Changes In Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Biological responses and toxicopathic effects elicited in Solea senegalensis juveniles by waterborne exposure to benzo[a]pyrene

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority contaminants in coastal and estuarine ecosystems under anthropogenic pressure. Although PAHs tend to accumulate in the sediment, toxicity for benthic flat fish such as soles may be caused by PAHs released from the sediment to the water column. Within this context, the present investigation aims at recognizing toxicopathic effects elicited after waterborne exposure to benzo[a]pyrene B[a]P, a model individual PAH compound, in juvenile Solea senegalensis. Sole juveniles were exposed to various concentrations of waterborne B[a]P for 3 and 7 days. Brain, liver, gills and gonad were the target tissues selected to determine biochemical and lysosomal biomarkers, and histopathology. Biological responses and toxicopathic effects were consistent with B[a]P concentration and exposure time. From day 3, hepatic catalase inhibition indicated potential oxidative effects of B[a]P. At day 7, contaminant exposure produced hepatic glutathione-S-transferase induction at low concentrations and inhibition at higher levels, evidencing a bell-shaped response. A clear gradient in lysosomal membrane destabilisation was observed in relation with B[a]P concentrations. Histopathological lesions were more frequent at day 7 and at higher contaminant levels. It seems that environmentally relevant waterborne concentrations of B[a]P (1000 ng/l) would suffice to cause toxicopathic effects on sole juveniles in relatively short exposure times. In agreement, the Integrative Biological Response index (IBR/n) indicated a dose-dependent decline in health condition upon exposure to B[a]P (IBR/nHighB[a]P > IBR/nMidB[a]P > IBR/nLowB[a]P > IBR/nDMSO > IBR/nControl). Overall, changes in antioxidant enzymes activity, lysosomal biomarkers and gill and liver histopathology are responsive early-warning signs of health disturbance in sole juveniles exposed to waterborne PAHs.

Wound-Induced Changes in Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Skin Mucus and in Gene Expression in the Skin of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

This study investigated the antioxidant enzyme activities in the skin mucus of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) at 3 and 7 days post-wounding (dpw). The expression levels of the genes that encode stress proteins (grp170, grp94, grp75, sod and hsp70) and skin regeneration-related proteins (tf, igf1, tgfb1, der1, apo1 and erdj3) in the skin also were determined. Mucus and skin samples were obtained from the left and right flanks of non-wounded and wounded fish. In both flanks of the wounded fish, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in the skin mucus increased (p < 0.05) at 3 and 7 dpw (100 ± 31% and 111 ± 25%, respectively), whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased (p < 0.05) only at 7 dpw (135 ± 15%). The expression levels of stress proteins in the skin of the wounded flank of the wounded fish mainly increased at 7 dpw (grp170 increased to 288 ± 85%, grp94 to 502 ± 143%, grp75 to 274 ± 69%, sod to 569 ± 99%, and hsp70 increased to 537 ± 14%) (p < 0.05). However, the expression levels of the tissue regeneration-related genes varied depending on the flank investigated, on the experimental time, and on the gene studied. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to determine the effect of a wound in different skin parts of the same fish.

Changes in antioxidant enzymes activities and alkaloid amount of Catharanthus roseus in response to plant growth regulators under drought condition

Drought stress affects plant growth and is considered as one of the most important issues in In Middle East. In order to manage the critical water, it is essential to develop strategies to improve plant growth and biochemical characteristics. Plant growth regulators may afford a safe solution to increasing crop productivity via several mechanisms. Thus, the current study investigated the influence of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid on some physiological and antioxidant responses of Catharanthus roseus to drought stress under field conditions in Ahvaz and Tehran, Iran. The results indicated drought stress decreased total fresh and dry weights, relative water content, and concentration of photosynthetic pigments. In contrast, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and alkaloid contents would be increased. Foliar application of salicylic acid had a significant impact on all studied traits, but jasmonic acid had an effect only on total fresh and dry weights, concentration of photosynthetic pigments, and alkaloid contents. The activity of antioxidant enzymes including peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and polyphenol oxidase enhanced by spraying salicylic acid in deficit and good irrigation conditions. Foliar application of salicylic acid 10 mM on activity of antioxidant enzymes and salicylic acid 1 mM on relative water content and photosynthetic pigment content were more effective than other salicylic acid concentrations. Foliar application of jasmonic acid increased total fresh and dry weights also carotenoid content, but decreased total chlorophyll contents under stress conditions, in both places. Application of salicylic acid 0.1 mM + jasmonic acid increased total fresh and dry weights in any irrigation regimes, while this treatment increased carotenoid contents only under drought conditions in Ahvaz. Application of salicylic acid alone and with jasmonic acid significantly increased the alkaloid contents under severe drought stress. Salicylic acid improved C. roseus physiological performance and alkaloid contents, also it could be a way for periwinkle to alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress.

Antioxidant enzyme responses of Kentucky bluegrass to simulated athletic traffic stress

AbstractIncreased athletic field usage and growing understanding of injury prevention have sports turf managers interested in implementing management practices that will improve turfgrass traffic stress tolerance. Previous research has shown that other abiotic stressors, such as mowing/rolling, high/low temperature, and drought, result in changes to turfgrass antioxidant enzyme activity levels. This study was conducted to determine how simulated athletic traffic affects the magnitude and duration of changes in antioxidant enzyme activity of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.; KBG). Two levels of simulated athletic traffic (0 and 2 games week−1) were applied to a blend of ‘True Blue HGT’ KBG using a modified Baldree traffic simulator for 7 simulated traffic events (STEs) in each year coinciding with the 2018 and 2019 fall football schedule. One STE of two games wk−1 represents a high school field hosting junior varsity and varsity games each week. Experimental design was a split‐plot randomized complete block with four replications. Turfgrass leaves were individually cut from sub‐plots at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after simulated traffic application to assay the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Traffic application resulted in decreased activity of APX by 30–45% in 2019, CAT by 26–28% in 2019, and SOD by 3–13% on some rating dates in 2018 and 2019. Activity of APX was lowest at 4–12 h after STE. Catalase and SOD activity was highest at 0 or 4 h after STEs in early 2019 but in late 2019 it was highest at 12 or 24 h after STEs. These results suggest that cumulative traffic stress increases the time required for antioxidant enzyme activity, directing future research to investigate timings and frequency of product application, potentially conferring protection to antioxidant enzymes.

Assessment of the potential of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma discharge and microwave energy against Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma granarium.

This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma produced with dielectric barrier discharge (APPD) using air as a processing gas and microwave energy to control Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma granarium adults and larvae in wheat grains. Insects' mortality was found to be power and time-dependent. The results indicated that non-thermal APPD and the microwave have enough insecticidal effect on the target pests. From the bioassay, LT50's and LT90's levels were estimated, T. granarium larvae appeared more tolerant to non-thermal APPD and the microwave energy than adults 7 days post-exposure. The germination percentage of wheat grains increased as the time of exposure to the non-thermal APPD increased. On the contrary, the germination percentage of wheat grains decreased as the time of exposure to the microwave increased. In addition, changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and peroxidase, in adults and larvae were examined after 24 h post-treatment to non-thermal APPD at 15.9 W power level, which caused 50% mortality. The activity of CAT, GST and lipid peroxide in the treated larvae showed a significant increase post-exposure to the non-thermal APPD at 15.9 W power level. On the other hand, no significant change in GSH-Px activity was observed. Reductions in the level of glutathione (GSH) and protein content occurred in treated larvae in comparison with the control.

Role of Xanthoceras sorbifolium MYB44 in tolerance to combined drought and heat stress via modulation of stomatal closure and ROS homeostasis

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) is an important edible woody oil tree species that is endemic to China. Drought and heat stresses are factors severely limiting the high-quality development of the yellowhorn industry. Transcription factors (TFs) play critical roles in regulating the response of woody plant species to water deficit or high temperature. However, the MYB TFs that respond to combined drought and heat stress in yellowhorn remain unclear.Here, we first investigated the physiological changes in 5 yellowhorn varieties in response to combined stress treatments. We observed significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and photosynthesis. The Maigaiti variety yielded the best results and was selected for subsequent experiments. An R2R3-type MYB TF, designated XsMYB44, was isolated from the leaves of yellowhorn. XsMYB44 expression was strongly induced by combined stress. Suppression of XsMYB44 expression via virus-induced gene silencing weakened yellowhorn tolerance to both individual and combined drought and heat stress, and the increased susceptibility was coupled with decreased plant height, fresh weight and relative water content and inhibited stomatal closure. Moreover, compared with the individual stresses, the combined stress caused increased reactive oxygen species levels and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and proline content in XsMYB44-silenced plants. Furthermore, the expression levels of several defense-related genes were reduced in the XsMYB44-silenced plants. Overall, we studied the physiological characteristics of 5 yellowhorn varieties, and the results demonstrated that XsMYB44 acts as a positive regulator in the yellowhorn response to combined stress by triggering stomatal closure to maintain water levels and by modulating ROS homeostasis.

Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic parameters in dairy cows during different reproductive periods

Our study aimed to monitor the alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities and the metabolic profile parameters and their relationships in dairy cows during different reproductive stages (gestational-, dry-, pre- and post-partum). The collection of blood samples from thirty healthy pregnant Holstein cows took place at a commercial dairy farm, between September 2015 and June 2016. The cows covered eight different reproductive stages (4–6 weeks before the dry period (D4-6w)), at the beginning of the dry period (D0; on day 210 of gestation), the first month of the dry period (D1m), antepartum day 8 (APd8), postpartum (PP) day 3 (PPd3), PP day 8 (PPd8), PP between 3rd-4th weeks (PP3-4w) and PP between 80 and 90 days (PP80-90d). The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analysed to monitor and evaluate the antioxidant system. Concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin, glucose, total bilirubin, cholesterol, calcium (Ca) and the enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were also determined as metabolic profile parameters. GPx activities increased in D1m (P < 0.05) and peaked during the PP3d and PP8d periods (P < 0.0001), with values decreasing again at the PP3-4w period. The most significant change in SOD activities was detected in the PP3-4w with a significant decrease (P < 0.05). BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased significantly during the PPd3 and PPd8 periods (P < 0.05), with BHBA decreased to low values in the PP3-4w (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between BHBA, NEFA, total bilirubin and GPx (0.784, 0.874 and 0.871; P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively). A significant negative correlation between calcium and cholesterol and GPx was found (−0.857, P < 0.01; and −0.681, P < 0.05, respectively). As a result, a relationship was determined between blood antioxidant enzymes and metabolic parameters at different periods. High GPx and SOD activities, especially in the early period before and after parturition, is thought to be related to the adaptation of the animals to this process. The lack of adaptation abilities of animals during these periods causes many problems seen during early postpartum. Therefore, considering GPx and SOD activity measurements in pre- and postpartum periods contributes to better management of these periods and the prevention of complications.

Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression profiles under drought stress in tolerant, intermediate, and susceptible wheat genotypes

Drought is a common abiotic stress that influences crop production to a large extent all over the world. Wheat crop experiences drought at main stages during its life cycle, which induces oxidative stress in the plants. The antioxidant mechanisms of the plant have a significant role in providing tolerance against the water stress. The objective of this work was to investigate the antioxidant activity and transcript profile of antioxidant enzyme related genes in three wheat genotypes to be TN4228 (drought tolerant), TN1399 (moderately tolerant) and TN3737 (susceptible) at control [80% Field capacity (FC)] medium (40% FC) and severe stress (25% FC). Water-limited conditions led to a decrease in relative water content (RWC). However, drought increased malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX)]. In addition, we observed the enhancement of the delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS), CAT, APX and SOD gene expressions at drought stress conditions. Both moderate and severe stresses caused genotype-specific responses, which were dependent on stress severity. According to drought stress and defense systems in TN4228, it was obtained that the engaged genes and enzymes play significant roles in defense responses and could be viable targets to determine the level of drought tolerance.

How to Improve the Antioxidant Defense in Asphyxiated Newborns-Lessons from Animal Models.

Oxygen free radicals have been implicated in brain damage after neonatal asphyxia. In the early phase of asphyxia/reoxygenation, changes in antioxidant enzyme activity play a pivotal role in switching on and off the cascade of events that can kill the neurons. Hypoxia/ischemia (H/I) forces the brain to activate endogenous mechanisms (e.g., antioxidant enzymes) to compensate for the lost or broken neural circuits. It is important to evaluate therapies to enhance the self-protective capacity of the brain. In animal models, decreased body temperature during neonatal asphyxia has been shown to increase cerebral antioxidant capacity. However, in preterm or severely asphyxiated newborns this therapy, rather than beneficial seems to be harmful. Thus, seeking new therapeutic approaches to prevent anoxia-induced complications is crucial. Pharmacotherapy with deferoxamine (DFO) is commonly recognized as a beneficial regimen for H/I insult. DFO, via iron chelation, reduces oxidative stress. It also assures an optimal antioxidant protection minimizing depletion of the antioxidant enzymes as well as low molecular antioxidants. In the present review, some aspects of recently acquired insight into the therapeutic effects of hypothermia and DFO in promoting neuronal survival after H/I are discussed.

Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes Activity and Metabolomic Profiles in the Guts of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Larvae Infected with Ascosphaera apis.

The fungus Ascosphaera apis, an obligate fungal pathogen of honey bee brood, causes chalkbrood disease in honey bee larvae worldwide. Biological characteristics of the fungal pathogen and the molecular interactions between A. apis and honey bees have been studied extensively. However, little is known about the effects of A. apis infection on antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolic profiles of the gut of honey bee larvae. In this study, sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and LC-MS based untargeted metabolomic analysis were employed to determine the changes in the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes and the metabolomic profiles in gut tissues of A. apis-infected larvae (105 A. apis spores per larva) and controls. Results showed that specific activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase were significantly higher in the guts of the control larvae than in the guts of the A. apis-infected larvae. The metabolomic data revealed that levels of 28 and 52 metabolites were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in the guts of A. apis-infected larvae than in the guts of control larvae. The 5-oxo-ETE level in the infected larvae was two times higher than that in the control larvae. Elevated 5-oxo-ETE levels may act as a potential metabolic biomarker for chalkbrood disease diagnosis, suggesting that A. apis infection induced obvious oxidative stress in the honey bee larvae. The levels of metabolites such as taurine, docosahexaenoic acid, and L-carnitine involved in combating oxidative stress were significantly decreased in the gut of A. apis-infected larvae. Overall, our results suggest that A. apis infection may compromise the ability of infected larvae to cope with oxidative stress, providing new insight into changing patterns of physiological responses to A. apis infection in honey bee larvae by concurrent use of conventional biochemical assays and untargeted metabolomics.

Eco-corona formation lessens the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics towards marine microalgae Chlorella sp.

Unabated use of nanoplastics (<1 μm) in the consumer products and their consequent release to the marine environment poses a substantial threat to the marine ecosystem. The toxic impact of the nanoplastics on marine microalgae is yet to be explored in detail, and the role of reactive oxygen species generation remains largely unclear. The algal exudates constitute a significant part of the natural organics present in the marine system that may readily adsorb over the nanoplastics to form eco-corona. In the current work a marine alga, Chlorella sp., was considered a bioindicator organism and the effects of eco-corona formation in lessening the toxic impact of the nanoplastics was analyzed. Three differently functionalized polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs): Aminated (NH2-PS NPs), Carboxylated (COOH-PS NPs) and Plain nanoplastics were aged (12, 24, and 48 h) in the EPS containing medium to facilitate eco-corona formation. Decline in cell viability, membrane integrity, and photosynthetic yield were considered to be principle toxicity indicators. The role of oxidative stress as key mode of action (MOA) was studied considering generation of overall reactive oxygen species, and specific radicals (hydroxyl and superoxide) as relevant markers. The changes in antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were also measured. The results clearly indicate a significant decline in the oxidative stress and corresponding lessening of the toxic effects due to eco-corona formation on the PS NPs. The response varied with surface charge on the NPs and ageing duration. Considering the increasing importance of the nanoplastics as one of the major emerging pollutants in marine ecosystem, this study strongly suggests that the EPS mediated eco-corona formation may substantially lessen their toxic burden.

Protective Role of Spirulina platensis Against Bifenthrin-Induced Reprotoxicity in Adult Male Mice by Reversing Expression of Altered Histological, Biochemical, and Molecular Markers Including MicroRNAs.

The potential reprotoxicity of bifenthrin remains unclear if only the common clinical indicators of reproductive disease are examined. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Spirulina platensis, a microalga rich in antioxidant compounds, against bifenthrin-induced testicular oxidative damage in male mice. At the first, we demonstrate that administration of bifenthrin resulted in a decline of testosterone level and in deterioration of sperm quality that was correlated with significant transcription changes of some specific mRNA and microRNA involved in cholesterol transport, testosterone synthesis, and spermatogenesis. At the biochemical level, we found that oxidative stress was obvious in the bifenthrin group, as evidenced by increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitrite oxide (NO) that was correlated with activation of genes related to mitochondrial apoptotic signal pathways. We then brought, for the first time to our knowledge, solid and complete experimental evidences that administration of mice with Spirulina extract was sufficient to protect against deleterious effects BF in testicular tissues by abrogating the change in antioxidant enzyme activities; the increase in MDA, PCO, and NO concentrations; and the altered expression level of miRNA and mRNA involved in spermatogenesis. We finally demonstrate that Spirulina restores the production of testosterone in mice as well as epididymal sperm viability and motility. These results suggest a potential antitoxic activity of Tunisian Spirulina deserving further attention.

Effects of continuous light deprivation on cucumber growth and antioxidant enzyme activities in solar greenhouse in winter

Cucumber Variety ‘Drite L108’ (Cucumis sativus L. Cv. Derit L108) was selected as the test material. In the solar greenhouse, different days (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 d) of light (PAR &lt; 200 µmol·m-2·s-1) and normal light conditions were designed with shading nets to observe the growth indexes of cucumber plants and the changes of antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves. The results showed that: (1) continuous low light increased the SPAD (relative chlorophyll) value of cucumber leaves and decreased the net photosynthetic rate. The longer the continuous low light days are, the smaller the net photosynthetic rate of cucumber leaves and the worse the photosynthetic recovery ability would be. (2) The plant height, stem diameter and leaf area per plant were lower than CK, and the above indexes could not return to the normal level after 9 days of normal light recovery; the yield and marketability of cucumber fruit decreased under continuous low illumination. (3) The activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and POD (peroxidase) in cucumber leaves increased, the activities of CAT (catalase) first increased and then decreased, and the content of MDA (malondialdehyde) continued to increase. The longer the days of continuous light keep, the more seriously the cucumber leaves were damaged by membrane lipid peroxidation. After continuous light for more than 7 days, the metabolic function of cucumber leaves was difficult to recover to the normal level.

Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, hormone levels and growth traits of rose induced by three native strains of Trichoderma harzianum

Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, hormone levels and growth traits of rose induced by three native strains of Trichoderma harzianum

Abscisic Acid and Gibberellins Act Antagonistically to Mediate Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate-Retarded Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Tomato

Germination is a crucial event in plant lifecycle mediated by a complex hormonal crosstalk. In this study, we revealed an antagonistic interaction between phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-retarded germination and early seedling growth in tomato. High concentrations of EGCG (0.5 mM and 1.0 mM) decelerated the seed germination and reduced the germination rate and biomass accumulation in seedlings. EGCG-induced inhibition in seedling growth was associated with oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, EGCG treatment increased the ABA content and decreased the GA3 content, leading to a significant reduction in the ratio of GA3/ABA in a dose-dependent manner. EGCG-induced changes in ABA and GA levels were attributed to the changes in expression levels of genes involved in their metabolism. Either exogenous GA application or endogenous ABA deficiency both alleviated EGCG-induced inhibition in early seedling growth. These results suggest that EGCG inhibits seed germination and early seedling growth by affecting the balance between ABA and GA in tomato. These findings are important to better understand the role of flavonoids in seed germination and their implications in controlling seed dormancy.

Juglone induced oxidative and genotoxic stress in the model insect Galleria mellonella L. (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera)

Juglone is a secondary metabolite naturally synthesized in leaves and green husks of the walnut plant species. It is an important phytochemical compound which has an insecticidal potential on the model insect Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth). Here, we aimed to investigate oxidative and genotoxic stress changes induced by juglone in G. mellonella larvae. In all assays, lethal concentrations (LC10: 0.5 mg; LC30: 1.5 mg; LC50: 2.3 mg) of juglone were directly incorporated into the 2 g diet of the first instar larvae of G. mellonella. Tissue homogenates of the last instars exposed to juglone were used to test for antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione-S transferase, glutathione peroxidases, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) and the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA). Comet and Micronucleus assays were used to determine the genotoxic effects of juglone on the larvae. Juglone expressed changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and induced lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. Significant DNA and chromosome damage occurred in the genome of the insect hemocytes. Increase in MDA levels and DNA damage indicate that juglone-dependent oxidative stress occurred in the larval body. Hence, juglone has concentration-dependent ecotoxic and genotoxic effects on the storage pest and model organism, G. mellonella.

Rho Kinase Inhibition by Fasudil Attenuates Adriamycin-Induced Chronic Heart Injury.

Adriamycin (ADR)-induced chronic heart injury (CHI) is a serious complication of chemotherapy. The present study was designed to assess the ability of fasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor, to prevent ADR-induced CHI. Forty male 6-week-old C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: (1) control group, (2) CHI induced by adriamycin (ADR group), (3) CHI plus low dose fasudil (ADR + L group), and (4) CHI plus high dose fasudil (ADR + H group). Animals from groups 2-4 received ADR (2.5mg/kg, i.p.) once a week for 8weeks, and the control group received saline. Meanwhile, the animals in groups 3-4 received 2mg/kg/day or 10mg/kg/day fasudil, respectively. After measurement of cardiac functions, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays. The hearts were excised for histological, immunohistochemistry and western blot study, respectively. Adriamycin produced evident cardiac damage revealed by cardiac functions changes: decreased left ventricular fractional shortening (FS), left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), increased left ventricular volume, cardiac injury marker changes (increased creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase), antioxidant enzymes activity changes (decreased superoxide dismutase), and lipid peroxidation (elevated malondialdehyde) to the control group. Fasudil treatment notably ameliorated ADR-induced cardiac damage, restored heart function, suppressed cell apoptosis and senescence, ameliorated redox imbalance, and DNA damage. Fasudil has a protective effect on ADR-induced chronic heart injury, which partially attributed to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic effects of inhibiting the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway.

Antioxidant Responses of Three Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Varieties against Pepper veinal mottle virus

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the changes in antioxidant activity and protein content between non-infected and infected leaves of three Capsicum annuum varieties against Pepper veinal mottle virus.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Pepper veinal mottle virus isolated from infected pepper plants was inoculated to three healthy varieties of pepper (Pepper Narval, Yolo Wonder and Chili pepper) by gently rubbing on the leaves of 14-day-old seedlings. Control peppers of each variety were treated in the same way with distilled water. The infection of inoculated plants was confirmed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Control and infected leaves were collected 21 days after inoculation (when symptoms manifested) and used for biochemical analyses. Change in different biochemical parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and protein) in infected pepper plant was observed compared to control non-infected ones.&#x0D; Results: Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were increased in Pepper Narval and Pepper Yolo Wonder infected leaves compared to non-infected, while a significant decrease was observed in infected Chili pepper compared to control. Higher malondialdehyde content was found in Pepper Yolo Wonder and Chili pepper infected leaves (P &lt; 0.05) than control while a non-significant difference was shown between the infected and non-infected of Pepper Narval variety (P &gt; 0.05). Infected Chili pepper showed high protein content compared to control (P &lt; 0.05). An opposite trend was observed in pepper Narval and Yolo Wonder varieties (P &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Pepper veinal mottle virus infection induces changes in antioxidant enzymes activities, malondialdehyde and total protein levels. These biochemical components were greatly expressed differentially between Pepper veinal mottle virus infected and non-infected in Pepper Yolo Wonder variety. Further studies with more biochemical parameters may contribute to improve the pepper tolerance mechanism to Pepper veinal mottle virus in a breeding program.

Anti-Oxidant Effects of Silybum marianum Extracts on Diabetic Wistar Rats

Antioxidants are specialized macro-molecules that neutralize harmful substances; free radicals. These radicals supposedly harm tissues, destroy food items, and damage materials. In living organisms, antioxidants can take the form of enzymes, and may be regularly added to oils, metals, foodstuffs, as well as numerous other materials to mitigate the damaging effect of free radical. Current study was designed to investigate the biochemical changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, following administration of Silybum marianum (an ancient medicinal plant of the Carduus marianum family) on Alloxan-Induced, diabetic rats. One hundred and twenty-five (125) rats were procured, made to acclimatize for two weeks, and then randomly grouped into five (5) groups of (n=25). Group 1: Non-Diabetic (Control) rats, Group 2 diabetic untreated rats, while groups 3, 4 and 5 comprised of vitamin-C treated rats (diabetic), Silymarin (extract), and Vitamin C + Silymarin (extract) combined treatment respectively. After four weeks of treatment with test extract, animals were then sacrificed, and blood samples collected and assayed for biochemical [anti-oxidant] enzyme activity. Upon statistical analysis, one way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) activities to have significantly decreased for extract + vitamin C treated group (Group V) when compared with control (Group I). It was also noted that the use of the combined antioxidants vitamin C and silymarin resulted in a significant reduction in ROS production with decreased SOD and CAT enzyme activities. It is therefore likely that, improvements in antioxidant enzyme activities are a function of extract and/or Vitamin C administration to animals. Thus, Silymarin has antioxidant and regenerative potentials to damaged tissues.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the monocarbonyl curcumin analogs B2BRBC and C66 in monocrotaline-induced right ventricular hypertrophy.

For 22 days after monocrotaline injection two groups of rats received either of the monocarbonyl curcumin analogs (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(2-bromobenzylidene)cycloxehanone (B2BrBC) and (2E,6E)-2,6-bis([2-trifluoromethyl]benzylidene)cyclohexanone (C66), and their right ventricle parameters were compared to those from the control and the monocrotaline injected animals. B2BrBC and C66 treatments did not prevent the monocrotaline-induced right ventricular hypertrophy but attenuated the changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced inflammation. The level of thiol-based nonenzymatic antioxidants did not change in the function of monocrotaline or curcumin analogs treatment. However, due to its stronger antioxidant properties, only B2BrBC treatment was effective in the reduction of monocrotaline-associated lipid peroxidation. The obtained results suggest that increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes may not be sufficient to reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation optimally and our current study supports the potential of compounds with more than one beneficial biological activity as a promising treatment against the progression of cardiac hypertrophy.