Catalase In Rats Research Articles

Phytochemical Analysis, and Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Chamaerops humilis L. Leaves; A Focus on Xanthine Oxidase.

Chamaerops humilis L. is clumping palm of the family Arecaceae with promising health-promoting effects. Parts of this species are utilized as food and employed in folk medicine to treat several disorders. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents of C. humilis leaves and their antioxidant and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activities in vitro and in vivo in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The chemical structure of the isolated phytochemicals was determined using data obtained from UV, MS, IR, and 1H-, 13C-NMR spectroscopic tools as well as comparison with authentic markers. Eleven compounds, including tricin 7-O-β-rutinoside, vicenin, tricin, astragalin, borassoside D, pregnane-3,5,6,16-tetrol, oleanolic acid, β-sitosterol and campesterol were isolated from C. humilis ethanolic extract (CHEE). CHEE and the butanol, n-hexane, and dichloromethane fractions exhibited in vitro radical scavenging and XO inhibitory efficacies. The computational findings revealed the tendency of the isolated compounds towards the active site of XO. In vivo, CHEE ameliorated liver function markers and prevented tissue injury induced by APAP in rats. CHEE suppressed hepatic XO, decreased serum uric acid and liver malondialdehyde (MDA), and enhanced reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase in APAP-treated rats. CHEE ameliorated serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β in APAP-treated rats. Thus, C. humilis is rich in beneficial phytochemicals that possess binding affinity towards XO. C. humilis exhibited potent in vitro antioxidant and XO inhibitory activities, and prevented APAP hepatotoxicity by attenuating tissue injury, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Investigating the pharmacological potential of phytol on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats.

Phytol is a diterpene constituent of many essential oils, belonging to the group of unsaturated acyclic alcohols. Although phytol possesses antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, no reports of a gastrointestinal action are available from the literature. Due to the well-known shortcomings of classical anti-ulcer drugs (e.g. side effects or relapses), natural products may offer an attractive alternative. In this study, a potential gastroprotective activity of phytol was evaluated using acute and chronic ulcer models in rats. Phytol 12.5, 25 and 50mg/kg, administered orally 1h prior to induction of gastric lesions by absolute ethanol, inhibited the lesion area by 96, 90 and 95%, respectively. When lesions were induced by ischemia and reperfusion, phytol 12.5 and 25mg/kg per os decreased the lesion areas by 89 and 46%, respectively. In the third acute ulcer model (lesions induced by ibuprofen), phytol 12.5mg/kg reduced the lesion area by 55%. Phytol restored the decreased level of reduced glutathione, the increased levels of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde and the decreased levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase in rats with gastric ulcer induced by ethanol to levels obtained in vehicle group. Finally, in a chronic model in which gastric ulcer was induced by acetic acid directly instilled into the stomach, phytol administered orally over a time period of 7 days at 12.5, 25, 50 and 100mg/kg reduced lesion areas by 84, 81, 83 and 68%. Our data suggest a gastroprotective and cicatrizing effect of phytol, possibly associated with its antioxidant effect.

Effect of the Bioactive Compound Curcumin on Conditions After Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review

Ischemic stroke is a common degenerative disease in Indonesia caused by interrupted or restricted blood supply to part of brain, preventing it from getting oxygen and nutrients. Without sufficient blood supply, brain cells begin to die. Various treatments for ischemic stroke patients have been developed and implemented, but are still ineffective in treating or preventing brain damage. Curcumin is one of the bioactive compounds which mostly found in turmeric which is one of the main spices resource in Indonesia that has many benefits as a medicine. People have been making use of curcumin as a medicine for various diseases, one of which is stroke. Therefore, this systematic review analysed qualitatively the effect of curcumin on the brain condition after ischemic stroke. The method used in this study was a systematic review of 8 databases in the last 10 years, from 2012 to August 2022. Study included was only experimental study on rats. Based on 19 articles gathered, there was a decrement in ROS, COX-2, iNOS, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, ICAM-1, MMP-9, neurological deficit score, and an increment in BCL-2, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in rats receiving curcumin intervention either orally or intravenously. Curcumin affects the ischemic brain in a number of ways, namely as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB) protector, increasing neurogenesis, and reducing neurological deficits. It is concluded that curcumin has an elevating effect in protecting brain condition after an ischemic stroke.

Effect of antioxidant enzymes and electrolytes of Aloe vera juice on the toxicity induced by ethionamide and para-aminosalicylic acid on Sprague-Dawley rats

Background: This aim is so widely used and believed to have healing properties that it is called “true aloe.” Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat laxity and as a cleansing cleanser. Some of the most common health benefits of are as follows: Promotes wound healing, anti-fungal activity, hypoglycemia or antidiabetes effects, anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer properties, immobilomodulatory properties, and gastroprotective properties. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of A. vera juice against antituberculosis drugs ethionamide (ETH) and para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) by quantifying antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) and electrolytes in rats. Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of A. vera were collected from botanical garden and the sample was identified. The sample was brought to the laboratory of the Department of Zoology at Patkar-Verde College, Goregaon, Mumbai. 50 g of leaves were ground with 50 mL of distilled water in a sterilized pestle and mortar and the yield so determined by comparing the weight of the extract with the weight of pulp. In the experiment, 48 Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex (average weight 150–250 g) were used. Each group was given the drugs ETH, PAS drug, and A. vera juice on a daily basis for 28 days. The serum of the rat was withdrawn and analyzed for antioxidant enzymes and electrolyte levels. Results: We observed a decrease in the level of GSH in rats treated with anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs ETH and PAS. However, when A. vera juice was coadministered with PAS, either independently or in combination, it resulted in improved levels of GSH. In addition, the rats treated with A. vera juice showed a decrease in the level of MDA. Furthermore, coadministration of A. vera juice in combination with ETH + PAS + A. vera juice led to increased levels of CAT in rats. The concentration of Na+ in rats treated with A. vera juice in combination with ETH and PAS showed a decrease, which could potentially aid in normal metabolism. On the other hand, the elevation of K+ in the rats treated with A. vera juice indicates their adaptation to salinity, as K+ levels act somatically to prevent influx into roots and shoots. This elevation in K+ can be utilized to lower salt levels in rats experiencing stress. Moreover, the rats treated solely with A. vera juice exhibited the lowest level of Ca+, confirming their low salt stress condition. Finally, it was observed that the rats treated with A. vera juice experienced depletion in A. vera concentration. Conclusion: Based on the aforementioned findings, it can be inferred that A. vera is rich in phenolic and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant properties. This unequivocally demonstrates that possesses the ability to scavenge free radicals and plays a beneficial role in combating pathological conditions induced by reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, it has been established that reduces electrolyte levels and diminishes salt accumulation in comparison to groups administered with anti-TB medications ETH and PAS.

Исследование биологического действия электромагнитных полей стандартов сотовой связи 2-5G на некоторые показатели оксидативного стресса у животных: эффекты воздействия и последействия

The fifth generation (5G) cellular networks development with operation various previous cellular standards indicates a change of electromagnetic background by new sources, and has a human health risk factor. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the electromagnetic field biological effects of monthly multi-frequency electromagnetic field exposure from 2-5G cellular communication systems on some indicators of oxidative stress in the blood of rats and the aftereffect state. The first group of animals exposed by electromagnetic field from 2-4G base stations (central frequencies 1.8; 2.1 and 2.6 GHz), second – 5G with central frequencies 3.5; 28 and 37 GHz. The pro-oxidant and antioxidant components concentrations (diene conjugates, ketodienes) and catalase in blood rats were investigate. Results showed the possibility of pro-oxidant and antioxidant components concentrations imbalance which is a consequence of the oxidation processes activation and an increase body’s adaptive mechanisms, in particular, antioxidant protection. The electromagnetic field biological effect of 5G NR/IMT-2020 exposed is unstable, as opposed to the consequences of 2-4G electromagnetic field exposure.

Anthelmintic and Hepatoprotective Activities of the Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against Parascaris equorum Infection in Rats.

Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle is a promising treatment modality against parasitic infection through its powerful anthelmintic, antioxidant, healing promotion, and anti-inflammation effects. Nanoparticles have many properties, depending on their size, shape, and morphology, allowing them to interact with microorganisms, plants, and animals. Investigation of the therapeutic effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Parascaris equorum infection in rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into two divisions: the first division is noninfected groups were allocated into three groups. Group 1: Control, group 2: ZnO NPs (30mg/kg), and group 3: ZnO NPs (60mg/kg). The second division is infected groups were allocated into three groups. Group 1: vehicle, group 2: ZnO NPs (30mg/kg), and group 3: ZnO NPs (60mg/kg). Ten days post-infection, two larvae per gram of liver tissue were present in the vehicle group compared to the control group. No larvae were recovered from ZnO NPs (30mg/kg), and one larva/g.tissue from ZnO NPs (60mg/kg)-treated groups compared to untreated infected animals. Green-synthesized ZnO NPs caused a significant decrease in liver functions, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO). While it caused a significant increase in hemoglobin (HB), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in infected treated rats. The histological inflammation and fibroplasia scores showed a significant enhancement during the treatment with ZnO NPs (30, 60mg/kg) compared to the infected untreated animals that scored the highest pathological destruction score. Immunohistochemical markers of NF-κB showed a significant decrease during the treatment with ZnO NPs (30, 60mg/kg) compared to the infected untreated animals.

Protective and Ameliorative Effects of Adansonia digitata and Corchorus olitorius Leaves-based Diet on Gamma-irradiation induced Genotoxicity and p53 Damage in Cellular System of Rats

Exposure to gamma irradiation (γ-IR) causes cellular alterations (CA) in animals. Extract of Adansonia digitata and Corchorus olitorius leaves (ADCOL) have been shown to protect against γ-IR-induced CA in rats. Traditionally, the leaves are consumed as part of diets, however, there is paucity of scientific information on the use of ADCOL based-diet (BD) against CA. Thus, the study investigated the effects of ADCOL BD in cellular system of irradiated rats. The objectives of the study were to determine the secondary metabolites in ADCOL, induce cellular alterations in rats and evaluate the protective, ameliorative and toxicity of ADCOL BD on rats. A total of 72 rats (186 ± 4.90g) were used in the 2 phases of this study. In the ameliorative phase, 36 rats were assigned into 6 groups of 6 each; Group I were fed with rat chow and distilled water only, all other groups were irradiated, such that, Groups II III, IV, V & VI were fed rat chow only, 80% inclusion of ADBD, 80% inclusion of COBD, 80% inclusion of combined ADCOLBD and Vitamin-C-BD respectively. Similar design was adopted for protective phase, except that, the rats were initially fed the inclusion diet before irradiation. Micronuclei status were viewed by automated electron microscope, p53 level was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and antioxidant status of rat were determined by standard methods. Data were analysed using Duncan multiple range test at p<0.05. The findings in this study, were that; secondary metabolites constituents of A. digitata and C. olitorius were alkaloids (78.76 and 72.36g/dl) terpenoids (42.45 and 21.25 g/dl) flavonoids (13.42 and 104.81g/dl) polyphenols and (147.90 and 203.14 g/dl) respectively; γ-irradiation significantly (p<0.05) increased mean number of micronuclei and decreased p53, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) level in rats; 80% inclusion of A. digitata and C. olitorius leaf-BD significantly (p<0.05) reduced mean number of micronuclei and increased p53, SOD, CAT and GSH level in irradiated rats. The study concluded, that A. digitata and C. olitorius protected cellular damage induced by radiation. Thus, recommending their use against cellular damage.

Neuroprotective Effects of Rosa damascena Extract against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Brain Damage in Rat Offspring

Aluminum (Al) is a popular metal in the industry, and its usage has greatly increased recently. The dose of this metal has been proven to be toxic to rats, but its effects on the offspring of the original receivers and prevention methods to reduce this damage are unknown. Rosa damascena is a well-known plant for its high antioxidant capabilities. In this study, the protective effect of Rosa damascena extract (RDA) on aluminum-induced lesions in the brain tissue of a rat offspring was investigated. In this regard, female rats were divided into seven groups, including the control group, the sham group, the aluminum group at the dose of 100 mg/kg, the extract groups at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, and the treatment groups that received the extract and Al at the same doses. After the treatment ended, the offsprings were subjected to exploratory behavioral tests, and finally, the tissues of the brain including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus were pathologically examined. It was observed that RDA at the dose of 1000 mg/kg reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels significantly ( P < 0.0001 ), while raising the catalase and FRAP indices in Al-treated rats. Moreover, it increased neuronal counts significantly and reduced necrosis and vacuolar degeneration in both the cortex and hippocampus compared to the Al-receiving group. In addition, the administration of RDA 1000 improved the behavioral test scores of the offspring. In conclusion, RDA can effectively reduce Al-induced damage in the brain tissue of the offspring.

Antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of aqueous extract of <i>Senna alata</i> on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effect and the state of the liver following injury by alloxan monohydrate and treatment with an aqueous extract of Senna alata (SA) leaf. A total of 24 male Albino Wistar rats assigned into 4 groups (A-D) of 6 rats per group were used in this study. Forty-eight hours following administration of alloxan monohydrate and confirmation of diabetes mellitus in groups B-D rats, group C were treated with SA while group D rats were treated with glibenclamide. Rats in groups A and B received distilled water. The treatments were through oral administration, once daily for 21 consecutive days. On day 21 post-treatment, serum samples were collected for in vivo antioxidants and liver enzyme assays. The liver tissues were also collected for macroscopic examination and histomorphology. The in vitro antioxidant activity of SA was also determined using DPPH photometric model. The SA-treated rats recorded significantly reduced activities of ALT, ALP and total bilirubin values when compared to rats in the diabetic untreated group. There was also a significant increase in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione in SA-treated rats compared to those of the untreated diabetic group. The study also recorded 67.33% in vitro antioxidant activity of SA at 400 μg/ml. Liver photomicrographs of rats treated with the extract were comparable to those of the normal control while diabetic untreated rats showed congestion of the central vein, degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes. SA has both in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity and protected the liver against damage by alloxan monohydrate.

Terminalia Catappa seed oil (TCSO) modulates fertility hormones dysfunction and redox imbalance in male Wistar albino rats exposed to cigarette smoke

The objective of the Study: Terminalia Catappa seed oil (TCSO) modulates fertility hormone dysfunction and redox imbalance in male Wistar albino rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Methods: A total of 36 male Wistar albino rats were randomly distributed into 6 groups (A – F) of 6 rats each. Group A received normal saline and rat feed only. Group B – F were exposed to cigarette smoke for a period of 90 minutes. Group B was left untreated. Groups C - E were treated with 5.0, 2.5, and 7.5 ml/kg body weight (bw) of TCSO respectively. Group F was treated with 100 mg/kg bw of ascorbic acid. The animals were allowed free access to drinking water. Exposure to cigarette smoke was done by inhalation using the box method once daily while administrations of the seed oil and ascorbic acid were done by oral intubation twice daily for 28 weeks. The serum male fertility hormones and oxidative stress markers were determined using standard biochemical procedures. Results: There were marked elevated serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced levels of luteinizing hormones (LH), testosterone, estradiol, reduced glutathione (GSH), decreased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Wistar albino rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Interestingly, the treatment of Wistar albino rats exposed to cigarette smoke with TCSO restored the hormonal dysfunction and redox imbalance. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that TCSO was able to restore male hormonal dysfunction and redox imbalance in rats exposed to cigarette smoke and hence could be beneficial in the management of male hormonal and oxidative imbalance associated with cigarette smoking linked to male infertility

Post-Mortem Changes in Acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+- ATPase, Phosphofructokinase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Catalase, and Superoxide Dismutase Activities in Rats Exposed to Toluene

Post-Mortem Changes in Acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+- ATPase, Phosphofructokinase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Catalase, and Superoxide Dismutase Activities in Rats Exposed to Toluene

PRUNETIN ATTENUATES D-GALACTOSE-INDUCED BRAIN AGING VIA INHIBITING AMYLOID-Β AND TAU PROTEIN AGGREGATION

The objective of this investigation was to assess the effect of prunetin in D-galactose-induced brain aging in rats and its regulating mechanisms. D-galactose (200 mg kg-1 body wt.) was given orally daily for 45 days to accelerate aging, and prunetin (10, 20,40, and 80 µg kg-1 body wt. respectively) was administered orally. The anti-oxidant and anti-brain aging activities of prunetin in serum were measured by the estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and brain tissues were measured by western blot analysis and histopathological studies. Prunetin therapy decreases elevated levels of glucose, C-reactive protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the D-galactose-induced rats. D-galactose suppresses the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity in rats; these levels were elevated by treating with prunetin. Malondialdehyde levels were elevated in D-galactose-induced rats. Prunetin significantly decreases the malondialdehyde levels in rat brain tissue. Prunetin decreases mitochondrial dysfunction induced by D-galactose, by improving the activities of Na+K+-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity. Western blot analysis results showed that the degree of brain tissue damage was significantly reduced by prunetin. The results of our study indicated that prunetin treatment reduced oxidative stress by exerting a protective effect against D-galactose-induced aging in rats, by significantly decreasing amyloid - β and tau protein levels in the brain tissue. Prunetin exhibits anti-oxidant activity by increasing anti-oxidant enzymes.

Genistein attenuates neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and improves cognitive impairment in a rat model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy: potential role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Oxidative stress and inflammation seem to be the main factors responsible for cognitive impairment in sepsis. Genistein (GEN) is claimed to exert many beneficial effects on health, however, its possible effects on brain sepsis remains unclear. Here, we assess the influence and underling mechanisms of GEN on cognitive impairments in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic model. Rats were randomly divided into Sham, Sham + GEN, CLP, CLP + GEN gropus. Rats were treated with GEN (15mg/kg at 0 and 12h after CLP, i.p). Twenty-four hours after CLP, protein levels of cytokines, NF-kB and Nrf2, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of Nrf2-target genes were evaluated in the hippocampus. At 10 days after sepsis induction, behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate cognitive impairment. The results indicate that GEN can enhance survival percentage and improve cognitive function. Genistein administration significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels, MPO activity and protein level of NF-kB in the hippocampus of septic rats. Genistein also decreased the levels of oxidative stress parameters (MDA and protein carbonyls) and elevated the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in septic rats. Furthermore, nuclear Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 and NQO-1 were also elevated by GEN treatment. These findings suggest that GEN improves cognition impairment in septic rats via decreasing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Ameliorative effect of aqueous Cissus populnea suspension on cotton seed-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats

BackgroundTesticular damage is an important etiological factor in male infertility. Despite reported decline in global incidence of infertility over the past years, pockets of cases are still ironically noticed to occur in developing countries due to limitation of accessibility to advanced management methods, hence their resort to alternative herbal therapy.MethodsTesticular damage was induced using cotton seed. Cissus populnea was cut into chunks, air-dried, pulverized, powdered and suspended in water. Thirty-two (32) matured male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (Group 1–4) designated as control, 100 mg/kg C. populnea (CP), cotton seed meal (CSM) and CSM + CP groups, each consisting of 8 rats. Group 1 was fed with normal rat chow, Group 2 was fed with 100 mg/kg CP, and Group 3 was fed with CSM for 8 weeks. Rats in Group 4 were fed with CSM for 8 weeks and dosed with 100 mg/kg aqueous C. populnea suspension for another 8 weeks. At the expiration of test period, the rats were sacrificed, blood sample collected, and plasma obtained for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, estrogen, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) measurements. Semen was collected for analysis and testes harvested for histological studies.ResultThere is a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in plasma FSH, LH, testosterone, estrogen, GSH, catalase, SOD, and GPx in rats fed on CSM when compared with values obtained in the control and aqueous C. populnea suspension-fed rats. Seminal fluid analysis showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the sperm count, motility, morphology, vitality, and non-vitality among rats fed with CSM when compared to control rats. The histologic features of the testes showed abnormal interstitial appearances and absent Leydig cells in many areas among cotton seed-fed rats. Improvements in reproductive hormones, sperm qualities, and histological features were observed to occur in CSM group following administration of aqueous C. populnea suspension.ConclusionBased on the findings from this study, it can be concluded that aqueous C. populnea suspension ameliorates cotton seed-induced hypothalamo-pituitary–testicular axis functional disruption and testicular damage.

Appraisal of Anti-Arthritic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Folkloric Medicinal Plant Peganum harmala.

Peganum harmala has been traditionally used to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions. However, its use against RA has not been scientifically evaluated. The current study was designed to assess the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of P. harmala leaves by in vitro and in vivo methods. The in vitro assays were carried out to determine the effect of plant extract on inhibition of egg albumin denaturation and human red blood cell membrane (HRBC) stabilization. Moreover, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity was performed to determine the antioxidant potential. In vivo anti-arthritic activity was performed by determining the curative effect against Complete Freund's adjuvant (0.1 ml). The plant extract was administered to rats orally at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day for 21 days. The values of IC50 of plant extract in protein denaturation, stabilization of HRBC and DPPH assays were 77.54 mg/ml, 23.90 mg/ml and 58.09 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the plant extract significantly attenuated the poly-arthritis and weight loss, anemia and paw edema. The plant extract restored the level of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in poly-arthritic rats. Moreover, the plant extract restored the immune organs' weight in treated rats. Treatment with P. harmala also significantly subdued the oxidative stress by reinstating superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase and malondialdehyde in poly-arthritic rats. The plant extract notably restored the prostaglandin-E2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the serum of poly-arthritic rats. It was concluded that P. harmala extract had potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activities, which primarily might be attributed to alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols.

Diosmetin Ameliorates Vascular Dysfunction and Remodeling by Modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and p-JNK/p-NF-κB Expression in Hypertensive Rats.

Diosmetin is a citrus flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined the effect of diosmetin on blood pressure and vascular alterations and its underlying mechanisms in experimentally hypertensive rats. Male Sprague rats were administered Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester L-NAME for five weeks and were given diosmetin at doses of 20 or 40 mg/kg or captopril (5 mg/kg) for two weeks. Diosmetin alleviated hypertension, improved endothelial dysfunction, and suppressed the overactivity of sympathetic nerve-mediated vasoconstriction in aorta and mesentery hypertensive rats (p < 0.05). Increases in plasma and aortic tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and carotid superoxide generations and reductions of plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide in hypertensive rats were ameliorated by diosmetin (p < 0.05). Diosmetin increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in hypertensive rats. Furthermore, diosmetin mitigated hypertrophy and collagen accumulation of the aortic wall in L-NAME rats. It exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing interleukin-6 (IL-6) accumulation and by overexpressing the phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK) and the phospho-nuclear factor-kappaB (p-NF-κB) proteins in the aorta (p < 0.05). Captopril was a positive control substance and had similar effects to diosmetin. In summary, diosmetin reduced blood pressure and alleviated vascular abnormalities in L-NAME-treated rats. These effects might be related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as to the modulation of the expression of the Nrf2/HO1 and p-JNK/NF-κB proteins.

Effect of concurrent exposure of toxic concentrations of lead and endosulfan on oxidative stress indices in rats

The effect of concurrent exposure of toxic concentrations of lead and endosulfan were evaluated on oxidative stress parameters in male wistar rats. Group I served as untreated control whereas Group II received drinking water containing lead as lead acetate @1000 ppm (Pb1000). Group III was exposed to feed containing technical grade endosulfan @ 100 ppm (E100). Group IV was exposed to Pb (1000) +E (100). All the treatments were given daily for 28 days. Combination of lead and endosulfan modified the indices of oxidative stress in the parameters such as lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in rats as compared to their individual compounds. The results suggest that the combination of these individual compounds may have the potential to modify oxidative stress produced by single compounds in male rats.

Antiosteoporotic effect of hesperidin against ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats via reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem, especially in geriatric patients. Worldwide, it affects 8.9 million people every year. Oxidative stress and inflammation expand the osteoporosis reaction. Hesperidin supplement helps to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. In this study, we estimated the antiosteoporotic effect of hesperidin against the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis. Hesperidin was orally administered at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg to OVX rats for 10 weeks. Different biochemical parameters, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and antioxidant parameters, were also estimated. The three-point bending test, bone mineral density (BMD), and histomorphometric features of the femoral bone were also scrutinized. Hesperidin significantly decreased body weight and increased uterine weight. Hesperidin significantly reduced the ALP, OC, acid phosphatase, and β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptides levels in OVX rats. Hesperidin considerably increased BMD and dose-dependently reduced the pixel density. Hesperidin considerably increased the maximum load, energy, stiffness, maximum stress, and young modulus. Hesperidin significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and increased the level of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase in OVX-induced rats. Hesperidin significantly diminishes the cytokine levels, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β, and inflammatory mediators such as nuclear factor-kappa B. It significantly reduced the level of Ca, P, and increased the level of vitamin D in OVX rats. Hesperidin significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the expression of sirtuin 1. Collectively, we can conclude that hesperidin exhibited better protection against osteoporosis by enhancing the bone density and bone mineral content in addition to biomechanical parameters.

The Unity of Redox and Structural Remodeling of Brown Adipose Tissue in Hypothyroidism

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is important for maintaining whole-body metabolic and energy homeostasis. However, the effects of hypothyroidism, one of the most common diseases worldwide, which increases the risk of several metabolic disorders, on BAT redox and metabolic homeostasis remain mostly unknown. We aimed to investigate the dynamics of protein expression, enzyme activity, and localization of antioxidant defense (AD) enzymes in rat interscapular BAT upon induction of hypothyroidism by antithyroid drug methimazole for 7, 15, and 21 days. Our results showed an increased protein expression of CuZn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutamyl–cysteine ligase, thioredoxin, total glutathione content, and activity of catalase and thioredoxin reductase in hypothyroid rats, compared to euthyroid control. Concomitant with the increase in AD, newly established nuclear, mitochondrial, and peroxisomal localization of AD enzymes was found. Hypothyroidism also potentiated associations between mitochondria, peroxisomes, and lipid bodies, creating specific structural–functional units. Moreover, hypothyroidism induced protein expression and nuclear translocation of a master regulator of redox-metabolic homeostasis, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and an increased amount of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adducts. The results indicate that spatiotemporal overlap in the remodeling of AD is orchestrated by Nrf2, implicating the role of 4-HNE in this process and suggesting the potential mechanism of redox-structural remodeling during BAT adaptation in hypothyroidism.

The ameliorative role of Physalis pubescens L. against neurological impairment associated with streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats.

Neuropathy is considered a critical complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Scientific studies are needed to relieve these painful complications. The current study aims to estimate the ameliorative role of Physalis juice (PJ) against neurological impairment in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Type 1 DM was induced after one week of injecting rats with 55mg STZ/kg body weight. PJ-treated rats were orally administered 5 ml PJ/kg body weight per day for 28 days after induction of diabetes. A small piece of the cerebral cortex of rats was fixed and used for histopathological investigations. The remaining portion of the cerebral cortex was homogenized for biochemical and molecular analyses. As compared to the controls, STZ-injected rats showed significant elevations in the levels of blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor alfa, interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and expression levels of caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X-protein. Additionally, remarkable declines in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, monoamines, B-cell lymphoma-2, glutathione, as well as the activities and gene expression levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in STZ-treated rats were reported. Moreover, somehistopathological alterations were observed in the brain cortex of the STZ-treated rats. On the other hand, the administration of PJ substantially reduced the blood glucose and alleviated the above-mentioned alterations in all the studied parameters of the cerebral cortex. In conclusion, an oral administration of 5 ml PJ/kg revealed aneuroprotective action against neurodegenerative diabetes-induced complications in rats, which might be due tothe reported antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of PJ. Thus, further therapeutic studies are recommended to apply PJ in the treatment regimen of diabetes.