Assessment Of Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Integrated Gold Nanorods-Based Dual-Signal Platform for Accurate Total Antioxidant Capacity Assessment in Food Samples

Accurate assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in food is crucial for evaluating nutritional quality and potential health benefits. This study aims to enhance the sensitivity and reliability of TAC detection through a dual-signal method, combining colorimetric and photothermal signals. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were utilized to establish a dual-signal method duo to the colorimetric and photothermal properties. Fenton reaction can etch the AuNRs from the tips, as a result, a blue shift in the longitudinal LSPR absorption peak was obtained, leading to significant changes in color and photothermal effects, facilitating discrimination through both visual observation and thermometer measurements. In the presence of antioxidants, the Fenton reaction was suppressed or inhibited, protecting the AuNRs from etching. The colorimetric and photothermal signals were therefore positively correlated with TAC levels, enabling dual-signal detection of TAC. The linear range of AA was 4 - 100 μM in both colorimetry and photothermal modes, with detection limits of 1.60 μM and 1.38 μM, respectively. This dual-signal approach achieves low detection limits, enhancing precision and sensitivity. The method thus has the potential to act as a promising candidate for TAC detection in food samples, contributing to improved food quality and safety assessment.

Assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity, 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxy-guanosine, the Genetic Landscape, and Their Associations in BCR::ABL-1-Negative Chronic and Blast Phase Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), namely, polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), are clonal stem cell disorders defined by an excessive production of functionally mature and terminally differentiated myeloid cells. MPNs can transform into secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML/blast phase MPN) and are linked to alterations in the redox balance, i.e., elevated concentrations of reactive oxygen species and markers of oxidative stress (OS), and changes in antioxidant systems. We evaluated OS in 117 chronic phase MPNs and 21 sAML cases versus controls by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations. TAC was higher in MPNs than controls (p = 0.03), particularly in ET (p = 0.04) and PMF (p = 0.01). MPL W515L-positive MPNs had higher TAC than controls (p = 0.002) and triple-negative MPNs (p = 0.01). PMF patients who had treatment expressed lower TAC than therapy-free subjects (p = 0.03). 8-OHdG concentrations were similar between controls and MPNs, controls and sAML, and MPNs and sAML. We noted associations between TAC and MPNs (OR = 1.82; p = 0.05), i.e., ET (OR = 2.36; p = 0.03) and PMF (OR = 2.11; p = 0.03), but not sAML. 8-OHdG concentrations were not associated with MPNs (OR = 1.73; p = 0.62) or sAML (OR = 1.89; p = 0.49). In conclusion, we detected redox imbalances in MPNs based on disease subtype, driver mutations, and treatment history.

Heavy atom-induced quenching of fluorescent organosilicon nanoparticles for iodide sensing and total antioxidant capacity assessment.

We present a novel approach for iodide sensing based on the heavy-atom effect to quench the green fluorescent emission of organosilicon nanoparticles (OSiNPs). The fluorescence of OSiNPs was significantly quenched (up to 97.4% quenching efficiency) in the presence of iodide ions (I-) through oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, OSiNPs can serve as a fluorescent probe to detect I- with high selectivity and sensitivity. The highly selective response is attributed to the hydrophilic surface enabling good dispersion in aqueous solutions and the lipophilic core allowing the generated liposoluble I2 to approach and quench the fluorescence of OSiNPs. The linear working range for I- was from 0 to 50 μM, with a detection limit of 0.1 μM. We successfully applied this nanosensor to determine iodine content in edible salt. Furthermore, the fluorescent OSiNPs can be utilized for the determination of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Antioxidants reduce I2 to I-, and the extent of quenching by the remaining I2 on the OSiNPs indicates the TAC level. The responses to ascorbic acid, pyrogallic acid, and glutathione were investigated, and the detection limit for ascorbic acid was as low as 0.03 μM. It was applied to the determination of TAC in ascorbic acid tablets and fruit juices, indicating the potential application of the OSiNP-based I2 sensing technique in the field of food analysis.

Comparative Assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity of Unstimulated Saliva Which Can Reflect the Oxidative Stress between Autism Children and Normal Children

ABSTRACT Aim: To assess the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the unstimulated saliva of autism children and normal children. Methods: A total of 60 children participated in the study (autism children—30; normal children—30) in the age-group of 7–14 years, at a Special Needs Children’s Home in Salem district. Both groups were further subdivided into subgroups of 15 children each (caries-free and caries-active). All children were given instructions regarding saliva sample collection, and unstimulated saliva samples were collected in sterile cryovials and transported to the laboratory at 4°C, where the TAC of saliva was evaluated using the spectrophotometric assay. Results: TAC of autism children was comparable to that of normal children due to personal care and improved diet. TAC was increased in caries-active children when compared to caries-free children in both groups. When comparing the mean values of TAC in caries-active and caries-free children of both groups, it was not statistically significant. So, from the above results, it can be assumed that the diet, age, and caries activity have a definitive influence on the TAC level of saliva. Conclusion: Personal hygiene, diet, age, and caries activity have a definitive influence on the level of TAC in saliva.

Multifunctional bimetallic MOF with oxygen vacancy synthesized by microplasma for rapid total antioxidant capacity assessment in agricultural products

The assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is crucial for evaluating overall antioxidant potential, predicting the risk of chronic diseases, guiding dietary and nutritional interventions, and studying the effectiveness of antioxidants. However, achieving rapid TAC assessment with high sensitivity and stability remains a challenge. In this study, Ce/Fe-MOF with abundant oxygen vacancies was synthesized using microplasma for TAC determination. The microplasma synthesis method was rapid (30 min) and cost-effective. The presence of oxygen vacancies and the collaboration between iron and cerium in Ce/Fe-MOF not only enhanced the catalyst's efficiency but also conferred multiple enzyme-like properties: peroxidase-like, oxidase-like, and superoxide dismutase mimetic activities. Consequently, a simple colorimetric assay was established for TAC determination in vegetables and fruits, featuring a short analysis time of 15 min, a good linear range of 5–60 μM, a low detection limit of 1.3 μM and a good recovery of 91 %-107 %. This method holds promise for rapid TAC assessment in agricultural products.

Nickel doping of ferrous disulfide nanocubes exhibits enhanced oxidase-like activity for In vitro detection of total antioxidant capacity

The development of nanomaterials that mimic oxidase-like activities has recently attracted an increasing amount of attention. Obtaining highly active and cost-effective oxidase mimics has posed a significant challenge in this area of research. In this study, we successfully synthesized nickel-doped ferrous disulfide nanocubes (Ni–FeS2) via a facile one-step method. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that Ni was predominantly distributed within the surface layer of the Ni–FeS2 nanocubes. The incorporation of nickel in density functional theory (DFT) calculations effectively reduced the d-band center of Fe, resulting in weakened adsorption to intermediates and thereby enhancing its catalytic efficiency. Moreover, we developed a novel approach based on Ni–FeS2 (the Ni–FeS2 method) for detecting reducing substances, which exhibited good sensitivity toward ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione (GSH), and cysteine (Cys). Remarkably, the established Ni–FeS2 method was successfully employed for in vitro assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in cellular and organ samples, thereby enabling discrimination between normal, senescent, and malignant cells as well as distinguishing among healthy liver tissue, cancerous liver tissue, and metastatic organs.

Screening of ten wild fruits extracts from Cameroon’s flora for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential

Background: Wild edible fruits are good source of phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins. Those compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory potential. They interact with many mediators of the physiopathological pathway such as NF-kB which is at a central position in the inflammatory response in macrophages. This study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of ten wild edible fruits aqueous extracts. Methods: The antioxidant potential was evaluate through the DPPH, ABTS and OH radical scavenging activity; the ferric reducing agent power and the total antioxidant capacity assessment. Also, the total phenolic and flavonoids, anthocyanins compounds and vitamin C content were assayed. For the anti-inflammatory activity, a primary macrophage culture was used. Inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), alkaline phosphatase, NADPH oxidase and 5-lipoxigenase activity was assayed. Results: Alchornea cordifolia and Pentaclethra macrophylla extracts showed the greatest antioxidant activity respectively (Antiradical power (AP)=5.82 mol of DPPH/mg of extract and AP=5.05 mol of DPPH/mg of extract for DPPH scavenging assay); (IC50=1.62µg/ml and IC50=1.60µg/ml for ABTS radical scavenging assay); (IC50=32.67µg/ml and IC50=70.01µg/ml for OH radical scavenging assay) and (EC50=54.06µg/ml and EC50=17.46µg/ml for ferric reducing antioxidant power) with a non-significant difference with the reference compound. For the anti-inflammatory activity, firstly it has been observed that Alchornea cordifolia’s extract exhibits the greatest potential against NADPH oxidase activity inhibition (IC50=36.20µg/ml); alkaline phosphatase activation (EC50=0.27µg/ml) with non-significant difference with the reference compound. Secondly, Pentaclethra macrophylla’s extract demonstrated a high ability to inhibit NO production (IC50=5.79µg/ml) and 5-lipoxigenase (IC50=1.41µg/ml). Conclusion: From the results obtained the assessed wild fruit extracts appears to be good sources for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive molecules. They could be beneficial for the research of new modulators for the management of inflammatory disorders.

Assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity in Serum of Heathy and Stressed Hens.

Simple SummaryIn living organisms, the antioxidant defense system serves to counteract reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, thereby protecting cellular targets against their oxidative damage; it includes a combination of different substances of endogenous or exogenous origin. Several methods were developed to assess the overall antioxidant capacity or the precise determination of individual key antioxidants. In the present study, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in healthy and dexamethasone-stressed hen serum was measured by applying four different spectrophotometric methods intended for both clinical and research studies, which could be automated on clinical auto-analyzers, thus allowing rapid and not expensive data collections. TAC values assessed by all four methods did not change throughout the experimental period in the control group, whereas significant changes were shown by all adopted assays in the stressed group, with some remarkable differences, probably due to the different contribution in each assay of the various antioxidant substances present in the samples. Therefore, when TAC evaluation is necessary to verify if animals are experiencing oxidative stress (OS) or to evaluate possible benefits from an antioxidant-enriched diet, TAC assessment should involve multiple assays, due to the different analytical technologies on which their assessments are based.Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in healthy and dexamethasone-stressed hens was measured by applying four different spectrophotometric methods—the ferric reducing ability (FRAP) assay, the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzotiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), and the total thiol levels (TTL). TAC assessed by all four methods did not change throughout the experimental period in the control group, whereas significant changes were shown by all adopted assays in the stressed group with some remarkable differences. TAC increased in the stressed group when FRAP and ABTS assays were applied, while it was reduced when sera were assessed by FRSA and TTL assays. Furthermore, FRAP assay was the only test able to show a significant change in TAC immediately after the end of the induced stress. At the end of the experimental period, TAC assessed by ABTS and FRSA assays showed a complete recovery in the stressed group, whereas TAC assessed by FRAP and TTL assays still showed significant persistent differences when compared to the control group. The observed differences in TAC are discussed in the light of the different contribution in each assay of the various antioxidant substances present in the samples.

Assessment of total antioxidant capacity of altiplano colored quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd) by visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics

The aim of this study was to predict the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of altiplano colored quinoa using visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectral data and chemometrics. In colored quinoa, at least part of the phenolic compounds are included in the non-extractable fraction and therefore the TAC should be measured by a non-conventional QUick, Easy, New, CHEap and Reproducible procedure (QUENCHER). In this work, QUENCHER using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) returned a value 1.03–7.03 times higher than the extractable antioxidant capacity, and it represented 2.8%–85.8% of the TAC of altiplano colored quinoa. We applied partial least squares regression and ten-fold cross-validation to the raw and pre-processed NIR spectra for the calibration and validation of models, to predict the TAC of altiplano colored quinoa. The best model was obtained for whole quinoa seeds as opposed to ground samples (calibration: R2 = 0.97, RSME = 2.9; validation: R2 = 0.73, RSME = 8.6) using Savitzky-Golay smoothing, the D-trend method and multiplicative scatter correction procedures. The QUENCHER-DPPH result was also positively correlated with extractable antioxidant capacity (EAC-DPPH), total free phenolics, total betalain content and L values (p ≤ 0.001). Therefore, we demonstrate that the TAC of colored quinoa seeds, including both non-extractable and extractable antioxidants, can be predicted by Vis-NIR spectra coupled to chemometrics.

Glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects of Abrus Precatorius (L.) leaf extract in normoglycemic and STZ/Nicotinamide – Induced diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAbrus precatorius (L.) leaves are used as folk medicine by the local communities in the western region of Ghana to treat diabetes mellitus; however, this health claim remains unverified scientifically. ObjectiveThe study investigated glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects of Abrus precatorius leaf extract (APLE) in normoglycemic and STZ/nicotinamide (NIC)-induced diabetic rats.Method: after preparation of APLE, it was subjected to phytochemical screening, proximate composition and elemental assessments by using standard methods. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and maltose, lactose and sucrose oral challenge were assessed in normoglycemic rats post-APLE. Morphological characteristics of glucose response curve (time of glucose peak and shape of glucose response curve) were determined. Subsequently, diabetes mellitus was experimentally established in normoglycaemic adult Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 150–250 g) of both sexes by sequential injection of Streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg ip)-reconstituted in sodium citrate buffer and NIC (110 mg/kg ip)-reconstituted in normal saline (1:1 v/v) for 16 weeks. Except control rats (normal saline 5 ml/kg ip; baseline fasting blood glucose [FBG] of 6.48 mmol/L), rats having FBG (stable at 11.1 mmol/L or ≥ 250 mg/dL) 3 days post-STZ/NIC injection were randomly re-assigned to one of the following groups: model (STZ/NIC-induced diabetic rats), APLE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively po) and metformin (300 mg/kg po) and treated daily for 28 days. Bodyweight and FBG were measured on weekly basis. FBG was measured by using standard glucometers. On day 28, rats were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia, blood collected via cardiac puncture; kidney, liver and pancreas surgically harvested. While the pancreas was processed, sectioned and H&E-stained for histological examination, fresh kidney and liver were homogenized for assessment of total anti-oxidant capacity. Median cross-sectional area of pancreatic islets of Langerhans was determined for each group by using Amscope. ResultsCumulatively, APLE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively) dose-dependently decreased the initial FBG by 55.22, 76.15 and 77.77% respectively compared to model (−1.04%) and metformin (72.29%) groups. APLE treatment recovered damaged pancreatic β-cells and also increased median cross-sectional area (x106 μm2) of pancreatic islets compared to that of model group. APLE significantly (P < 0.05) increased total anti-oxidant capacity (5.21 ± 0.02 AscAE μg/mL) of plasma, kidney and liver compared to model (4.06 ± 0.04 AscAE μg/mL) and metformin (4.87 ± 0.03 AscAE μg/mL) groups. ConclusionAPLE has demonstrated glucose lowering and pancreato-protective effects in rats and arrested the characteristic loss in bodyweight associated with diabetes mellitus. This finding preliminarily confirms folk use of APLE as an anti-diabetic herbal medicine, whiles providing a rationale for further translational studies on APLE.

Total antioxidant capacity assessment by a development of an antioxidant assay based on green synthesized MnO2nanosheets

The determination of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as an integration activity of several antioxidants in samples is a significant parameter in the analysis of biological or food matrices. In this study, MnO2 nanosheets were for the first time employed for TAC measurements. Gum Arabic, a highly branched polysaccharide, was both the reducing and templating agent for the synthesis of MnO2 nanosheets. MnO2 nanosheets are a potent oxidizing agent to oxidize tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in physiological pH to a blue product. Due to the redox reaction between MnO2 nanosheets and antioxidants, the color intensity of the MnO2 mixture in the presence of antioxidants decreased and the absorbance difference of the resulting suspension was measured at 652 nm. The trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values of several antioxidant compounds were also measured using the new assay and conventional standard CUPRAC assay (r = 0.989). Under an optimal condition, linear concentration range, detection limit, precision and accuracy of the proposed assay were evaluated for the detection of various antioxidant compounds and represented the reliability and robustness of this assay. This assay was operated in physiological pH and could be applicable in the detection of TAC in the biological samples.

Novel Potentiometric 2,6-Dichlorophenolindo-phenolate (DCPIP) Membrane-Based Sensors: Assessment of Their Input in the Determination of Total Phenolics and Ascorbic Acid in Beverages

In this work, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for the use of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) as a promising tool for the assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Novel membrane sensors for 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenolate (DCPIP) ions were prepared and characterized. The sensors membranes were based on the use of either CuII-neocuproin/2,6-dichlorophenolindo-phenolate ([Cu(Neocup)2][DCPIP]2) (sensor I), or methylene blue/2,6-dichlorophenolindophenolate (MB/DCPIP) (sensor II) ion association complexes in a plasticized PVC matrix. The sensors revealed significantly enhanced response towards DCPIP ions over the concentration range 5.13 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−2 and 5.15 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−2 M at pH 7 with detection limits of 6.3 and 9.2 µg/mL with near-Nernstian slope of −56.2 ± 1.7 and −51.6 ± 2 mV/decade for sensors I and II, respectively. The effects of plasticizers and various foreign common ions were also tested. The sensors showed enhanced selectivity towards DCPIP over many other phenolic and inorganic ions. Long life span, high potential stability, high reproducibility, and fast response were also observed. Method validation was also verified by measuring the detection limit, linearity range, accuracy, precision, repeatability and between-day-variability. The sensors were introduced for direct determination of TAC in fresh and canned juice samples collected from local markets. The obtained results agreed fairly well with the data obtained by the standard method.

Inflammatory responses bridge comorbid cardiac disorder in experimental model of IBD induced by DSS: protective effect of the trigonelline.

Pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves the combination of immunological and inflammatory factors. IBD is associated with several extra-intestinal manifestations. The exact underlying bridge between the probable cardiac diseases in IBD patients is undetermined. Trigonelline is an alkaloid with several therapeutic potential properties. In this study, we aimed to assess the probable underlying mechanisms of this comorbidity as well as protective effect of trigonelline focusing inflammatory response and oxidative state in mouse model of colitis. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used for induction of colitis in mice. Trigonelline (10, 50 and 100mg/kg) was administrated via intraperitoneal rout (i.p.) for 14 continuous days. Heart, intestine and serum samples were taken for assessment of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), gene expressions of inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnf-α), interleukin 1-beta (Il/1β), toll- like receptor 4 (Tlr4) as well as for evaluation of histopathological alterations. Results demonstrated that trigonelline effectively attenuated the cellular/molecular and histopathological adverse effects of colitis in the intestine and heart tissues. In this regards, we found that trigonelline decreased the MDA level, attenuated the expression of Tnf-α, Il/1β and, Tlr4 as well as modulated the histopathological alterations in the intestine. Furthermore, trigonelline increased the antioxidant capacity in the related experimental groups. We concluded that IBD (colitis) is associated with comorbid cellular/molecular modifications in the heart and for the first time, we found that trigonelline has potential therapeutic effects (at least partially) to attenuate the cardiac manifestations of the colitis.

Programmable electrochemical flow system for high throughput determination of total antioxidant capacity

The aim of this work was to develop a programmable flow system for rapid assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Novel features of the prototype include a single pressure-driven source, versatile manipulation of fluid flows, ability to adapt to different TAC assays, and compatibility with microfluidic design. Antioxidant activity was determined by electrochemical measurement of residual 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrayl hydrate (DPPH•) free radicals in the solution. The overall performance of the device was validated by the spectrophotometric method. The results indicated that dosing of reagents and samples could be controlled by pressure (R2 = 0.992) and time (R2 = 0.999) with high accuracy, and the mixing uniformity of the device was equivalent to that of the batch mixing (R2 = 0.994). TAC assays of a standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid, as well as selected samples such as orange and pomegranate juices, white wine, and green tea by the device were comparable to traditional measurement techniques. Due to the short incubation time, the approach may be more suitable for fast, rather than slow reacting antioxidant compounds. The developed system could be used for rapid TAC screening of food and biological samples.

Protective Effects of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Leaf on Oxidative Stress-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and cardiometabolic activities due to its high content of polyphenols. We characterized the chemical composition and assessed the antidiabetic effects of a novel polyphenol-rich extract (PESc) obtained from S. cumini leaf. Rats were injected with alloxan (150 mg/kg, ip, ALX group) and followed up for 7 days. Some were orally treated with PESc (50 mg/kg/day) for 7 days before and after diabetes induction (ALX-PP) or only for 7 days after alloxan injection (ALX-P). ALX-P and ALX-PP decreased fasting glycemia in 37 and 43%, respectively, as compared to ALX. Triglycerides and total cholesterol serum levels were also significantly reduced in comparison to ALX. PESc presented high polyphenol concentration (71.78 ± 8.57 GAE/100 g), with flavonoid content of 8.21 ± 0.42 QE/100 g. Upon HPLC-MS/MS and MS/MS studies, five main polyphenols—gallic acid, quercetin, myricetin, and its derivatives—were identified. Myricetin was predominant (192.70 ± 16.50 μg/mg PESc), followed by measurable amounts of gallic acid (11.15 ± 0.90 μg/mg PESc) and quercetin (4.72 ± 0.06 μg/mg PESc). Kinetic assessment of total antioxidant capacity revealed PESc high potency, since maximum response was reached within 5 min reaction time in a concentration-dependent manner. Specific antioxidant activity of PESc was assessed against both DPPH• and ABTS•+, showing strong activity (IC50: 3.88 ± 1.09 and 5.98 ± 1.19 μg/mL, resp.). PESc also inhibited lipoxygenase activity (IC50: 27.63 ± 8.47), confirming its antioxidant activity also on biologically relevant radicals. Finally, PESc induced insulin secretion by directly stimulating INS-1E β cells in the absence of any cytotoxic effect. Overall, our results support that PESc is a potent antioxidant phytocomplex with potential pharmacological use as a preventive antidiabetic natural product.

The assessment of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase levels, and the possible role of manganese superoxide dismutase polymorphism in acromegaly.

Oxidative status is attributed to endothelial dysfunction and might be one of the key mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in acromegaly. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of acromegaly on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and the possible influence of human manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) polymorphism on these levels. 51 acromegaly patients and 57 age and sex matched healthy subjects were recruited to the study in Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital between 2011 and 2014. The median SOD and TAC levels were 42.7 (33-60) pg/mL and 1,313.7 (155-1,902) μM in acromegaly; and 46.3 (38-95) pg/mL and 1,607.3 (195-1,981) μM in healthy subjects (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). SOD levels were decreased in controlled and uncontrolled patients compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.05 and p = 0.002, respectively). Controlled and uncontrolled acromegaly displayed significantly decreased levels of TAC compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). SOD levels were not associated with MnSOD polymorphisms in acromegaly. In conclusion, this study showed that acromegaly was associated with decreased levels of SOD and TAC, and controlling the disease activity could not adequately improve these levels.

Effect of oral exposure to artificially weathered Deepwater Horizon crude oil on blood chemistries, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, organ weights and histopathology in western sandpipers (Calidris mauri)

Shorebirds were among birds exposed to Mississippi Canyon 252 (MC252) crude oil during the 2010 Deep Water Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The western sandpiper (Calidris mauri) was chosen as one of four species for initial oral dosing studies conducted under Phase 2 of the avian toxicity studies for the DWH Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA). Thirty western sandpipers were assigned to one of three treatment groups, 10 birds per group. The control group was sham gavaged and the treatment groups were gavaged with 1 or 5mL oil kg bw−1 daily for 20 days. Periodic blood samples for hemoglobin measurements were collected during the trial. A final blood sample used to determine hemoglobin concentration in addition to complete blood counts, plasma clinical chemistries, haptoglobin concentration and plasma electrophoresis was collected when birds were euthanized and necropsied on day 21. Tissues were removed, weighed and processed for subsequent histopathological evaluation. There were numerical decreases in hemoglobin concentrations in oil-dosed birds over the 21-day trial, but values were not significantly different compared to controls on day 21. There were no significant differences between controls and oiled birds in complete blood counts, plasma chemistries, haptoglobin concentration, and plasma electrophoresis endpoints. Of the hepatic oxidative stress endpoints assessed, the total antioxidant capacity assessment (Trolox equivalents) for the control group was lower compared to the 1mL oil kg bw−1 group. Absolute liver weights in the 5mL oil kg bw−1 group were significantly greater compared to controls. While not conclusive, the numerical decrease in hemoglobin concentration and significant increase in absolute liver weight are consistent with exposure to oil. Histological changes in the adrenal gland could be considered a non-specific indicator of stress resulting from exposure to oil. It is possible that the quantity of oil absorbed was not sufficient to induce clearly evident hemolytic anemia or that the western sandpiper is relatively insensitive to ingested oil.

Assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity and Antimicrobial Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra in Saliva of HIV-Infected Patients.

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of licorice in Saliva of HIV/AIDS patients.Materials and Methods:Saliva specimens were collected from 20 people living with HIV infection, with CD4 count <500 cells/mm3 from people infected with HIV/AIDS in Mangalore city, India. A combination of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and nystatin was taken as the positive control and normal saline as negative control. Results were compared using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis in SPSS 19.Results:The TAC was evaluated spectrophotometrically at 695nm using the phosphomolybdenum method. Glycyrrhiza glabra showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) in total Candida count. The TAC of G. glabra was found to be 4.467 mM/L.Conclusions:G. glabra extracts showed good anticandidal activity and also high antioxidant property which reduces the oxidative stress of HIV-infected people.

Properties of two plant extractives as anaesthetics and antioxidants for juvenile tambaqui Colossoma macropomum

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anaesthetic activities of the extractives of Nectandra grandiflora and Spilanthes acmella in juvenile tambaqui fish, Colossoma macropomum as well as to investigate their effects on oxidative stress status of fish submitted to transport in hyperoxia. Fish were placed in aquaria containing five different concentrations of essential oil (EO) of N. grandiflora (25; 50; 100; 200; and 300μLL−1) or waxy extract of S. acmella (5; 10; 15; 20; and 25mgL−1), and the times of anaesthetic induction and recovery were determined by concentration-response trials. Fish transported inside plastic bags in hyperoxic conditions for 2, 6 and 10h with or without anaesthetics were investigated for the occurrence of oxidative stress through the assessment of total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS) in muscle, gills, liver and brain. Both extractives of S. acmella and N. grandiflora induced deep anaesthesia in juvenile C. macropomum. Although transient changes occurred in ACAP and GST activity after transport, irrespective of transport time or anaesthetic used, antioxidant components in these extractives reduced or maintained lipid peroxidation within basal levels in the assessed organs. The use of 10mgL−1 of extract of S. acmella was suitable to induce fast anaesthesia (<3min) and safe recovery (<5min). Sedation concentrations at 1mgL−1 and 30μLL−1 of the extractives of S. acmella and N. grandiflora respectively, enhanced protection against oxidative damage mainly in muscle and gills of juvenile tambaqui and therefore have the potential to be used as chemoprotectants for transport purposes. Statement of relevanceThis study presents novel products to be used as anaesthetics/sedatives for fish.

Possible Protective Role of Propolis and Nigella Sativa Oil against the Toxic Effects of Chlorpyrifos on the Liver and Testes of Adult Albino Rats

Objective: Pesticides are major contaminants of our environment. Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a broad spectrum organophosphate insecticide, is one of the most used organophosphate pesticides in domestic and industrial applications all over the world. This work was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of propolisand nigella sativa oil against the toxic effects of Chlorpyrifos on the liver and testes of adult male albino rats. Material and methods: Eighty adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into 8 equal groups: Group I (negative control group); Group II (positive control group); Group III gavaged with propolis (400mg/Kg b. w.); GroupIVgavaged with nigellasativa oil (100 mg/Kg b.w.); Group V with CPF 6.75 mg/ Kg b. w. / (1/20 of the oral LD50); while group VI gavaged with propolis and CPF, group VII gavaged with nigella sativa oil and CPF, and groupVIII gavaged with both propolis and nigella sativa oil and CPF in the same previous doses. All treatments were given by oral gavage once daily for 12 weeks. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Liver and testicular specimens were obtained for assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA) and histopathological examination by light and electron microscopes. Results: CPF induced chronic toxic effects in the liver and testes which were evidenced by significant increases in hepatic and testicular MDA and significant decrease in TAC serum levels. These results were confirmed by structural and ultra-structural alterations in liver and testes of CPF treated rats. Administration of propolis or nigella sativa alone or in combination ameliorated CPF induced toxic effects, but the most remarkable effects were observed in rats treated with combination of Propolis and nigella sativa. Conclusion: Combination of propolis and nigella sativa had marked protective effects against CPF-induced toxicity in liver and testes of adult albino rats.