Antioxidant Vitamins Research Articles

Proposal of a new fluorimetric assay to measure the antioxidant drug vitamin C in human plasma

Proposal of a new fluorimetric assay to measure the antioxidant drug vitamin C in human plasma

The effects of vitamins C and E on the redox parameters of cytochrome P450 3A4

Abstract The research on the influence of antioxidant vitamins C and E on the catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4 in electrochemical experiments is relevant, as they are widely used as additional biologically active substances in human diets and can affect biochemical processes in the body. Understanding these effects is of significant importance for pharmacology and medicine. The purpose of this study is to investigate how antioxidant vitamins C and E impact the catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4 within the framework of electrochemical experiments. The voltammetry was performed in the presence of potassium phosphate buffer of neutral pH value (0.2 M) and 0.5 M erythromycin solution (Er). The ratio between the measures of current obtained in the presence of O2 and Er was 2.10 ± 0.09 (100 %, P < 0.05). With vitamin C and Er, it corresponded to 2.80 ± 0.12 (133 %, P < 0.05). The voltammograms of Cyt with Dic show a higher current stimulated by ascorbic acid. The effect of vitamin C on the H-dimethylation process of Er was investigated with a spectrophotometer (value 408 nm). The catalytic current of cytochrome P450 3A4 in the presence of diclofenac was stimulated by ascorbic acid, the effect of which on the N-demethylation of erythromycin was studied spectrophotometrically at 408 nm based on the formation of formaldehyde using the acetylacetone reagent. The obtained results suggest the potential impact of antioxidant vitamins not only on the stimulation of electrochemical reduction of cytochrome P450 3A4 but also on the clinical metabolism of substrates in patients. These findings provide valuable insights for further clinical investigations aimed at predicting the risk of drug interactions with antioxidants.

Antioxidant activity of Butterfly Pea Flower Kombucha (Clitoria ternatea)

Kombucha is a traditional fermented beverage from sugar and tea by SCOBY, a kombucha starter culture. Kombucha can be derived from various substrates such as black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea. The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is a popular herbal tea ingredient known for its vibrant blue color and potential health benefits. In this study, butterfly pea flowers were utilized as the substrate for brewing kombucha. This study aims to determine butterfly pea flower kombucha's antioxidant activity and vitamin C content. IC50 antioxidant activity of infusion butterfly pea flower was 195,4 ppm. After 12 days of fermentation, the IC50 antioxidant activity of butterfly pea kombucha was 233,3 ppm. Throughout the fermentation process, there was a continuous decline in vitamin C levels, starting at an initial concentration of 191,6 ppm and reaching 74,0 ppm at the end. During kombucha fermentation, antioxidant activity increases while vitamin C levels decrease.

Reduction in Arterial Stiffness Index (SI) in Response to Combination Antioxidant Therapy.

Antioxidants reduce arterial stiffness, but the effects previously reported are weak. A systematic review of the antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotenes (the most commonly studied antioxidants) on pulse wave velocity (PWV) found an effect size of only -0.20 (approximately -16 m/s or -2.5%). Studies in rats of the potent pro-oxidant substance acetaldehyde have shown that combinations of sulfur-containing antioxidants, including thiamine and l-cysteine, with ascorbic acid potently protect against oxidative-stress-mediated mortality. The effects of these combinations of oxidants on PWV have not been studied. The present study evaluated the effects of 2 weeks of therapy with a combination of sulfur-containing antioxidants (cysteine, thiamine, and pyridoxine) in combination with ascorbic acid on stiffness index (SI), a measure of arterial stiffness that is strongly correlated with PWV, using a Pulse Trace recorder in a diverse group of 78 volunteers. SI fell by -1.7 m/s relative to placebo (95% confidence intervals -0.6 to -2.7 m/s), a reduction of -19% (95% confidence intervals -9% to -31%). The Glass effect size was 1.4, indicating a very strong treatment effect which was substantially greater than the effect size found in previous studies of antioxidants. PWV reduction was correlated significantly with increasing age. Further studies of similar antioxidant combinations are required to determine whether they are of value in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin E and Supplements Offer Eye Neuroprotection – Myth or Reality?

Background: Several studies suggested that nutrition might have an effect on eye health. Although exposure to nutrients is ubiquitous, on the other hand without it, we generally cannot survive and an exposure too high or too low causes health problems. Vitamins are a good example and the ubiquitous exposure to vitamins has led to many epidemiological studies for many diseases, including glaucoma.
 Abstract: Leading causes of vision loss include several eye conditions such as cataract and glaucoma. The role of nutritional supplementation to prevent the progression of ocular disease is of great interest to health care professionals. It is recognized that the crystalline lens and retina suffer oxidative damage and the most protective agents are anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), found that supplementation with vitamins C and E, reduced the risk of developing various ocular diseases. The RDA for vitamin E is 15 mg/day α-tocopherol for both women and men. Vitamin E exists naturally in nuts and seeds, in addition to dark leafy vegetables. In a recent study reported lower plasma levels of vitamin E in POAG subjects.
 Conclusion: In conclusion, exposure to nutrients although is ubiquitous, without it, in general we cannot survive. Conflicting evidence is presented for vitamins A and E in prevention of ocular disease. A number of epidemiological studies showed an increased risk of nuclear or cortical cataract in people with low blood levels of vitamin E. Furthermore, a number of studies suggested that nutrition might have an effect on the intraocular pressure (IOP) or glaucoma, arbitrated by oxidative stress.

Effects of vitamins C and E in tris citric acid glucose extender on chilled semen quality of Kail ram during different storage times

Mammalian sperm cells are highly vulnerable to lipid peroxidation by free radicals. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, and vitamin C neutralize the activity of free radicals and protect the sperm from reactive oxygen species. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of vitamin C, vitamin E, and their combination in a Tris-based extender on the semen quality of Kail Ram. Semen samples from five mature Kail rams were collected in this study. The semen samples were diluted by Tris-glucose-egg yolk. Diluted semen samples were divided into four parts. The first part was added with 1 mg/ml of vitamin C, the second part was added with 1 mg/ml of vitamin E and the third part was added with both vitamin C and E, in combination with a dose of 1 mg/ml. The fourth part was considered as control without any addition. The diluted semen samples were cooled gradually and preserved at 5˚C for three days. Sperms in chilled diluted semen samples were examined for motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity every 24 h for three days (72 h). Present study results showed significant (P < 0.05) effects of vitamins C, E, and their combination on some parameters such as motility, straightness of average special path, linearity of the curvilinear trajectory, and beat-cross frequency. However, there was no significant (P < 0.05) effect of storage duration and antioxidants (vitamin C, E, and their combination) on viability, sperm plasma membrane integrity, and some CASA parameters. From the present study, it could be concluded that the supplementation of vitamins C, and E, and their combination do not enhance the life span and quality of semen in Kail ram during liquid storage at 5 °C.

Trace Minerals and Antioxidant Enzyme Profile of Chronic Liver Disease Patients in Kano, Northwest, Nigeria

Background: Chronic liver disease is a major cause of death especially in low- and middle-income countries where increasing prevalence has been noted recently. Free radicals-mediated tissue injury plays an important role in hepatic fibrogenesis while antioxidant vitamins and a few trace minerals reduce tissue damage by scavenging free radicals.&#x0D; Aim: To determine the blood levels of some selected antioxidant enzymes and trace minerals in chronic liver disease patients in Kano.&#x0D; Methods: Eighty-nine chronic liver disease patients and eighty-nine age and sex-matched controls were recruited for this study. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure trace minerals and antioxidant enzymes respectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0.&#x0D; Results: Results showed that Glutathione Peroxidase (2.54±1.45 ng/mL vs 6.00±2.64 ng/mL), SOD (23.29±15.27 ng/mL vs 52.48±26.72 ng/mL), Zn (0.82±0.22 mg/L vs 1.07±0.26 mg/L) and Se (2.66±0.60 mg/L vs 3.32±0.55 mg/L) levels were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) compared to their respective controls. Trace minerals (except Cu) and antioxidant enzyme levels decrease significantly with increased severity of chronic liver disease.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings suggested that trace minerals and antioxidants are reduced in chronic liver disease patients and reduction correlated significantly with advanced disease.

To Estimate the Levels of Serum Vitamins A, E, And C in Cervical Cancer Patients

Background&#x0D; Cervical cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in developing nations, including India. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most frequent malignancy among women. In comparison to urban regions, cervical cancer is more common in rural communities. This investigation find the impact of vitamins (A, E, and C) on cervical cancer severity in SGT Hospital patients was the goal of this study.&#x0D; Aim and Objectives&#x0D; &#x0D; To determine the levels of serum vitamin A,C and E in cervical cancer patients and healthy controls&#x0D; To compare the serum level of vitamin A,C and E in patients with cervical cancer and healthy control&#x0D; &#x0D; Materials and Methods&#x0D; This study is conducted in Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with Department of Pathology, and Department of Gynaecology at SGT Hospital, Budhera, Gurugram's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, this is hospital-based cross-sectional case control study. Subjects are 50 healthy volunteers who are age-matched from the general population as the control group. A signed and informed permission is obtained from each individual in both groups once they have been fully informed of the study's objectives. Before beginning the sample collection, institutional ethical committee approval is soughted. Samples are centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes; the serum is separated from the clot in the plain tube. The plasma obtained after centrifuging the blood in the lithium heparin tube at 3000 rpm is decanted. Vitamins A and E is examined on zaivik by HPLC method and Vitamin C is examined by ELISA method&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Patients with cervical cancer had a significantly lower level of a parameter, such as serum vitamin A, C and E when compare with controls. Our study shows that serum vitamin A levels in the patients were 30.2 ±4.0 mcg/dl and 54.7 ±10.6 mcg/dl, respectively, with a p value of &lt;0.05 which are lower when compared with controls. Vitamin E levels were also decreased in study group (4.5±1.5 mcg/dl ) than controls (11.9±2.7 mcg/dl ) having p value &lt;0.05. Vitamin C levels in cases (1.83±0.3) mcg/dl were considerably lower than those in control groups 9.8±2.5 mcg/dl having p value &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our results imply that lower antioxidant vitamin levels may contribute to the aetiology and development of cervical carcinoma, even if the precise mechanisms through which oxidative stress might cause cancer are still unclear.

Evaluation of vitamin E levels, antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde in women with unexplained infertility

Unexplained infertility is a perplexing disorder. 30% of infertile couples are diagnosed with unexplained infertility with all standard fertility investigations normal. Oxidative stress has been shown to have a negative impact on reproductive function in women with endometriosis and (PCOS) polycystic ovarian syndrome. In another study antioxidant supplementation improved OS induced infertility. Many studies have demonstrated an increase in Malondialdehyde in serum of women with infertility and vitamin E as a protective antioxidant in the body with positive effect on the fertility. There is growing evidence linking OS and unexplained infertility.Based on this knowledge the specific group of unexplained infertile women were chosen to assess their levels of serum antioxidant enzymes, Vitamin E and lipid peroxidation marker. To compare the Levels of Malondialdehyde, Antioxidant enzymes and Vitamin E in the serum of women with unexplained infertility and control group.: Case control study.70 normal ovulatory women who conceived within 12 months of contraceptive free intercourse, and with no history of miscarriage were recruited in the control group. 70 women with unexplained infertility were recruited as study group. All participants included in the study were between 28 and 38 years of age. Serum levels of MDA, Antioxidant enzymes (GST, SOD, Catalase) and Vitamin E concentrations were compared between two groups. Vitamin E concentrations were determined by using High performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant enzymes and MDA were measured by standard spectrophotometric assay.: Data was analysed using SPSS Software. Continuous parameters were analysed using Mann Whitney U test. There is a significant decrease in the vitamin E levels 3.80 ug/ml) in the unexplained infertile group as compared to controls 6.0 ug/ml). All women in the study group showed significantly (P&amp;#60;0.05) higher levels of MDA and lower levels of antioxidant enzymes such as GST, SOD and Catalase as compared to the fertile women. This decrease was found to be significant with p value of &amp;#60;0.05. The study group have a higher oxidative stress status and low level of antioxidants compared to control group. Serial measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers and their defense system may help to understand the aetiology of unexplained infertility and to enhance their chances of conception.

Cytochrome c-peroxidase modulates ROS homeostasis to regulate the sexual mating of Sporisorium scitamineum.

Sugarcane smut, caused by the basidiomycetous fungus Sporisorium scitamineum, is a global fungal disease resulting in substantial economic losses. Our previous research has highlighted the significant role of reactive oxide species (ROS) in the sexual reproduction of S. scitamineum, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we identified the cytochrome c-peroxidase encoding gene, SsCCP1, as crucial for oxidative stress resistance. We further found that absence of SsCcp1 leads to defects in mating/filamentation and disrupts intracellular ROS homeostasis. However, restoration of mating/filamentation of SsCCP1 deletion mutants was partially achieved with exogenous antioxidants (vitamin C or vitamin E). Notably, transcription of the pheromone response factor SsPRF1, pivotal for mating/filamentation of S. scitamineum, is significantly reduced in the SsCCP1 deletion mutants or under exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) conditions. Nevertheless, the addition of exogenous vitamin C for 60 min significantly up-regulated the SsPRF1 gene in the SsCCP1 deletion mutants. Moreover, the constitutive expression of SsPRF1 essentially reinstated the mating/filamentation of SsCCP1 deletion mutants, suggesting that SsCcp1 mediates the transcriptional activity of SsPRF1 by maintaining ROS homeostasis to regulate the mating/filamentation of S. scitamineum. Further investigations revealed that SsCcp1 is necessary for ROS detoxification and full pathogenicity in planta. Overall, this study not only unveils the importance of SsCcp1 in S. scitamineum mating/filamentation, ROS detoxification, and virulence but also provides insights into the role of SsCcp1-regulated ROS homeostasis in sexual reproduction of S. scitamineum. IMPORTANCE Reactive oxygen species play an important role in pathogen-plant interactions. In fungi, cytochrome c-peroxidase maintains intracellular ROS homeostasis by utilizing H2O2 as an electron acceptor to oxidize ferrocytochrome c, thereby contributing to disease pathogenesis. In this study, our investigation reveals that the cytochrome c-peroxidase encoding gene, SsCCP1, not only plays a key role in resisting H2O2 toxicity but is also essential for the mating/filamentation and pathogenicity of S. scitamineum. We further uncover that SsCcp1 mediates the expression of SsPrf1 by maintaining intracellular ROS homeostasis to regulate S. scitamineum mating/filamentation. Our findings provide novel insights into how cytochrome c-peroxidase regulates sexual reproduction in phytopathogenic fungi, presenting a theoretical foundation for designing new disease control strategies.

Performance and meat quality in pigs fed hydrolysable tannins from Tara spinosa

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary tara (Tara spinosa (Feuillée ex Molina) Britton & Rose) hydrolysable tannins on performance and meat quality of finishing pigs. Twenty barrows (crossbred PIC × Piétrain; age: 125 ± 5 d; bodyweight: 60.8 ± 3.89 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups and fed ad libitum for 7 weeks a control diet (CON) or a diet supplemented with 10 g/kg of tara tannins (TAT), respectively. No differences (P > 0.10) on growth performance and carcass traits were observed between the two groups. Meat fatty acid profile was not affected (P > 0.10) by the diet, but the content of C22:5 n-3 tended to be lower (P = 0.079) in TAT pork. Dietary tannins tended to reduce (P = 0.095) meat cholesterol. The diet had no effect (P > 0.10) on fat-soluble antioxidant vitamins, hydrophilic antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Superoxide dismutase activity tended to be lower (P = 0.087) in TAT meat than in CON meat. Dietary tannins did not affect (P > 0.10) backfat and meat color development during 6 days of refrigerated storage, but TAT meat tended to be darker (P = 0.082). Meat from pigs fed tara tannins showed lower (P = 0.028) hydroperoxides content and a tendency toward lower conjugated dienes (P = 0.079) and malondialdehyde (P = 0.084) contents. Also, dietary tannins delayed lipid oxidation in meat subjected to oxidative challenges such as catalysis and cooking (P < 0.05). The positive effect of dietary tara hydrolysable tannins on lipid oxidation was likely due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, but it may have been mitigated by the high α-tocopherol content in meat.

Effects of Gnaphalium affine extract (GAE) and sodium pyrophosphate (PP) on •OH‐induced oxidation and the structure of myofibrillar proteins

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of the combination of Gaphalium affine extract (GAE) and sodium pyrophosphate (PP) on the structure and oxidative stability of porcine myofibrillar proteins (MPs) under oxidative stress. The results showed that GAE was rich in total flavonoids and total phenols (37.09% and 67.50%, respectively). GAE had strong free radical scavenging ability, especially for •OH, and the semi‐inhibitory concentration (IC50) of •OH reached as high as 3.59 μg/mL, which was slightly lower than that of the standard antioxidant vitamin C (Vc). The addition of GAE and PP significantly inhibited the formation of carbonyl groups compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The presence of GAE further promoted the loss of total sulphydryl groups by 3.52% compared to the oxidative control group (P &lt; 0.05). However, PP and PP+G significantly inhibited the loss of total sulphydryl groups (P &lt; 0.05). The further reduction in the carbonyl content, increase in the hydrogen bond content, inhibition of the conversion of sulphydryl groups to disulphide bonds, and decrease in the cross‐linking aggregation of corresponding proteins all indicate that GAE and PP could cooperatively regulate the oxidation of MPs. An appropriate amount of PP effectively modified the damage caused by GAE on both the secondary and tertiary structure of MPs to maintain their structural stability, however, a relatively higher concentration of PP led to a substantial degree of MP collapse and affected the quality of the proteins. These results suggest that the oxidative stability of MPs can be improved by the addition of an appropriate amount of GAE (0.2 mg/g protein) combined with PP (1 mM).

Atrazine: cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, testicular effects and chemopreventive Interventions.

Atrazine (ATZ) is an environmental pollutant that interferes with several aspects of mammalian cellular processes including germ cell development, immunological, reproductive and neurological functions. At the level of human exposure, ATZ reduces sperm count and contribute to infertility in men. ATZ also induces morphological changes similar to apoptosis and initiates mitochondria-dependent cell death in several experimental models. When in vitro experimental models are exposed to ATZ, they are faced with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytotoxicity and decreased growth rate at dosages that may vary with cell types. This results in differing cytotoxic responses that are influenced by the nature of target cells, assay types and concentrations of ATZ. However, oxidative stress could play salient role in the observed cellular and genetic toxicity and apoptosis-like effects which could be abrogated by antioxidant vitamins and flavonoids, including vitamin E, quercetin, kolaviron, myricetin and bioactive extractives with antioxidant effects. This review focuses on the differential responses of cell types to ATZ toxicity, testicular effects of ATZ in both in vitro and in vivo models and chemopreventive strategies, so as to highlight the current state of the art on the toxicological outcomes of ATZ exposure in several experimental model systems.

POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT OF PEROXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT LEVELS IN ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Objectives: Antioxidant levels vary from person-to-person depending on their degree and type of activity, food, exposure to psychological stress, and contaminated environment. In addition, those who are older, have specific medical conditions, take drugs, smoke, and consume alcohol, and are exposed to solar radiation may require more carotenoids and other antioxidants. This led us to compare the antioxidant levels within alcoholics and non-alcoholic healthy subjects. Methods: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and level of some antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), antioxidant Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E were estimated in the circulations of alcoholics and non-alcoholic healthy subjects. Results: Significantly increased concentrations of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and significantly lowered levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px were observed in alcoholics and may be due to their increased utilization to scavenge lipids peroxides. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation may be due to excessive oxidative stress. The comparison between alcoholics and non-alcoholics revealed 24% increased MDA in alcoholic subjects. Enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px), metabolic (GSH), and nutrient antioxidants (Vitamin A, E, C, and β-carotene) were lower in alcoholic as compared to non-alcoholic subjects. Conclusion: Regardless of commercial brand, alcohol raises oxidative stress. When drinking alcohol and smoking or environmental contamination are coupled, this stress is significantly greater.

PM 2.5 juvenile exposure–induced spermatogenesis dysfunction by triggering testes ferroptosis and antioxidative vitamins intervention in adult male rats

PM2.5 derived from automobile exhaust can cause reproductive impairment in adult males, but the toxic effects of PM2.5 exposure on reproductive function in juvenile male rats and its relationship with ferroptosis have not been reported. In this paper, 30-day-old juvenile male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (blank control, vitamin control, PM2.5, and PM2.5+Vitamin). The blank control group was fed normally, and the vitamin control group was given intragastric administration of vitamins in addition to normal feeding. PM2.5 was administered via tracheal intubation. When the rats were treated for 4 weeks until reaching the period of sexual maturity. A mating test was performed first, and then their testicular and epididymal tissues were studied. Compared with control rats, juvenile male rats exposed to PM2.5 showed a decreased sperm count and fertility rate, redox imbalance, damaged mitochondria, a metabolic disorder of intracellular iron ions, and a significant rise in ferroptosis during the period of sexual maturity. After antioxidative vitamins intervention, the redox imbalance, metabolic disorder of intracellular iron ions, and ferroptosis were all alleviated, leading to the following conclusions: after being exposed to PM2.5 from automobile exhaust, male juvenile rats during the period of sexual maturity have significantly decreased reproductive function. The reproductive toxicity of PM2.5 is closely related to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. In addition, ferroptosis decreases and reproductive function is recovered to some degree after antioxidative vitamins intervention.Graphical abstract

Chemical and Organoleptic Properties of Dragon Fruit Gummy Candy and Apple Snail Collagen Extract with Carrageenan Addition

Gummy candy is a soft confectionery crafted from fruit juice, sugar, and gelling agents, known for its chewy texture. The utilization of dragon fruit juice enhances its nutritional value due to its antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C content. Additionally, it aims to diversify products derived from dragon fruit. Meanwhile, the utilization of collagen from apple snails seeks to boost the economic value of these snails and provide an alternative source of collagen raw material. In this study, the gummy candy uses carrageenan as a hydrocolloid material to establish the chewy texture. This study's primary objective is to determine the optimal combination involving the proportion of dragon fruit juice, apple snail collagen extract, and carrageenan concentration for producing high-quality gummy candy. The research employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a two-factor factorial pattern and two replications. The first factor was the proportion of dragon fruit juice to apple snail collagen (70:30, 75:25, and 80:20), while the second factor was the carrageenan concentration (3%, 5%, and 7% w/w). Observational data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and if interactions were observed, they were further assessed with Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%. The treatment combination of a 75:25 proportion of dragon fruit juice to apple snail collagen and a 7% carrageenan concentration proved to be the most effective, yielding gummy candy with a moisture content of 13.21%, ash content of 0.95%, and organoleptic evaluation scores for aroma, taste, color, and texture of 3.25, 3.4, 3.4, and 3.7.

Assessment of developmental rate of mouse embryos yielded from in vitro fertilization of the oocyte with treatment of melatonin and vitamin C simultaneously

BackgroundIn recent decades, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been widely used as a method of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to improve fertility in individuals. To be more successful in this laboratory method, we used the presence of two common types of antioxidants (melatonin and vitamin C) simultaneously and exclusively in IVF medium.MethodsThe cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HMG) -stimulated mice. Subsequently, metaphase II (MII) oocytes were fertilized in vitro. In the experiment, the IVF medium was randomly divided into two equal groups: The control group did not receive any antioxidants. In the treatment group, 100 µM melatonin and 5 mM vitamin C were added to the IVF medium. Finally, oocytes and putative embryos transferred into developmental medium and cultured 120 h after IVF to the blastocyst stage. After and before IVF, oocytes and putative embryos were stained with dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) and the H2O2 level was measured with an inverted fluorescence microscope using ImageJ software. At the end of the fifth day after IVF, the expression of Bax and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) was evaluated using real-time PCR.ResultsThe levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes and putative embryos observed in the treatment group demonstrated a significant reduce compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.01. (.Furthermore, the number of embryos in the blastocycte stage(P < 0.05), the expression level of the Bcl2 (P < 0.05) gene, the Bax unlike gene, significantly increased compared with the control group.ConclusionWe conclude that the presence of melatonin and vitamin C antioxidants simultaneously and exclusively in the IVF medium leads to a reduction in ROS and ,as a result, improves the growth of the embryo up to the blastocyst stage.

Emerging technologies for the extraction of bioactives from mushroom waste.

Extraction of bioactive compounds for application in nutraceuticals is gaining popularity. For this, there is a search for low-cost substrates that would make the end product and the process more economical. Mushroom waste (stalk, cap, stem etc.) is one such high valued substrate that has received much attention recently due to its rich reserves of terpenoids, polyphenols, sesquiterpenes, alkaloids, lactones, sterols, antioxidative vitamins, anthocyanidins, glycoproteins and polysaccharides, among others. However, there is a need to identify green and hybrid technologies that could make the bioactive extraction process from these substrates safe, efficient and sustainable. To this effect, many emerging technologies (supercritical fluid, ultrasound-, enzyme- and microwave-assisted extraction) have been explored in the last decade which have shown potential for scale-up with high productivity. This review systematically discusses such technologies highlighting the current challenges faced during waste processing and the research directives needed for further advancements in the field.

Oxidative stress evaluation in patients with chronic Chagas disease.

Chagas disease (CD), caused by protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The parasite clearance by the immune cells is accomplished by the activation of inflammation and production of reactive oxygen species, including nitric oxide (NO) that can lead to tissue injury and DNA damage. On the other hand, to balance the oxidative environment and decrease free radicals, there is an antioxidant system composed of enzymes and vitamins. The aim was to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Chagas disease. Participants were divided into three groups: indeterminate CD (asymptomatic, n=8), CD with cardiac/digestive involvement (symptomatic, n=14), and Control healthy individuals (n=20). The following parameters were analyzed: DNA damage, NO serum levels, hydrophilic antioxidant capacity (HAC) and vitamin E. Symptomatic patients showed increased DNA damage and NO levels and lower HAC and vitamin E levels compared to asymptomatic patients and control subjects. It is possible to conclude that CD patients with clinical symptoms have higher oxidative stress, characterized by increased DNA damage and NO levels, and reduced antioxidant capacity and vitamin E levels.

Effect of Vitamin E on Serum MDA and Antioxidant Enzymes in Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Rats

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the major causes of mortality and disability in the world. This study was designed to investigate the role of antioxidants in the treatment of induced TBI in albino rats.&#x0D; Methodology: Adult albino rats were induced with TBI by the weight-drop method. Rats were grouped into three groups of eight rats each. Group I served as a traumatized-treated group (TT), Group II served as a non-traumatized, non-treated group (TNT), and group III served as normal control group. The treatment group received 67.5 mg/kg of vitamin E (VE). Treatment started 30 minutes after the trauma and continued for 21 days. The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum tissue were assayed to evaluate oxidative stress (OS). &#x0D; Results: The treated group showed a significant (p&lt; 0.05) increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT GPx) and a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in the concentration of MDA compared to the TNT group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Conclusively, these promising results suggest that the use of antioxidant VE may be a useful neuroprotective strategy in the treatment of TBI.