition, OJE significantly (p &lt; 0.01) restricted the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and increased the expression of Nrf2-phase 2 antioxidant enzymes. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing workflows for taxonomic assignment analysis confirmed that the diversity (richness and evenness) of fecal microbiota was markedly elevated in the OJE group. OJE administration reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria including Escherichia and increased the abundance of the genus Muribaculum. These results suggested that OJE exerts beneficial effects on inflammation and gut microbial composition in a mouse model of colitis.

Evaluation of Chemical Constituents of Litchi Pericarp Extracts and Its Antioxidant Activity in Mice.

Litchi pericarp is the main byproduct of litchi processing and contains several polyphenols. However, the chemical constituents and the antioxidant effect in litchi pericarp extracts (LPE) have been rarely studied. The result of the quantitative analyses of the major monomers in LPE indicated that procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, epicatechin, rutin, and catechin were the major polyphenol compounds of LPE. The LPE exhibited high radical scavenging activity, as indicated by the results of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ascorbic acid, 2,2'-Azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) tests. Moreover, administrating D-galactose in mice led to the reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes, aggravated lipid peroxidation, and induced protein oxidation. The results were improved in the aging mice after the LPE treatment was performed. The above results suggest that LPE has an excellent antioxidant effect. Accordingly, litchi pericarp can serve as a promising source of dietary antioxidants.

Inhalation of MSC-EVs is a noninvasive strategy for ameliorating acute lung injury.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are promising nanotherapeutic agent for pneumonia (bacterial origin, COVID-19), but the optimal administration route and potential mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. This study compared the administration of MSC-EVs via inhalation and tail vein injection for the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) and determined the host-derived mechanisms that may contribute to the therapeutic effects of MSC-EVs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (macrophage cell line) and animal models. Luminex liquid chip and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed that, compared with the vehicle control, inhaled MSC-EVs outperformed those injected via the tail vein, by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine, and decreasing pathological scores in ALI. MSC-EV administration promoted the polarization of macrophages towards a M2 phenotype in vitro and in vivo (via inhalation). RNA sequencing revealed that immune and redox mediators, including TLR4, Arg1, and HO-1, were associated with the activity MSC-EVs against ALI mice. Western blotting and immunofluorescence revealed that correlative inflammatory and oxidative mediators were involved in the therapeutic effects of MSC-EVs in LPS-stimulated cells and mice. Moreover, variable expression of Nrf2 was observed following treatment with MSC-EVs in cell and animal models, and knockdown of Nrf2 attenuated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of MSC-EVs in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Together, these data suggest that inhalation of MSC-EVs as a noninvasive strategy for attenuation of ALI, and the adaptive regulation of Nrf2 may contribute to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity in mice.

The Effect of Ellagic Acid on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidant Activity in Mice.

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the imbalance of lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity leads to damage to liver. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ellagic acid (EA), a phenolic compound, on hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant activity in mice. In our study, 24 C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: (1) control (CON); (2) basal diet+0.1% EA (EA1); and (3) basal diet+0.3% EA (EA2). After the 14-day experiment, the liver was sampled for analysis. The results showed that 0.3% EA administration increased the liver weight. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol activities decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol activity increased by EA supplementation. Meanwhile, dietary supplementation with EA dose-dependently decreased the acetyl-CoA carboxylase protein abundance and increased the phospho-hormone-sensitive lipase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha protein abundances. Moreover, EA supplementation reduced the malonaldehyde concentration and increased the superoxide dismutase and catalase concentrations. The protein abundances of phospho-nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 increased by EA supplementation in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, EA supplementation promoted the lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity to maintain the liver health in mice.

Identification of Flavonoids by LC-MS/MS in Leaves Extract From Protium heptaphyllum(Aubl.) March and Antioxidant Activity in Mice

Background: Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) March resin is accepted as an analgesic, healing, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and gastroprotective agent. However, there are no specific studies on leaves of this plant. Objective: This study identified the chemical composition and biological activity of crude ethanolic extract (EE) and ethyl acetate (EA) fraction from P. heptaphyllum. Methods: Mice were intoxicated with acetaminophen (PCM; 250 mg kg-1), and subsequently treated with EE and EA (100 mg kg-1) for 7 days via gavage. Plasma analysis and evaluation of liver and kidney homogenates of the animals were performed. Results: The extract and fraction showed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Three main flavonoids were identified by HPLC-UV, LC-MS/MS fractionation, quercetin-3-β-D-glycoside, myricetin and quercetin. For total antioxidant potential tests, EE presented EC50 of 75 mg kg-1 and 100 μg mL-1 for EA. ALT, AST and ALP enzymes activity increased in the PCM-exposed plasma, but EA decreased these activities at control levels for ALT and AST. Animal glycemic levels decreased with EE and EA, which may be due to a possible hypoglycemic effect of the plant. In the liver tissue, SOD was unchanged, CAT, GSH and ASA decreased in the PCM group, but EA was able to reverse these effects. TBARS and PC were reduced by both treatments. In the renal tissue, EA fraction recovered the GST activity, GSH levels were restored by EE and EA and PC was reduced by treatments. Conclusion: This antioxidant effect may be due to the presence of the flavonoids identified, which are already well known for their antioxidant properties.

Protective Effects of Ulva lactuca Polysaccharide Extract on Oxidative Stress and Kidney Injury Induced by D-Galactose in Mice.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the key factors that cause many diseases in the human body. Polysaccharides from seaweed have been shown to have significant antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro. The ameliorative effect of Ulva lactuca polysaccharide extract (UPE) on renal injury induced by oxidative stress was analyzed. As shown by hematoxylin–eosin staining results, UPE can significantly improve the kidney injury induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Additionally, the protective mechanism of UPE on the kidney was explored. The results showed that UPE could decrease the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum cystatin C (Cys-C), lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA oxidative damage (8-OHdG) and improve kidney glutathione content. Moreover, UPE significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant activity in mice. UPE also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Further investigation into the expression of apoptotic protein caspase-3 showed that UPE decreased the expression of apoptotic protein caspase-3. These results indicate that UPE has a potential therapeutic effect on renal injury caused by oxidative stress, providing a new theoretical basis for the treatment of oxidative damage diseases in the future.

Anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activity of betaine on formalin- and writhing tests induced pain in mice

Pain is a physiological response which is mediated via the central and peripheral nervous system. Betaine, is a methyl glycine derivative and a commonly used nutrient supplement. The main purpose of the current paper is to determine the possible anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activity and sedative effect of betaine in mice. Adult male albino mice were divided into two categories, formalin and writhing tests. In the formalin test, mice were injected with betaine (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) or morphine (5 mg/kg). For co-injections mice received betaine (30 mg/kg) + naloxone (2 mg/kg) or atropine (1 mg/kg), chlorpheniramine (20 mg/kg), flumazenil (5 mg/kg), cimetidine (12.5 mg/kg) and cyproheptadine (4 mg/kg). Then the formalin test was done and paw licking time was determined. In the writhing test, injections were the same but the animals were injected with acetic acid (0.6 %) and the percentage of writhing inhibition was recorded. At the end of the study, blood antioxidant levels were determined. According to the results, betaine reduced the pain response in a dose-dependent manner. Co-administration of the naloxone + betaine or flumazenil + betaine significantly decreased the anti-nociceptive effect of betaine on the licking and biting time of the injected paw and inhibited the number of writhing movements. Betaine decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in formalin receiving mice. No adverse locomotion and sedation effect were observed in betaine-treated mice. These findings suggest that betaine has anti-nociceptive and antioxidant activity in mice, and its anti-nociceptive role interacts with opioidergic and GABA receptors.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC01-fermented soybean milk on activated carbon-induced constipation through its antioxidant activity in mice.

A newly found strain, Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC01 (LP‐CQPC01), was used for soybean milk fermentation, and its effects against constipation were determined. LP‐CQPC01‐FSM (LP‐CQPC01‐fermented soybean milk) was found to have six kinds of soybean isoflavones; the isoflavones of LP‐CQPC01‐FSM were more than those of Lactobacillus bulgaricus‐fermented soybean milk (LB‐FSM) and unfermented soybean milk (U‐FSM). Animal experiment showed that the MTL, Gas, ET, AchE, SP, VIP, and GSH levels in the constipated mice were increased; however, the SS, MPO, NO, and MDA levels in the constipated mice were reduced by soybean milk treatment. Further, LP‐CQPC01‐FSM increased the mRNA and protein expression of Cu/Zn‐SOD, Mn‐SOD, CAT, c‐Kit, SCF, and GDNF and reduced the expression of TRPV1 and NOS relative to those of the mice with untreated constipation. LP‐CQPC01 could be used as a new starter to produce high‐quality soybean milk, which might be used as a functional drink.

Optimization of Cellulase-Assisted Extraction of Total Flavonoids from Corn Bract and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Aactivities

Corn bract is a corn-based agricultural waste material that distributed worldwide. In present work, response surface methodology was applied to optimize the cellulase-assisted extraction of Total Flavonoids from Corn Bract (TFCB), the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial as well as the in vivo antioxidant activities of TFCB were investigated. Results showed that the optimal conditions for TFCB extraction were as follows: Amount of cellulase, 0.4% (w/w); incubation time, 2 h; liquid-to-solid ratio, 35: 1 mL/g; ethanol concentration, 71% (v/v); TFCB yield was 1.284±0.01%, which was 25.39% higher than that of heat reflux extraction. In addition, when compared with vitamin C, TFCB showed weaker in vitro free radical-scavenging capacities, but stronger antioxidant activities in mice. Moreover, TFCB also exerted certain inhibitory effects against Gram-positive bacteria. This study will provide an evidence for the potential of comprehensive utilization of discarded corn bract.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Sargassum Oligocystum attenuates pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures by potentiating antioxidant activity in mice

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of Sargassum oligocystum extract on the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure and the contribution of antioxidant capacity of this alga to its antiepileptic effect. MethodsA dose of 100mg/kg PTZ was used to induce the seizure in the male albino mice. Extract of Sargassum oligocystum in four doses (100, 200, 400 and 600mg/kg), diazepam (5mg/kg) and the vehicle were used 30min before the injection of PTZ (n=8). The onsets of clonic and tonic-clonic seizures, as well as the latency of death of animals, were recorded and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase level were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. ResultsSargassum oligocystum extract at the doses of 400 and 600mg/kg significantly increased the latency of clonic and tonic-clonic seizures. Also, at the doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg significantly increased the TAC. Moreover, Sargassum oligocystum at the doses of 200 and 400mg/kg increased the SOD activity and at the doses of 400 and 600mg/kg increased the catalase level in neural cells compared with the vehicle-treated group. ConclusionSargassum oligocystum extract inhibited PTZ-induced seizure. Attenuation of oxidative stress may partly be responsible for the anticonvulsant effects of this alga in the PTZ-induced seizures. Therefore, marine algae, especially Sargassum oligocystum, may be a valuable target to discover new antiepileptic drugs.

B-vitamin and choline supplementation increases neuroplasticity and recovery after stroke

Folates are B-vitamins that play an important role in brain function. Dietary and genetic deficiencies in folate metabolism result in elevated levels of homocysteine which have been linked to increased risk of developing a stroke. Reducing levels of homocysteine before or after a stroke through B-vitamin supplementation has been a focus of many clinical studies, however, the results remain inconsistent. Animal model systems provide a powerful mechanism to study and understand functional impact and mechanisms through which supplementation affects stroke recovery. The aim of this study was to understand the role of B-vitamins in stroke pathology using in vivo and in vitro mouse models. The first objective assessed the impact of folate deficiency prior to ischemic damage followed by B-vitamins and choline supplementation. Ischemic damage targeted the sensorimotor cortex. C57Bl/6 wild-type mice were maintained on a folic acid deficient diet for 4weeks prior to ischemic damage to increased levels of plasma homocysteine, a risk factor for stroke. Post-operatively mice were placed on a B-vitamin and choline supplemented diet for a period of four weeks, after which motor function was assessed in mice using the rotarod, ladder beam and forepaw asymmetry tasks. The second objective was to determine how a genetic deficiency in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme involved in folate metabolism, increases vulnerability to stroke. Primary cortical neurons were isolated from Mthfr+/+, Mthfr+/− and Mthfr−/− embryos and were exposed to in vitro models of stroke which include hypoxia or oxygen glucose deprivation. Cell viability was measured 24-h after exposure stroke like conditions in vitro. In supplemented diet mice, we report improved motor function after ischemic damage compared to mice fed a control diet after ischemic damage. Within the perilesional cortex, we show enhanced proliferation, neuroplasticity and anti-oxidant activity in mice fed the supplemented diet. A genetic MTHFR deficiency resulted in neurodegeneration after exposure to in vitro models of stroke, by activating apoptosis promoting p53-dependent mechanisms. These results suggest that one-carbon metabolism plays a significant role in recovery after stroke and MTHFR deficiency contributes to poor recovery from stroke.

Synergetic Hepatoprotective Effects of Korean Red Ginseng andPueraria Radixon the Liver Damaged-Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) in Mice

This study was designed to investigate the synergetic hepatoprotective effects from a mixture of Korean Red Ginseng and Pueraria Radix on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Liver toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of CCl 4 (0.6 mg/kg) in 12 groups of ICR mice. The negative control group was given CCl 4 without test samples and the normal group was given no treatment. Among treatment groups, the RGAP treatment (Korean Red ginseng acetic acid extract : Pueraria radix water extract, w/w, 38.4:57.6) decreased CCl 4 -elevated ALT (101.60 IU/L), AST (833.89 IU/L), and LDH (365.02 IU/L) levels in the serum, and increased the SOD (11.03 unit/mg protein) and CAT (0.37 unit/mg protein) levels and the LPO levels (59.09 μM/g tissue) more than that in the mice group with CCl 4 -induced control group hepatotoxicity. These results suggest that administration of a mixture of Korean Red ginseng and Pueraria radix decreases CCl 4 -induced liver damage and enhances antioxidant activity in mice and imply that administration of the mixture in a certain ratio is more effective than single administration of either Korean Red ginseng or Pueraria radix alone.