Erythrocyte Lipid Peroxidation Research Articles

Mitigating role of thymoquinone rich fractions from Nigella sativa oil and its constituents, thymoquinone and limonene on lipidemic-oxidative injury in rats.

Therapeutic role of Nigella sativa (NS) seed oil fractions, methanolic extract (ME) and volatile oil (VO) and their constituents, thymoquinone (TQ) and limonene (LMN) in relation to lipidemic-oxidative stress in Wistar rats was determined. The total phenolic contents of NS seed oil and their ME and VO extracts were 320.00 ± 3.00, 300.12 ± 0.04 and 288.41 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of NS oil, respectively. Their Fe+2 chelating activities were 870.00 ± 2.00, 222.31 ± 5.80 and 38.59 ± 1.43 mg EDTA equivalents per 100 g of NS oil, respectively. These fractions and compounds exhibited strong antioxidant activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl, 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals. Potential antiperoxidative effects of these fractions and compounds were also observed in liposome, and lipidemic-induced lipid peroxidation in atherogenic suspension fed rats, pretreated with 100 mg ME, 20 mg VO, 10 mg pure TQ or 200 mg LMN for 30 days. ME containing ω-6 linoleic acid and palmitic acid natural compounds was highly effective against lipidemic oxidative stress than VO extract possessing thymol and isothymol phenolic natural antioxidant compounds. TQ, principal compound shared to both the extracts. The test fractions and compounds effectively reduced the erythrocyte and liver lipid peroxidation markers, conjugated diene, lipid hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde to near normal levels in the order ME > TQ > VO > LMN, by directly counteracting free radicals as well as suppressing hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity. Our findings demonstrated that these natural products, preferably ME possess significant antioxidant activities, and may be recommended as new potential sources of natural antioxidants.

A combination of plant-derived odors reduces corticosterone and oxidative indicators of stress.

In this study, we measured typical stress markers in addition to oxidative status and reduced glutathione in erythrocytes, and plasma lipid peroxidation of restraint-stressed animals exposed to a combination of plant-derived odors (0.03% Z-3-hexen-1-ol, 0.03% E-2-hexenal, and 0.015% α-pinene in triethyl citrate). Male Wistar rats aged 6-7 weeks postnatal were exposed to vehicle (triethyl citrate, n = 12), plant-derived odors (n = 12), or 1% propionic acid odor (n = 12) under control or stress conditions, and blood samples were collected. Restraint stress increased plasma glucose and plasma corticosterone concentrations by approximately 10% (P < 0.01) and 125% (P < 0.001), respectively, in vehicle-exposed animals. Similar increases were observed in animals exposed to a 1% propionic acid odor, indicating the novelty of odor exposure does not alter stress responsiveness. There was also an increase of approximately 15% in both erythrocytic oxidative status (P < 0.001) and plasma lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05), and a decrease of approximately the same magnitude in reduced glutathione (P < 0.05) in restrained animals with vehicle exposure. There were no differences observed between control and stress treatment with plant-derived odor exposure in any of the measured parameters. It was concluded that exposure to plant-derived odors reduce corticosterone, glucose, and redox responses elicited by psychological stress.

Systemic toxicity induced by paclitaxel in vivo is associated with the solvent cremophor EL through oxidative stress-driven mechanisms

The toxic effects of paclitaxel (PTX) and its solubilizing agent cremophor EL (CREL) have been well established in vitro; however, the in vivo mechanisms underlying this toxicity remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the in vivo toxicity induced by infusion of PTX and CREL and to investigate the involvement of oxidative stress as a potential mechanism for this toxicity. We treated male Wistar rats with PTX and/or CREL for 1h using human-equivalent doses (PTX+CREL/ethanol+NaCl 175mg/m2 or CREL+ethanol+NaCl) and sacrificed immediately or 24h after these drug infusions to systemic biochemical evaluations. Hidrosoluble vitamin E (vitE, Trolox) was added as a control in some groups. The oxidative profile was determined by measuring erythrocyte and plasma lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin profile, plasma total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), plasma lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide levels and malondialdehyde levels. Our findings showed that CREL infusion triggered immediate high plasma lipid peroxidation and augmented TRAP, while PTX caused immediate TRAP consumption and metahemoglobin formation. Pronounced oxidative effects were detected 24h after infusion, when CREL treatment enhanced RBC counts and plasma lipid peroxidation, increased catalase activity, and decreased TRAP levels. On the other hand, after 24h, PTX-infused rats showed reduced catalase activity and reduced metahemoglobin levels. These data indicate the existence of a continuous oxidative stress generation during CREL-PTX treatment and highlight CREL as primarily responsible for the in vivo oxidative damage to RBCs.

Protective effects of oestradiol against cadmium-induced changes in blood parameters and oxidative damage in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of oestradiol (E2, 4 mg kg-1 b.w. i.p.) against cadmium-induced (Cd, 2 mg kg-1 b.w. i.p.) blood changes in rats. Cadmium induced a significant decline in haemoglobin, haematocrit, and total erythrocyte, lymphocyte, and thrombocyte count, whereas total leukocytes and granulocytes increased. A significant increase was also observed in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, AST, and ALT activities, whereas total protein and albumin levels dropped significantly. Administration of E2 in combination with Cd alleviated most of these adverse effects. In terms of oxidative stress, Cd significantly increased oxygen-free radicals (O₂ •- and H₂O₂) in neutrophils and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes, whereas E2 treatment reversed these changes to control values. Acute Cd poisoning significantly lowered antioxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) activity and the level of non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH and vitamin E), while increasing in GSSG. Treatments with E2 reversed Cd-induced effects on the antioxidant defences and significantly lowered Cd-induced oxidative damage in erythrocytes. This study suggests that exogenous E2 effectively restores redox balance in rat erythrocytes and counters adverse haematological and biochemical effects of Cd poisoning. It also improves the antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes, acting in synergy with endogenous antioxidants.

Effects of dietary melatonin supplementation on some blood oxidative status biomarkers and biochemical parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary melatonin supplementation (10 mg/kg body wt. for 4 weeks) on some erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation as well as some plasma biochemical parameters in common carp. The results showed that the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were increased significantly (p < 0.05) after melatonin supplementation, whereas alterations in catalase activity were not significant. Malondildehyde concentrations in erythrocyte hemolysate were decreased significantly as a result of melatonin treatment. Plasma biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease of glucose, cholesterol, albumin and triglyceride, in addition to a significant increase in total protein, AST and ALP values when compared to the control group. However, alterations in creatinine, urea and LDH levels were not significant following melatonin supplementation compared to the control values. These results offer that pharmacological amounts of melatonin effectively improve erythrocytic oxidative status biomarkers and also alter some plasma biochemical parameters in the common carp that some of them may be undesirable. However, more investigations are required to elucidate the pharmacokinetic effects of melatonin and also possible undesirable effects of high doses of this compound.

Inhibition of oxidative hemolysis in erythrocytes by mitochondria-targeted antioxidants of SkQ series.

In the present work we studied the effect of antioxidants of the SkQ1 family (10-(6'-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium) on the oxidative hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by a lipophilic free radical initiator 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN) and a water-soluble free radical initiator 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). SkQ1 was found to protect erythrocytes from hemolysis, 2 μM being the optimal concentration. Both the oxidized and reduced SkQ1 forms exhibited protective properties. Both forms of SkQ1 also inhibited lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes induced by the lipophilic free radical initiator AMVN as detected by accumulation of malondialdehyde. However, in the case of induction of erythrocyte oxidation by AAPH, the accumulation of malondialdehyde was not inhibited by SkQ1. In the case of AAPH-induced hemolysis, the rhodamine-containing analog SkQR1 exerted a comparable protective effect at the concentration of 0.2 μM. At higher SkQ1 and SkQR1 concentrations, the protective effect was smaller, which was attributed to the ability of these compounds to facilitate hemolysis in the absence of oxidative stress. We found that plastoquinone in the oxidized form of SkQ1 could be reduced by erythrocytes, which apparently accounted for its protective action. Thus, the protective effect of SkQ in erythrocytes, which lack mitochondria, proceeded at concentrations that are two to three orders of magnitude higher than those that were active in isolated mitochondria.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of propolis from Melipona orbignyi (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Propolis from stingless bees is well known for its biologic properties; however, few studies have demonstrated these effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of propolis from the stingless bee Melipona orbignyi, found in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The chemical composition of the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) indicated the presence of aromatic acids, phenolic compounds, alcohols, terpenes and sugars. The EEP was active against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the fungus Candida albicans. The EEP showed antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting hemolysis and lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes incubated with an oxidizing agent. Additionally, EEP promoted cytotoxic activity and primarily necrotic death in K562 erythroleukemia cells. Taken together, these results indicate that propolis from M. orbignyi has therapeutic potential for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases related to microorganism activity, oxidative stress and tumor cell proliferation.

Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine is a potential indicator for estimating pulmonary rehabilitation-induced oxidative stress in COPD patients.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic lung disease and is an important cause of morbidity worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with different stages of COPD. Eighteen stable COPD patients participated in 8-week PR; the exercise intensity was set at 70% of the VO2 peak. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: moderate to severe (stages II/III: n = 12) and very severe COPD with FEV1 < 30% predicted (stage IV: n = 6). In patients at stages II/III, PR improved exercise capacity (6-minute walking test: 431.2 ± 26.6 vs. 489.1 ± 26.5 m, P < 0.01 and shuttle walking test: 329.2 ± 41.4 vs. 378.2 ± 41.5 m, P < 0.01) and HRQL, whereas no significant change was observed in erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a marker for DNA damage. In contrast, PR for stage IV patients did not improve exercise capacity and HRQL, but significantly increased urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (14.5 ± 1.7 vs. 24.3 ± 2.6 ng/mg Cr, P < 0.05). In both groups, erythrocyte antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) did not change significantly after PR. Thus, urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine is a useful indicator for the PR-induced oxidative stress in COPD patients. In conclusion, appropriate exercise program in COPD patients can improve exercise capacity and HRQL without further increase of oxidative stress. However, PR for very severe COPD patients enhanced exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Hypoglycemic and Antioxidative Effects of Instant Cooked Giant Embryonic Rice in High‐Fat‐Fed Mice

ABSTRACTThe effect of instant cooked rice made from giant embryo mutant or ordinary normal rice on the glucose metabolism and antioxidative defense system in mice under a high‐fat (HF) diet condition was investigated. The animals were randomly divided and given experimental diets for seven weeks: normal control diet, HF diet, and HF diet supplemented with instant normal white, normal brown, giant embryonic white, or giant embryonic brown rice. At the end of the experimental period, the HF mice showed a marked increase in the blood glucose level, insulin concentration, and plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and a significant decrease in the glycogen level relative to the control group. However, diet supplementation with instant cooked giant embryonic and normal brown rice counteracted this high‐fat‐induced hyperglycemia and oxidative stress through regulation of the glucose‐regulating and antioxidant enzyme activities. The giant embryonic brown rice was the most effective in improving the glucose metabolism and antioxidant defense status in mice under the HF diet condition. The results demonstrate that the giant embryo rice mutant may be useful in the development of instant cooked rice with strong hypoglycemic and antioxidative properties.

Association of Plasma Proteins at Multiple Stages of Glycation and Antioxidant Status with Erythrocyte Oxidative Stress in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

This study examines the individual stages of plasma protein glycation, antioxidant status and their association with erythrocyte oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Study was carried out on blood from 70 patients with T2DM and 40 healthy age-and gender-matched volunteers. Biomarkers of plasma protein glycation (fructosamine, protein carbonyls, advanced glycation end products [AGEs], amyloid), antioxidant status (thiols, total antioxidant capacity and erythrocyte oxidative parameters), osmotic fragility, lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase were determined. Plasma glycation markers were higher in T2DM patients than in healthy volunteers: fructosamine 578 vs. 525 μmol/mL; carbonyl 21.23 vs. 18.84 nmol/mg protein (P<0.01); AGEs 213.94 vs. 178.27 AU/mg protein (P< 0. 05); and amyloid 0.53 vs. 0.40 A530 nm (P<0.01). Plasma antioxidant status was significantly reduced in patients with diabetes compared to the healthy volunteers, with lower plasma protein thiols (1.16 vs. 1.36 nmol/mg protein; P<0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (26 vs. 34 μmol; P<0.01). Erythrocytes from the patient group were found to show greater oxidative damage, with elevated numbers of fragile cells and increased LPO, and reduced GSH level. Among the glycation markers, positive correlations were evident between fructosamine and amyloid (r=0.350, P<0.001) and AGEs and amyloid (r=0.070). Plasma glycation markers showed negative correlation with plasma antioxidant status while positive correlation was demonstrated between erythrocytes fragility and AGEs and amyloid. Erythrocyte LPO levels correlated positively with amyloid. These data suggest that increased levels of multiple plasma protein glycation products in T2DM patients play a key role in reduced plasma antioxidant status and amplified erythrocyte oxidative damage.

In Vivo Protective Effects of Gallic Acid Isolated from Peltiphyllum Peltatum Against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Erythrocytes

Gallic acid has been identified as an antioxidant component of the edible and medicinal plant Peltiphyllum peltatum. The present study examined its potential protective role against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes. Oxidative stress was induced by NaF administration through drinking water (1030.675 mg m(-3) for one week). Gallic acid at 10 mg kg(-1) and 20 mg kg(-1) and vitamin C for positive controls (10 mg kg(-1)) were administered daily intraperitoneally for one week prior to NaF administration. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and the level of reduced glutathione were evaluated in rat erythrocytes. Lipid peroxidation in NaF-exposed rats significantly increased (by 88.8%) when compared to the control group (p<0.05). Pre-treatment with gallic acid suppressed lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities and glutathione levels were reduced by NaF intoxication by 54.4%, 63.69%, and 42% (p<0.001; vs. untreated control group), respectively. Pre-treatment with gallic acid or vitamin C significantly attenuated the deleterious effects. Gallic acid isolated from Peltiphyllum peltatum and vitamin C mitigated the NaF-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes.

ВОЗРАСТНАЯ ДИНАМИКА РЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ СВОЙСТВ ЭРИТРОЦИТОВ У ТЕЛЯТ ПЕРВОГО ГОДА ЖИЗНИ, СОДЕРЖАЩИХСЯ В ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ УСЛОВИЯХ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОЙ РОССИИ

In early ontogenesis a functional activity of erythrocytes makes one of the main basis for animal adaptation to environment by supporting optimal blood rheology. Parameters of blood flow largely depends on the cytoarchitecture and aggregation of erythrocytes. However, aspects of age-related changes of their microrheology in healthy calves during the first year of life are not clarified. To establish the functional peculiarities of erythrocytes in healthy animal during the early ontogenesis, the Black-and-White calves from an industrial farm in Kaluzhskaya region were examined (27 calves tested at the age of 1, 5 and 10 days, 33 calves — at the age of 15, 20, 25 and 30 days, 34 calves — at the age of 45, 60, 75 and 90 days, and 36 calves — at the age of 6, 9 and 12 months). The biochemical and hematological parameters, which characterize the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection of plasma and erythrocytes, lipid composition, cytoarchitecture and aggregation of red blood cells, were analyzed using the Student's t-test. For the first year of life, the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio in red cells, as well as their antioxidant protection increased while the intensity of lipid peroxidation decreased. In blood of healthy 12 months aged calves the number of reversibly and irreversibly altered erythrocytes also increased and their aggregative activity became higher. Thus, in the early ontogenesis of calves some changes in erythrocyte membrane occur which improved their ability to aggregate.

Aqueous extract of some indigenous medicinal plants inhibits glycation at multiple stages and protects erythrocytes from oxidative damage-an in vitro study.

Azadirachta indica, Emblica officinalis, Syzygium cumini and Terminalia bellirica are common in Indian system of traditional medicine for the prevention of diabetes and its complications. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively and comparatively investigate the antiglycation potential of these plant extracts at multiple stages and their possible protective effect against glycated albumin mediated toxicity to erythrocytes. Antiglycation activities of these plant extracts was measured by co-incubation of plant extract with bovine serum albumin-fructose glycation model. The multistage glycation markers- fructosamines (early stage), protein carbonyls (intermediate stage) and AGEs (late stage) are investigated along with measurement of thiols and β aggregation of albumin using amyloid-specific dyes-Congo red and Th T. Protection of erythrocytes from glycated albumin induced toxicity by these plant extracts was assessed by measuring erythrocytes hemolysis, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and intracellular antioxidant capacity. Total phenolics, reducing power and antioxidant activities of the plant extracts were also measured. In vitro glycation assays showed that plant extracts exerted site specific inhibitory effects at multiple stages, with T. bellirica showing maximum attenuation. In erythrocytes, along with the retardation of glycated albumin induced hemolysis and lipid-peroxidation, T. bellirica considerably maintained cellular antioxidant potential. Significant positive correlations were observed between erythrocyte protection parameters with total phenolics. These plant extracts especially T. bellirica prevents glycation induced albumin modifications and subsequent toxicity to erythrocytes which might offer additional protection against diabetic vascular complications.

In vitro free radical scavenging and in vivo antioxidant potential of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves

The leaves of mulberry (Morus indica L.) of Moraceae, possess a number of bioactive compounds that fight against various ailments. In vitro free radical scavenging and in vivo antioxidant potential of mulberry leaves were investigated. Ethanolic extract of mulberry leaves was tested for antioxidant activity in vitro using butylated hydroxy toluene as a positive control. Erythrocyte membrane was used as peroxidation model system in vitro while elderly human volunteers who received mulberry leaf powder (5g/day) for 60 days served as subjects for in vivo assessment. Mulberry leaf extract scavenged DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide radicals in a concentration dependent manner and inhibited FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation and hydroperoxides in the erythrocyte membrane model. This was supported by significantly (p<0.01) decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma (23%) and erythrocytes (49%), significantly (p<0.01) elevated levels of non enzymatic antioxidants viz. β carotene (116%), vitamin A (69%), vitamin C (23%), vitamin E (55%) and ceruloplasmin (26%); decreased nitrite (43%) in serum and significantly elevated activity of superoxide dismutase (47%) and glutathione-S-transferase (72%) and reduced glutathione (21%, p<0.05) in erythrocytes from elderly subjects treated with mulberry leaf powder. Mulberry leaves exhibited antioxidant properties postulated to be as a result of the synergistic action of free radical scavenging compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, moracins and others present in the leaves.

Chlorpyrifos induced toxicity in reproductive organs of female Wistar rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate (OP) insecticide extensively used in agricultural and domestic settings. Healthy adult female albino rats were divided into three groups of six rats in each. Two groups were dosed orally with CPF in vegetable oil (0.1 and 2.5mg/kg/day) and third group was given vegetable oil for 8weeks. Non-significant changes were observed for body weight and feed intake. A disruption in estrous cyclicity was observed with a prolonged metestrous. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation levels increased significantly. Mammary gland whole mounts revealed a significant (P<0.05–0.0001) increase in the ductal thickness, number of branches, alveolar and terminal end bud number and terminal end bud diameter. A significant increase in ovarian surface epithelium height, follicular diameter and follicular atresia was observed in treated rats (P<0.05–0.0001). A similar significant increase in the uterine surface epithelium height, endometrial gland epithelium height and myometrium thickness in higher dose group was recorded (P<0.05–0.0001). Luminal epithelium height and endometrial gland diameter was increased significantly in both the treated groups (P<0.05–0.0001). The results indicate that sub-chronic exposure of CPF causes oxidative stress and negative effects on the reproductive organs of female rats, which may be a pointer towards beginning of cancer incidence.

Black Tea Supplementation Improves Antioxidant Status in Rats Subjected to Oxidative Stress

The protective effect of black tea extract (BTE) against HgCl2-induced oxidative damage in Wistar rats was investigated. Rats were injected with HgCl2 (5 mg/kg body weight in 0.9% NaCl) to induce oxidative stress. The aqueous BTE (2.5%) was prepared from CTC (curl, tear, crush) grade tea. BTE was fed to control and HgCl2-treated rats by gavage at a dose of 1 ml/(100 g body weight d). Biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as the erythrocyte plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) activity, lipid peroxidation, and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), increased by 166, 31, and 373%, respectively, in response to HgCl2 treatment, while intracellular glutathione and plasma antioxidant potential, i.e. ferric reducing ability (FRAP) decreased by 75 and 22%, respectively. BTE protected the rats against HgCl2-induced oxidative damage and raised the antioxidant potential in control rats. Due to its strong antioxidant effect in vivo, black tea intake may provide a significant healthpromoting effect to humans

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of curcumin determined by using different in vitro and ex vivo models

Antioxidant potential and free radical scavenging abilities of curcumin were evaluated using in vitro models such as, reducing potential, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH), superoxide (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging. Curcumin recorded dose-dependent effect and higher reducing potential (ODmax = 0.266). Curcumin could efficiently scavenged DPPH (IC50 = 1.08 ± 0.06 μg/ml), H2O2 (IC50 = 10.08 ± 2.01 μg/ml), NO (IC50 = 37.50 ± 1.54 μg/ml), ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) (1240 ± 18.54 μM Fe (II)/g) and superoxide anion (IC50 = 29.63 ± 2.07 μg/ml) radicals in a dose-dependent manner. Ex vivo models like erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte haemolysis were also studied. Curcumin could efficiently scavenged the peroxy radicals which can induce haemolysis in erythrocytes (IC50 = 282.7 ± 4.82 μg/ml) and inhibit the erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 12.02 ± 1.03 μg/ml). The presence of antioxidants was confirmed by comparing with natural antioxidant ascorbic acid. The total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity in curcumin were determined as gallic acid and ascorbic acid equivalents, respectively. Results obtained herein can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols (448.4 ± 8.3 mg GAE/g gallic acid equivalent-polyphenols) in curcumin. These observations suggest the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potentials of curcumin. Key words: Curcumin, free radical scavenging activity, in vitro, ex vivo

Influence of Several Sources and Amounts of Iron on DNA, Lipid and Protein Oxidative Damage During Anaemia Recovery

The study was designed to assess the effect of several Fe amounts and sources on haematological parameters, DNA, lipid and protein oxidative damage during the course of Fe-deficiency anaemia recovery. Peripheral DNA damage was assessed using an alkaline comet assay. The brain, liver, erythrocyte and duodenal mucosa lipid peroxidation and protein damage were assessed in control and anaemic rats after Fe repletion with three different sources (FeSO4, haem Fe, and FeSO4 + haem Fe) and amounts (45, 12, and 31mg Fe/kg diet) of Fe: F diet, H diet or C diet, respectively. After supplying the diets, the haematological parameters studied were recovered; being remarkable is the haemoglobin increase. The DNA damage was lower in rats with the H diet, as revealed by the percentage of DNA in head, tail and Olive tail moment compared in rats with the F (P < 0.001) and C (P < 0.05) diets. Lipid peroxidation was similar in all the tissues, except in the duodenal mucosa which was lower with H and C diets (P < 0.001). The animals fed with C diet showed lower oxidative protein damage in the duodenal mucosa (P < 0.001) and was also lower in the liver and erythrocytes for H and C diets (P < 0.001). No differences were found in the brain under our experimental conditions. In conclusion, Fe supplementation with low doses of haem Fe or combined forms of non-haem and haem Fe (FeSO4 + haem) are efficient in restoring the impaired haematological parameters and prevent the evoked oxidative stress associated with Fe supplements.

Ramorinoa girolae Speg (Fabaceae) seeds, an Argentinean traditional indigenous food: Nutrient composition and antioxidant activity

Ramorinoa girolae Speg. seeds were characterized in terms of phenolic and flavonoid contents, multi-element profile, fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity. The MeOH extract of seeds showed a strong scavenging capacity against the DPPH free radical, inhibition of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and reducing power. A significant positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of extracts suggests that such compounds could be responsible for the antioxidant capacity of the seeds. Five phenolic compounds were identified by liquid chromatography tandem electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS/MS) and high-resolution electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-TOF-MS): a coumaric acid derivative, epigallocatechin, catechin-O-glucoside, procyanidin B (catechin dimer), catechin, and two unknown compounds. The presence of catechins suggests health benefits. The seeds also contained a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (≈71%), especially oleic acid, and a low percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (≈14%). K, Mg and Ca were major elements, potassium accounting for 59% of the element content. The main roles of these elements can be described as maintenance of pH and osmotic pressure, nerve conductance, muscle contraction, energy production and almost all other aspects of biological life. The observed phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the seeds is an indication of their ability to offer potential health benefits. This is the first report of R. girolae to validate its popular reputation as a nutritionally healthy food.

Effect of Lead on Lipid Peroxidation, Phospholipids Composition, and Methylation in Erythrocyte of Human

Lead (Pb) is one of the most abundant heavy metals on earth considered as number one environmental persistent toxin and health hazard affecting millions of people in all age groups. After entering bloodstream, 99% of Pb is accumulated in erythrocytes and causes poisoning. Toxic Pb effects on erythrocytes membrane's composition of phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl choline (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM), and phospholipids transmethylation were determined. Lipid peroxidation in Pb-exposed erythrocytes was evaluated as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in presence of Fe and vitamin E to understand severity of Pb toxicity and its mitigation. Pb (0.5-5.0 μM) degraded PS (12 to 31%, P < 0.05-0.001) and elevated SM (19-51%, P < 0.05-0.001). Composition of PC and PE were diminished (22%) and elevated (29%), respectively, with higher Pb exposure (5.0 μM, P < 0.001). Pb toxicity suppressed (P < 0.001) transmethylation of phospholipids in membranes (34, 41, and 50%, respectively, with 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM). Pb-induced dose-related MDA production (P < 0.05-0.001) in erythrocytes was obtained, which was accentuated in presence of Fe (P < 0.05-0.001). The vitamin E mitigated (P < 0.05-0.01) the severity of Pb-induced lipid peroxidation. The ratio PS/SM showed maximum change of -27 (P < 0.01), -30 (P < 0.01), and -54% (P < 0.001), respectively at 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM Pb exposures. Ratios PC/SM and PS/PE were at the second, whereas PE/PS at the third order. The study suggests that the mechanisms underlying distortion of compositional phospholipids, inhibition of transmethylation, and exasperated phospholipid peroxidative damage are the active phenomena of Pb toxicity in erythrocytes.