Antioxidant Effects Research Articles

Taurine and enzymatically modified isoquercitrin synergistically protect against the methotrexate-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects

This study aimed to evaluate the protective potential of taurine (Tau) and enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ), both individually and in combination, against MTX-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats. A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups (six animals each): control (vehicle), MTX alone (20 mg/kg, single dose), EMIQ+MTX (EMIQ at 26 mg/kg, p.o. for 16 days, with a single dose of MTX on the 13th day), Tau + MTX (Tau at 500 mg/kg, p.o. for 16 days, with a single dose of MTX on the 13th day), (EMIQ+Tau)+MTX, and (EMIQ+Tau)½+MTX. MTX treatment resulted in elevated levels of cardiac creatine phosphokinase-myocardial band, troponin I, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and serum IL-6, while decreasing levels of cardiac myeloperoxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. MTX also reduced expression of BMI-1, induced DNA laddering and fragmentation, and increased cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in cardiac tissue. Both Tau and EMIQ showed equivalent effectiveness in protecting the heart against MTX-induced damage due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Notably, combined treatment with half-doses of Tau and EMIQ offered superior protection compared to full doses of each agent alone. The full-dose combination showed similar efficacy to the half-dose combination, with a few exceptions. Overall, these results suggest a synergistic effect of Tau and EMIQ in mitigating MTX-induced cardiotoxicity, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.

Prolactin protects hippocampal neurons against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity by suppressing BAX and NOX4 via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are physiological byproducts of neuronal metabolism. However, an imbalance between ROS generation and antioxidant capacity, often driven by dysregulated pro-oxidant enzymes like nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NOX), can result in deleterious oxidative stress. This oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. While interventions with broad-spectrum antioxidants have demonstrated limited efficacy, the modulation of endogenous antioxidant mechanisms presents a promising therapeutic avenue. Here, we investigated the potential of the neuroprotective hormone prolactin to mitigate oxidative stress and subsequent neuronal cell death. Prolactin protected primary mouse hippocampal neurons from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage. Prolactin reduced ROS levels, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis, and its effects were occluded by a specific prolactin receptor antagonist (G129R-hPRL). Mechanistically, prolactin suppressed H2O2-induced mRNA upregulation of pro-oxidative Nox4 and pro-apoptotic Bax. Moreover, prolactin induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) nuclear translocation, and the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway abolished the neuroprotective and transcriptional effects of prolactin, indicating its central role in prolactin-mediated protection. Our findings indicate that prolactin exerts potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects by modulating the expression of Nox4 and Bax, thereby reducing ROS generation and neuronal apoptosis. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of prolactin in attenuating oxidative stress and suggests a possible role in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Sea Buckthorn Flavonoid Extracted with High Hydrostatic Pressure Alleviated Shrimp Allergy in Mice through the Microbiota and Metabolism.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) known as the deciduous shrub has been reported to have effects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Tropomyosin (TM) induced a regulatory immune response associated with food allergy. In this study, a mouse model of food allergy sensitized to tropomyosin (TM) was established to assess the antiallergic properties of sea buckthorn flavonoid extract (SBF). SBF alleviated mice's allergic symptoms and exhibited a significant reduction in the levels of IgE and histamine. Meanwhile, SBF repaired the allergic Th2 cell overpolarization generated by TM, via downregulating the IL-4 production and upregulating IFN-γ production to restore the balance of Th1/Th2 cells. Furthermore, the 16S RNA analysis showed that SBF primarily restored the gut microbiota via increasing the abundance in Chitinophilidae and decreasing in Burkholderiaceae, Pneumatobacteriaceae, and Sphingomonadaceae. Gut metabolomes determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) suggested that TM upregulated PE (14:0/22:1(13Z)) and SBF decreased formimino-l-glutamic acid and urocanic acid levels. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, SBF treatment has been shown to modulate glycerophospholipid and histidine metabolism to improve allergic reactions. SBF holds great promise as a novel potential agent for the treatment of food allergies.

Incretin-Based Therapies: A Promising Approach for Modulating Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in Sarcopenia.

Recent studies have linked sarcopenia development to the hallmarks of diabetes, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. The anti-oxidant and insulin sensitivityenhancing effects of incretin-based therapies may provide a promising option for the treatment of sarcopenia. This review aimed to unveil the role of oxidative stress and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and explore the potential benefits of incretin-based therapies in individuals with sarcopenia. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched by applying keywords relevant to the main topic, to identify articles that met our selection criteria. Incretin-based therapies manifested anti-oxidant effects by increasing the anti-oxidant defense system and decreasing free radical generation or by indirectly minimizing glucotoxicity, which was mainly achieved by improving insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. Likewise, these drugs exhibit insulin-sensitizing activities by increasing insulin secretion, transduction, and β-cell function or by reducing inflammation and lipotoxicity. Incretin-based therapies, as modulators of oxidation and insulin resistance, may target the main pathophysiological factors of sarcopenia, thus providing a promising strategy for the treatment of this disease.

Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity potentials of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Helichrysum cymosum

The current research involved the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using an aqueous extract of Helichrysum cymosum shoots, and subsequent characterization via different analytical methods, such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and zeta potential. The biological effects of the ZnO-NPs were then tested against C3A hepatocyte cells and L6 myocyte cell lines via series of analysis, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effect via enzymatic inhibition. The UV–Vis analysis showed a maximum absorption spectrum at 360, and the TEM analysis reveals a spherical and hexagonal structures, with an average dimension of 28.05–58.3 nm, and the XRD reveals a crystalline hexagonal structure. The zeta potential evaluation indicated that the ZnO-NPs are relatively stable at − 20 mV, and the FTIR analysis identified some important functional group associated with phenolics, carboxylic acid, and amides that are responsible for reducing and stabilizing the ZnO-NPs. The synthesized ZnO-NPs demonstrated cytotoxic effects on the cell lines at higher concentrations (125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL), complicating the interpretation of the results of the inflammatory and antioxidant assays. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the inhibitions of pancreatic lipase, alpha-glucosidase, and alpha-amylase, indicating beneficial antidiabetic effects.

Effects of Arnica Phytotherapeutic and Homeopathic Formulations on Traumatic Injuries and Inflammatory Conditions: A Systematic Review

Arnica L. genus (Asteraceae) comprises perennial herbs native to the temperate and boreal parts of the northern hemisphere. Arnica montana is the main species. It shows different biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor effects. The Arnica formulations are mainly used for pain management. This systematic review is aimed at summarizing the studies focusing on the use of Arnica products on pain and inflammatory signs due to traumatic injuries related to sport and surgical interventions as well as to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Both phytotherapeutic and homeopathic formulations are taken into account. This paper only includes manuscripts published in mainstream journals. A literature search from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases has been carried out using a combination of the keywords “Arnica”, “trauma”, “sport”, “injury”, “injuries”, and “pain”. According to the search strategy and inclusion criteria for this study, 42 eligible papers, focusing on both Arnica alone and formulations containing a mixture of plant extracts, have been finally selected. This review critically discusses the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies dealing with Arnica products, reporting both positive and negative outcomes, thus providing perspectives for future research on the plant pharmacological potential.

Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Oleaster Oil Against Silica Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress and Organ Toxicity in Rats

Nanoparticles have found widespread application in a variety of fields, despite growing worry about their possible hazardous effects on both the environment and human health. In recent years, research efforts have focused on plants and vegetable oils, which have been identified as abundant sources of many bioactive compounds. Many of these substances are known to participate in antioxidant processes. As a result, the current study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and protective properties of oleaster oil against cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in albino Wistar rats. Forty male rats were randomly assigned to four equally sized cohorts: a control group, SiNP-treated group (at a dose of 50 mg/kg), SiNP-treated group supplemented with oleaster oil (at a dose of 2 mL/kg), and those receiving only 2 mL/kg of oleaster oil. The findings demonstrated that SiNPs initiated an oxidative stress environment, as evidenced by higher lipid peroxidation levels and changes in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced, including glutathione levels between the control and SiNP-exposure treatments (36.01%, 36.59%, 60%), glutathione-S-transferase (29.74%, 29.90%, 13.49%), catalase (24.14%, 28.19%, 30.85%), and tissue superoxide dismutase (11.90%, 37.78%, 37.79%) in the liver, kidney, and heart, respectively. Furthermore, histological investigations revealed significant liver, kidney, and heart damage, as indicated by pathological alterations such as vascular dilatation and congestion, inflammatory cellular infiltration, and hepatocellular dysfunction. Encouragingly, the administration of oleaster oil significantly ameliorated a majority of these detrimental effects. These data suggest a potential protective effect of oleaster oil against the adverse histological effects induced by SiNP injection.

Antioxidative and Cytoprotective Effects of Rosa Roxburghii and Metabolite Changes in Oxidative Stress-Induced HepG2 Cells Following Rosa Roxburghii Intervention

Rosa Roxburghii (RR), a traditional Chinese medicinal fruit, is rich in bioactive substances that make it a potential natural antioxidant resource. This research aimed to study the antioxidant properties of RR by in vitro experiments and through intracellular assessment in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells. A non-targeted metabolic analysis was conducted to indicate changes in intracellular and extracellular metabolites. Differential metabolites and metabolic pathways were explored using PCA, PLS-DA, and KEGG pathway analysis. The results showed that RR rich in bioactive substances exhibited a significant antioxidative property in vitro and intracellularly. This property may be achieved by scavenging free radicals, increasing the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the levels of bicinchoninic acid (BCA) while reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This study identified 13 differential metabolites intracellularly and 7 extracellularly, among which the key differential metabolites included D-glucopyranose, D-mannose, fructose, citric acid, malic acid, cholesterol, and cholestenone. These key metabolites primarily regulated glucose-related metabolism, the citrate cycle, and the primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells. These findings provide potential application evidence of RR in the development of natural resources for functional foods.

Mechanistic Studies on the Antidiabetic Properties of Gallotannins.

The escalating prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has emerged as a global public health dilemma. This ailment is associated with insulin resistance and heightened blood glucose concentrations. Despite the rapid advancements in modern medicine, where a regimen of medications is employed to manage blood glucose effectively, certain treatments manifest significant adverse reactions. Recent studies have elucidated the pivotal role of gallotannins in mitigating inflammation and obesity, potentially reducing the prevalence of obesity-linked T2DM. Gallotannins, defined by their glycosidic cores and galloyl groups, are ubiquitously present in plants, playing diverse biological functions and constituting a significant segment of water-soluble polyphenolic compounds within the heterogeneous tannins group. The structural attributes of gallotannins are instrumental in dictating their myriad biological activities. Owing to their abundance of hydroxyl groups (-OH) and complex macromolecular structure, gallotannins exhibit an array of pro-physiological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, protein-precipitating, and antibacterial effects. Extensive research demonstrates that gallotannins specifically obstruct α-amylase and pancreatic lipase, enhance insulin sensitivity, modulate short-chain fatty acid production, alleviate oxidative stress, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, and influence the gut microbiota, collectively contributing to their antidiabetic efficacy. This review aims to consolidate and scrutinize the extant literature on gallotannins to furnish essential insights for their potential application in diabetes management.

Phytochemical Profiling and Pharmacological Evaluation of Methanolic Leaf Extract of C. digyna for Cytotoxic, Anti‐inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiarthritic, and Analgesic Activities

ABSTRACTCaesalpinia digyna (Family: Fabaceae) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for wounds, leprosy, skin diseases, fever, diabetes, etc. Although the root and stem of this plant have a significant medicinal value, there was little research on the leaves of this plant. This study aimed to investigate the qualitative phytochemical profile and evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiarthritic activities, as well as the in vivo anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities, of C. digyna leaf extract. The methanolic extract of C. digyna leaves was prepared using an ultrasonic‐assisted extraction process. In vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activities were evaluated using the hypotonicity‐induced hemolysis and carrageenan‐induced paw edema methods, respectively. Additionally, the extract was assessed for in vitro DPPH (1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging, antiarthritic (protein denaturation), and in vivo analgesic (acetic acid‐induced writhing and tail immersion) activities. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay (BSLB) showed moderate cytotoxic activity (LC50 = 2.25 μg/mL) compared with the standard vincristine sulfate (LC50 = 1.61 μg/mL). In vitro, anti‐inflammatory activity exhibited 85.13% (IC50 value = 2.51 μg/mL) inhibition of Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane lysis at a concentration of 2000 μg/mL whereas in vivo anti‐inflammatory study exerted its maximum effect (p &lt; 0.05) at 400 mg/kg bw dose. This extract also showed significant antioxidant (IC50 = 0.218 μg/mL), antiarthritic (83.61% inhibition) activity, and moderate analgesic effect (p &lt; 0.05) in both methods. These research findings indicated that C. digyna leaves extract has potent antioxidant, analgesic, and anti‐inflammatory effects which can be used as a supplementary medication for inflammatory pain‐relieving factors. In future, finding the mechanism involved in these effects could have significant impact on clinical science.

Investigating Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects regarding Ethanol Extract of Allium Porrum L. in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder worldwide. Meanwhile, Allium Porrum L. (AP) has been recognized as one of the most eminent traditional herbal medicines with substantial health benefits. The aim of the present study is to evaluate anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of AP in rats with T2D. Methods: 70 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 10 animals each. The study groups were as follows: The study groups were as follows: healthy control (HC); healthy control rats receiving 100 mg/kg of AP extract (HC.AP.100); diabetic control (DC); diabetic rats receiving 10 mg/kg metformin (DT.M.10); diabetic animals receiving 50 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.50); diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.100); and diabetic animals receiving 200 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.200). Results: After 6 weeks of intervention, the level of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly increased (P=0.02) and (P=0.002), respectively; while superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration was notably reduced (P=0.04) in DC.M.10 in comparison with that of the HC.AP.100 group. Also, compared to DC.M.10 group, all rats treated with metformin and AP showed a significant decrease in the level of MDA and TNF-α, along with an enhancement of SOD concentration (All P&lt;0.001). Moreover, in comparison with DT.M.10, DT.AP.50, and DT.AP.100 treatments, the DT.AP.200 group revealed a significantly higher improvement in serum TNF-α concentration (P=0.04, P=0.003 and P=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The findings revealed that the use of AP extract for 6 weeks may have beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in T2D-induced rat models.

Identification of hypoxene metabolites in urine samples using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for anti-doping control

Objectives. Hypoxen is a drug which possesses antioxidant and antihypoxic effects. It achieves this by increasing the utilization of oxygen by mitochondria, intensifying oxidative phosphorylation, and as a result, improving tissue respiration. Athletes take it during prolonged exercise, in order to increase efficiency and reduce physical overwork. Since 2023, the World Anti-Doping Agency has included the drug in the monitoring program, in the belief that it can be used to gain a competitive advantage. It is thus a candidate for inclusion in the Prohibited List as a potential regulator of the human metabolism. Currently, there are no studies or scientific publications focusing on the identification of hypoxene in biofluids for the purpose of anti-doping control. The aim of this study is to determine the possible metabolites of the drug and their chromato-mass spectrometric characteristics in urine samples using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) for doping control screening purposes.Methods. Sample preparation of urine samples was carried out using enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid–liquid extraction and derivatization. The GC–MS/MS method was used for analysis. Screening of hypoxene metabolites was carried out in the mode of total ion current after fragmentation of selected parent ions.Results. Three specific metabolites of hypoxene (m/z 342, 300, and 346, including trimethylsilyl derivatives) were identified in urine samples of volunteers (n = 3). They can act as markers for taking the target antihypoxant, and their possible structural formulas are given. The excretion curves of two metabolites with an m/z of 300 and 346 respectively in urine were studied. The maximum concentration is reached after 8–14 and 1.5–6 h, respectively. It was established, that these metabolites are reliably identified in urine 90 h or more after a single dose of the drug.Conclusions. Possible structures of hypoxene metabolites in urine samples from volunteers were determined for the first time and their chromato-mass spectrometric characteristics were established. The approach developed in this study can be used for screening analysis of hypoxene for the purpose of anti-doping control.

Preparation, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activity of Selenated Potato Resistant Starch

AbstractThis study develops selenized potato resistant starch (P‐RS4·Se) from Enshi potato starch to enhance bioactivity. First, the resistant starch (P‐RS4) is prepared through high‐temperature citric acid esterification. Then, P‐RS4 is selenized using the nitrate‐sodium selenite method and analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Optimal conditions are identified: 0.7 % HNO3, a 1:1.1 ratio of P‐RS4 to Na2SeO3, 65 °C, and 4 h. Selenization disrupts P‐RS4·Se’s microstructure, forming a Se─O─C bond with ─OH on C6. The selenized starch shows strong in vitro antioxidant effects, protecting A549 lung cancer cells from oxidative damage at 6–8 mg mL−1, supporting selenium supplementation.

The Influence of Atorvastatin Treatment on Homocysteine Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Model of Diabetic Rats

Objective: In our experimental study, we evaluated the influence of treatment with atorvastatin on the antioxidant activity of intracellular and extracellular systems factors, homocysteine levels (Hcy), and lipid profiles in obese and diabetic rats. Method: Twenty-one male Wistar rats, aged 6 months, 450–550 g, were allocated into three groups. From the beginning of the study, the first group (G-I, control) received only standard food, while the second and third groups (G II—obese, G III—diabetic) were administered a high-fat diet (HFD) with 2% cholesterol. After 2 weeks of accommodation, the specimens in G-III were injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) streptozotocin (35 mg of body weight, pH 4.5), intervention followed by the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Following confirmation of diabetes onset, the specimens in G III were administered concomitantly with the HFD a daily gavage of atorvastatin 20 mg of body weight/day for 20 days. We measured, at the beginning and the end of the study, the Hcy levels, lipid profile, vitamin B12, B6, folic acid, and various parameters of oxidative stress (OS)—total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: After treatment with atorvastatin, the lipid profile in G III significantly improved compared to the other two groups, but enzymatic markers of oxidative stress did not closely parallel this trend. However, after the treatment of statin, we observed an important reduction in Hcy values. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that treatment with atorvastatin can be used not only for its lipid-lowering properties and antioxidant effects but also to reduce Hcy concentration in this experimental model of diabetic rats. Moreover, atorvastatin therapy improves lipid profiles, reduces inflammation, suppresses oxidation, and decreases Hcy levels, potentially preventing major adverse cardiovascular events.

Effects of In Ovo Taurine Injection on Embryo Development, Antioxidant Status, and Bioactive Peptide Content in Chicken Embryos (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Stress in birds disrupts the homeostasis of the organism, leading to an inability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. Taurine, an effective antioxidant, affects various cellular mechanisms, including cation modulation, protein phosphorylation, and cell proliferation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of colloid with taurine applied in ovo to Albumin on embryonic development, oxidative stress indicators and the content of bioactive peptides—carnosine and anserine—in the pectoral muscle. The research materials were eggs of the parent flock (Ross 308) divided into four groups (K (without injection), T50-concentration of taurine hydrocolloid 50 ppm (mg/L); T100-colloid concentration 100 ppm (mg/L) taurine; T500-colloid concentration of 500 ppm (mg/L) taurine). The experimental solutions were injected in an amount of 0.3 mL into egg white. Eggs were incubated under standard incubation conditions. The addition of 100 and 500 ppm taurine had a highly significant (p = 0.001) effect on the plasma antioxidant potential in chicks. The level of anserine increased with increasing concentrations of taurine. These changes were highly significant (p = 0.007). The level of anserine in the T2 and T3 groups was determined to be 2.5 times higher than in the pectoral muscles of embryos not treated with taurine colloid. An analysis of the results showed that the administration of an increased dose of hydrocolloid with taurine increased the content of carnosine and anserine in the pectoral muscle. Colloid with taurine applied in ovo to chicken white egg reduces oxidative stress and increases homeostasis of the organism.

Comprehensive assessment of schiff base derived from 4-Chloroaniline and 2-Formylphenol: Molecular architecture, experimental with computational bioactivity profiling, emphasizing anticancer efficacy against pulmonary and mammary carcinoma cell models

This study thoroughly analyses the structural and biological properties of a Schiff base compound synthesized from the condensation of 2-formyl phenol and 4-chloroaniline. Single crystal X-ray diffraction examination indicated that the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with unit cell parameters a = 13.4232(15) Å, b = 5.7860(6) Å, c = 14.699(2) Å, β = 106.048(6) °, and Z = 4. The molecular structure has an E configuration around the C = N double bond, with a bond length of 1.266(2) Å, and includes an intramolecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond. Hirshfeld surface analysis elucidated intermolecular interactions inside the crystal lattice, emphasizing dominant hydrogen-hydrogen, hydrogen-chlorine, and carbon-hydrogen contacts. The chemical exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on DNA interactions indicate van der Waals forces between the ligand and nucleic acid, whereas it demonstrated considerable binding affinity for BSA with a ΔG value of -6.9 kcal/mol. ADME study revealed values within the recommended range, indicating advantageous pharmacokinetic characteristics. PASS filter-based cytotoxicity predictions indicated significant anti-cancer efficacy against breast adenocarcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, and lung cancer. Toxicological assessments in diverse models indicated no possible irritation to skin and ocular tissues, highlighting its safety profile for therapeutic use. This research advances our comprehension of Schiff bases with halogen substituents and their prospective uses in chemistry and biology.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Chestnut Honey Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice and Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity in HT22 Cells

Chestnut honey has various benefits, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. However, the effects of chestnut honey or the ethyl acetate fraction of chestnut honey (EACH) on neurodegenerative diseases and their related cognitive impairment and neurotoxicity have not yet been established. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the mitigating effect of the EACH on scopolamine (SCO)-injected cognitive decline in mice and glutamate-exposed neurotoxicity in HT22 cells. EACH administration significantly reversed SCO-induced cognitive decline in mice, as demonstrated through the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. The EACH treatment showed a significant alleviation effect by recovering more than 80% of the cell viability decrease induced by glutamate exposure in the HT22 neuronal cell model. Furthermore, the EACH significantly reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, lactate dehydrogenase release, mitochondrial depolarization, and neuronal apoptosis. The EACH regulated the level of apoptosis-related proteins, induced the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and the expression of related antioxidant proteins, and induced the phosphorylation of tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB)/cAMP-calcium response element-binding protein (CREB) and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These data indicate that the EACH can prevent neurons from oxidative damage and improve cognitive dysfunction by activating Nrf-2 and TrkB/CREB signaling pathways. Therefore, the EACH demonstrates potential therapeutic value in mitigating oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity, cognitive decline, and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Beclin1/LC3II/P62 autophagy pathway activation is involved in the protective action of C-peptide against prostate injury in a rat model of type 1 diabetes

One of the undesirable complications of diabetes is sexual dysfunctions in males which may affect their fertility. This research aims to study the effect of C-peptide administration on the prostate of diabetic rats and focusing on exploring the role of the autophagy pathway in diabetic prostate and whether it is involved in C-peptide action. Forty adult male Wistar albino rats were separated into control group, diabetic group, diabetic + C-peptide and diabetic + C-peptide + 3-Methyladenine (autophagy inhibitor). Serum metabolic parameters and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) were measured. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, cell proliferation and cell autophagy were evaluated in prostate tissues using biochemical, western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. C-peptide administration ameliorated the effects of diabetes on the prostate through its hypoglycaemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects which were reversed with autophagy inhibition. Thus, we concluded that C-peptide prevented the effects of diabetes on the prostate through stimulation of the autophagy pathway.

Impact of Reductive Stress on Human Infertility: Underlying Mechanisms and Perspectives

Antioxidants have a well-established effect on general health and are essential in preventing oxidative damage to cells by scavenging free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be neutralized by these substances, which include polyphenols, β-carotene, and vitamins C and E, reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, recent data indicates that consuming excessive amounts of antioxidants may have side effects. Apoptosis and cell signaling are two beneficial physiological processes that are affected by excessive supplementation. Other negative effects include paradoxical enhancement of oxidative stress and unbalanced cellular redox potential. Overdosing on particular antioxidants has been associated with increased medication interactions, cancer progression, and fatality risks. Additionally, the complex impacts they may have on fertility might be both useful and adverse, depending on the quantity and duration of usage. This review delves into the dual role of antioxidants and emphasizes the importance of employing antioxidants in moderation. Antioxidant overconsumption may disrupt the oxidative balance necessary for normal sperm and oocyte function, which is one of the potential negative effects of antioxidants on fertility in both males and females that are also investigated. Although modest usage of antioxidants is generally safe and useful, high levels of antioxidants can upset hormonal balance, impair sperm motility, and negatively impact the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The findings emphasize the need to use antioxidant supplements in a balanced way, the importance of further research to optimize their use in fertility treatments, and the importance of supporting reproductive health to avoid adverse effects.

QUERCETIN AS A POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENT IN HYPERTENSION COMPLICATED BY CONNECTIVE TISSUE DYSPLASIA

This article summarizes data on the effect of quercetin during the treatment of arterial hypertension, complicated by connective tissue dysplasia. Currently, numerous studies are being conducted to study the role of various genes in the development of arterial hypertension. One of the risk factors for hypertension, which remains insufficiently studied, is collagen pathology - undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UND). The presence of connective tissue in all organs and systems, its common origin with mesenchyme, smooth muscle, blood, and lymph leads to dysplastic changes in any organ and system. Among the many metabolic agents in the treatment of hypertension in combination with DST, the bioflavonoid quercetin, which has a pronounced antioxidant effect, deserves the most attention. The use of water-soluble quercetin in the complex therapy of patients with hypertension in combination with DST reduces the frequency of recurrence of hypertensive crises in the post-hospital period, reduces the number of complications, leads to a decrease in blood stabilization, pressure, additional hypotensive effect.