Enzymatic Parameters Research Articles

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT AGAINST D-GALACTOSAMINE-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS: IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES

Objective: Hepatoprotective activity of Punica granatum Linn. (Family: Punicaceae) was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo model. HepG2 cell lines were used for in vitro study and D-Galactosamine (D-GalN) induced hepatic damage model for in vivo evaluation.Methods: Hepatoprotective potential was assessed by measuring serum level of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and albumin. Enzymatic antioxidant parameters like TBARs (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), GSH (glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) also evaluated in this study. Results: Rats treated with D-GalN showed a significant increase in serum levels of SGOT (serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase), SGPT (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), bilirubin and TBARs, reflecting liver damage. The in vitro study indicates a beneficial effect of aqueous extract of P. granatum in comparison with methanolic extract, on D-GalN induced toxicity to HepG2 cells. On the basis of in vitro study, aqueous extract was selected for in vivo evaluation. The aqueous extract of P. granatum significantly reduced the elevated serum biomarkers, indicating the recovery of hepatocellular injury. It was also observed that D-GalN induced a significant decrease in GSH, SOD, CAT, protein, and albumin level were increased on the treatment of the rats with aqueous extract of P. granatum. The findings were also confirmed by histopathological studies. Periportal area and extensive hepatocyte damage and haemorrhage are seen in D-GalN treated group. The portal triad with less degree of inflammatory cell infiltration around the bile duct is seen in P. granatum (500 mg/kg)+(D-GalN) treated group.Conclusion: Results of this study revealed that P. granatum fruit could afford a significant protection for the alleviation of hepatic toxicity. Possible mechanism may involve its action against oxidative stress.

Study of Biochemical and Microbiological Properties During Co-composting of Spent Mushroom Substrates and Chicken Feather

To study the biochemical and microbiological properties during co-composting of chicken feather and spent mushroom substrates, chicken feather by incubation of multiple microorganisms were co-composted for 28 days with Pleurotus geesteranus-degraded Eucalyptus sawdust (PE), P. geesteranus-degraded weed tree sawdust (PW) and Ganoderma lucidum-degraded weed tree sawdust (GW), respectively. Characteristics of physico-chemical, enzymatic and microbiological parameters during composting were investigated in terms of temperature, pH, moisture, activities of CMCase, and succession of bacteria and fungus. Results showed that the peak temperature in PEC was 59 °C on 5 days. No ascaris egg was detected in the final composts of PEC, PWC and GWC. The pH of compost in PEC and GWC were about 8.5, which was higher than pH of compost in PWC 7.4. The activities of CMCase in PEC were significantly higher than PWC and GWC during composting. The OM and C/N on 28 days decreased compared to the raw materials. The PCR-DGGE profiles showed significant differences in structure of bacteria and fungus after composting. Four prominent species of bacteria were replaced by uncultured bacterium and the prominent species of fungus were thermophiles and cellulolytic strains on 28 days. Correlation properties were similarly shared by the physico-chemical parameter and bacteria as well as fungus.

Biochemical characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana starch branching enzyme 2.2 reveals an enzymatic positive cooperativity

Starch Branching Enzymes (SBE) catalyze the formation of α(1 → 6) branching points on starch polymers: amylopectin and amylose. SBEs are classified in two groups named type 1 and 2. Both types are present in the entire plant kingdom except in some species such as Arabidopsis thaliana that expresses two type 2 SBEs: BE2.1 and BE2.2. The present work describes in vitro enzymatic characterization of the recombinant BE2.2.The function of recombinant BE2.2 was characterized in vitro using spectrophotometry assay, native PAGE and HPAEC-PAD analysis. Size Exclusion Chromatography separation and SAXS experiments were used to identify the oligomeric state and for structural analysis of this enzyme.Optimal pH and temperature for BE2.2 activity were determined to be pH 7 and 25 °C. A glucosyl donor of at least 12 residues is required for BE2.2 activity. The reaction results in the transfer in an α(1 → 6) position of a glucan preferentially composed of 6 glucosyl units. In addition, BE2.2, which has been shown to be monomeric in absence of substrate, is able to adopt different active forms in presence of branched substrates, which affect the kinetic parameters.BE2.2 has substrate specificity similar to those of the other type-2 BEs. We propose that the different conformations of the enzyme displaying more or less affinity toward its substrates would explain the adjustment of the kinetic data to the Hill equation.This work describes the enzymatic parameters of Arabidopsis BE2.2. It reveals for the first time conformational changes for a branching enzyme, leading to a positive cooperative binding process of this enzyme.

Potential of miscanthus biochar to improve sandy soil health, in situ nickel immobilization in soil and nutritional quality of spinach

The complex interaction of biochar (BC) with soil health reflecting properties, the feedstock used to prepare BC and application rate of BC in sandy soil is still a question for the researchers. An incubation study was conducted where nine different sorts of BC, each prepared from the different feedstock, were applied at 2% rate to evaluate their relative suitability to improve sandy soil health. Results revealed that BC prepared from miscanthus (MIB) significantly increased soil medium and fine pores, available water content (AWC), electrical conductivity (EC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) while decreased soil wide pores, pH, bulk density (BD) and particle density (PD) compared to the rest sorts of BC. Later, spinach was grown in pots containing same soil but spiked with 50 ppm nickel (Ni) and amended with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% rates of MIB. The results showed a significant increment in spinach biomass, reduction in the concentrations of Ni in spinach tissues and DTPA-extractable Ni with the increasing rate of MIB till 3% and later, no significant changes with 4 and 5% rates thereafter. However, significant improvement in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, chemical and biochemical attributes of spinach were observed at 5% MIB when compared to lower rates. Similarly, post-harvest soil physicochemical and enzymatic parameters were also significantly (P < 0.05) improved with increasing rates of MIB. This study implies that application of MIB at 5% rate can improve the nutritional quality of spinach, sandy soil health and can reduce Ni concentrations in spinach tissues.

An efficient and innovative method to preserve the harvested plums during storage

This research was undertaken to establish the preservative role of lactic acid (LA) and salicylic acid (SA) included in a gelatin–glycerol film over the harvested plums. The results showed that highest catalase activity was achieved for the plums modified with LA 0.2% wt and with SA 0.00375 M, after 12 days of storage. The most reduced variation of the physical, chemical, and enzymatic parameters was noticed in the plums coated with LA 0.2% wt. Statistical processing showed that the variation of all physical–chemical parameters, excepting catalase is significant. Variation of catalase is significant only in the case of the plums modified with LA 3% wt and of reference plums. Thus, the coating of the harvested plums with a low amount of LA (≤0.2% wt) can be considered as preservation method during storage for 12 days. Practical applications Lactic acid (LA) and salicylic acid (SA) were coated on the harvested plums and their role as preservative during the fruit storage was established. The results showed that coating the harvested plums with a gelatin–glycerol film modified with LA at low concentration (≤0.2% wt) is an efficient method for preservation at room temperature for 12 days, taking in consideration that the commercial shelf life of harvested plums is 2–6 weeks, at 0 °C.

Effect of heavy metals on tissue-specific antioxidant response in Indian major carps.

Concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb) were measured in sediments, water and liver and kidney tissues of three Indian major carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus cirrhosus), belonging to two different weight groups (250 and 500g), collected from ponds at two different sites (Nalban bheri and Diamond Harbour). The tissues were analysed for the levels of different antioxidant defence systems such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Concentrations of all the metals were significantly higher (P<0.05) in sediment, water and the tissues from Nalban bheri compared to those in Diamond Harbour. Metal concentrations were the lowest in C. cirrhosus, which increased with an increase in fish weight, and the liver accumulated higher amount of metals than the kidney. Activities of all enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters except GPx and GRd were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the tissues from Nalban bheri than those in Diamond Harbour. Significant multicollinearity was found in the values of SOD, CAT, GST, GRd, GPx and MDA with Pb, Cu and Ni in all three fish species at Nalban and with Cd in L. rohita and C. catla. Principal component analysis results revealed that stress response in a polluted site was directly regulated by an amalgamation of GSH profile and the levels of MDA in a synchronized manner. The study indicated a tissue-specific and species-specific difference for heavy metal-induced oxidative stress response in fish and a correlation between different heavy metals and individual oxidative stress markers.

Investigation of low-level 242Pu contamination on nutrition disturbance and oxidative stress in Solanum tuberosum L.

Plutonium associated with higher molecular weight molecules is presumed to be poorly mobile and hardly plant available. In our present study, we investigate the uptake and effects of Pu treatments on Solanum tuberosum plants in amended Hoagland medium at concentrations of [242Pu]=100 and 500nm, respectively. We found a direct proof of oxidative stress in the plants caused by these rather low concentrations. For the confirmation of oxidative stress, we explored the production of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by epifluorescence microscopy. Oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation and superoxide radicals (O2•-) are monitored through histochemical analysis. The biochemical parameters i.e. chlorophyll and carotenoids are measured as an indicator of cellular damage in the tested plants including the enzymatic parameters such as catalase and glutathione reductase. From our work, we conclude that Pu in low concentration has no significant effects on the uptake of many trace and macroelements. In contrast, the content of O2•- , malondialdehyde (MDA), and H2O2 increases with increasing Pu concentration in the solution, while the opposite effects was found for NO, catalase, and glutathione reductase. These findings prove that even low concentration of Pu regulates ROS production and generate oxidative stress in S. tuberosum L.

Impact of different hyperbaric storage conditions on microbial, physicochemical and enzymatic parameters of watermelon juice

Hyperbaric storage (HS) of raw watermelon juice, up to 10days at 50, 75, and 100MPa at variable/uncontrolled room temperature (18–23°C, RT) was studied and compared with storage at atmospheric pressure (AP) under refrigeration (4°C, RF) and RT, being evaluated microbiological (endogenous and inoculated), physicochemical parameters, and enzymatic activities.Ten days of storage at 50MPa resulted in a microbial growth evolution similar to RF, while at 75/100MPa were observed microbial load reductions on endogenous and inoculated microorganisms (Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, whose counts were reduced to below the detection limit of 1.00 log CFU/mL), resulting in a shelf-life extension compared to RF.The physicochemical parameters remained stable at 75MPa when compared to the initial raw juice, except for browning degree that increased 1.72-fold, whilst at 100MPa were observed higher colour variations, attributed to a lycopene content decrease (25%), as well as reductions on peroxidase residual activity (16.8%) after 10days, while both polyphenol oxidase and pectin methylesterase residual activities were similar to RF.These outcomes hint HS as a reliable alternative to RF as a new food preservation methodology, allowing energy savings and shelf-life extension of food products. This is the first paper studying the effect of HS on inoculated microorganisms and on a broad number of physicochemical parameters and on endogenous enzymatic activities, for a preservation length surpassing the shelf-life by RF.

Optimized endodextranase-epoxy CIM ® disk reactor for the continuous production of molecular weight-controlled prebiotic isomalto-oligosaccharides

An epoxy-activated monolithic Convective Interaction Media (CIM®) disk was used for the immobilization of endodextranase D8144 from Penicillium sp. (EC 3.2.1.11) in order to produce on-line isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs) from Dextran T40. Enzymatic parameters, molecular weight of IMOs and performance of the IMmobilized Enzymes Reactor (IMER) were investigated. The immobilization yield of enzymes was about 45.3% (w/w), and the real specific activity close to 3.26 U mg−1. The Km values did not significantly change between free (12.8 g L−1) and immobilized enzymes (14.2 g L−1), due to the absence of diffusional limitation. The IMER system presented more than 80% of its residual activity after 5000 column volumes, highlighting the high stability of the immobilized endodextranases. Response surface methodology was used to enhance the performance of the IMER. Depending on dextran concentrations and flow rates, specific patterns of IMOs distributions were observed during the enzymatic hydrolysis. Finally, prebiotic activity was also investigated on IMOs produced by medium conditions (flow rate 0.3 mL min−1 and dextran concentrations 4% w/w) against Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103). Their scores were at least as good as two commercialized fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Fibrulose® F97 and Orafti® P95.

Effects of dietary methionine and betaine on slaughter performance, biochemical and enzymatic parameters in goose liver and hepatic composition

The effects of dietary methionine (Met) and betaine (Bet) on slaughter performance, serum biochemical parameters, and liver betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) were investigated in geese. Six Met-deficient diets were prepared according to a 2×3 factorial design that included two levels of Bet (0 and 600mg/kg) and three levels of Met (0, 600, and 1200mg/kg). Three hundred 21-d-old healthy male Yangzhou geese with similar body weight were randomly distributed into 6 groups with 5 replicates per treatment and 10 geese per replicate. All geese had free access to diets and water for 49 d. slaughter performance were recorded at 70 d of age. Results showed that increasing dietary levels of methionine gave a linear (P<0.05) increase in body weight and average daily gain. No significant effect of dietary Met level was found on slaughter performance (P>0.05). Geese that received 600mg/kg Bet had a higher percentage of eviscerated yield than those that did not (P<0.05). There were significant interaction effects between Met and Bet in dressing percentage, half-eviscerated yield, and eviscerated yield (P<0.05). Increasing supplemental Met led to linear increases in serum concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and globulin (GLOB) and hepatic crude protein levels (P<0.05). Bet supplementation also increased TP and ALB plus high- and low-density lipoprotein in serum and the mRNA level of BHMT (P<0.05) in livers. In contrast, triglyceride and homocysteine were higher in geese that did not receive additional Bet than those in the Bet supplementation group (P<0.05). The hepatic crude fat contents in the Bet supplementation group also decreased (P<0.05). Significant interactions between Met and Bet supplementation (P<0.05) were detected in several amino acids. In conclusion, optimal Met dietary supplementation could increase growth performance, serum TP, ALB, and GLOB and hepatic protein synthesis in growing goslings. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with Bet could possibly replace Met for slaughter performance through upregulation of BHMT gene expression.

Temperature increases, hypoxia, and changes in food availability affect immunological biomarkers in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Temperature increases, hypoxia, and changes in food availability are predicted to occur in the future. There is growing concern for the health status of wild and farmed organisms, since environmental stressors alter organism functions, and elicit coordinated physiological responses for homeostasis. Mussels are good bioindicators of environmental conditions. Their ability to maintain unaltered immunosurveillance under adverse environmental conditions may enhance their survival capability. Few studies are currently concerned with the relationships and feedback among multiple stressors. Here, food concentration, temperature, and oxygenation treatments were evaluated for their effects on immune enzymatic parameters of Mytilus galloprovincialis detected in the digestive gland and the lysosomal viability by neutral red uptake. Mussels were exposed to three temperatures (12, 20, and 28 °C) under normoxic (8mgO2l-1) and anoxic conditions and specimens were fed with six food concentrations, ranging 0.2-5g chlorophyll l-1. Temperature increases affected esterase and alkaline phophatase enzyme functionality, and addition of food buffered detrimental effects generated by harsh conditions, such as those provided by low oxygen concentrations. Kinetics of the phenoloxidase was negatively correlated with increasing temperature. In this case, food had a buffering effect that counteracted the limiting temperature only under normoxic conditions. In addition, the stability of the lysosomal membrane was altered under conditions of thermal stress and food change, under normoxic and anoxic conditions. Overall, environmental stress factors affected immune biomarkers of Mediterranean mussels, and the level of food acted as a buffer, increasing the thermal resistance of the specimens.

HEALING POTENTIAL OF A POLYHERBAL OINTMENT ON EXCISION WOUND IN NORMAL AND DIABETES INDUCED ALBINO RATS

Objective: Wound healing potential of polyherbal ointment prepared from Cordial oblique Willd., Dentophote falcate (L.f) Ettingsh., and Vigna radiate Linn. has been evaluated, Preclinical studies were carried out using albino rats as experiment models.Methods: Animals were divided into 6 groups, each groups comprising of 6 rats. Group I, II and III are normal excision wounded rats that were categorized as normal untreated, polyherbal ointment treated and standard ointment treated respectively. Groups IV, V and VI were induced with diabetes using alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg bw; ip single dose) and grouped into diabetic untreated, polyherbal ointment treated and standard ointment treated respectively. The polyherbal ointment was prepared by using aqueous extracts of plants in equal proportion with simple ointment base (15% w/w). The Physical, Biochemical and enzymatic parameters studied were rate of wound contraction, ascorbic acid, hydroxyproline, hexosamine, SOD, LPO, serum protein, granulation tissue protein, serum glucose, DNA, RNA, platelet and WBC.Results: The excision wounded animals treated with polyherbal ointment showed a higher rate of contraction and epithelialization during the treatment period. Group II showed 100% and group V showed 90% wound contraction at the end of experimental period. Hydroxyproline, hexosamine, ascorbic acid, tissue protein, DNA, RNA levels and SOD activity were increased significantly (p&lt;0.05), LPO, platelet and serum protein level were decreased with polyherbal ointment treated groups compared to control and standard groups.Conclution: The present study substantiates the traditional claims of plants prepared as polyherbal ointment possessing significant wound healing promoting activity and provides scientific evidence to the ethno medicinal property of plants in healing wounds.Keywords: Wound healing, Polyherbal ointment, Hydroxyproline, Hexosamine, Excision wound, Cordia obliqua Willd., Dentophote falcate (L.f)Ettingsh., Vigna radiata Linn.

Molecular Characteristics and Serodiagnostic Potential of Dihydrofolate Reductase from Echinococcus granulosus

The larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis (CE), a neglected tropical disease that leads to morbidity and mortality in humans and livestock worldwide. Here, we identified and characterized dihydrofolate reductase (Eg-DHFR) from E. granulosus, and evaluated its potential as a diagnostic antigen for sheep CE. Comparison between mammalian (host) DHFR and Eg-DHFR indicates that 45.7% of the 35 active site residues are different. Immunolocalisation analysis showed that native Eg-DHFR was widely distributed in all life-cycle stages of E. granulosus. Recombinant Eg-DHFR (rEg-DHFR) showed typical DHFR enzymatic parameters towards substrate, and was very sensitive to inhibition by methotrexate (IC50 = 27.75 ± 1.03 nM) and aminopterin (IC50 = 63.67 ± 6.76 nM). However, inhibition of DHFR exhibited little protoscolicidal effect in vitro. As there is no reliable method to monitor sheep CE, the immunogenicity of rEg-DHFR was detected, and we developed an indirect ELISA (iELISA) for CE serodiagnosis. The iELISA exhibited diagnostic specificity of 89.58%, diagnostic sensitivity of 95.83%, and the diagnostic accuracy was 91.67% compared with necropsy. Cross-reactivity assay showed analytical specificity of 85.7%. These suggest that rEg-DHFR is an effective antigen for the diagnosis of sheep CE.

Anti-aging effects of M2000 (β-D-mannuronic acid) as a novel immunosuppressive drug on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress parameters in an experimental model.

The anti-aging property of β-D-mannuronic acid (M2000) as a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent was investigated on several determinants relative to the oxidative stress in an animal model. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for evaluating the safety and efficacy properties of M2000 on some oxidative stress enzymes, including the following: mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression by real-time PCR. Malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl protein (PCO) (the lipid and protein oxidation marker, respectively), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were tested in serum by biochemical analysis. In addition, cortisol as a steroid hormone was surveyed by chemiluminescence immunoassay after 12 weeks of M2000 consumption. The rats were sacrificed 3 months after daily oral administration of M2000. Our findings revealed the favorable effects of M2000 on several antioxidant enzyme and gene expression, including SOD2, CAT, GPX1, and GST; however, our results were not statistically significant. Moreover, there was no significant difference in MDA and PCO as lipid and protein oxidation markers, TAC, and cortisol compared with the control group following M2000 consumption. A slight weight increase in the M2000-treated group was also observed. Our data showed the anti-aging property of M2000 as a novel designed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with immunosuppressive property on various oxidative stress determinants.

Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil ameliorates the effect of cisplatin on brush border membrane enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant system in rat intestine

Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that induces gastrointestinal toxicity. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been shown to be beneficial in a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. The present study investigates the possible protective effect of NSO on CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity. NSO administration (2ml/kg bwt, orally), prior to and following, a single dose CP treatment (6mg/kg bwt. ip), significantly attenuated the CP-induced decrease in brush border membrane (BBM) enzyme activities in intestinal homogenates and BBM vesicles (BBMV). NSO administration also mitigated CP induced alterations in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters in the intestine. The results suggest that NSO by empowering the endogenous antioxidant system improves intestinal redox and metabolic status and restores BBM integrity in CP treated rats. Histopathological studies supported the biochemical findings. Thus, NSO may help prevent the accompanying gastrointestinal dysfunction in CP chemotherapy.

In Vitro Metabolism of Artepillin C by Rat and Human Liver Microsomes.

Artepillin C, a natural product present in the Brazilian green propolis, has several biological properties. Among these properties, the antitumor action of this product is noteworthy and makes it a promising drug candidate for the treatment of several types of cancer. This paper describes the in vitro metabolism of Artepillin C in rat and human liver microsomes. The rat model suggested a sigmoidal profile for the metabolism, adapted to the Hill's kinetic model. The enzymatic kinetic parameters were as follows: maximal velocity = 0.757 ± 0.021 µmol/mg protein/min, Hill coefficient = 10.90 ± 2.80, and substrate concentration at which half-maximal velocity of a Hill enzyme is achieved = 33.35 ± 0.55 µM. Based on these results, the calculated in vitro intrinsic clearance for Artepillin C was 16.63 ± 1.52 µL/min/mg protein. The in vitro metabolism assay conducted on the human model did not fit any enzymatic kinetic model. Two novel metabolites were formed in both mammal microsomal models and their chemical structures were elucidated for the first time. The main human cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in Artepillin C metabolism had been identified, and the results suggest a majority contribution of CYP2E1 and CYP2C9 in the formation of the two metabolites.

Combination of NMR and MRI Techniques for Non-invasive Assessment of Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicas) Tenderization During Low-Temperature Heating Process

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method to assess the proton changes of sea cucumber body wall during low-temperature heating process. NMR relaxometry and MRI measurements indicated a significant proton change in the internal structure for sea cucumber body wall when the heating temperature increased from 45 to 55 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the denaturation temperature of sea cucumber body wall was in the range of 45–55 °C with an endothermic peak at 51 °C, which is in accordance with the result observed in NMR and MRI. Rheological study showed similar trend to the DSC thermogram. The band change in amide I region of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated the decrease in α-helix content and possible formation of other secondary structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further confirmed that the low-temperature heating did induce microstructure changes. The analysis of the Ringerʼs soluble fraction (RSF), enzyme-labile fraction (ELF), and total unaltered fraction (TUF) for sea cucumber body wall during low-temperature heating provided more detailed information on the cause of structure change observed in NMR and MRI. The NMR parameters were highly correlated with the rheology storage modulus (G′), relative enzymatic assay parameters, RSF, ELF, and TUF. All these results demonstrated that it could be possible to use NMR and MRI to assess sea cucumber tenderization during low-temperature heating process.

Regression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver by Metabolic Reduction: Phototherapy in Association with Aerobic Plus Resistance Training In Obese Man - A Pilot Study

The excessive body fat, one of the results of obesity, brings with it comorbidities such as lipid changes, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this controlled and randomized pilot study, as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive strategy, we consider two groups during 8 weeks: the use of moderate intensity physical exercise and nutritional education, as control group (n=10) and moderate intensity physical exercise, nutritional education and phototherapy (n=10), as phototherapy group. The used phototherapy parameters were: laser Ga-Al-As, wavelength 808 nm, continuous mode, output power 100 mW, and total energy delivery 92.16 J. Selected patients were men with age between 20 and 40 years old, primary obesity, body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 34.9 kg/ m2. The special device as described in the text was applied, allocated in the anterior region and posterior region of body during 5 minutes each side, totalizing 10 minutes of application of light, always at the end after session of exercise. Comparing the control group in relation to the phototherapy group, the better results were obtained for the phototherapy group, with statistical difference in all anthropometric variables, such as the increase of 3.54% (p<0.007) in total skeletal muscle mass; as well as, 2.77% (p<0.005) in the basal metabolic rate body; 5.47% (p<0.04) for metabolic progress; reduction of 4.67% (p<0.007) for body mass and reduction was also observed for total body fat, total trunk fat and visceral fat of which the phototherapy group showed the following reduction percentages: 14.3% (p<0.01), 14.7% (p<0.005) and 16.4% (p<0.03), respectively. A significant improvement was also observed in all the biochemical parameters and enzymatic analyzed, such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, the basal insulin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase. Therefore the proposed treatment in this work suggests that the association of physical exercise, the nutritional education and phototherapy applied in obese men for two months caused great improvement in all anthropometric parameters, as well as, in all biochemistry and enzymatic parameters indicating that phototherapy is a potential instrument in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, being able to reverse the degree of steatosis in 8 weeks, besides it can be a new non-invasive treatment to obesity and its comorbidities.

The association of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense parameters with inflammatory markers in patients with exudative form of age-related macular degeneration.

There are evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this study was to analyze the antioxidant defense parameters and inflammatory markers in patients with exudative form of AMD (eAMD), their mutual correlations and association with the specific forms of AMD. The cross-sectional study, included 75 patients with the eAMD, 31 patients with the early form, and 87 aged-matched control subjects. Significantly lower SOD, TAS and albumin values and higher GR, CRP and IL-6 were found in the eAMD compared to the early form (p<0.05). Significant negative correlations were found between GPx and fibrinogen (r = –0.254), TAS and IL-6 (r = –0.999) and positive correlations between uric acid and CRP (r = 0.292), IL-6 and uric acid (r = 0.398) in the eAMD. A significant association of CRP (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03–1.32, p = 0.018), fibrinogen (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.14–4.85, p = 0.021), TAS (OR: 7.45, 95% CI: 3.97–14.35, p = 0.0001), albumin (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11–1.41, p = 0.0001) and uric acid (OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02, p = 0.003) was found with the eAMD. In conclusion it may be suggested, there is a significant impairment of antioxidant and inflammatory parameter levels in eAMD patients. In addition, significant association exists between the tested inflammatory markers and antioxidant parameters with late-eAMD.

Fish Oil Supplementation Ameliorates Long Term Cisplatin Treatment Induced Toxicity and Oxidative Damage in Rat Kidney

Background: Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent widely used against various malignancies. However, CP exerts several side effects through oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The major side effect of CP chemotherapy is dose dependent nephrotoxicity that limits its clinical usage. We have previously shown that fish oil (FO) supplementation ameliorated gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity as evident by increase in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM) and free radical scavenging enzymes in rat kidney. In the present study we aimed to investigate whether fish oil (FO) can prevent the long term CP-induced nephrotoxic effects. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups viz. control, CP, CPF and FO alone group. Rats in the groups CPF and FO were fed experimental diet prior to and simultaneously with or without CP treatment (3 mg/kg bwt i.p) respectively. Results: FO supplementation to CP treated significantly mitigated the CP induced increase in serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and decrease in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM) enzymes in renal cortical and medullary homogenates as well as in isolated BBM vesicles (BBMV). FO consumption also reduced CP induced alterations in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters. Conclusion: These results suggest that FO have potential to abrogate CP induced nephrotoxicity and can be a useful adjuvant in long term CP chemotherapy without any side effects. Moreover, the inherent anti-cancer properties of FO with CP treatment may exhibits synergistic beneficial effects.