CAT Gene Expression Research Articles

The Antioxidant Effect of Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Aloe vera Peels for Wound Healing.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from plants have emerged as potential candidates for cosmetic and therapeutic applications. In this study, we isolated EVs from Aloe vera peels (A-EVs) and investigated the antioxidant and wound healing potential of A-EVs. A-EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and tangential flow filtration and were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis. The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of A-EVs were investigated by WST-1 assay and flow cytometry. The antioxidant effect of A-EVs was evaluated by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay. The wound healing potential was assessed by in vitro scratch assay using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HDF). The expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and their associated genes was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. A-EVs displayed a round shape and had diameters from 50 to 200nm. A-EVs showed good cytocompatibility on human skin cells and were internalized into HaCaT cells via clathrin-, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and membrane fusion. The SOD activity and CAA assays exhibited that A-EVs had antioxidant activity and reduced intracellular ROS levels in H2O2-treated HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner. A scratch assay showed that A-EVs enhanced the migration ability of HaCaT and HDF. Moreover, A-EVs significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, CAT, and SOD genes in H2O2-treated HaCaT cells. Our findings reveal that A-EVs could activate the antioxidant defense mechanisms and wound healing process via the Nrf2 activation. Overall results suggest that the A-EVs are promising as a potential agent for skin regeneration.

Mitoquinol mesylate alleviates oxidative damage in cirrhotic and advanced hepatocellular carcinogenic rats through mitochondrial protection and antioxidative effects

Mitochondrial dysfunction due to oxidative stress is usually implicated in pathological conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigated the chemopreventive and therapeutic effects of mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, Mitoquinol Mesylate (MitoQ) in a model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced cirrhosis and advanced HCC. Liver cirrhosis and advanced HCC were induced in Wistar rats by diethylnitrosamine administration (10 mg/Kg/day, oral gavage) for 12 and 20 weeks, respectively. The cirrhotic and advanced HCC rats were treated with mitoQ (10 mg/Kg/day, oral gavage) as intervention therapy for 12-20 weeks (pre-treatment) and 4-12 weeks (post-treatment), respectively. Both MitoQ interventions improved body weight, survival index and hepatic function while reducing hepatosomatic index and nodular incidence in cirrhotic and advanced HCC rats. Pre-treatment with mitoQ suppressed the transformation of cirrhotic cells to malignancy and decreased the level of cirrhosis and HCC biomarkers. Also, pre-treatment restored the perturbations in lipid profile, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by DEN-administration. MitoQ achieved these by modulating the activities of cytosolic and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes as well as the expression of mitochondrial SOD2, GPX1 and CAT genes at both stages of cirrhosis and advanced HCC. Oral administration of MitoQ for 12 and 20 weeks further increased F1F0ATPase activity, suggesting mitochondrial respiratory chain uncoupling as one of its mechanisms of action. Therefore, MitoQ administration may represent a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of liver cirrhosis and HCC by reducing hepatic oxidative stress and promoting removal of dysfunctional mitochondria.

Vitamin C regulates the production of reactive oxygen species through Wnt10b signaling in the gill of zebrafish.

In this study, the mechanism that vitamin C (VC) regulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Wnt10b signaling was investigated in the gill of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed that 0.5 and 1.0g/kg VC diets induced the gene expression of Wnt10b, β-catenin, SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX in gill. In addition, VC decreased the levels of H2O2, O2·- and ·OH, whereas the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX were increased by VC in the gill of zebrafish. To evaluate the role of Wnt10b in regulating oxidative stress, Wnt10b RNA was further interfered and the gene expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes were detected in gill. The result of Wnt10b RNA interference showed that Wnt10b signaling played a key role in regulating the gene expression of SOD, CAT, and GSH-PX. In all, VC may regulate the production of ROS through Wnt10b signaling in the gill of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Thymoquinone Preserves Pancreatic Islets Structure Through Upregulation of Pancreatic β-Catenin in Hypothyroid Rats.

BackgroundAltered status of thyroid hormones, which have a key role in regulating metabolism, was reported to affect glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion.ObjectiveThis study was designed to assess the impact of propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism on the pancreatic islet cells and the efficacy of thymoquinone (TQ) in alleviating this impact and explore the mechanism behind it alleviating oxidative stress and affecting β-catenin expression.Materials and MethodsPTU (6 mg/kg/body weight) was used to induce hypothyroidism in Wistar rats. Four groups of rats (n=6 each) were utilized in this study. Untreated hypothyroid and TQ-treated hypothyroid groups (50 mg/kg/body weight for 4 weeks) were included. Thyroid functions, antioxidant profile and pancreatic β-catenin and IL-10 mRNA were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment of the pancreas was performed.ResultsPTU administration induced a hypothyroid status that was associated with a marked disturbed oxidant/antioxidant status and a significant hyperglycemia (p<0:001), hypoinsulinemia (p=0.01) and decreased HOMA-β-cell (p<0.001). Islet cells of hypothyroid pancreas showed many degenerative changes with increased apoptosis, reduced insulin β-catenin immunoexpression. Administration of TQ alleviated these effects on the thyroid function, antioxidants, structure of pancreatic islet cells. Up-regulation of β-catenin, IL-10 and CAT gene expression in pancreatic islets after treatment with TQ supported its antioxidant and preserving β-cell function and viability mechanistic action.ConclusionTQ alleviated PTU-induced hypothyroidism changes in insulin homeostasis and pancreatic β cells mostly through its antioxidant effect as well as up-regulation of pancreatic β-catenin expression.

The Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Modifications of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Seedlings Under Freezing Stress

Fall cultivation of field crops such as chickpea is prone to the risk of freezing stress. It is required to identify the mechanisms through which plants can tolerate low temperatures and provide conditions for fall cultivation of chickpea in the cold regions. To this, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations of chickpea genotypes (MCC797; cold-tolerant and MCC505; cold-sensitive) under freezing temperatures (− 3, − 6, − 9, and − 12 °C). Leaf malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL) were increased due to freezing stress in both genotypes, with a greater increase in the cold-sensitive genotype. The plant survival was decreased 20% at − 12 °C in the cold-sensitive genotype, while it remained constant (100%) in the cold-tolerant genotype. The cold-tolerant maximum efficiency of PSII and the PSII operating efficiency recovered faster (24 h after freezing stress; AFS) compare to the cold-sensitive genotype (48 h AFS) during the recovery period. Proline and enzymatic antioxidants activity, including ascorbate peroxidase, catalase (cat), peroxidase (pod), and superoxide dismutase, were increased more rapidly in the cold-tolerant genotype. The relative gene expression of cat, pod, and proline were more stimulated in the cold-tolerant genotype. The cat, pod, and proline were over-expressed on average by 4, 3, and 6 folds, and 16, 13, and 16 folds, in the cold-sensitive and cold-tolerant genotype, respectively, exposed to freezing temperatures. The greater gene expression and the higher antioxidant content of leaves led to lower lipid peroxidation (MDA and H2O2 content) in the cold-tolerant genotype.

Expresión de genes antioxidantes y contenido de clorofila y almidón en árboles de limón Persa (Citrus latifolia Tanaka Ex Q. Jiménez) con HLB bajo la aplicación de elicitores de resistencia

Persian lime is economically important for Mexico. However, the disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB) causes chlorosis symptoms in the foliage that affect the growth and decreases the yield of the trees. The expression of chlorosis symptoms is associated with starch accumulation and inhibition of antioxidant activity. The objective of the present work was to determine the effect of the application of three resistance elicitors on the expression of three antioxidant genes and on starch and chlorophyll content in Persian lime trees with HLB. Salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were applied every eight days for nine weeks using a completely randomized design and a one-way ANOVA was performed for the analysis. Expression of APX, CAT and SOD genes was quantified at week nine at four different times. Starch and total chlorophyll content was estimated every three weeks by spectrophotometric methods. The application of the elicitors significantly increased the expression of the three genes, with SA and GABA generating the greatest increase at different times of application. No difference was found in starch and total chlorophyll content at most of the times evaluated. The use of resistance elicitors is promising in the management of HLB in plots already infected, seeking to extend the productive life of the orchards and thus counteract the economic losses caused by HLB.

Quercetin/Zinc complex and stem cells: A new drug therapy to ameliorate glycometabolic control and pulmonary dysfunction in diabetes mellitus: Structural characterization and genetic studies.

Medicinal uses and applications of metals and their complexes are of increasing clinical and commercial importance. The ligation behavior of quercetin (Q), which is a flavonoid, and its Zn (II) (Q/Zn) complex were studied and characterized based on elemental analysis, molar conductance, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, electronic spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR spectral data revealed that Q acts as a bidentate ligand (chelating ligand) through carbonyl C(4) = O oxygen and phenolic C(3)–OH oxygen in conjugation with Zn. Electronic, FTIR, and 1H-NMR spectral data revealed that the Q/Zn complex has a distorted octahedral geometry, with the following chemical formula: [Zn(Q)(NO3)(H2O)2].5H2O. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. A total of 70 male albino rats were divided into seven groups: control, diabetic untreated group and diabetic groups treated with either MSCs and/or Q and/or Q/Zn or their combination. Serum insulin, glucose, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were determined. Pancreatic and lung histology and TEM for pancreatic tissues in addition to gene expression of both SOD and CAT in pulmonary tissues were evaluated. MSCs in combination with Q/Zn therapy exhibited potent protective effects against STZ induced hyperglycemia and suppressed oxidative stress, genotoxicity, glycometabolic disturbances, and structural alterations. Engrafted MSCs were found inside pancreatic tissue at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, Q/Zn with MSC therapy produced a synergistic effect against oxidative stress and genotoxicity and can be considered potential ameliorative therapy against diabetes with pulmonary dysfunction, which may benefit against COVID-19.

Bioactive Fraction of Mentha piperita Leaves Extract Stimulates Lipoprotein Lipase at Cellular and Molecular Levels via Augmentation of Antioxidant Defense System in Hyperlipidemic Rats

ABSTRACT The antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of Mentha piperita leaves extracts in Poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic rats were investigated. Antihyperlipidemic activities of hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts (100, 200, or 300 mg kg−1 b.w.) were evaluated by lipid profile analysis. Twelve (12) fractions (F1 to F12) were collected from the most antihyperlipidemic extract (ethyl acetate at 100 mg kg−1) and, assayed in vivo for antihyperlipidemic activity. The effects of the most antihyperlipidemic fraction (F2) on redox sensitive biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity at cellular and molecular levels were evaluated. Fraction-2 (F2) was further subjected to GC-MS and LC-MS analysis for identification of nonpolar and polar components. The F2 treatment decreased the level of MDA with concomitant enhancement of GSH, LPL activity in the liver and serum and up regulated the expression of SOD, CAT, and LPL genes in liver and blood relative to the untreated rats. GC-MS and LC-MS revealed oleic acid, vaccenic acid, 3, 4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, coumarin, and triacontane as the probable bioactive components with reported antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects.

Dietary hydroxyl methionine selenium supplementation enhances growth performance, antioxidant ability and nitrite tolerance of Litopenaeus vannamei

An 8-week feeding trial and then 12 h nitrite stress was conducted to estimate the effects of dietary hydroxyl methionine selenium (HMSe) on growth performances, antioxidant response and nitrite resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei (initial weight 0.90 ± 0.05 g). The diet was supplemented with 0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.60 and 0.90 mg Se/kg as HMSe to formulate six diets, labeled as HMSe0, HMSe15, HMSe30, HMSe60 and HMSe90, respectively. The results showed that significantly higher finial body weight and weight gain were observed in HMSe30 group than those in HMSe0 and HMSe90 groups (P < 0.05). Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of HMSe30 were significantly higher than those of HMSe90 (P < 0.05). The selenium contents in whole body and muscle were both significantly increased with the dietary HMSe levels increasing (P < 0.05). The hepatopancreas MDA levels of groups supplemented HMSe were significantly lower than that of HMSe0 (P < 0.05). And they decreased firstly and then increased with HMSe supplementation levels increasing, the lowest concentration was observed in HMSe15 group. The antioxidant enzymes of GSH-Px, SOD, CAT and GST activities in hepatopancreas were firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of dietary HMSe levels. GSH-Px, SOD and CAT genes expression in hepatopancreas were significantly up-regulated in HMSe15, HMSe15 and HMSe60 groups. After nitrite stress, there were higher mortality and hepatopancreas MDA concentration and lower hepatopancreas GST, CAT and SOD activities in HMSe0 group. While, these negative effects could be relieved with HMSe supplementation. In conclusion, HMSe could improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and nitrite tolerance of L. vannamei. The optimal supplementation for L. vannamei is 0.431 to 0.454 mg Se/kg as HMSe based on weight gain and hepatopancreas GSH-Px activities using the second-order polynomial regression analysis.

Effects of dietary arginine supplementation on cytokine‐ and antioxidant‐related gene expressions in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) fingerling during ammonia toxicity

This study investigated the effects of dietary arginine supplementation on plasma ammonia and urea levels, and immune- and antioxidant-related gene expressions of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), exposed to ambient ammonia. Fish (10.5 ± 0.74 g) were fed diets containing arginine (0: control diet, 0.25: 0.25Arg and 0.5%: 0.5Arg) for 14 days and then subjected to ammonia exposure for three hours. The results showed that arginine significantly decreased plasma ammonia level, whereas increased the plasma urea level. Arginine supplementation significantly up-regulated head kidney il1b, il10, tnfa and liver sod, cat, gpx and gst gene expressions, whereas significantly down-regulated hsp70 gene expression in liver. Ammonia exposure led to a significant increase in plasma ammonia and urea levels. There were elevations in head kidney il1b, and liver sod, cat, gpx, gst and hsp70 gene expression in fish after challenged with ammonia. The interaction effects of arginine supplementation and ammonia exposure on head kidney il10, and liver gst and hsp70 gene expressions were observed, as arginine prevented ammonia-induced down-regulation in il10 expression, mitigated ammonia-induced up-regulation in hsp70 expression and intensified up-regulation in gst expression. In conclusion, it is suggested that two-week supplementation of arginine (0.5% of diet) is useful to mitigate the adverse effects of ambient ammonia when in the farm, common carp is at risk of ammonia toxicity.

Determination of Polyphenols in Ilex kudingcha and Insect Tea (Leaves Altered by Animals) by Ultra-high-performance Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) and Comparison of Their Anti-Aging Effects.

Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng tea and insect tea, as traditional Chinese teas, are favored for their original craftsmanship, unique flavor, and biological functionality. In this study, ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was used to analyze the bioactive components of the extracts of Ilex kudingcha and insect tea, and D-galactose-induced aging mice were used to compare the in vivo anti-aging effects of Ilex kudingcha and insect tea extracts. The results were remarkable, UHPLC-QqQ-MS analysis showed that ITP contains 29 ingredients, while IKDCP contains 26 ingredients. However, due to the large differences in the content of the main chemical components in IKDCP and ITP, the effects are equally different. At the same time, the in vivo research results suggesting that the anti-aging effects of IKDCP and ITP (500 mg/kg) include the regulation of viscera indices of major organs; improvement in liver, skin, and spleen tissue morphology; decreased production of inflammatory cytokines; up regulation of SOD, CAT, GSH, GSH-PX, and T-AOC and down regulation of NO and MDA levels in serum and liver tissue; reductions in the concentration of pro-inflammatory factors, and increases in the concentration of anti-inflammatory factor. RT-qPCR and western blot assay also showed that IKDCP and ITP affect anti-aging by regulating the gene and protein expression of GSH-PX, GSH1, SOD1, SOD2, and CAT. The overall results indicate that ITP is more effective in treating oxidative damage in aging mice induced by D-galactose. Thus, ITP appears to be an effective functional drink owing to its rich nutritional components and anti-aging activities.

CATALASE 1 GENE EXPRESSION (CAT-1) IN HYPERGLICEMIA INDUCED TESTIS, AS AN ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY INDICATORS

Objective: This study aims to analyze the effects of hyperglycemia status on the function of testicular spermatology, especially CAT-1. Material &amp; Methods: This study was an experimental pre-clinical study. Twenty-seven rats were divided into 3 groups: normal, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks hyperglycemia. The hyperglycemic state in the Wistar rats was induced by Streptozotocin (STZ). All data were collected and analyzed with SPSS 20.0. At two and four weeks, testicular tissue was extracted and it will be processed using the Total RNA Mini Kit FavorPrepTM then quantitative PCR was performed using the SYBR® Fast qPCR Kit. Results: CAT-1 gene expression in the hyperglycemia induction group increased when induced for 2 weeks and again after 4 weeks compared to controls (18.88 ± 4.7 and 21.45 ± 5.52 vs 10.83 ± 3.4). However only induction after 2 weeks was statistically significant (p= 0.021). Conclusion: CAT-1 (Catalase) gene expression has increased in testicular tissue under conditions of hyperglycemia.

Consecutive treatments with photodynamic therapy and nystatin altered the expression of virulence and ergosterol biosynthesis genes of a fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans in vivo

This investigation assessed the effect of five consecutive daily topical treatments of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), nystatin (NYS), and an association of treatments on a fluconazole-resistant strain of Candida albicans colonizing the tongues of mice. After the last treatments application, colonies of C. albicans were recovered from the tongues and used to determine their fluconazole susceptibility. After 24 hours of the last treatment, the mice tongues were processed to evaluate the expression of C. albicans genes related to the virulence and ergosterol production. The fluconazole susceptibility test yielded a resistance profile similar for all treatment groups and the control group (no treatment). The treatments aPDT, NYS, NYS+aPDT, and aPDT+NYS promoted a reduction in ALS1, EFG1, CAP1, SOD1, SAP1, and LIP3 expression. The expression of HWP1 was higher in the three groups containing nystatin. In contrast, the treatments produced a significative increase in CAT1 gene expression, mainly in the groups in which aPDT was performed. The expression of genes related to ergosterol production was significantly reduced by the treatments evaluated (aPDT, NYS, NYS+aPDT, and aPDT+NYS). Thus, the consecutive topical treatments performed on mice tongues promoted a reduction in the expression of virulence and ergosterol biosynthesis genes of a fluconazole-resistant C. albicans.

Patulin activates the NRF2 pathway by modulation of miR-144 expression in HEK293 cells.

Patulin (PAT) is a mycotoxin produced by various fungal species that commonly contaminate apples and other fruit products. PAT is associated with glutathione (GSH) depletion and oxidative stress. Cytoprotective and antioxidant (AO) enzymes limit toxic outcomes and confer resistance to oxidative stress by influencing the expression of cytoprotective genes. The induction of these genes is tightly regulated by transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2), a potentialtarget of microRNA (miR)-144. This study aims to determine a possible role for miR-144 in NRF2 pathway activation following PAT exposure in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. HEK293 cells were exposed to varying PAT concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.5, 1μmol/L; 24h). Protein expression of Keap1, NRF2, and phosphorylated (p) NRF2 (ser40) was quantified using western blotting. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD2, CAT, GPx, NQO1, GSTA1, HMOX, and miR-144 were evaluated by qPCR. PAT significantly decreased miR-144 (p = 0.0249) and concomitantly increased NRF2 protein expression, stability, and activation as evidenced by increased pNRF2 (p = 0.0216) expression and decreased total NRF2 (p = 0.0237). This was consistent with qPCR data which showed increased transcript levels of NRF2 (p = 0.0378) as well as the target genes CAT (p = 0.0273), NQO1 (p = 0.0156), HMOX (p = 0.0249), and GSTA1 (p = 0.0237). No changes were observed in Keap1 expression (p = 0.6444). This study implicates microRNAs in a mechanistic role in PAT-induced toxicity. PAT decreased miR-144 expression leading to NRF2 pathway activation and elevated AO gene expression.

Redox imbalance in Crohn's disease patients is modulated by Azathioprine

Background Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease without a specific cause. Inflammation in these patients can disturb the oxidants/antioxidants balance and results in oxidative stress that plays a destructive role. This study aimed to evaluate the gene expression of sod1, sod2, cat, nrf2 and gp91phox in CD patients before and after Azathioprine (Aza) consumption. Method Peripheral bloodmononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated from CD patients (n= 15, mean age = 33.6 ± 1.8) before and after treatment with Aza and healthy controls (n= 15, mean age = 31.5 ± 1.2). The expression levels of sod1, sod2, cat, nrf2 and gp91phox were measured in byusing real-time qRT-PCR technique. Result The expression levels of gp91phox (P-value < 0.001), cat (P-value < 0.05), sod1 (P-value < 0.001), nrf2 (P-value < 0.001) were significantly increased compared to control group. Following treatment with Aza, the decreased expression levels of gp91phox (P-value < 0.05), cat (P-value < 0.05), sod1(P-value < 0.001) and nrf2 (P-value < 0.001) were observed in CD patients. Conclusion Overall, our results showed that prescription of Azathioprine can lead to the altered expression of redox system-related genes in patients with CD.

Influence of seed-nanopriming treatment with Zinc oxide on growth, nutrient status and gene expression of enzymatic antioxidants in wheat plant

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of seed nanopriming with ZnONPs on the biomass accumulation, nutrient elements content, activity and gene expression of enzymatic antioxidants in shoots and roots of wheat plant. Maximum promontory response with respect to shoot and root biomarkers was shown in lower ZnONPs level (100 mg L-1), meanwhile at higher concentration (800 mg L-1) there was a marked suppression of growth biomarkers. Nanopriming with lower ZnONPs concentrations insignificantly changed the elements content in the shoots and roots and their transportation factors (TF). Conversely, the elements content and their transportation from root to shoot under higher ZnONPs treatments were significantly decreased compared to the untreated control. Zn content in the shoots and roots was markedly increased in a concentration – dependent trend. Seed nanopriming enhanced the activity of SOD, CAT and APx in the shoots and roots, however CAT and APx activities in the roots were markedly decreased at higher ZnONPs levels but the attained values were significantly higher than the control. The expression of SOD, CAT and APx genes was markedly up regulated in response to nanopriming with ZnONPs. This expression showed different response according to the ZnONPs concentrations and plant organs. The results suggest that the ZnONPs stimulatory and phytotoxicity effects may be attributed to the concentration of released Zn ions from ZnONPs in the plant tissues.

Mechanism of Antiangiogenic and Antioxidant Activity of Newly Synthesized CAMBA in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Bearing Mice

The aim of present study was to evaluate antiangiogenic activity of newly synthesized caffeic acid methyl benzoate amide (CAMBA) in EAC-bearing mice. The IC50 value of CAMBA against the Hep-G2 liver carcinoma cell line was calculated. Adult albino mice weighing 25 ± 5 g was used to assess the antiangiogenic activity of CAMBA (25 and 50 mg/k.b.w.) in EAC-bearing mice. IC50 CAMBA against the Hep-G2 cell line equals 52.8 μg/mL. The daily oral administration of CAMBA at concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/kg.b.w. for 30 days to EAC-bearing mice resulted in a significant improvement in tumor volume and tumor weight, ALT, AST, ALP, MMP-2 and -9, TNF-α, NOx, TBARs, GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx and VEGF-C gene expression in EAC-bearing mice. Furthermore, CAMBA almost normalized these effects in liver histoarchitecture. The biochemical, histological and ultrasound examinations of our study suggested that CAMBA have antiangiogenic activity in EAC-bearing mice.

N-acetylcysteine protects ovarian follicles from ischemia-reperfusion injury in xenotransplanted human ovarian tissue.

N-acetylcysteine protects ovarian follicles from ischemia-reperfusion injury in xenotransplanted human ovarian tissue.

Impact of prenatal arsenic exposure on the testes and epididymides of prepubertal rats

Arsenic is a pollutant widely found in the environment due to natural and anthropogenic sources. Exposure to arsenic forms in drinking water has been related with male reproductive dysfunctions in humans and experimental animals at adult age. However, the impact of this pollutant on postnatal reproductive development of male offspring exposed in utero to arsenic is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal arsenic exposure on the postnatal development of the testes and epididymides of rats, during prepuberty. For this purpose, pregnant female Wistar rats were provided drinking water containing 0 or 10 mg/L sodium arsenite (AsNaO2) from gestational day 1 (GD 1) until GD 21 and the male offspring was evaluated in different periods of prepuberty. Our results showed that prenatal arsenic exposure affected the initial sexual development of male pups, reducing their body weight and relative anogenital distance at postnatal day 1. At different periods of prepuberty, male pups from arsenic exposed dams showed a reduction of body and reproductive organs weights, testosterone levels and testis morphometric parameters. Moreover, these pups presented changes in the expression of SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GSTK1 genes and in the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione s-transferase in the testes and epididymides during prepuberty. Taken together, our results show that prenatal arsenic exposure provoked reproductive disorders in prepubertal male rats, probably due to reproductive reprograming and oxidative stress induced by this pollutant.

Effect of camphor on biochemical factors and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory and apoptotic factors against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Introduction: Camphor is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties. Nephrotoxicity is the most important side effect of gentamicin (GEM) administration. Therefore, investigating the effect of natural antioxidants can resolve this complication. Objectives: We aimed to assay the effect of camphor on biochemical factors and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPX]) and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], nuclear factor kappa-B [NF-κB], interleukine-6 [IL-6]), and apoptotic indices (BCL2-associated X protein [Bax], B-cell lymphoma 2 [Bcl-2], caspase-3)], against GEM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were allocated to five groups. Positive control and treatment groups were given GEM to induce nephrotoxicity. Animal treatment groups were treated with camphor in olive oil for 12 days. Renal biopsies, serum, extraction of renal tissue and urine of rats were taken after the twelfth day. Biopsies were examined for structural changes using a light microscope, moreover, apoptosis, desired biochemical and inflammatory factors, were investigated by suitable methods. Results: Camphor had no effect on biochemical factors, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), urea, creatinine and urine protein. However, it reduced the gene expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, Bax, and caspase-3 and increased the gene expression of GPX and CAT and Bcl-2. Moreover, camphor improved kidney histopathological changes in the camphor groups in comparison with the GEM group. Conclusion: Camphor can be useful in the attenuation of GEM-induced nephrotoxicity based on expression levels of examined enzymes and factors and improving kidney histopathological changes.