Cu-Zn Superoxide Dismutase Activity Research Articles

Evaluation of the antioxidative enzymes in the seminal plasma of infertile men: Contribution to classic semen quality analysis

ABSTRACTProtein expression/activity of antioxidative defense enzymes (AD) in seminal plasma of fertile men might be used as biomarkers of male fertility status. To test this concept, the present study examined the semen parameters of males among 14 normal idiopathic (normozoospermia) and 84 subnormal (teratozoospermia, oligoteratozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia) infertile individuals\\. We investigated levels of protein expression/activity of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), their association with functional sperm parameters, as well as their potential to serve as biomarkers of specific sperm pathologies. Although the activity of CuZnSOD and protein expression of catalase were significantly correlated with several sperm parameters, underlying their potential role in etiology of various sperm abnormalities, investigation of their potential usefulness as a biomarker of semen quality showed that these AD enzymes could not distinguish subtle differences between various sperm pathologies. In contrast, GSH-Px activity was decreased in all groups with sperm pathologies and was a very good indicator of aberrations in functional sperm parameters, explaining up to 94.6% of infertility cases where functional sperm parameters were affected. Therefore, assessment of GSH-Px activity showed the potential to discriminate between infertile males with normal and subnormal semen characteristics and may prove useful in the evaluation of male (in)fertility.Abbreviations: AD: antioxidative defense; Cu, Zn SOD: copper, zinc superoxide dismutase; GSH-Px: glutathione peroxidase; MnSOD: manganese superoxide dismutase; NS: normospermia; OATS: oligoasthenoteratozoospermia; OTS: oligoteratozoospermia; ROC: receiver operating characteristic; ROS: reactive oxygen species; TS: teratozoospermia; WHO: world health organization

Effects of hemazin SC 500 (terbuthylazine) on antioxidative enzymes in human erythrocytes in vitro

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the commercial formulation hemazin SC 500, an herbicide containing terbuthylazine as the active compound, on the isoenzyme patterns and activities of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and catalase (CAT), as well as on the glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, in human erythrocytes in vitro. The human erythrocytes were treated with hemazin SC 500 over a broad range of terbuthylazine concentrations (37 nmol L-1? ?37 ?mol L-1) for 1 and 3 h at a temperature of 37?C. Native electrophoresis of the control and treated samples revealed two SOD1 and one CAT isoform. Treatment did not affect the SOD1 and CAT isoenzyme profile, but induced a change in their activities. Terbuthylazine at lower concentration induced a significant increase of the total SOD1 activity and decreased the GST activity in samples incubated for 1 and 3 h. On the other hand, the highest increase in the CAT activity was observed for the sample treated for 1 h with a higher concentration of terbuthylazine. Hemazin SC 500 containing terbuthylazine induces changes in the erythrocyte antioxidative system whereby the response of individual enzymatic antioxidants depends on the concentration of the pesticide and the incubation time.

Influence of Dietary Copper Methionine Concentrations on Growth Performance, Digestibility of Nutrients, Serum Lipid Profiles, and Immune Defenses in Broilers.

A 42-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary copper (Cu) concentrations on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters in broilers aged from 1 to 42days. Five hundred forty 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 1 of the following 6 dietary treatments: (1) control (basal diet without supplemental Cu), (2) 15mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu15), (3) 30mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu30), (4) 60mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu60), (5) 120mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu120), and (6) 240mg/kg supplemental Cu (Cu240), Cu as copper methionine. A 4-day metabolism trial was conducted during the last week of the experiment feeding. The results showed that dietary Cu supplementation increased the average daily gain and the average daily feed intake (P < 0.01). The feed gain ratio, however, was not affected by dietary Cu (P > 0.10). Additionally, dietary Cu supplementation increased the digestibility of fat and energy (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased with dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.05). The activities of serum Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05), and ceruloplasmin (P = 0.09), on the contrary, were increased by Cu addition. For immune indexes, dietary Cu supplementation increased serum IgA and IgM (P < 0.05). In addition, the activities of serum ALT increased with increasing dietary Cu supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that Cu supplementation can increase fat digestibility and promote growth. Additionally, dietary Cu supplementation can reduce serum cholesterol and enhance antioxidant capacity in broilers.

Effects of zinc sources and levels on zinc bioavailability, blood parameters, and nutrient balance of male mink (Neovison vison)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different sources and levels of zinc (Zn) on nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, and relative Zn bioavailability in male mink. Animals in the control group were fed a basal diet, consisting mainly of corn, soybean oil, meat and bone meal, and fish meal, with no Zn supplementation. Mink in the other 9 treatments were fed the basal diet supplemented with Zn from grade Zn sulfate (ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;sup&gt;. &lt;/sup&gt;7H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O), Zn glycinate (ZnGly), or Zn pectin oligosaccharides (ZnPOS) chelate at concentrations of either 100, 300, or 900 mg Zn/kg dry matter. The results showed that zinc levels increased the AD of fat linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The AD of fat in Zn-900 was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of the control. Fecal Zn and urinary Zn were affected by dietary Zn addition (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Moreover, Zn supplementation increased Zn retention compared with the control group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The N retention in ZnPOS was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of the control. The effect of Zn level was linear (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for N retention. In addition, the activity of alkaline phosphatase was higher in groups supplemented with 900 mg/kg Zn (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with the control group. There were significant interactions (P &amp;lt; 0.05) among Zn sources on the activity of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-ZnSOD). Compared with ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;, relative bioavailability values were 148% and 173% for ZnGly and ZnPOS, respectively, based on Cu-ZnSOD activity. In conclusion, our data show that the relative bioavailability of ZnPOS was greater than that of ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;sup&gt;. &lt;/sup&gt;7H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O and ZnGly and Zn supplementation can enhance the Cu-ZnSOD of male mink, and mink can efficiently utilize ZnGly and ZnPOS.

Effects of dietary lipid-coated zinc on the antioxidant defense system in the small intestine and liver of piglets

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of lipid-coated ZnO (LCZ) and the level of LCZ compared with ordinary zinc oxide (ZnO) on antioxidant defense system in the intestine and liver of piglets. A total of forty piglets (n=8) were fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-1), 2,500 ppm Zn with ZnO (ZnO-2), 100 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-1), 200 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-2), or 400 ppm Zn as LCZ (LCZ-3) for 14-d, respectively. The LCZ-3 group resulted in higher (P<0.05) mRNA expressions and activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in jejunal mucosa compared with the ZnO-1 and LCZ-1 groups, while no difference was observed in the mRNA level of antioxidant genes between the ZnO-1 and ZnO-2 groups. Within the LCZ groups, the LCZ level linearly and quadratically (P<0.01) increased antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum. The maximum response of jejunal antioxidant enzymes to Zn supplementation was achieved by 400 ppm of LCZ. Hepatic mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes was unaffected by Zn source and level, while hepatic SOD and GST activities were greater (P<0.05) in the LCZ-3 group than in the ZnO-1 group. No difference was observed in lipid peroxidation of the jejunum and liver and the total antioxidant power of plasma among groups. In conclusion, a supplementation with 400 ppm of LCZ resulted in a maximum increase in antioxidant enzymes, indicating that LCZ may affect antioxidant defense system more profoundly than ZnO.

Effects of zinc sources and levels of zinc amino acid complex on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters in weanling pigs.

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to investigate the effects of zinc amino acid complex (ZnAA) on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters in weanling pigs.MethodsIn Exp. 1, a total of 216 Duroc×Landrace×Large White weanling pigs were assigned randomly to 6 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates (pens) with 6 pigs each. The diets were corn-soybean meal based with supplementation of 0, 20, 40, 80, 120 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA or 40 mg Zn/kg from feed-grade zinc sulfate. The experiment lasted 42 days. In Exp. 2, a total of 180 weanling pigs were assigned randomly to 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 80, or 800 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA.ResultsIn Exp. 1, pigs fed 40 to 80 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA had higher (p<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than the unsupplemented group during d 0 to 14. During d 0 to 42, the pigs fed 20 to 120 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA had increased (p<0.05) ADG. Pigs fed 20 to 120 mg/kg Zn from ZnAA had lower feed:gain (p<0.05), increased the activity of serum Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase on d 14, and increased serum Zn levels on d 42 (p<0.05). In Exp. 2, pigs fed diets with 800 mg Zn/kg had increased average daily feed intake during d 15 to 28 (p<0.05) compared to the unsupplemented group. During d 0 to 28, the pigs fed supplemental Zn had increased ADG (p<0.05). On d 14 and d 28, pigs fed supplemental Zn had higher the serum alkaline phosphatase activities (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the hematological parameters and organ indices.ConclusionSupplementation with 20 to 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnAA improved the growth performance in weaned pigs. The piglets can tolerate up to 800 mg/kg Zn from ZnAA with limited potential health effects.

Mechanism of melatonin protection against copper-ascorbate-induced oxidative damage in vitro through isothermal titration calorimetry

AimsInvolvement of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases is well established. Melatonin's role as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger via its receptor dependent and receptor independent pathways is well known. The aim of this study is to identify and elaborate upon a third mechanism by which melatonin is able to abrogate oxidative stress. Main methodsOxidative stress was induced in vitro, by copper (0.2mM)-ascorbate (1mM) in isolated goat heart mitochondria, cytosol and peroxisomes and they were co-incubated with graded doses of melatonin. Similar experiments in a cell-free chemical system involving two pure antioxidant enzymes, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase was also carried out. Biochemical changes in activity of these antioxidant enzymes were analysed. Isothermal titration calorimetric studies with pure Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase were also carried out. Key findingsIncubation with copper-ascorbate led to alteration in activity of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase which were found to be protected upon co-incubation with melatonin (80μM for catalase and 1μM for others). Results of isothermal titration calorimetric studies with pure Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase along with different combinations of copper chloride, ascorbic acid and melatonin suggest that when melatonin is present in the reaction medium along with copper-ascorbate, it restrains the copper-ascorbate molecules by binding with them physically along with scavenging the free radicals generated by them. SignificanceThe present study suggests that possibly, binding of melatonin with antioxidant enzymes masks the vulnerable sites of these antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing oxidative damage by copper-ascorbate molecules.

Shielding of the geomagnetic field reduces hydrogen peroxide production in human neuroblastoma cell and inhibits the activity of CuZn superoxide dismutase

Accumulative evidence has shown the adverse effects of a geomagnetic field shielded condition, so called a hypomagnetic field (HMF), on the metabolic processes and oxidative stress in animals and cells. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we evaluate the role of HMF on the regulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. We found that HMF exposure led to ROS decrease, and that restoring the decrease by additional H2O2 rescued the HMF-enhanced cell proliferation. The measurements on ROS related indexes, including total anti-oxidant capacity, H2O2 and superoxide anion levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and expression, indicated that the HMF reduced H2O2 production and inhibited the activity of CuZn-SOD. Moreover, the HMF accelerated the denaturation of CuZn-SOD as well as enhanced aggregation of CuZn-SOD protein, in vitro. Our findings indicate that CuZn-SOD is able to response to the HMF stress and suggest it a mediator of the HMF effect.

Effects of inorganic and chelated trace mineral (Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe) premixes in marine rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli (Hilgendorf), fed diets containing phytic acid

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of trace mineral (Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe) premixes from inorganic and chelated (chelated to 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid or hydroxy analog of methionine; Mintrex™, Novus International Inc., St. Charles, MO, USA) sources, in rockfish, (Sebastes schlegeli). fed diets containing mineral inhibitor phytic acid. Seven isonitrogenous (46% crude protein/CP) and isocaloric (16.63 KJ available energy per g diet) semi-purified diets comprising of a Basal control and diets supplemented either with the inorganic (I) or chelated premix (M) at three different levels of 0.75 (I0.75/M0.75), 1.5 (I1.5/M1.5) and 3 (I3/M3) g kg−1 diets were formulated. Twenty-four fish averaging individual wet body weight of 9 ± 0.2 g (Mean ± SD) were fed one of the experimental diets in quadratic group for 16 weeks. Average weight gain (WG) of fish fed M3 was significantly higher than that of fish fed Basal control and I1.5 diets (P < 0.05). Whereas, data for the liver and whole body trace mineral contents showed a higher Cu and Zn saturation among fish fed M3 and M1.5 diets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, hepatic Cu-Zn super oxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) activity was recorded to be highest for fish fed M3 diet. Whereas, hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) value was lowest in fish fed M3 diet (P < 0.05). Challenge test with E. tarda showed an improved disease resistance among the fish fed different levels of trace mineral premixes. Therefore, these results demonstrated a higher efficiency of chelated compared to inorganic source of trace mineral premixes in marine rockfish.

Lifestyle predictors of oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities and total antioxidant capacity in healthy women: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to identify demographic and modifiable lifestyle factors that may be related to endogenous oxidant and antioxidant activity measured in blood specimens from putatively healthy women recruited at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo, NY, USA). Total glutathione (TGSH), catalase (CAT), CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in 124 healthy women, and associations with epidemiological factors were tested using general linear models. There were significant differences in oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities according to lifestyle factors, after adjusting for duration of blood storage and season of blood draw. Compared to women who consumed ≤2.8 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, those consuming >5.3 servings had on average 31% lower MPO activity (p-trend=0.02), as a marker of oxidative stress, 16% higher antioxidant GPx activity (p-trend=0.08), and 9% higher TAC (p-trend=0.05). Obese women (body mass index, BMI≥30) in contrast showed 17% lower antioxidant GPx activity, 44% higher MPO activity (p-trend=0.03), and 10% higher TAC (p-trend=0.03) compared to women with normal BMI<25. Smoking was associated with higher TGSH activity (p-trend=0.01) and lower TAC (p-trend=0.05). Higher TAC levels were most strongly associated with increasing age (standardized β=0.40, p<0.0001), BMI (standardized β=0.17, p=0.03), and GPx activity (standardized β=0.23, p=0.005), and inversely associated with CuZn-SOD activity (standardized β=-0.14, p=0.07). Physical activity levels, multivitamin use, and alcohol intake were not associated with TAC. Our data indicate that endogenous oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities are associated with lifestyle factors and, therefore, may be potentially modifiable, with implications for risk reduction of chronic conditions related to oxidative stress.

Blueberry treatment attenuated cirrhotic and preneoplastic lesions and oxidative stress in the liver of diethylnitrosamine-treated rats.

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer normally develops in stages that progress from cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased oxidative stress is suggested to play a role in DEN-induced carcinogenicity. Blueberries (BB) contain high antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effect of BB supplementation on development of DEN-induced cirrhosis and neoplastic lesions in the liver. Rats were injected with DEN (200 mg/kg; i.p.) three times with an interval of 15 days at 4, 6, and 8 weeks and sacrificed 8 weeks after the last DEN injection. They were also fed on 8% BB (w/w) containing chow for 16 weeks. Hepatic damage markers in serum were determined together with hepatic histopathological examinations. Hydroxyproline (HYP), malondialdehyde (MDA), diene conjugate (DC), protein carbonyl (PC), and glutathione (GSH) levels, and CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and their mRNA expressions were measured. Protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione transferase-pi (GST-pi) were evaluated as a marker of preneoplastic lesions. BB supplementation decreased hepatic damage markers in serum and hepatic MDA, DC, and PC levels, but SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities and their mRNA expressions remained unchanged in DEN-treated rats. BB attenuated cirrhotic changes and decreased hepatic HYP levels and GST-pi expressions. Our results indicate that BB is effective in decreasing development of DEN-induced hepatic cirrhosis and preneoplastic lesions by acting as an antioxidant (radical scavenger) itself without affecting activities and mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes.

Evaluation of oxidative response and tissular damage in rat lungs exposed to silica-coated gold nanoparticles under static magnetic fields.

The purpose of our study was the evaluation of toxicological effects of silica-coated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and static magnetic fields (SMFs; 128 mT) exposure in rat lungs. Animals received a single injection of GNPs (1,100 µg/kg, 100 nm, intraperitoneally) and were exposed to SMFs, over 14 days (1 h/day). Results showed that GNPs treatment induced a hyperplasia of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue. Fluorescence microscopy images showed that red fluorescence signal was detected in rat lungs after 2 weeks from the single injection of GNPs. Oxidative response study showed that GNPs exposure increased malondialdehyde level and decreased CuZn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in rat lungs. Furthermore, the histopathological study showed that combined effects of GNPs and SMFs led to more tissular damages in rat lungs in comparison with GNPs-treated rats. Interestingly, intensity of red fluorescence signal was enhanced after exposure to SMFs indicating a higher accumulation of GNPs in rat lungs under magnetic environment. Moreover, rats coexposed to GNPs and SMFs showed an increased malondialdehyde level, a fall of CuZn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in comparison with GNPs-treated group. Hence, SMFs exposure increased the accumulation of GNPs in rat lungs and led to more toxic effects of these nanocomplexes.

Superoxide and Singlet Oxygen Produced within the Thylakoid Membranes Both Cause Photosystem I Photoinhibition.

Photosystem I (PSI) photoinhibition suppresses plant photosynthesis and growth. However, the mechanism underlying PSI photoinhibition has not been fully clarified. In this study, in order to investigate the mechanism of PSI photoinhibition in higher plants, we applied repetitive short-pulse (rSP) illumination, which causes PSI-specific photoinhibition in chloroplasts isolated from spinach leaves. We found that rSP treatment caused PSI photoinhibition, but not PSII photoinhibition in isolated chloroplasts in the presence of O2 However, chloroplastic superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities failed to protect PSI from its photoinhibition. Importantly, PSI photoinhibition was largely alleviated in the presence of methyl viologen, which stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the stromal region by accepting electrons from PSI, even under the conditions where CuZn-superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were inactivated by KCN. These results suggest that the ROS production site, but not the ROS production rate, is critical for PSI photoinhibition. Furthermore, we found that not only superoxide (O2 (-)) but also singlet oxygen ((1)O2) is involved in PSI photoinhibition induced by rSP treatment. From these results, we suggest that PSI photoinhibition is caused by both O2 (-) and (1)O2 produced within the thylakoid membranes when electron carriers in PSI become highly reduced. Here, we show, to our knowledge, new insight into the PSI photoinhibition in higher plants.

Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of melatonin on the larynx mucosa of rats exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

This study's aim was to investigate the effect of melatonin in terms of mitigating the effects of smoking on the laryngeal mucosa of rats exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Rats were divided into four groups: Melatonin + Smoking group exposed to smoke with melatonin; Smoking group exposed to smoke without melatonin; Saline group not exposed to smoke without melatonin; Melatonin group not exposed to smoke with melatonin. CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were evaluated in plasma and tissues. Tissues were also examined the changes of squamous hyperplasia, keratosis, parakeratosis and epithelial hyperplasia by light microscope and the ultrastructural changes by electron microscope. Tissue SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly higher in Saline and Melatonin groups than Melatonin + Smoking and Smoking groups. Plasma CuZn-SOD and CAT activities were significantly higher in Saline and Melatonin groups than Smoking group. Plasma GSH-Px showed no significant difference. The rate of epithelial hyperplasia was significantly higher in Smoking group than the other groups. The rate of parakeratosis was significantly higher in Smoking group than the other groups. The epithelial cells in Melatonin + Smoking group displayed, normal cell structure similar to those in Saline group under electron microscope. The study shows that smoking induces substantial pathological changes in the laryngeal mucosa and melatonin may have some beneficial effects in partially reversing smoking-induced laryngeal injury by inducing the expression of antioxidants; biochemical and histological outcomes also support these findings due to preventing tissue damage in laryngeal mucosa exposed to smoke.

Effect of Cross-Sex Hormonal Replacement on Antioxidant Enzymes in Rat Retroperitoneal Fat Adipocytes.

We report the effect of cross-sex hormonal replacement on antioxidant enzymes from rat retroperitoneal fat adipocytes. Eight rats of each gender were assigned to each of the following groups: control groups were intact female or male (F and M, resp.). Experimental groups were ovariectomized F (OvxF), castrated M (CasM), OvxF plus testosterone (OvxF + T), and CasM plus estradiol (CasM + E2) groups. After sacrifice, retroperitoneal fat was dissected and processed for histology. Adipocytes were isolated and the following enzymatic activities were determined: Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR). Also, glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured. In OvxF, retroperitoneal fat increased and adipocytes were enlarged, while in CasM rats a decrease in retroperitoneal fat and small adipocytes are observed. The cross-sex hormonal replacement in F rats was associated with larger adipocytes and a further decreased activity of Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GR, and GSH, in addition to an increase in LPO. CasM + E2 exhibited the opposite effects showing further activation antioxidant enzymes and decreases in LPO. In conclusion, E2 deficiency favors an increase in retroperitoneal fat and large adipocytes. Cross-sex hormonal replacement in F rats aggravates the condition by inhibiting antioxidant enzymes.

Increased inflammatory markers with altered antioxidant status persist after clinical recovery from severe sepsis: a correlation with low HDL cholesterol and albumin.

Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in relation to inflammatory mediators in septic patients (SPs) during the course of sepsis and after recovery were analysed. Patients were 30 critically ill adults in severe sepsis/septic shock, 19 of which completed 3 samplings (S1: within 24h after onset of sepsis, S7: 7days after S1, R7: 7days after clinical recovery). Comparing SPs with healthy controls (HCs), enhanced C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, bilirubin and CuZn-superoxide dismutase activity were found at S1 only. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, conjugated dienes and nitrotyrosine were increased at S1, culminated at S7 and reverted nearly to HC levels at R7. Reduced catalase activity and serum amyloid were observed at S1 and endured until R7. Increase in IL-6, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) with accompanying decrease in apolipoprotein A1, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, selenium, zinc, albumin, paraoxonase 1 and glutathione peroxidase 1 activity appeared at S1 and persisted until R7. TNF-α, IL-10 and markers of oxidative stress were in negative correlation with HDL cholesterol and albumin at R7. After clinical recovery, increased cytokines and decreased antioxidants were accompanied by lower albumin and HDL cholesterol levels. During this important and beneficial period of tissue repair, patients with prolonged persistence of this status are probably more vulnerable to secondary infections and should be dealt with as constituting a high-risk population.

Tea Catechins Protect Goat Skeletal Muscle against H₂O₂-Induced Oxidative Stress by Modulating Expression of Phase 2 Antioxidant Enzymes.

To study the mechanisms of tea catechins (TCs) in goat muscles against oxidative stress, skeletal muscle cells (SMCs) induced by H2O2 or not were incubated with TCs or 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) and were defined as H2O2, H2O2D3T, H2O2TC, D3T, and TC treatments, respectively. Results showed that, similar to effects of D3T, TCs regulated mRNA and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes by suppressing Keap1 protein expression in SMCs from 1.58 ± 0.12 to 0.71 ± 0.21 and 1.03 ± 0.11 in H2O2TC and TC groups, respectively; however, effects differed in oxidative condition of cells and among enzymes. In stressed cells, TCs increased catalase and glutathione S-transferases (GST) activities (P < 0.001), whereas both enzymes' activities decreased (P < 0.001) to 2.97 ± 0.37 U/mg protein or 42.1 ± 1.85 mU/mg protein, respectively, in unstressed SMCs. Subsequently, an in vivo experiment in goats fed grain supplemented with TCs or D3T following infusion with H2O2 was conducted to further verify mechanisms of TC action. As seen in vitro, TCs reduced Keap1 protein expression (P < 0.001) from 2.11 ± 0.37 to 1.34 ± 0.13 and 1.43 ± 0.23 in H2O2TC and TC groups, respectively, in muscle. However, dietary TCs increased plasma CuZn superoxide dismutase and GST activities (P < 0.001) regardless of oxidative stress. Moreover, feeding TCs to goats under both conditions increased meat color and tenderness (P ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, TCs protected goat muscles against oxidative stress and subsequently improved meat quality by modulating phase 2 antioxidant enzymes and Keap1 expression.

Long-term phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor administration reduces inflammatory markers and heat-shock proteins in cavernous tissue of Zucker diabetic fatty rat (ZDF/fa/fa).

Oxidative stress and nitrosative stress present in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) induce inflammatory response in diverse tissues including cavernous tissue (CT). Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) have an important role in modulating and repairing tissue injury, although their participation in CT in T2DM is unclear. Beyond the specific action of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) on erectile function, it has been proposed that chronic administration of these agents improves endothelial function and ameliorates fibrotic changes. The aim of this study was to determine in CT of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat, an experimental model of T2DM and MS: (1) the degree of oxidative stress and nitrosative stress; (2) the magnitude of inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL6); (3) immunoexpression of HSP70 and HSP27; (4) how a long-term PDE5i administration may modify these variables. For 6 months, (1) untreated ZDF; (2) ZDF+Sildenafil (Sil) and (3) control Lean Zucker Rat (LZR) received no treatment, were studied. Penises were processed for functional 'in vitro' studies, oxidative and nitrosative stress evaluation and immunohistochemistry in CT using TNFα; IL6; nitrotyrosine, HSP70 and HSP27 antibodies. ZDF+Sil presented better relaxation in corporal strips versus untreated ZDF. Furthermore, ZDF+Sil presented less lipoperoxidation in CT versus untreated ZDF. The activity of antioxidant enzymes CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was also reduced in untreated ZDF in CT along with a decrease in glutathione versus untreated ZDF. Nitrotyrosine expression was increased in untreated-ZDF rats versus ZDF+Sil and LZR. TNFα and IL6 were decreased in CT in ZDF+Sil versus untreated ZDF. Additionally, the expression of HSP70 and HSP27 was reduced in CT in ZDF+Sil versus untreated ZDF. In conclusion, this study provides substantial evidence supporting a protective role of a long-term therapy with Sil on CT in a recognized animal model of T2DM and MS.

Effects of dietary copper on elemental balance, plasma minerals and serum biochemical parameters of growing-furring male mink (Mustela vison).

The objectives of this study were to study the effects of different levels of dietary copper on copper and zinc balance, plasma minerals and serum biochemical parameters of mink in the growing-furring periods. One hundred and five standard dark male mink were randomly assigned to seven groups with the following dietary treatments: basal diet with no supplemental Cu (Control); basal diet supplemented with either 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, or 192 mg/kg Cu from copper sulfate, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG) linearly (P = 0.0026, P = 0.0006) responded to increasing levels of Cu; maximal growth was seen in the Cu24 group. Feed efficiency tended to improve with the increase of dietary copper level (linear P = 0.0010, quad, P = 0.0011). Fecal copper, urinary copper, retention copper responded in a linear (P < 0.05) fashion with increasing level of Cu. The effect of level of Cu was linear (P < 0.001) for plasma Cu concentration. The serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities were increased linearly (P < 0.05) with dose of Cu, but serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) concentrations decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary copper levels increased. Effect of level of Cu was linear (P < 0.001) for serum ceruloplasmin (CER) concentration or Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD) activity. Supplemental dose of Cu linearly decreased serum triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.011) and total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.007). Our results indicated that the activity of Cu-dependent enzymes was enhanced by increasing dietary Cu concentration and that supplementation of Cu in the diet of mink could alter the plasma lipid profile and copper concentration.

Ameliorative Effects of Testosterone Administration on Renal Redox Homeostasis in Naturally Aged Rats.

Testosterone biosynthesis gradually decreases with age. Impaired redox homeostasis-related oxidative damage in cellular macromolecules has a high risk for the development of renal insufficiency. Our aim was to study the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on redox homeostasis. We investigated various oxidative damage biomarkers in kidney. Experimental animals were separated into three groups-naturally aged rats, testosterone-administered naturally aged rats (single dose of 25 mg/kg testosterone enanthate), and their respective young controls. Our results showed that the testosterone-administered naturally aged group shared significant similarities with the young rats with respect to their redox status. In testosterone-administered naturally aged rats, kynurenine, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein products, lipid peroxidation markers, and xanthine oxidase activities were significantly lower and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase activities and testosterone levels were higher than naturally aged rats. In testosterone-administered naturally aged rats, catalase activities, ferric reducing anti-oxidant power, and testosterone levels were significantly lower and dityrosine, N-formyl kynurenine, protein carbonyl, and protein hydroperoxides were significantly higher than in young rats. On the other hand, in naturally aged rats, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, ferric reducing anti-oxidant power, and testosterone levels were lower and dityrosine, kynurenine, protein carbonyl, protein hydroperoxide, advanced oxidation protein products, lipid peroxidation markers, advanced glycation end products, and xanthine oxidase activities were higher than controls. Our results showed that a single dose of testosterone administration has a positive effect on the redox status of the aged kidney. Future studies are needed to clarify the exact molecular mechanism(s) involved in the action of testosterone in maintaining kidney redox homeostasis.