Antioxidant Research Articles

Increasing Phosphorus Application Level Alleviated Adverse Effects of Low-Temperature Stress on Antioxidant Metabolism and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Tobacco Seedlings

Increasing Phosphorus Application Level Alleviated Adverse Effects of Low-Temperature Stress on Antioxidant Metabolism and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Tobacco Seedlings

Nicotinamide mononucleotide protects septic hearts in mice via preventing cyclophilin F modification and lysosomal dysfunction.

Myocardial dysfunction is a decisive factor of death in septic patients. Cyclophilin F (PPIF) is a major component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and acts as a critical mPTP sensitizer triggering mPTP opening. In sepsis, decreased NAD+ impairs Sirtuin 3 function, which may prevent PPIF de-acetylation. Repletion of NAD+ with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) reduces myocardial dysfunction in septic mice. In addition, administration of the mPTP inhibitor cyclosporine-A attenuated sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction, and deletion of PPIF reduced lung and liver injuries in sepsis, leading to increased survival. It is plausible that NAD+ repletion with NMN may prevent mPTP opening in protecting septic hearts through PPIF de-acetylation and/or inhibition of mitochondrial ROS-mediated PPIF oxidation. In this study we investigated how NMN alleviated myocardial dysfunction in septic mice. Sepsis was induced in mice by injection of LPS (4 mg/kg, i.p.). Then mice received NMN (500 mg/kg, i.p.) or mito-TEMPO (0.7 mg/kg, i.p.) right after LPS injection, and subjected to echocardiography for assessing myocardial function. At the end of experiment, the heart tissues and sera were collected for analyses. In vitro experiments were conducted in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes treated with LPS (1 µg/mL) in the presence of NMN (500 µmol/L) or mito-TEMPO (25 nmol/L). We showed that LPS treatment markedly increased mitochondrial ROS production and induced lysosomal dysfunction and aberrant autophagy in cardiomyocytes and mouse hearts, leading to inflammatory responses and myocardial injury and dysfunction in septic mice. NMN administration attenuated LPS-induced deteriorative effects. Selective inhibition of mitochondrial superoxide production with mito-TEMPO attenuated lysosomal dysfunction and aberrant autophagy in septic mouse hearts. Notably, LPS treatment significantly increased acetylation and oxidation of PPIF, which was prevented by NMN in mouse hearts. Knockdown of PPIF replicated the beneficial effects of NMN or mito-TEMPO on ROS production, lysosomal dysfunction, aberrant autophagy, and myocardial injury/dysfunction in sepsis. In addition, administration of NMN abrogated LPS-induced ATP5A1 acetylation and increased ATP5A1 protein levels and ATP production in septic mouse hearts. This study demonstrates that NMN modulates the interplay of mitochondrial ROS and PPIF in maintaining normal lysosomal function and autophagy and protecting ATP5A1 and ATP production during sepsis.

Positive effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon extract added to high soybean meal diet on growth, intestinal antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbiota, and metabolism of pearl gentian grouper

This study aims to investigate the effects of adding 2‰ Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE) extract to the high soybean meal diet on the growth, intestinal antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbes, and metabolism of pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂). Three diets included FM, SBM, and SBMLE, in which FM was the whole fish meal diet, SBM was the soybean meal replacing 50% fish meal protein, and SBMLE was the SBM diet supplemented with 2‰ LE extract. After a 56-day feeding trial, the results showed the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency rate (FER) of pearl gentian grouper in FM and SBMLE group was significantly higher than that of SBM (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high soybean meal dietary added LE extract inclusion significantly increased the SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity while significantly decreasing the MDA level (P < 0.05). Significant differences were in the gene expression of cytokines il1-β, il8, tnf-α, il10, and tgf-β between the SBMLE and SBM groups (P < 0.05). In addition, Microbiomics results revealed increased ASVs and alterations in gut microbiota composition, characterized by a decrease in Bacteroidota and an increase in Proteobacteria, Nautella, and lactococcus after adding LE extract. Furthermore, the substantial reduction in Firmicutes and Acidobacterota induced by high soybean meal feed was reversed by LE extract. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that LE extract mitigated soybean-induced enteritis (SBMIE) by affecting two critical metabolic pathways: arachidonic acid metabolism and histidine metabolism. In conclusion, adding LE extract to a high soybean meal diet can improve the growth performance and immunity of the pearl gentian grouper, and LE can play a mitigating role in SBMIE by regulating lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and intestinal flora balance.

The effect of persistent exposure to thiocyanate and the impact on inhibition of ferrous iron oxidation in an industrial strain of Acidiplasma cupricumulans

The effect of persistent exposure to thiocyanate and the impact on inhibition of ferrous iron oxidation in an industrial strain of Acidiplasma cupricumulans

Inhibition of Ni oxidation in the catalyst and enhancing catalytic activity in lignin upgrading: sacrificing Co to protect Ni

Inhibition of Ni oxidation in the catalyst and enhancing catalytic activity in lignin upgrading: sacrificing Co to protect Ni

Dual-targeting of tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages by hyaluronic acid-modified MnO2 for enhanced sonodynamic therapy

In addition to tumor cells, M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) also promote tumor progression. Accordingly, the strategy of targeted depletion or repolarization of M2-like TAMs becomes attractive. Here, we report a dual-targeting nanoagent SAMMH to tumor cells and M2-like TAMs for combinatorial tumor treatment. After co-loading the sonosensitizer spafloxacin (SPX) and oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor atavaquone (ATO) into hollow MnO2, the addition of Fe3+ and tannic acid-immobilized hyaluronic acid (HA) caused the formation of SAMMH through generating metal-polyphenol networks (MPNs) coatings outside. In vitro endocytosis assays demonstrated the efficient internalization of SAMMH by both tumor cells and M2-like TAMs through the specific CD44-HA interactions. The GSH-sensitive degradation of SAMMH results in the continuous release of SPX and ATO. Meanwhile, SAMMH could catalyze the endogenous H2O2 to extra O2, thus improving the therapeutic effect via the combination of Mn2+-induced CDT and O2-generation/O2-economy dual-enhanced sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Interestingly, SAMMH had a good targeted M2-like TAMs depleting capacity and could promote M2-to-M1 TAMs transformation by CDT-enhanced SDT, leading to a combinational anti-tumor effect. This dual-targeting nanoagent is a promising candidate to achieve CDT-enhanced SDT against both tumor cells and M2-like TAMs, thus providing new insights for the development of highly effective antitumor therapeutics.

Effect of vitamin C and hawthorn beverage formula on blood pressure and oxidative stress in heat-exposed workers: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

There is no evidence on antioxidant-rich diets in preventing hypertension in heat-exposed workers. We aimed to evaluate the effects of formula supplemented with vitamin C (Vit C) and hawthorn beverage on reducing blood pressure (BP) and oxidative stress levels in heat-exposed workers. In the 40-day cluster-randomized controlled trial, four heat-exposed shift-teams were enrolled and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group was given one Vit C tablet (130 mg) and a 500 mL hawthorn beverage containing 278.7 mg flavonoids daily whereas the control group was given 500 mL of slightly salted water daily; both groups were provided education on a healthy diet. BP and creatinine-corrected urinary 8-isoprostane-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α/Cr) concentrations were assessed at baseline, Day 17 (only BP) and Day 41, respectively. Compared with the control group, the systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and log10-transformed 8-iso-PGF2α/Cr in the inter-vention group decreased by 7.41 mmHg, 7.93 mmHg and 0.232, respectively, from baseline to day 41 (all p<0.05). When comparing BP levels at baseline, DBP in the intervention group was reduced by 5.46 mmHg when compared to control (p<0.05) among participants with lower baseline BP; SBP and DBP experienced reductions of 9.74 and 9.22 mmHg among participants with higher baseline BP (both p<0.05). Supplementation of Vit C and flavonoids rich hawthorn beverage to heat-exposed workers prevented elevated BP caused by heat exposure which may be attributed to its oxidative stress inhibition effects.

Phage-derived polysaccharide depolymerase potentiates ceftazidime efficacy against Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia via low-serum-dependent mechanisms

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), which most commonly manifests as pneumonia, has posed significant clinical challenges and called for novel treatment strategies. Phage depolymerases, which degrade bacterial surface carbohydrates, have emerged as potential antimicrobial agents. However, their preclinical application is limited to systemic infections due to their dependency on serum-mediated bacterial killing. To extend the treatment paradigm of depolymerase to low-serum lung infections, we explored the feasibility of applying phage depolymerase to potentiate antibiotic efficacy in controlling MDR-AB pneumonia. Using a model depolymerase, Dpo71, we observed that it could effectively potentiate antibiotic efficacy against MDR-AB2 bacteria in low-serum conditions mimicking lung milieu but showed no adjuvant effect in serum-free conditions. Unprecedentedly, we reported this low-serum-dependent mechanism that polysaccharide-degrading enzyme Dpo71 exposed bacteria to serum-induced membrane permeabilization and oxidative phosphorylation pathway inhibition, leading to a weakened ATP-dependent efflux pump and strengthened ROS-induced membrane permeabilization. These joint effects facilitated antibiotic (ceftazidime, CFZ) binding, ultimately exerting bactericidal effects. Resultantly, the bacterial load in the lungs of the Dpo71-CFZ combination group was significantly reduced compared with the Dpo71-alone and CFZ-alone groups. Overall, this study unravels the low-serum-dependent mechanisms by which depolymerase potentiated antibiotic efficacy, highlighting its potential as a novel strategy to enhance antibiotic activity against severe pneumonia.

Decoding the aroma changes of stir-fried shredded potatoes with different soy sauces using thermal desorption combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and sensory evaluation

The aroma changes of stir-fried shredded potatoes (SFSP) were investigated using thermal desorption combined with sensory evaluation and chemometrix analysis. The intensity of the sauce aroma, savory, fatty, and roasty attributes were significantly increased, while the intensity of beany and green attributes were significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited after soy sauce added. Ninety-nine aroma compounds were detected in SFSPs, and aldehydes were the most abundant (relative concentration ratio, 59.18 %–88.80 %). The pH value changes confirmed that soy sauce increased the aroma variances by migration but decreased the total aroma content due to the high oxidation inhibition of unsaturated fatty acids. Eleven aroma compounds contributing to aroma attribute variances were confirmed by partial least squares analysis and aroma-change pattern analysis. Addition test further verified that β-pinene, acetic acid, methanethiol, methional, limonene, 2-acetylpyrrole, ethyl acetate, 1-pentanol, dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and phenylethanol played a key role in promoting the aroma profiles of SFSP.

Evolution and ecology of C30 carotenoid synthesis in Lactobacillaceae and application of pigmented lactobacilli in pasta production

Pasta is a staple food in many parts of the world. A bright yellow colour of pasta is preferred by consumers. However, the colour is easily degraded during pasta processing. In a sourdough used for pasta production, we identified the pigmented Fructilactobacillus spp. FUA 3913, which represents a novel species that remains to be described ,and carries genes for the carotenoid-producing enzymes CrtM and CrtN in its genome. HPLC and spectral analysis identified the carotenoid as 4,4′-diaponeurosporene which is also produced by other lactobacilli expressing CrtM and CrtN. The topology of the CrtM/N trees does not match the phylogeny of the organisms, indicating that the enzymes were acquired by horizontal gene transfer. Pigmentation is frequent in insect-associated lactobacilli and lactobacilli that are part of the phyllosphere. Pigmented heterofermentative lactobacilli may enhance the yellow colour of durum semolina pasta by two mechanisms, first, by producing carotenoids and second, by preventing lipoxygenase-mediated degradation of durum carotenoids during dough mixing and extrusion. The comparison of the influence of fermentation with the non-pigmented, homofermentative Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, the non-pigmented heterofermentative Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis and the pigmented, heterofermentative Fructilactobacillus spp. FUA3913 indicated that inhibition of lipid oxidation is more relevant for the colour of pasta. In summary, our study provides novel insights into the evolution of C30 carotenoid and ecology of lactobacilli, and documents the use of pigmented lactobacilli to enhance the yellow colour of fermented foods.

Brown rice attenuates iron-induced Parkinson's disease phenotypes in male wild-type drosophila: insights into antioxidant and iron metabolism modulation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder associated with brain iron (Fe) accumulation and free radicals. Brown rice (BR) is antioxidant-rich and has been shown to ameliorate oxidative stress-induced damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BR compared to white rice (WR) on Fe-induced PD in a fruit fly model. Three-day-old male adult flies were divided into two groups: one on a normal diet and the other on Fe-diet (1 mmol/L) for 10 days to induce PD. After 10 days, the Fe-fed flies were redistributed into four groups: one on normal diet (Fe group), while the others were treated with BR (Fe+BR group), WR (Fe+WR group), or L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) (Fe+L-dopa group) for 5 days. Similarly, the flies initially on a normal diet were separated into four groups: one on normal diet (Control group), while the others were treated with BR (BR group), WR (WR group), or L-dopa (L-dopa group) for 5 days. Finally, Fe levels, dopamine, malonaldehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes were measured, and the mRNA levels of antioxidant and Fe metabolism genes were assessed. BR significantly improved motor and cognitive functions, decreased fly head MDA and Fe levels, and increased antioxidant enzyme levels in comparison to the Fe and WR groups. Similarly, BR upregulated the mRNA levels of antioxidant genes: catalase, GPx, Nrf2, and DJ-1. The results suggest that BR could potentially reduce morbidities associated with PD possibly due to its bioactive compounds compared to WR.

Polyphenols and Functionalized Hydrogels for Osteoporotic Bone Regeneration.

Osteoporosis induces severe oxidative stress and disrupts bone metabolism, complicating the treatment of bone defects. Current therapies often have side effects and require lengthy bone regeneration periods. Hydrogels, known for their flexible mechanical properties and degradability, are promising carriers for drugs and bioactive factors in bone tissue engineering. However, they lack the ability to regulate the local pathological environment of osteoporosis and expedite bone repair. Polyphenols, with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and bone metabolism-regulating properties, have emerged as a solution. Combining hydrogels and polyphenols, polyphenol-based hydrogels can regulate local bone metabolism and oxidative stress while providing mechanical support and tissue adhesion, promoting osteoporotic bone regeneration. This review first provides a brief overview of the types of polyphenols and the mechanisms of polyphenols in facilitating adhesion, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bone metabolism modulation in modulating the pathological environment of osteoporosis. Next, this review examines recent advances in hydrogels for the treatment of osteoporotic bone defects, including their use in angiogenesis, oxidative stress modulation, drug delivery, and stem cell therapy. Finally, it highlights the latest research on polyphenol hydrogels in osteoporotic bone defect regeneration. Overall, this review aims to facilitate the clinical application of polyphenol hydrogels for the treatment of osteoporotic bone defects.

Effects of hypoxia on survival, apoptosis, and the transcriptome of the Chinese yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica)

Mauremys mutica is a widely cultured pond turtle in China that can hold its breath underwater for up to 7 h. However, the adaptive mechanism of this hypoxia-resistant phenotype remains unknown. In the present study, no M. mutica died until 6 h of hypoxic stress. Inflammation was observed in the lungs of dead individuals along with a lung cell apoptosis rate of 12.3% in the death group, which was about six times that of the survival group. Transcriptome sequencing produced 379,659,748 clean reads, and 38,981 genes were obtained. A total of 1566, 1555 and 756 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between the survival group and the death group, the survival group and the control group, and the death group and the control group, respectively. And the DEGs were enriched in the inflammation, apoptosis, sugar transport, antioxidant, fructose, and mannose metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, P53, and MAPK signaling pathways. This study offers new insight into the molecular mechanisms occurring in the lungs of M. mutica during acute hypoxia, which may facilitate genetic selection for hypoxia-resistant lines inM. mutica.

Dihydrosamidin: the basic khellactone ester derived from Phlojodicarpus komarovii and its impact on neurotrophic factors, energy and antioxidant metabolism after rat cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury

Dihydrosamidin (DHS), a khellactone 3′-O-isovaleroyl-4′-O-acetyl ester, is naturally found in Apiaceae plants yet remains underexplored in biomedical research. Employing HPLC-PDA-MS analysis, the profiling of coumarins in Phlojodicarpus komarovii revealed its significant presence, reaching DHS concentrations of 95 mg/g. DHS administering at a dosage of 80 mg/kg during bilateral transient occlusion of the common carotid artery in Wistar rats prevented neuronal death and decreased neuron-specific enolase levels in the blood serum, increases neurotrophic factors and vascular endothelial growth factor A levels in brain lysate. DHS influenced energy metabolism by reducing the lactate, enhancing the activity of pyruvate kinase and increasing the activities of NADH dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase in brain cells. DHS reduced levels of malondialdehyde and increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, along with increased levels of reduced glutathione in brain homogenate. Thus, DHS administration promotes neuroplasticity, modulates glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation and enhances antioxidant defences.

A nanodrug loading indocyanine green and metformin dually alleviating tumor hypoxia for enhanced chemodynamic/sonodynamic therapy

As an emerging therapeutic method, the application of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is hindered by its intrinsic unsatisfactory efficiency, the tumor hypoxia and low tumor specificity. Here, we reported the design of a tumor-targeting multifunctional nanodrug for O2-generation/O2-economization dually enhanced SDT/chemodynamic therapy (CDT) combination therapy. After the co-encapsulation of sonosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) and oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor metformin (Met) into hollow MnO2 (H-MnO2) nanoparticles, ICG/Met@H-MnO2@MPN-FA (IMMMF) was conveniently prepared through the formation of metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) between Fe3+ and folic acid (FA) immobilized tannic acid (TA, TA-FA) onto its surface. In vitro experiments indicated its selective uptake by 4T1 cells via the specific folate receptors-FA interactions. Responding to glutathione (GSH) and the acidic environment, the decomposition of IMMMF led to the release of Mn2+ and Fe2+ for enhanced CDT, and ICG for SDT. Furthermore, Met was continuously released to reduce O2 consumption for enhanced SDT. More importantly, IMMMF catalyzed the endogenous H2O2 into O2 for further enhanced SDT. Expectedly, both in vitro and in vivo antitumor assays confirmed its satisfactory therapeutic efficiency via CDT/SDT synergistic therapy. Hence, this intelligent sonocatalytic nanoagent emerges as a promising candidate for CDT-enhanced SDT, which also provides a novel strategy for dually alleviating tumor hypoxia with better therapy.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Face Wash

It is more acceptable to believe that natural remedies are safer with synthetic subjects than with fewer side effects. The global market demand is increasing due to the fusion of herbs. Current work Herbal anti-acne is the development and evaluation of flammable extracts with facial spray containing leaf extract of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum), Hydroalcoholic extract of turmeric (curcuma longa), Although there are some specific local herbal formulas available on the market, we propose to make pure herbal formulations without using any artificial ingredient. The plants have been reported in the literature with microorganisms, anti oxidants and anti-inflammatory activity.

4-Furanylvinylquinoline derivative as a new scaffold for the design of oxidative stress initiator and glucose transporter inhibitor drugs

In the present study, a detailed analysis of the effect of a substitution at the C4 position of the quinoline ring by styryl or furanylvinyl substituents on the structure-antitumour activity relationship was conducted. After analysing a library of derivatives from the styrylquinoline and furanylvinylquinoline groups, we selected the most active (IC50 below 100 nM) derivative 13, which contained the strongly electron-withdrawing nitro group in the furan substituent. The mechanism of action of this compound was studied on cell lines that differed in their p53 protein status. For this derivative, both cell cycle arrest (in G2/M phase in both HCT 116 cell lines and S phase for U-251 cell line) and the induction of apoptosis (up to 66% for U-251 cell line) were revealed. These studies were then confirmed by other methods at the gene and protein levels. Interestingly, we observed differences in the mechanism of action depending on the presence and mutation of the p53 protein, thus confirming its key role in cellular processes. Incubation with derivative 13 resulted in the induction of oxidative stress and triggered a cascade of cellular defence proteins that failed in the face of such an active compound. In addition, the results showed an inhibition of the GLUT-1 glucose transporter, which is extremely important in the context of anti-cancer activity.

Functional properties and toxicological analysis of nanocellulose-based aerogels loaded with polyphenols from Hyeronima macrocarpa berries

In this study, the nutraceutical properties of ethanolic extract of Hyeronima macrocarpa fruits, immobilized on nanocellulose-based aerogels (NCAG) synthesized from the seeds were studied. Specifically, bioactives with antioxidant properties of the pulp were determined, NCAG and homologs of acetate (NCAG-A) and sulfate (NCAG-S) were obtained, and characterized from the seed, the aerogels loaded with antioxidants were studied to determine the anti-radical activity, digestion patterns, protein oxidation inhibition, and toxicological properties. The berries presented a high anthocyanin content of 1317.4 mg C3G/100 g FW and ORAC value ​​of 12,732 µmol Trolox/100 g FW, which make an important source of antioxidants. The seeds presented cellulose content of 61.4 % with a NC yield of 38.4 %. NCAG and their surface homologs were successfully synthesized and characterized by FTIR, DLS, and TEM finding the characteristic bands of the main functional groups, NC presented particle sizes ranging from 64 to 141 nm, BET analysis showed surface areas of 71.1, 102.3, and 183.5 m2/g for NCAG-A, NCAG, and NCAG-S, respectively, and pore sizes of 36–38 nm called mesopores. NCAG presented the highest capacity to trap reactive oxygen species (106.8 mg catechin Eq./g., 86.5 % OH• trapped, respectively). All samples showed the capacity to delay the oxidation of a protein system in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values ​​of 70 mg/L (NCAG), 176.3 mg/L (NCAG-A), and 255.6 mg/L (NCAG-S). In vitro digestion showed that NCAG-S was more efficient in delivering anthocyanins under gastric conditions (bioaccessibility of 59.3 %), and NCAG under duodenal conditions (bioaccessibility of 88.2 %). The differences found in samples for the different functional assays can be explained by the various types of interactions generated between the antioxidant molecules and aerogels, in the various media where the analyses are carried out. The results indicate nanocellulose-based aerogels, synthesized from lignocellulosic residues of H. macrocarpa seeds, proved to be porous matrices capable of carrying bioactive substances, and presented interesting properties for the delivery and conservation of antioxidant molecules such as anthocyanins and other polyphenols, achieving an in vitro protective effect against the oxidation of biomolecules.

Evaluating the Effects of Heavy Metals on Seminal Fluid Anti Oxidants Status and Semen Parameters among Males with Infertility at Tertiary Health Centre in Nigeria

Abstract Introduction: There are evidences of a reduction in male fertility potential globally. This, coupled with the limitation of the gold standard investigative tool of male infertility, has become necessary that focus should be on elucidating the aetiopathogenic causes of male fertility. This includes the impact of environmental toxic products such as levels of heavy metals that have been proposed to impact both the sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status. The study assessed how the seminal concentrations of specific heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and Iron affect the seminal fluid analysis (SFA) parameters and seminal antioxidant status of males exhibiting abnormal parameters of sperm, analysing infertile male patients consecutively in a cross-sectional manner, with at least one abnormal SFA parameter, at a tertiary health centre. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty consenting males who have one or several anomalies with sperm characteristics were selected as subjects. Semen samples were collected, processed and centrifuged. The supernatants were analysed for the heavy metals using Buck Scientific 210/211VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers 220GF Graphite Furnace and 220AS Autosampler and seminal Vitamins C and E, using spectrophotometric method and glutathione peroxidase, whereas catalase was analysed using ELISA method. Results: Subjects’ seminal levels of Cd, Fe and Pb were notably greater than those of controls, respectively. In addition, individuals’ levels of seminal antioxidants were noticeably lower than controls. Seminal antioxidant status and Seminal Cd, Fe and Pb were positive and negative significantly correlated with sperm count and active motility, respectively. Conclusion: Laboratory quantification of the seminal concentrations of these heavy metals in the evaluation of males with infertility, especially those still regarded as idiopathic, because of limitations of investigative tools and biomarkers, will be of clinical utility, in both the management and prevention of sperm quality deterioration.

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIOXIDATIVE EFFICACY OF FULLERENE SOOT DOPED BY C60/C70 (85/15) FOR LOW-DENSITY/HIGH PRESSURE POLYETHYLENE NANOCOMPOSITES

Fullerenes (C60-70) although effective stabilizers-antioxidants for polymeric materials they have not yet found widespread practical application because of their high cost. As such, polymer manufacturers prefer to use classical stabilizers. In order to try to overcome this situation for some useful applications here the evaluation of relatively cheap fullerene soot (FS) doped additionally by C60/C70(85/15) is undertaken. Solution kinetic studies on the inhibition of model cumene oxidation combined with the thermal and mechanical analysis of the FS+C60/C70 integrated in a low-density/high pressure polyethylene (LDPE) matrix demonstrates the obvious advantage of a such an approach. The kinetic analysis made on the model reaction of initiated oxidation of cumene showed that the antioxidant activity of samples of fullerene carbon black doped with fullerenes C60-70 exhibits inhibition rate constants with high enough values comparable to those of strong industrial antioxidants such as Irganox 1010/1076. The additional portions of C60-70 fullerenes slightly increase the commercial cost of the FS itself, while the higher efficiency of the modified fullerene samples shown by thermal and mechanical analysis prevails more and allows us to recommend them for the industrial use at a measured optimal concentration of 1%w/w in the polymer