Antioxidant Enzyme Status Research Articles

The Effect of Fried Palm Oil Supplemented Diet on Enzymatic Antioxidant Status of Aging Mice

There is increased evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their promoted oxidative damage are involved in a large number of pathologies, as well as in the aging process. ROS removal rate is mostly controlled by a variety of antioxidants. The extent of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants level, the way they are related to aging and whether they are affected by deep fried palm oil supplemented diet in aging mice was investigated. Standard laboratory methods were employed in the determination of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities in the plasma of the experimental animals. It was found that SOD activity in older mice not fed with fried palm oil supplemented diet was higher 24.75±1.96U/L than among younger mice 19.05±6.66 U/L; (P=0.091), and indication of increased production of superoxide radical with age. A significant (P=0.018) increase in SOD activity (43.05±14.91U/L) was observed in older mice fed with deep fried palm oil supplemented diet relative to 24.75±1.96U/L in older mice not fed with deep fried palm oil supplemented diet and 19.05±6.66U/L; (P=0.000) in younger mice, indicating a compensatory response to additional superoxide radical produced through the process of oxidative metabolism of deep fried palm oil supplemented diet. Expectedly, CAT activity increases with increased SOD activity in older mice not fed with deep fried palm oil supplemented diet 461.51±39.05U/L as against 440.10±29.20U/L in younger mice, although not to a statistically significant level (P=0.265). In contrast, a significant (P=0.008) decrease in CAT activity (366.29±63.56U/L) was observed in older mice fed with deep fried palm oil supplemented diet relative to older mice not fed with deep fried palm oil supplemented diet and younger mice (p=0.005). Increased MDA (102.53±1.02µM/L), a marker of lipid peroxidation due to free radicals was observed in older mice not fed with deep fried palm oil supplemented diet relative to 98.74±17.99µM/L in younger mice (p=0.652). However, the consequent increase in SOD activity in response to increased free radical production in older mice fed with deep fried palm oil supplemented diet helped modulate the extent of lipid peroxidation with consequent decrease (91.27±31.37µM/L; p=0.535) in MDA. Therefore, it can be concluded that consumption of deep fried palm oil supplemented diet increases superoxide radical formation, thus should be minimized, if possible avoided especially in ageing.

Wound healing activity of standardized extract of Curculigo orchioides in streptozotocin–induced diabetic mice

ObjectiveTo calculate the effect of methanolic extract of Curculigo orchioides (C. orchioides) on rate of wound contraction and estimation of various biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in the granulation tissue of diabetic and non-diabetic mice. MethodsThe methanolic extract of C. orchioides with the concentration of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight was induced through intraperitoneal injections in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. The results were compared with control and metformin induced diabetic and non-diabetic mice. ResultsThe results showed that root tubers of C. orchioides were a potent source of antioxidative phenolic compounds that counteract with reactive oxygen species responsible for delayed wound healing. The root tubers of C. orchioides significantly increased the level of superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide and decreased lipid peroxidation in granuloma tissue of diabetic mice. ConclusionThe extract of root tubers of C. orchioides increases the rate of angiogenesis and improves antioxidant enzymes status that eventually leads to faster wound healing in diabetic condition. However, further studies are needed to explore the molecules present in C. orchioides that lead to faster wound healing.

Polyphenol-rich apple (Malus domestica L.) peel extract attenuates arsenic trioxide induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells via its antioxidant activity

Evidences suggest that apple peel has a wide range of polyphenols having antioxidant activity and its consumption has been linked with improved health benefits. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a very effective drug for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) but it leads to cardiotoxicity mediated through alterations in various cardiac ion channels and by increasing the intracellular calcium level and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of methanolic extract of apple peel (APME) and aqueous extract of apple peel (APAE) on ATO (5 μM) induced toxicity in the H9c2 cardiac myoblast cell line. We estimated the cellular status of innate antioxidant enzymes, level of ROS, mitochondrial superoxide, glutathione and intracellular calcium with ATO and apple peel extracts. Prior to the cell line based study, we had evaluated the antioxidant potential of apple peel extract by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total reducing power (TRP), superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, in addition to quantifying total phenolic and flavonoid content. Both the extracts showed considerable antioxidant activity in cell-free chemical assays. In addition, both APME and APAE prevented the alteration in antioxidant status induced by ATO in H9c2 cells. Significant differential alterations had been observed in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, xanthine oxidase, calcium overload and caspase3 activity with ATO. The overall result revealed the protective property of polyphenol-rich apple peel extract against ATO induced cardiac toxicity via its antioxidant activity.

Attenuation of smoke induced neuronal and physiological changes by bacoside rich extract in Wistar rats via down regulation of HO-1 and iNOS

Bacopa monniera is well known herbal medicine for its neuropharmacological effects. It alleviates variety of disorders including neuronal and physiological changes. Crackers smoke is a potent risk factor that leads to free radical mediated oxidative stress in vivo. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the protective efficacy of B. monniera extract (BME) against crackers smoke induced neuronal and physiological changes via modulating inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in rats. Rats were exposed to smoke for 1h for a period of 3 weeks and consecutively treated with BME at three different dosages (i.e., 10, 20 and 40mg/kg b.wt.). Our results elucidate that BME treatment ameliorates histopathalogical changes, reactive oxygen species levels, lipid peroxidation, acetylcholine esterase activity and brain neurotransmitter levels to normal. BME supplementation efficiently inhibited HO-1 expression and nitric oxide generation by down-regulating iNOS expression. Smoke induced depletion of antioxidant enzyme status, monoamine oxidase activity was also replenished by BME supplementation. Thus the present study indicates that BME ameliorates various impairments associated with neuronal and physiological changes in rats exposed to crackers smoke by its potent neuromodulatory, antioxidant and adaptogenic propensity.

Wheat Germ Oil and α-Lipoic Acid Predominantly Improve the Lipid Profile of Broiler Meat

In response to recent assertions that synthetic antioxidants may have the potential to cause toxic effects and to consumers' increased attention to consuming natural products, the poultry industry has been seeking sources of natural antioxidants, alone or in combination with synthetic antioxidants that are currently being used by the industry. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of α-lipoic acid, α-tocopherol, and wheat germ oil on the status of antioxidant enzymes, fatty acid profile, and serum biochemical profile of broiler blood. One-day-old (180) broiler birds were fed six different feeds varying in their antioxidant content: no addition (T1), natural α-tocopherol (wheat germ oil, T2), synthetic α-tocopherol (T3), α-lipoic acid (T4), α-lipoic acid together with natural α-tocopherol (T5), and α-lipoic acid together with synthetic α-tocopherol (T6). The composition of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the breast and leg meat was positively influenced by the different dietary supplements. The content of fatty acid was significantly greater in broilers receiving T2 both in breast (23.92%) and in leg (25.82%) meat, whereas lower fatty acid levels was found in broilers receiving diets containing T6 in the breast (19.57%) and leg (21.30%) meat. Serum total cholesterol (113.42 mg/dL) and triglycerides (52.29 mg/dL) were lowest in the group given natural α-tocopherol and α-lipoic acid. Wheat germ oil containing natural α-tocopherol alone or with α-lipoic acid was more effective than synthetic α-tocopherol in raising levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase while lowering plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides and raising high-density lipoprotein and plasma protein significantly. It was concluded that the combination of wheat germ oil and α-lipoic acid is helpful in improving the lipid profile of broilers.

Antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes status of rats fed on n-3 PUFA rich Garden cress (Lepidium Sativum L) seed oil and its blended oils.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L) seed oil (GCO) is a rich source of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 33.6%) and the oil has a fairly balanced SFA, MUFA and PUFA ratio. In this study we have investigated the effect of GCO and its blends with n-6 PUFA rich edible vegetable oils sunflower oil (SFO), rice bran oil (RBO) and sesame oil (SESO) on antioxidant status of oils and antioxidative enzymes in Wistar rats. Physical blending of GCO with n-6 PUFA rich vegetable oils (SFO, RBO and SESO) increased content of natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, oryzanol and lignans, decreased the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio and improved the radical scavenging activity of blended oils. Dietary feeding of GCO and its blended oils for 60days, increased the tocopherols levels (12.2-21.6%) and activity of antioxidant enzymes namely catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), but did not affect the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in liver compared to native oil fed rats. Thus, blending of GCO with other vegetable oil decreased n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (>2.0) and dietary feeding of GCO blended oils increased the antioxidant status and activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and GPx) in experimental rats.

동부나물의 부위별 생육, 폴리페놀 및 항산화성 차이

새싹재배기에서 7일간 재배된 동부 새싹나물의 부위별 생육, 폴리페놀 함량, 플라보노이드 함량, 항산화성 및 항산화효소 활성 차이를 검토하였다. Folin-Denis방법에 따른 총 페놀 함량은 동부나물 자엽의 메탄올 추출물(48.8 mg <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX>)이 가장 높았으며, 그 다음이 뿌리(30.8 mg <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX>), 하배축(22.2 mg <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX>) 순으로 나타났다(p < 0.05). 한편, 총 플라보노이드 함량은 총 페놀 함량과 같은 경향을 보였으나 더 낮은 함량이 검출되었다. DPPH 라디컬 소거능은 추출물 농도가 증가할수록 높은 활성을 보였으며 동부나물 자엽의 추출물(82.5%)에서 가장 높았으며, 그 다음이 뿌리(52.6%), 하배축(35.0%) 순으로 나타났다(p < 0.05). 항산화효소 활성은 APX와 CAT 활성은 하배축에서 가장 높았고 POX와 SOD 활성은 뿌리가 가장 높은 활성을 보였다. 이런 경향은 재배 후 5일과 7일째 동부나물에서 같게 나타났다. 따라서 상관분석에 따르면 총 페놀 함량이 총 플라보노이드 함량보다 항산화성과 항산화효소 활성에 더 높은 관련성이 있는 것으로 나타났고 그 생리활성물질 함량과 그 활성 정도는 부위별로 다르게 나타났다. An experiment was conducted to determine the content of phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity and antioxidant enzyme status for the extracts from 5 and 7-day old sprouts (DOS) of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp). Total phenolics [mg ferulic acid equivalents (FAE) <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX> DW] content was highest in cotyledon extracts (48.8 mg <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX>), followed by roots (30.8 mg <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX>) and hypocotyl (22.2 mg <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX>) extracts (p < 0.05) from 5 DOS. The result of total flavonoid level [mg rutin equivalents <TEX>$kg^{-1}$</TEX> DW] had same tendency to the results of total phenolics, showing lower amount ranges. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extracts from all the plant dose-dependently increased. DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical) free radical scavenging activity was higher in cotyledon extracts (82.5%) than in root (52.6%) or hypocotyl parts (35.0%) from 5 DOS. Among antioxidant enzymes, APX and CAT activities were highest in cotyledon part and POX and SOD activities in root part of 5 and 7 DOS. The results showed that total phenolics content (<TEX>$r^2$</TEX> = 0.1516~0.9911) were more highly correlated with antioxidant activity than total flavonoids level (<TEX>$r^2$</TEX> = 0.0113~0.9442), and that the level and activity of physiological-active substances were different depending on plant part of the sprout.

Curcumin protection activities against γ-Rays-induced molecular and biochemical lesions

BackgroundCurcumin is a yellow-pigment phenolic compound used as a food spice and has a broad spectrum of antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties.MethodsRadio-protective efficacy of curcumin; diferuloylmethane (C21H20O6) was evaluated using molecular and biochemical assays in male mice after exposure to 3 Gy γ-rays. Curcumin was given at a dose of 400 μmol/ kg body weight via gastric tubes for 5 following days either pre-, post- or both pre- and post-exposure.ResultsThe incidence of aberrant cells and aberration types (mostly chromatids, breaks and fragments) was reduced with curcumin dosage as compared to irradiated group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide (HP), xanthine oxidase (XO) and apoptotic markers (DNA- fragmentation and caspase-3 activation) were increased significantly, whereas levels of glutathione (GSH) and the enzymatic antioxidants [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were significantly depleted in γ-irradiated mice. Curcumin treatments of mice groups including the 5 days pre-irradiation treated group (protected), the 5 days post-irradiation treated group (treated), and the curcumin treated group 5 days pre- and post-irradiation (protracted), have attenuated the liver toxic effects of γ-rays as manifested by reducing the levels of TBARS, HP, XO and DNA fragmentation. Curcumin has also rescued the depletion of GSH and the enzymatic-antioxidant status.ConclusionsCurcumin has significant radio-protective and radio-recovery activities in γ-irradiated mice. It has antioxidant potential against γ-rays-induced cytogenetic, molecular and biochemical lesions in mice.

Supplementation With Quercetin Attenuates 4‐Nitrophenol‐Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Mice

The beneficial effects of quercetin on reproductive damage elicited by 4-nitrophenol (PNP) were studied in adult male mice. A six-week treatment of weekly intraperitoneal injections of PNP (50 mg/kg) resulted in severe damage to the seminiferous tubules, a remarkable increase in both hydroxyl radical and malondiadehyde production, and notably decreased glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Moreover, PNP treatment induced germ cell apoptosis, inhibited Bcl-xl expression, and then activated Bax expression and the caspase-3 enzyme. Exposure to PNP also increased XBP-1 and HO-1 mRNAs levels. However, simultaneous supplementation with quercetin (75 mg/kg) attenuated the toxicity induced by PNP through renewal of the antioxidant enzyme's status, alleviating apoptosis by regulating the expressions of Bax and Bcl-xl, XBP-1 and HO-1mRNAs, and the regulation of caspase-3 activity. Taken together, these findings indicated that the antioxidant quercetin displays a potential preventive effect on PNP-induced oxidative damage in mouse testes and may represent an efficient supplement to attenuate reproductive toxicity from environmental toxicants in order to ensure reproductive health and sperm production.

Sperm maturation in dogs: sperm profile and enzymatic antioxidant status in ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa

Spermatozoa become more susceptible to the attack of reactive oxygen species during maturation. To avoid oxidative damage, the epididymis must provide the necessary antioxidant protection. The aim of this study was to compare the canine sperm profile and the enzymatic antioxidant status of the ejaculated fractions and samples collected from the different segments of the epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda). Five adult dogs were used, and after 1-3 weeks, subsequently to bilateral orchiectomy and epididymal storage, sperm samples were collected from the different segments of the epididymis. Samples were evaluated for conventional microscopy and computer-assisted motility analysis: sperm plasma membrane permeability and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Samples collected from the caput and corpus showed lower values for most of the motility variables evaluated, indicating different levels of immaturity. Catalase activity was observed only in ejaculated samples. Conversely, GPx activity was higher in the cauda epididymidis. Correlations were found between SOD and GPx and SOD and sperm motility in the epididymal cauda and corpus, highlighting the importance of the enzymes for the protection of spermatozoa during the transit along the epididymis.

Oxidative stress and status of antioxidant enzymes in children with Kashin–Beck disease

To clarify whether there is oxidative stress in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and if cartilage damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress mediate the chondral necrosis in articular cartilage of KBD. We recruited 64 KBD patients, 46 healthy children from severely affected KBD regions, 81 healthy children from a non-severely affected KBD endemic regions, and 91 healthy control children from a non-KBD region. Ten patients with KBD from the non-severely affected KBD regions were included in the experiment. The 2,3-DAN fluorescence technique was used to test selenium in the hair and blood. The biochemical techniques used to test the indicators of oxidative stress included thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities in serum samples. Histochemical staining was used to detect proteoglycans in cartilage sections. The 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanisine (8-OHdG) were localized by immunohistochemistry. The levels of TBARS in serum were significantly increased in KBD children. The levels of antioxidants in serum were significantly higher in both KBD and normal children from KBD regions than in the normal children from non-KBD regions. The percentage of chondrocytes staining for 4-HNE and 8-OHdG in KBD patients was significantly higher than in controls. Staining for 4-HNE and 8-OHdG in KBD patients was prominent in all zones of articular cartilage, especially in the necrotic chondrocytes of the deep zone. KBD is an oxidative stress-related disease, and the oxidative stress in cartilage contributes to the pathology of cartilage damage in KBD.

Microbial degradation of imidacloprid and toxicological analysis of its biodegradation metabolites in silkworm (Bombyx mori)

This work presents the degradation of neonicotinic pesticide imidacloprid by an isolated bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae strain BCH1. The bacterium was capable of degrading imidacloprid up to 78% within 7days at 30°C under static conditions. Effect of various physico-chemical parameters like pH, temperature and increasing pesticide concentration on biodegradation rate were tested. Biodegradation was monitored by various analytical techniques like TLC, HPLC, GC–MS and FTIR. The metabolites produced after imidacloprid degradation were characterized and identified as nitrosoguanidine, imidacloprid guanidine and 6-chloronicotinic acid by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Toxicity testing of imidacloprid and its degraded metabolites was performed using silkworm (Bombyx mori) as a model animal. Various biochemical parameters viz. antioxidant enzyme status (catalase and superoxide dismutase), lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and genotoxicity assay were performed to assess the toxicity of imidacloprid and its biodegradation metabolites.

Melatonin ameliorates oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in male mice

The present study evaluated the efficacy of melatonin in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular injury, lipid peroxidative damage, and antioxidant enzymes status of the mice testis on the basis of biochemical and histological studies. Mice were pretreated with four different doses of melatonin (2.5, 5, 10, and, 20 mg/kg by body weight (b.w.)) via intraperitoneal injection for five consecutive days followed by injection with CP (200 mg/kg b.w.) 1 h after the last injection of melatonin on the 5th day. After 24 h, mice were euthanized, testes were immediately removed, and biochemical and histological studies were conducted. Treatment with melatonin significantly mitigates lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity and the level of reduced glutathione content abnormality induced by CP in mice testis. Histological examination clearly demonstrates that pretreatment of melatonin prevented CP-induced spermatogenesis toxicity and spermatogenic cells reduction in mice testis. The protective effect of melatonin is likely due to the antioxidative properties of the indolamine existed in the chemical structure. Because melatonin is a safe, natural compound, it could be used concomitantly as a supplement to protect people undergoing chemotherapy against reproductive toxicity.

Ergogenic effect of dietary L-carnitine and fat supplementation against exercise induced physical fatigue in Wistar rats

L-carnitine (LC) plays a central role in fatty acid metabolism and in skeletal muscle bioenergetics. LC supplementation is known to improve physical performance and has become widespread in recent years without any unequivocal support to this practice. A scientific-based knowledge is needed, to understand the implications of LC supplementation on physical fatigue. In current study, we have explored synergistic effects of dietary LC and fat content against physical fatigue in rats. Ninety male Wistar rats were supplemented with different concentrations of LC (0.15, 0.3, and 0.5 %) and fat content (5, 10, and 15 %) through diet in different combinations. Our results elucidated that LC (0.5 %) along with 10 and 15 % fat diet supplemented rats showed significant ergogenic effect. The swimming time until exhaustion was increased by ~2- and ~1.5-fold in rats fed with 10 and 15 % fat diet containing LC (0.5 %). LC supplementation improved the energy charge by increasing the levels of ATP, tissue glycogen, reduced GSH, plasma triglyceride, plasma glucose levels, and enzymatic antioxidant status, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. LC supplementation also significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, lactic acid, plasma urea nitrogen, creatinine, creatinekinase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels in various tissues compared to its respective control group. Thus the present study indicates that LC ameliorates the various impairments associated with physical endurance in rats.

Exogenous glycinebetaine and humic acid improve growth, nitrogen status, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense system and confer tolerance to nitrogen stress in maize seedlings

Abiotic stresses, including nitrogen stress (NS), can hamper photosynthesis and cause oxidative damage to plants. Upregulation of the antioxidative defense system and photosynthesis induced by exogenous glycinebetaine (GB) and humic acid (HA) can mitigate the inhibitory effects of NS on plants. In the present investigation, the beneficial effects of exogenously applied GB and HA were examined on growth, leaf N status, photosynthesis, lipid peroxidation, and activities of some key antioxidant enzymes in the seedlings of maize cv. Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) exposed to NS. NS caused a significant reduction in total dry matter of seedlings of ZD958, but both GB and HA proved effective in mitigating this inhibition, hence, the beneficial effects of GB being more pronounced than those of HA. NS led to a considerable decrease in leaf total N and endogenous GB contents, stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and activities of two key C4 photosynthesis enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPCase) as well as of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). This treatment caused an increase in lipid peroxidation, but showed no effect on POD activity. Exogenous application of varying doses of GB resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation and Ci, and an increase in leaf total N and endogenous glycinebetaine (EGB) content, Pn, and activities of RuBPCase, PEPCase, SOD, and catalase (CAT) under NS. In contrast, application of different doses of HA resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation, an increase in Pn, gs, and Ci as well as SOD, CAT, and POD activities without increasing leaf total N and EGB content, and enhanced RuBPCase and PEPCase activities. The present study suggests that exogenous application of GB and HA can induce tolerance in maize plants to NS, but through the regulation of different mechanisms.

Assessment of antioxidant responses and trace metal accumulation by digestive gland of ribbed mussel Aulacomya atra atra from Northern Patagonia

Seasonal and spatial variability of trace metal concentrations and of a battery of antioxidant parameters were evaluated in digestive gland of the ribbed mussel Aulacomya atra atra. Fe, Al and Cu accumulated in tissue exhibited maximum values in winter, coinciding partially with the highest labile concentrations of Fe and Cu in sediment. Metals, as other pollutants, are known to influence the oxidative status of organisms and antioxidant enzymes have been often proposed as biomarkers of contaminant effects. Seasonal variations of trace metals did not appear to influence those of biochemical parameters, which generally showed an opposite trend with higher enzymatic activities in summer when trace metal concentrations were lower. Organisms from Punta Cuevas (control site) showed higher induction of reactive oxygen species production than those from both considered impacted sites, suggesting the possibility of some biochemical adaptation in organisms or a higher modulation of environmental and physiological factors on antioxidant responses than levels of trace metals. This study, which is the first in the area in this matter, showed that seasonal variations of potential biomarkers should be incorporated into interpretation of long-term biomonitoring studies in this marine coastal ecosystem.

Hepatoprotective and proteomic mechanism of Sphaeranthus indicus in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats

The present study was carried out to explore the hepatoprotective and proteomic mechanisms of Sphaeranthus indicus in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats using 2D gel and MALDI-TOF-MS. Oral administration of ethanolic and aqueous extract of S. indicus to the paracetamol induced rats' showed increase of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status and decreased lipid peroxide level. For proteomic approach, identified the four differential spots were expressed in paracetamol induced and S. indicus treated rats through 2D gel. The expressions of these protein spots were further confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS i.e. Heat shock protein, Liver transferrin, Glutathione-S-Transferase and Carnitine palmitoyl transferase. These identified proteins involved in many cellular activities like maintain cellular integrity, iron transport, free radical scavenging activity and β oxidation of fatty acids. These results were given more information about antioxidant activity of extracts. Therefore, the plant extracts could be used safely as food supplement for antioxidant activities enhancements.

Effects of reduced seminal enzymatic antioxidants on sperm DNA fragmentation and semen quality of Tunisian infertile men

To evaluate levels of sperm DNA fragmentation and enzymatic antioxidant status in seminal plasma of Tunisian fertile and infertile men in order to assess the effects of seminal oxidative stress on sperm DNA integrity and semen quality. Semen samples from 100 infertile patients (40 oligoasthenoteratozoospermics, 31 teratozoospermics and 29 asthenozoospermics) and 50 fertile men (controls) were analyzed for DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay and biochemical parameters. Seminal antioxidant activities (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase and Catalase) and malondialdehyde concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Sperm DNA fragmentation and malondialdehyde levels in infertile groups were more elevated than controls. Nevertheless, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes were significantly lower in abnormal groups compared to normozoospermics. Sperm DNA fragmentation was closely and positively correlated to malondialdehyde levels (r = 0.37, P = 0.008); meanwhile, reduced seminal antioxidant profile was negatively associated to sperm DNA fragmentation. Interestingly, we noted also that sperm DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated to sperm motility (r = -0.54, P < 0.001) and positively associated to the abnormal sperm morphology (r = 0.57, P = 0.002). This report revealed that increased sperm DNA fragmentation can be due to the impaired seminal enzymatic antioxidant profile and increased Lipid peroxidation. Our results sustain that the evaluation of sperm DNA fragmentation and seminal oxidative biomarkers in infertile men is recommended as a consistent prognostic tool for male infertility assessment.

Haptoglobin polymorphism in relation to antioxidative enzymes activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundIncreased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidative capacity are common findings in diabetics. This study reports on the status of antioxidative enzymes in relation to haptoglobin (Hp) polymorphism in type 2 diabetes. MethodsThe study comprised 165 type 2 diabetic patients and 94 controls. Erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and plasmatic ceruloplasmin ferroxidase (Cp) were measured by spectrophotometry and Hp phenotypes were determined by gel electrophoresis. ResultsIrrespective of Hp phenotype, while the activities of Cp ferroxidase and GPx were significantly higher in patients than in controls, those of SOD were significantly lower. No significant differences observed for CAT. However, significant Hp-phenotype dependent differences were observed between patients and controls regarding the activity of these enzymes. While ferroxidase activity in Hp2-2 patients was significantly higher than that in Hp1-1 or Hp2-1 patients, that of SOD and GPx were significantly lower. When patients were analyzed as a single group, Spearman's univariate analysis has demonstrated that HbA1c positively correlates with ferroxidase activity and negatively correlates with levels of GPx and SOD. However, when patients were treated as separate Hp-dependent groups, similar but stronger correlations between these variable were noted only in the case of Hp2-2 patients. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Hp polymorphism has some bearing on the activity of antioxidative enzymes in type 2 diabetes and that Hp2-2 diabetics are under increased oxidative stress as compared with those expressing Hp1-1 or Hp2-1.

Effect of antioxidants in pre eclampsia women at increased risk

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. It is a complex syndrome of undetermined etiologic origin, usually diagnosed during second half of pregnancy. Elevated levels of oxidative lipid derivatives and reduced antioxidants in the circulation of preeclamptics may contribute to endothelial damage. There is good evidence for a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde in plasma and erythrocytes. Group I: Normotensive nonpregnant women (control), Group II: Pregnant women with normal blood pressure, Group III: Preeclamptic (pretreatment), women Preeclamptic women were subdivided into Group IIIA: Pre eclamptic women supplemented with Vitamin E (n=20), Group IIIB: Preeclamptic women supplemented with Omega 3 Fatty Acid, Group IIIC: Preeclamptic women supplemented with Vitamin E 400mg + Omega 3 Fatty Acid. Serum SOD, MDA, GPx, GSH levels were measured in all groups and compared with pre treatment and post treatments results by using the one way ANOVA followed by the Tukey – HSD procedure. Our results showed that supplementation of Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acid alone and in combination has significantly increased antioxidant enzyme status and significantly decreased oxidative stress when compared to unsupplemented patients(P< 0.001).