Free Radical Scavenging Effects Research Articles

2-Mercaptoethanesulfonic Acid as an Effective Free-Radical Scavenger in Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membrane-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Ceria nanoparticle-based free-radical scavengers for the mitigation of oxidative damage in perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)-based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) suffer from the drawbacks of lowered protonic conductivity and leaching in the acidic environment of a PEMFC. As an alternative to ceria, here we demonstrate that oxidative damage can be mitigated by functionalization of Nafion with 2-Mercaptoethanesulfonic acid (MESA) in different (0.1–1.0 wt%) ratio. The spectroscopic investigation indicated successful functionalization of MESA over the Nafion chain and resulting Nafion-MESA composite membranes displayed improved hydration and swelling behavior, and thermal and mechanical properties. At ≤60 °C (95% relative humidity), the protonic conductivity of composite membranes was higher than/equivalent to that of pristine Nafion membrane; however, at ≥70 °C it was ∼6%–8% lower. At 80 °C, conductivity of Nafion-MESA-0.1 wt%, Nafion-MESA-0.25 wt%, pristine Nafion, and state-of-the-art Nafion-CeO2−1wt% membranes were 1.72 × 10−1, 1.67 × 10−1, 1.8 × 10−1, and 1.6 × 10−1 S∙cm−1, respectively. The fluoride emission rate value for the same membranes were 0.30, 0.17, 1.39, and 0.27 mg∙g−1, respectively, thus indicating that Nafion-MESA membranes can substitute the ceria-based membranes as a chemically stable membrane electrolyte in PEMFCs.

Histological Evaluation of the Protective Role of β-glucan Against Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of many cancers. The most important dose-limiting side effect is hepatotoxicity. Some studies have shown that antioxidant treatment with cisplatin reduces the toxic effect. In the present study, we were aimed to investigate the protective effects of antioxidant β-glucan on histological injury caused by cisplatin treatment in the liver. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups according to time of sacrifice, 7th day and 14th day (n=20 rats each). Both groups were then divided into four sub-groups Control, Cisplatin (10 mg/kg bw), β-glucan (100 mg/kg bw) and cisplatin+β-glucan (n=5 in each group). The rats were sacrificed at the 7th day and 14th day after the last injection. The liver sections were evaluated under a light microscope after the histological procedure. Histological injury caused by cisplatin in different days were evaluated as as sinusoidal congestion, hydropic degeneration, disorganization of hepatic cords, and mononuclear cellular infiltration in liver. When β-glucan was administered with cisplatin, it was determined that cellular damage caused by cisplatin decreased considerably in the liver in the different days groups. The light microscopic examination showed that the antioxidant beta-glucan protects against hepatotoxicity caused by cisplatin with its free radical scavenging effect. In conclusion, β-glucan may improve patients' quality of life by reducing cisplatin's toxicity on the liver.

Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular docking, Antibacterial Activity, Antioxidant and Anticancer of New 1,2,4-Triazole Derivative

A novel 1,2,4-triazole-5-thiol derivative was designed through a series of reactions. Firstly, Azo derivative 1 was synthesized by a general method with two steps, a diazotization reaction in an acidic medium, and a coupling reaction in basic conditions. Secondly, Azo-carboxylic acid 1 reacted with SOCl2 to produce acid chloride derivative 2. Then carbothiamide derivative 3 was synthesized through substitution reaction by reacting 2 with 4-phenyl thiosemicarbazide in pyridine. In the next step, carbothiamide 3 was reacted with sodium hydroxide solution to afford target triazole derivative 4. The structures of all synthesized derivatives were confirmed by techniques (1H, 13C NMR, IR). Moreover, the triazole derivative 4 was evaluated for its biological activity as an anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial. The results presented that compound 4 has moderate antibacterial activity and a high free radical scavenging effect (IC50 30.2 μg/mL) compared to vitamin C (IC50 21 μg/mL). The anticancer activity results presented that compound 4 has a toxic effect on a colon cancer cell line CaCo-2. The potential effect of compound 4 on the 5lqf protein was examined in silico studies.

Khảo sát hàm lượng flavonoid tổng số và hoạt tính chống gốc tự do của cao chiết từ một số loại đậu trên thị trường Việt Nam

Total flavonoid content and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of extracts from four types of bean, such as Vigna radiata, Vigna angularis, Vigna unguiculata, and Phaseolus vulgaris, in the market have been evaluated. The extracts from Phaseolus vulgaris had significantly higher flavonoid contents than the three other ones and showed a considerable free radical scavenging effect.

Comparative study of Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa: Microscopy, TLC, HPLC, and antioxidant activity.

Quality control of herbal medicines is crucial, especially the role of herbal drug identification. This is essential for preventing the misuse of herbs, which can affect efficacy or cause toxicity. Scleromitrion diffusum is a common herb, yet it is often mistaken for Oldenlandia corymbosa. This study analyzed the morphology, microscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using two markers, asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester, to distinguish between S. diffusum and O. corymbosa with the analysis included 10 samples of S. diffusum and 10 samples of O. corymbosa collected from the Taiwan market. By quantifying the total polyphenols and flavonoids, we investigated the antioxidant activity, including the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging effect, 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) scavenging effect, and reducing power to further elucidate the biological effects of the two herbs. The results of this study revealed notable differences in microscopy and suggested a TLC method for distinguishing between the two herbs in the market. In HPLC, the ratios of asperuloside and scandoside methyl ester differed between the two herbs. S. diffusum contained a higher asperuloside content. In contrast, O. corymbosa contained higher concentrations of scandoside methyl esters. With more total polyphenols and flavonoids in S. diffusum than those in O. corymbosa, the antioxidant activity of S. diffusum was superior to that of O. corymbosa. This study provides a comprehensive understanding for the identification and quality evaluation of S. diffusum in the market. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study consolidates and clarifies the morphological and microscopic differences between Scleromitrion diffusum and Oldenlandia corymbosa - a common adulterant species of S. diffusum on the Taiwan markets. Using Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester as two chemical markers, the study proposes a TLC method for rapidly testing S. diffusum and O. corymbosa on the market. Through HPLC analysis, our results showed that S. diffusum and O. corymbosa had a clear difference in the ratio of two markers, Asperuloside and Scandoside methyl ester: Asperuloside/Scandoside methyl ester in S. diffusum is higher than that in O. corymbosa. Through phytochemicals contents, including total phenols content, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity, including DPPH, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and reducing power, S. diffusum showed slightly higher levels of phenols and flavonoids as well as a better antioxidant activity than O. corymbosa.

Preparations and Thermal Properties of PDMS-AlN-Al2O3 Composites through the Incorporation of Poly(Catechol-Amine)-Modified Boron Nitride Nanotubes

As one of the emerging nanomaterials, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) provide promising opportunities for diverse applications due to their unique properties, such as high thermal conductivity, immense inertness, and high-temperature durability, while the instability of BNNTs due to their high surface induces agglomerates susceptible to the loss of their advantages. Therefore, the proper functionalization of BNNTs is crucial to highlight their fundamental characteristics. Herein, a simplistic low-cost approach of BNNT surface modification through catechol-polyamine (CAPA) interfacial polymerization is postulated to improve its dispersibility on the polymeric matrix. The modified BNNT was assimilated as a filler additive with AlN/Al2O3 filling materials in a PDMS polymeric matrix to prepare a thermal interface material (TIM). The resulting composite exhibits a heightened isotropic thermal conductivity of 8.10 W/mK, which is a ~47.27% increase compared to pristine composite 5.50 W/mK, and this can be ascribed to the improved BNNT dispersion forming interconnected phonon pathways and the thermal interface resistance reduction due to its augmented compatibility with the polymeric matrix. Moreover, the fabricated composite manifests a fire resistance improvement of ~10% in LOI relative to the neat composite sample, which can be correlated to the thermal stability shift in the TGA and DTA data. An enhancement in thermal permanence is stipulated due to a melting point (Tm) shift of ∼38.5 °C upon the integration of BNNT-CAPA. This improvement can be associated with the good distribution and adhesion of BNNT-CAPA in the polymeric matrix, integrated with its inherent thermal stability, good charring capability, and free radical scavenging effect due to the presence of CAPA on its surface. This study offers new insights into BNNT utilization and its corresponding incorporation into the polymeric matrix, which provides a prospective direction in the preparation of multifunctional materials for electric devices.

Platelet-Rich Plasma/Chitosan/Chondroitin sulfate immunomodulatory hydrogel Co-Networks for diabetic wound Repair: Functions and molecular mechanisms

Diabetic wound healing encounters numerous challenges including bacterial infection, macrophage dysfunction, excessive inflammation, and oxidative stress, causing delays in the overlapping processes of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling and thus imposing a high burden on patients. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated significant potential for diabetic wound treatment by promoting granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, immunomodulatory hydrogel co-networks based on PRP, with strong hemostatic, antibacterial, and free radical scavenging effects, are developed for diabetic wound treatment. In vitro and in vivo, the hydrogels can reduce endothelial cell apoptosis and promote tube formation by regulating the oxidative stress microenvironment. For anti-inflammatory and tissue repair, the hydrogels can facilitate the M2 macrophage polarization by inhibiting phosphorylation of p-IκBα and p-P65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Through increasing the expression of key angiogenic factors (HIF-1α, VEGF, and FGF2), the hydrogels can significantly promote angiogenesis and the formation of endothelial cell tubular structures. These findings offer new insight into the synergistic regulatory contributions of the PRP-based therapy throughout multiple stages of healing, thereby establishing a biomolecular and cellular foundation for advanced diabetic wound management.

Fabrication of block-shaped Sb2O3 and flower-shaped CoNPs nanocomposites for ultrasensitive antioxidant quercetin sensing and its electrooxidation mechanism

Quercetin (Qu) is a natural pentahydroxyflavone that is thought to counteract oxidative cell damage by acting as an effective free radical scavenger, exhibits estrogenic and anticancer activities. Therefore, it is important to detect the content of Qu and study its electrooxidation mechanism. Here, we prepared Sb2O3@MWCNTs/GCE sensors based on block-shaped antimony oxide (Sb2O3) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and Pyrrole/CoNPs/GCE sensors with pyrrole and flower-shaped cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs), respectively, for ultrasensitive detection of Qu, as these modified nanocomposites have excellent catalytic effect towards Qu. In contrast, the second sensor allowed ultrasensitive detection of Qu and had a wider linear range (0.10–100.00 μmol·L−1), a detection limit of 0.033 μmol·L−1 and a sensitivity of 8.98 µA·μmol·L−1·cm−1. In addition, both sensors showed good repeatability, stability and selectivity. The recoveries of antioxidant Qu in ginkgo biloba by these two sensors ranged from 95.50 to 103.86 %, and the Qu accounted for 35.60 % and 39.57 % of the flavonol glycosides (19.20 mg) in the tablets. These studies demonstrate the potential application of both sensors in practical assays.

Amplification of Oxygen-Independent Free Radicals Based on a Glutathione Depletion and Biosynthesis Inhibition Strategy for Photothermal and Thermodynamic Therapy of Hypoxic Tumors.

Thermodynamic therapy (TDT) based on oxygen-independent free radicals exhibits promising potential for the treatment of hypoxic tumors. However, its therapeutic efficacy is seriously limited by the premature release of the drug and the free radical scavenging effect of glutathione (GSH) in tumors. Herein, we report a GSH depletion and biosynthesis inhibition strategy using EGCG/Fe-camouflaged gold nanorod core/ZIF-8 shell nanoparticles embedded with azo initiator 2,2'-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH) and L-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO) for tumor-targeting photothermal (PTT) and thermodynamic therapy (TDT). This nanoplatform (GNR@ZIF-8-AIPH/BSO@EGCG/Fe, GZABEF) endows a pH-responsive release performance. With the 67 kDa lamin receptor (67LR)-targeting ability of EGCG, GZABEF could selectively release oxygen-independent free radicals in tumor cells under 1064 nm laser irradiation. More importantly, Fe3+-mediated GSH depletion and BSO-mediated GSH biosynthesis inhibition significantly boosted the accumulation of alkyl radicals. In 4T1 cells, GZABEF induced cancer cell death via intracellular GSH depletion and GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation. In a subcutaneous xenograft model of 4T1, GZABEF demonstrated remarkable tumor growth inhibition (78.2%). In addition, excellent biosafety and biocompatibility of GZABEF were observed both in vitro and in vivo. This study provides inspiration for amplified TDT/PTT-mediated antitumor efficacy.

Fabrication of multifunctional facial masks from phenolic acid grafted chitosan/collagen peptides via aqueous electrospinning

Facial masks have become ubiquitous in our daily life to endow skin enough moisture and activated nutrition through mask nonwovens infused with skincare ingredients. However, the active nutrients in wet masks are prone to deterioration and deactivation. Herein, a novel multifunctional nanofiber dry mask was successfully prepared using aqueous-electrospun phenolic acid grafted chitosan/collagen peptides. When used, the functional nanofibers in the mask dissolve through spraying moisture, activating active ingredients in response to water and providing in-situ free radical scavenging, moisturizing and antibacterial effects to the skin. In this work, a series of gallic acid (GA), caffeic acid (CA), and protocatechuic acid (PA) have been studied to be grafted with chitosan to improve water solubility of chitosan (CS). Also, through aqueous electrospinning of phenolic acid-grafted chitosan/collagen peptides, a one-step green multifunctional nanofiber mask was obtained. The results showed that the mask had a 12.14 % moisturizing rate and a 94.09 % activity for removing free radicals from the skin after encountering moisture. Considering its high efficiency, controllable function release, and easy processability, the nanofiber multifunctional mask may provide a competitive alternative to facial masks and promote potential value-added applications of bio-based macro-molecules.

Chemodiversity of Arctic Plant Dryas oxyodonta: LC-MS Profile and Antioxidant Activity

Dryas oxyodonta Yuz. is a perennial evergreen shrub from the Rosaceae family. D. oxyodonta thrives in subalpine and subarctic regions, as well as in highlands spanning from Central Asia to Siberia and Mongolia. Owing to a lack of information on its chemical composition, we conducted qualitative and quantitative chromatographic analyses on extracts from the leaves and flowers of D. oxyodonta sourced from various Siberian habitats. Employing high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection and electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole mass spectrometric detection, we identified 40 compounds, encompassing gallotannins, hydroxycinnamates, procyanidins, catechins, flavonoids, and triterpenes. All Siberian populations of D. oxyodonta exhibited a notable abundance of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, we identified rare glycosides, such as sexangularetin and corniculatusin, as potential markers of the chemodiversity within the Dryas genus. Extracts from the flowers and leaves were effective scavengers of free radicals, including DPPH•, ABTS•+−, O2•−, and •OH radicals. Our findings unequivocally establish D. oxyodonta as a rich source of phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant activity, suggesting its potential utility in developing novel functional products.

Nickel induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary fibrosis in mice via activation of the oxidative stress-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Nickel (Ni) is recognized as a carcinogenic metal, and its widespread use has led to severe environmental and health problems. Although the lung is among the main organs affected by Ni, the precise mechanisms behind this effect remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying Ni-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF), using various techniques including histopathological detection, biochemical analysis, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. Mice were treated with nickel chloride (NiCl2), which induced PF (detected by Masson staining), up-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen-1 mRNA and protein expression. NiCl2 was found to induce PF by: activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway; up-regulation of protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, vimentin, and N-cadherin; and down-regulation of protein and mRNA expression of E-cadherin. In addition, NiCl2 treatment increased malondialdehyde content while inhibiting antioxidant activity, as indicated by decreased catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activities, and glutathione content. Co-treatment with the effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) plus NiCl2 was used to study the effects of oxidative stress in NiCl2-induced PF. The addition of NAC significantly mitigated NiCl2-induced PF, and reversed activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and EMT. NiCl2-induced PF was therefore shown to be due to EMT activation via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, mediated by oxidative stress.

Anticyanobacterial effect of p-coumaric acid on Limnothrix sp. determined by proteomic and metabolomic analysis

Regulating photosynthetic machinery is a powerful but challenging strategy for selectively inhibiting bloom-forming cyanobacteria, in which photosynthesis mainly occurs in thylakoids. P-coumaric acid (p-CA) has several biological properties, including free radical scavenging and antibacterial effects, and studies have shown that it can damage bacterial cell membranes, reduce chlorophyll a in cyanobacteria, and effectively inhibit algal growth at concentrations exceeding 0.127 g/L. Allelochemicals typically inhibit cyanobacteria by inhibiting photosynthesis; however, research on inhibiting harmful algae using phenolic acids has focused mainly on their inhibitory and toxic effects and metabolite levels, and the molecular mechanism by which p-CA inhibits photosynthesis remains unclear. Thus, we examined the effect of p-CA on the photosynthesis of Limnothrix sp. in detail. We found that p-CA inhibits algal growth and damages photosynthesis-related proteins in Limnothrix sp., reduces carotenoid and allophycocyanin levels, and diminishes the actual quantum yield of Photosystem II (PSII). Moreover, p-CA significantly altered algal cell membrane protein systems, and PSII loss resulting from p-CA exposure promoted reactive oxygen species production. It significantly altered algae cell membrane protein systems. Finally, p-CA was found to be environmentally nontoxic; 80 % of 48-h-old Daphnia magna larvae survived when exposed to 0.15 g/L p-CA. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of cyanobacterial inhibition by p-CA, providing a more practical approach to controlling harmful algal blooms.

Enhanced oxidation stability and proton conductivity of sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone)s via embedment of surface-modified ceria nanoparticles

Sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone)s (SPAEKS) were prepared by polycondensation reaction as polymer matrix. Dopamine hydrochloride was sulfonated and then modified onto the surface of the ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles. The sulfonated dopamine ceria (SPD@CeO2) was added to the polymer matrix as an inorganic nanofiller to prepare a series of composite membranes. The structure and morphology of modified inorganic nanoparticles and membranes were characterized and analyzed by means of SEM, 1H NMR, PXRD and FTIR. Among all the composite membranes obtained, S-SPD@CeO2-2 (the quality of the SPD@CeO2 percentage was 2%) had the most outstanding comprehensive performance. Oxidative stability of S-SPD@CeO2-2 reached 95.33% due to the free radical scavenging effect of CeO2. At 80 °C, 100% relative humidity (RH), the proton conductivity of S-SPD@CeO2-2 was 218.93 mS cm−1. Meanwhile, this membrane also had good mechanical property (Young's modulus was 1332.59 MPa) and dimensional stability (swelling ratio was 34.34% at 80 °C). Besides, the maximum power density and open circuit voltage (OCV) of S-SPD@CeO2-2 membranes reached 445.48 mW cm−2 and 0.917 V. Both of the above results were better than pure membranes (304.45 mW cm−2 and 0.872 V). Comprehensive the above data, S-SPD@CeO2-2 had considerable potential for application as fuel cell diaphragm.

The Effects of Oxygen-Derived Free-Radical Scavengers During Normothermic Ex-Situ Heart Perfusion.

Oxidative stress occurs during ex-situ heart perfusion (ESHP) and may negatively affect functional preservation of the heart. We sought to assess the status of key antioxidant enzymes during ESHP, and the effects of augmenting these antioxidants on the attenuation of oxidative stress and improvement of myocardial and endothelial preservation in ESHP. Porcine hearts were perfused for 6 hours with oxygen-derived free-radical scavengers polyethylene glycol (PEG)-catalase or PEG-superoxide dismutase (SOD) or with naive perfusate (control). The oxidative stress-related modifications were determined in the myocardium and coronary vasculature, and contractile function, injury, and endothelial integrity were compared between the groups. The activity of key antioxidant enzymes decreased and adding catalase and SOD restored the enzyme activity. Cardiac function and endothelial integrity were preserved better with restored catalase activity. Catalase and SOD both decreased myocardial injury and catalase reduced ROS production and oxidative modification of proteins in the myocardium and coronary vasculature. The activity of antioxidant enzymes decrease in ESHP. Catalase may improve the preservation of cardiac function and endothelial integrity during ESHP. While catalase and SOD may both exert cardioprotective effects, unbalanced SOD and catalase activity may paradoxically increase the production of reactive species during ESHP.

Edaravone Maintains AQP4 Polarity Via OS/MMP9/β-DG Pathway in an Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage Mouse Model.

Oxidative stress (OS) is the main cause of secondary damage following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The polarity expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has been shown to be important in maintaining the homeostasis of water transport and preventing post-injury brain edema in various neurological disorders. This study primarily aimed to investigate the effect of the oxygen free radical scavenger, edaravone, on AQP4 polarity expression in an ICH mouse model and determine whether it involves in AQP4 polarity expression via the OS/MMP9/β-dystroglycan (β-DG) pathway. The ICH mouse model was established by autologous blood injection into the basal nucleus. Edaravone or the specific inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), MMP9-IN-1, called MMP9-inh was administered 10min after ICH via intraperitoneal injection. ELISA detection, neurobehavioral tests, dihydroethidium staining (DHE staining), intracisternal tracer infusion, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, Evans blue (EB) permeability assay, and brain water content test were performed. The results showed that OS was exacerbated, AQP4 polarity was lost, drainage function of brain fluids was damaged, brain injury was aggravated, expression of AQP4, MMP9, and GFAP increased, while the expression of β-DG decreased after ICH. Edaravone reduced OS, restored brain drainage function, reduced brain injury, and downregulated the expression of AQP4, MMP9. Both edaravone and MMP9-inh alleviated brain edema, maintained blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, mitigated the loss of AQP4 polarity, downregulated GFAP expression, and upregulated β-DG expression. The current study suggests that edaravone can maintain AQP4 polarity expression by inhibiting the OS /MMP9/β-DG pathway after ICH.

Fullerenol as a novel therapeutic agent for sepsis-induced cardiomyocytes damage

Sepsis-induced myocardial damage (SIMD) is a serious complication of sepsis that affects cardiac function and prognosis. However, effective methods for the prevention and treatment of SIMD are presently lacking. This study reports the crucial function of fullerenols in protecting cardiomyocytes from septic injury. First, we applied the as-prepared fullerenols as an effective free radical scavenger and broad-spectrum anti-oxidant to protect against LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Next, we verified their ability to downregulate IL-6, TNF-α, and ROS-dependent pyroptosis in AC16 induced by LPS. Finally, we observed that the protective mechanism of fullerenol against SIMD involves the regulation of the NFκB/iNOS/COX-2 pathway. This study presents a timely and essential investigation of the prevention and treatment of SIMD, providing new insights into the applications of fullerenols for therapeutic strategies.

β-Glucan ameliorates cisplatin-induced oxidative and histological damage in kidney and liver of rats.

We investigated the effects of β-glucan (βg) on kidney and liver damage caused by cisplatin (CP), an antineoplastic agent widely used to treat many types of cancer, in a rat model. The side effects of CP in many tissues and organs limit its usage. βg is a natural polysaccharide that is an effective free radical scavenger. A total of 28 rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 was a non-intervention control, only feed and water were given. Group 2 was administered 7 mg/kg CP in a single dose. Group 3 was administered 50 mg/kg βg orally for 14 days. Group 4 was administered βg for 14 days, following a single dose of CP. At the end of the experiment, kidney and liver tissues were evaluated biochemically and histopathologically. Increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels, as well as decreased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as histological damage, were noted in both the kidney and liver tissues of the CP group. However, βg treatment prevented the oxidative and histopathological effects of CP. The study demonstrates the protective efficacy of βg against CP-induced kidney and liver damage through the effect of its antioxidant properties.

Multi-faceted Anti-obesity Effects of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Modulators: Central-Peripheral Crosstalk.

Hypothalamus is central to food intake and satiety. Recent data unveiled the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) on hypothalamic neurons and their interaction with GABAA and serotoninergic neuronal circuits. However, the precise mechanisms governing energy homeostasis remain elusive. Notably, in females, the consumption of progesterone-containing preparations, such as hormonal replacement therapy and birth control pills, has been associated with hyperphagia and obesity-effects mediated through the hypothalamus. To elucidate this phenomenon, we employed the progesterone-induced obesity model in female Swiss albino mice. Four NMDAR modulators were selected viz. dextromethorphan (Dxt), minocycline, d-aspartate, and cycloserine. Obesity was induced in female mice by progesterone administration for 4 weeks. Mice were allocated into 7 groups, group-1 as vehicle control (arachis oil), group-2 (progesterone + arachis oil), and group-3 as positive-control (progesterone + sibutramine); other groups were treated with test drugs + progesterone. Various parameters were recorded like food intake, thermogenesis, serum lipids, insulin, AST and ALT levels, organ-to-body weight ratio, total body fat, adiposity index, brain serotonin levels, histology of liver, kidney, and sizing of fat cells. Dxt-treated group has shown a significant downturn in body weight (p < 0.05) by a decline in food intake (p < 0.01), organ-to-liver ratio (p < 0.001), adiposity index (p < 0.01), and a rise in body temperature and brain serotonin level (p < 0.001). Dxt demonstrated anti-obesity effects by multiple mechanisms including interaction with hypothalamic GABAA channels and anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging effects, improving the brain serotonin levels, and increasing insulin release from the pancreatic β-cells.

Effect of the Novel Free Radical Scavenger 4′-Hydroxyl-2-Substituted Phenylnitronyl Nitroxide on Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis Induced by Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion in Rats

Mitochondrial dysfunction, which results in the overproduction of oxygen free radicals, is a crucial mechanism underlying cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. 4′-Hydroxyl-2-substituted phenylnitronyl nitroxide (HPN), which is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, can effectively scavenge oxygen free radicals, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. In this study, we investigated the effects of HPN on mitochondrial function and apoptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Healthy adult SD rats were chosen as the experimental subjects, and the rat ischemia/reperfusion injury model was generated using the modified Zea Longa method. The administration of HPN significantly enhanced the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT). Additionally, HPN effectively preserved the morphology and function of mitochondria, reduced the protein and gene expression of Caspase-3 and Bax, increased the protein and gene expression of Bcl-2, mitigated neuronal apoptosis, improved neurological deficits, and decreased the volume of cerebral infarction. Of interest, the protective effect on brain tissue was more evident with increasing doses of HPN. These findings indicate that HPN can serve as an effective protective agent against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury.