Formation Of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Research Articles

Phenolic composition and biological activities of the in vitro cultured endangered Eryngium viviparum J. Gay

Eryngium viviparum is an endangered species that requires management efforts based on complementary ex situ conservation strategies, such as in vitro culture. This study was carried out to evaluate the phenolic composition and the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial properties of E. viviparum aerial and root parts obtained by this micropropagation technique. The HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis showed that phenolic compounds were more abundant in the root (102 ± 4 mg g−1 extract) than in the aerial part (40.6 ± 0.8 mg g−1 extract) of the plant. The major compound was trans rosmarinic acid, followed by trans 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid. The root extract also showed higher antioxidant activity, with a result close to that of trolox in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation inhibition assay, and a moderate toxicity to lung (NCI-H460), breast (MCF-7) and liver (HepG2) tumour cells. It was also more effective than ketoconazole against Penicillium ochrochloron. In turn, the aerial part extract inhibited Salmonella typhimurium more effectively than ampicillin. This study highlights E. viviparum as an unexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential application in the food, pharmaceutical, and other industrial sectors. Consequently, it promotes the interest of conserving this endangered species.

Dietary interference on the oxidation and hydrolysis of liposomes during in vitro digestion

SummaryIn this study, the influence of dietary compounds, including antioxidants (ethylenediaminetetraacid, ascorbic acid, catechin), chitosan and lactoferrin, on the stability of liposomes during in vitro adult and infant digestion was investigated in terms of formation of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and free fatty acid release. Liposomes were more sensitive to degradation in adults than in infants, suggesting lower pH (1.5) and higher concentration of pancreatic enzymes (3.2 mg mL−1) and bile salts (5 mg mL−1) that indicated greater damage to the structure of liposomes. Compared to ethylenediaminetetraacid and ascorbic acid, catechin presented the most apparent protective effect against liposomal oxidation by scavenging free radicals. Chitosan promoted the formation of TBARS, while lactoferrin facilitated the hydrolysis rate of liposomes under both adult and infant conditions. This study provided an insight into the development of healthcare products and functional foods related to liposomes for special populations.

The Investigation of Protective Effect of Quercetin in Rats Exposed to Oxidative Stress by 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo- p -Dioxin

In this study, 28 Wistar Albino male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was intraperitoneally administered at the dose of 2 μg/kg/week, quercetin was administered at the dose of 20 mg/kg/day by gavages, and quercetin+TCDD were intraperitoneally administered at the doses of 20 mg/kg/day and 2 μg/kg/week, respectively. All applications were performed for 8 weeks. At the end of the eighth week, the rats were sacrificed and their heart and vascular tissues were taken for biochemical analysis (reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels) by spectrophotometric method. As a result of the study, TCDD significantly decreased antioxidant activities and increased lipid peroxidation in rats. In contrast, quercetin significantly prevented the toxic effects of TCDD via increasing SOD, CAT, GSH and GSH-Px levels but decreased the formation of TBARS. Therefore, it can be suggested that quercetin has the potential for treatment against the toxicity caused by TCDD or other environmental contaminants and can decrease the risk of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, especially in humans.

English

The feeding value of mulberry leaves for rabbits was quantitatively evaluated based on a single-factor design with five levels in diets (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%). Results showed that rabbits given mulberry at 20 and 15% had a relatively lower body weight gain, higher feed conversion ratio, and lower meat ether extract contents than that in the 0% group (P < 0.05). Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were detected in the plasma of mulberry-treated rabbits. Mulberry reduced the production of trichloroacetic acid perceptible N and NH3-N and increased total volatile fatty acids in rabbit cecum content through optimizing the intestinal micro-flora. Comparative analysis revealed that the content of phytochemicals in mulberry may be the main factor responsible for the feeding levels in rabbit diet, contributes to the effect of enhancing the antioxidant capacity of rabbit bodies and also optimizes intestinal micro-flora. Key words: Animal nutrition, feed, rabbit, growth, health, blood, intestinal micro-flora. &nbsp

The protective role of melatonin and curcumin in the testis of young and aged rats.

We aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin and curcumin treatment on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histology of testicular tissue in our study. Four groups were formed using young (4months old, n=6) and aged (20-22months old, n=18) male Wistar albino rats: (a) Young control (1% ethanol:phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], subcutaneously [s.c.]); (b) Aged control (CTL; n=6, 1% ethanol:PBS, s.c.); (c) Aged Melatonin (MLT; n=6, 10mg/kg, s.c.); (d) Aged Curcumin (CUR; n=6, 30mg/kg, i.p.). At the end of 21days, the rats were sacrificed, and testicular tissues were removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testicular tissue was determined with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation, and glutathione (GSH) was determined with modified Ellman method; testosterone level was determined with chemiluminescence method and histologic changes were determined with Haematoxylin-Eosin and Johnsen's scoring; Apoptotic cell counts were made with TUNEL staining of seminiferous tubule in testis. With ageing, MDA level increased in testicular tissue, but GSH and blood testosterone levels decreased. Melatonin treatment for aged rats significantly decreased Paired total testicular/body weight ratio compared to aged control group (p<0.05). Curcumin treatment for aged rats significantly increased GSH level compared to the aged control group (p<0.05). Besides, melatonin and curcumin treatment significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells and significantly increased Johnsen's score (p<0.05).

Scavenging of lipid peroxyl radicals protects plasma lipids and proteins from peroxynitrite.

Peroxynitrite can be produced in the vasculature from a superoxide anion reaction with nitric oxide. A surplus of peroxynitrite in the intravascular compartment is a common feature of several chronic diseases. The development of pharmacological modalities that interfere with the formation of peroxynitrite or inhibit its oxidative damage may be of utility for the prevention and/or treatment of several pathologies. Our previous investigations showed that catalytically inactivating peroxynitrite-derived free radicals with tempol or scavenging reactive aldehyde species with phenelzine protects the blood plasma and platelets from the oxidative damage of peroxynitrite. However, the degree of inhibition of the cytotoxic effects of peroxynitrite using tempol or phenelzine was modest. In the present study, the aim was to examine if scavenging lipid peroxyl radicals with U-83836E can achieve superior protection from peroxynitrite. This was assessed by treating blood plasma or platelets with 100 µM peroxynitrite alone or in combination with U-83836E, and then measuring the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl formation as indices of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, respectively. It was observed that scavenging lipid peroxyl radicals with 75-100 µM U-83836E increasingly reversed protein carbonylation induced by peroxynitrite in blood plasma and platelets, in addition to TBARS formation in blood plasma. These findings are further discussed in the context of the mechanisms by which U-83836E may protect against the cell-damaging effects of peroxynitrite.

In vitro antioxidant activity of olive leaf extract (Olea europaea L.) and its protective effect on oxidative damage in human erythrocytes

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate in vitro antioxidant capacity of olive leaf extract (OLE), Olea europaea L., and its protective effect on peroxyl radical-induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes. Main methodsThe OLE was evaluated by the following assays: i) total phenolic and flavonoid content; ii) oleuropein content; iii) Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); iv) antioxidant activity against ABTS+, DPPH and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species: superoxide anion (O2·−), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and nitric oxide (NO) and v) protective effect on peroxyl radical-induced oxidative damages in human erythrocytes as hemolysis, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation and oxyhemoglobin oxidation. Key findingsTotal phenolic and flavonoid contents were 131.7 ± 9.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight (dw) and 19.4 ± 1.3 mg quercetin equivalents/g dw, respectively. Oleuropein content was 25.5 ± 5.2 mg/g dw. FRAP analysis was 281.8 ± 22.8 mg trolox equivalent/g dw and OLE inhibited ABTS+ (50% effective concentration (EC50) = 16.1 ± 1.2 μg/mL) and DPPH (EC50 = 13.8 ± 0.8 μg/mL). The extract demonstrated effective ability to scavenge O2·− (EC50 = 52.6 ± 2.1 μg/mL), NO (EC50 = 48.4 ± 6.8 μg/mL) and HOCl (EC50 = 714.1 ± 31.4 μg/mL). The extract inhibited peroxyl radical-induced hemolysis (EC50 = 11.5 ± 1.5 μg/mL), TBARS formation (EC50 = 38.0 ± 11.7 μg/mL) and hemoglobin oxidation (EC50 = 186.3 ± 29.7 μg/mL) in erythrocytes. SignificanceOLE is an important source of natural antioxidants; it has effective antioxidant activity against different reactive species and protects human erythrocytes against oxidative damage.

The 4-hydroxynonenal mediated oxidative damage of blood proteins and lipids involves secondary lipid peroxidation reactions.

Lipid peroxidation is associated with several metabolic diseases. Lipid peroxidation causes cellular damage through reactive aldehyde species such as 4-hydroxyonenal (4-HNE). The exact mechanism(s) by which 4-HNE causes damage in the intravascular compartment is not yet exactly understood. Using an in vitro system, the damage induced by 4-HNE on the blood was investigated by measuring protein carbonyl groups and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) following 4-HNE treatment. The findings demonstrated that treatment with 4-HNE increased the carbonylation of protein and the formation of TBARS in the blood plasma. It was also tested whether phenelzine, a scavenger of aldehyde species, or U-83836E, a scavenger of lipid peroxy radicals, attenuated the damage caused by 4-HNE. It was demonstrated that phenelzine or U-83836E both mitigated the effects of 4-HNE on the proteins and the lipids of the blood plasma. The findings of the current study suggest that phenelzine, U-83836E or functionally similar therapeutics may prevent or treat diseases that involve an increased production of 4-HNE in the intravascular compartment.

Pesticide-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings.

Excessive use of pesticides can adversely affect the growth of non-target host plants in different ways. Pesticide-induced stress can affect non-target plants through elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for detrimental effects on cell metabolism, biochemical and other physiological activities. In response to oxidative stress, plant activates antioxidant defense system consisting of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic components. In the present investigation, three commonly used pesticides, emamectin benzoate, alpha-cypermethrin and imidacloprid, were assessed for causing oxidative stress in tomato. The oxidative damage induced by these pesticides at five different concentrations i.e. 1/4X, 1/2X, recommended application dose (X), 2X and 4X in the root and shoot tissues of tomato plant/seedlings were evaluated. Following pesticide exposure for 35 days, cell viability, cell injury, total soluble sugar (TSS) and total soluble proteins (TSP) were measured. Antioxidant activities were estimated by measuring activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and proline. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were analysed as ROS, lipid peroxidation was measured in term of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as membrane damage caused by ROS was also assessed. Analysis of the data revealed that pesticides application at higher concentrations significantly elevated ROS levels and caused membrane damage by the formation of TBARS, increased cell injury and reduced cell viability both in root and shoot tissues compared with non-treated plants. Moreover, a gradual decrease in the levels of TSS and TSP was observed in plants subjected to increasing doses of pesticides. To cope with pesticide-induced oxidative stress, a significant increase in levels of antioxidants was observed in the plants exposed to higher doses of pesticides. Shoot tissues responded more drastically by producing higher levels of antioxidants as compared to root tissues indicating the direct exposure of shoots to foliar application of pesticides. Taken together, these results strongly suggested that the application of pesticides above the recommended dose can provoke the state of oxidative stress and can cause oxidative damages in non-target host plants.

Chlorogenic acid inhibits non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of low density lipoprotein

: To investigate the effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL). : The non-enzymatic glycation incubation system of LDL-glucose was established. The contents of early glycation products (Amodori product) and intermediate products (dicarbonyl compound) were determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and the content of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The LDL oxidation incubation system was established. The contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) and conjugated diene were determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The tryptophan fluorescence quenching, and the content of lipofuscin, total fluorescence products, active aldehydes and malondialdehyde were determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry, and further verified by three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. : In the LDL glycation experiment, 150 μg/mL and 300 μg/mL CGA inhibited the formation of Amadori product, dicarbonyl compounds and AGEs. In the LDL oxidation experiment, 15 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL CGA inhibited the formation of TBARS effectively; 5 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL CGA inhibited tryptophan fluorescence quenching, and the formation of active aldehydes, malondialdehyde, total fluorescence products, lipofuscin and conjugated diolefine. And the three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy showed the same results. : CGA can inhibit non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of LDL.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Green Tea or Maté Extracts on Lipid and Protein Oxidation in Brine-Injected Retail-Packed Pork Chops.

Background: Phenolic plant extracts are added as antioxidants in meat to prevent lipid oxidation, but depending on the concentration applied, may affect proteins either through covalent interactions or by serving as a prooxidant. Methods: Brine-injected pork chops prepared with green tea extract (25–160 ppm gallic acid equivalents (GAE)), or maté extract (25–160 ppm GAE) and stored (5 °C, 7 days) in high-oxygen atmosphere packaging (MAP: 80% O2 and 20% CO2) were analyzed for color changes, lipid oxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and protein oxidation evaluated by thiol loss and protein radical formation by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and compared to a control without antioxidant. Results: Extract of maté and green tea showed significant and comparable antioxidative effects against formation of TBARS in brine-injected pork chops for all concentrations applied compared to the control. Protein radical formation decreased significantly by addition of 25 ppm maté extract, but increased significantly by addition of 80–160 ppm green tea extract, when monitored as formation of protein radicals. Meanwhile, protein thiol groups disappeared when applying the extracts by reactions assigned to addition reactions of oxidized phenols from the extracts to protein thiols. Conclusion: Maté is accordingly a good source of antioxidants for protection of both lipids and proteins in brine-injected pork chops chill-stored in high-oxygen atmosphere, though the dose must be carefully selected.

Mechanisms involved in hemoglobin-mediated oxidation of lipids in washed fish muscle and inhibitory effects of phospholipase A2.

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a lipid oxidation promoter in fish muscle. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2; EC 3.1.1.4) is linked to an increased resistance to lipid oxidation of frozen-thawed cod fillets via an unknown mechanism. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Hb-mediated lipid oxidation with a focus on ferryl Hb and methemoglobin (metHb), the pro-oxidative Hb species, and to examine how porcine pancreatic PLA2 inhibits Hb-mediated lipid oxidation in washed cod muscle (WCM). Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured as primary and secondary lipid oxidation products, respectively. The formation of metHb and ferryl Hb was also monitored. Ferryl Hb and metHb formed during the Hb-mediated lipid oxidation. PLA2 inhibited the formation of LOOHs and TBARS and suppressed the formation of metHb and ferryl Hb. WCM was pre-oxidized by hemin to increase the amount of LOOHs. PLA2 promoted the depletion of LOOHs in the pre-oxidized WCM with limited TBARS formation at the expense of the heme moiety of Hb. The results of the present study suggest that ferryl Hb may play a role in Hb-mediated lipid oxidation and that PLA2 from pig pancreas may work together with Hb as a novel antioxidant with an ability to remove pre-formed LOOHs from a lipid substrate. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Vitamin E Analogue Protects Red Blood Cells against Storage-Induced Oxidative Damage

Background: To investigate i) the effects of Trolox® or mannitol, which represent two different classes of antioxidants, on oxidative changes generated in manually isolated red blood cells (RBCs) from citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) preserved whole blood, followed by up to 20 days refrigerated storage, and ii) whether Trolox supplemented to the blood bank-manufactured saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) preserved RBC units would offer better storage conditions compared with SAGM alone. Methods: The percentage of hemolysis and extracellular activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured to assess RBC membrane integrity. Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were quantified by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), Ellman's reagent and 2, 2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS^.+) based assay, respectively. Results: Trolox was little more effective than mannitol in protecting against progressive RBC hemolysis. Trolox (0.125-3.125 mmol/l) inhibited storage-induced leakage of LDH, lipid peroxidation, and to a lesser extent GSH depletion. Mannitol at these concentrations neither inhibited TBARS formation nor prevented GSH depletion. RBC units stored in SAGM-Trolox had significantly lower hemolysis, LDH leakage, and lipid peroxidation level compared to RBCs stored in SAGM. Conclusion: There is evidence of the beneficial effects of supplementing RBC-additive solutions with membrane-interacting antioxidants such as vitamin E analogues.

Effects of some herbal extracts on oxidative stability of corn oil under accelerated oxidation conditions in comparison with some commonly used antioxidants

A total of 10 corn oil samples, 6 with herbal extracts, 2 with butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT) and ascorbyl palmitate (AP), a refined corn oil and the control, the stripped corn oil, were evaluated for oxidative stability under accelerated oxidation at 60 °C for 6 wk. Oxidation was followed by determining peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and trienes (CT). Antioxidant activity of each herbal extract was evaluated. According to the obtained results, sumac extract, α-tocopherol and AP had the highest antioxidant activity, whereas flaxseed and sage showed the lowest. Peroxide, TBARS, CD and CT values increased during storage in all samples. Samples with BHT, sumac and mint showed the highest inhibition of peroxide formation. Sumac and thyme extracts significantly inhibited TBARS formation compared to BHT and AP added samples. It is concluded that the antioxidant activities of sumac, thyme and mint were high and retarded the oxidation and can be utilized in the food industry for commercial purposes in retardation of oil oxidation.

Bulb extracts of Boophone disticha induce hepatotoxicity by perturbing growth, without significantly impacting cellular viability

IntroductionTraditional remedies remain a prominent form of therapy in developing countries, such as South Africa. Boophone disticha, or the poison bulb, is used for the treatments of wounds. There is generally a lack of scientific evidence to support its safety or use. As hepatotoxicity is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality, and a leading factor in drug attrition during development, more emphasis should be placed on pre-clinical evaluation thereof. The aim of the study was to investigate the in vitro hepatotoxicity of an ethnomedicinal and organic extract of the bulbs. Materials and methodsHot water (ethnomedicinal) and methanol (organic) extracts were prepared and assayed on HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells to assess for effects on cell density (sulforhodamine B staining), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 ratiometry), reactive oxygen species levels (H2-DCF-DA cleavage/activation), reduced glutathione levels (monocholorobimane adduct formation), fatty acid accumulation (nile red staining), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation), caspase-3/7 activation (Ac-DEVD-AMC activation), adenosine triphosphate levels (chemiluminescence), cell viability (Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide) and cellular kinetics (propidium iodide). ResultsAlthough cell density was reduced by both extracts (hot water extract IC50=51.39μg/mL; methanol extract IC50=35.11μg/mL), cell viability was not reduced to the same degree (6–10% after 24h; ~2% at 72h) after exposure to the IC50's. Furthermore, cellular kinetics was not significantly affected. Although mitochondria appeared to depolarize slightly, reactive oxygen species levels were reduced to below baseline. Reduced glutathione levels also decreased. Fatty acid levels increased, however, lipids did not peroxidise. Adenosine triphosphate levels increased, while caspase-3/7 activity was reduced to below baseline. Discussion and conclusionExtracts of B. disticha did not induce a loss of cell viability, however, notable reduction in cell density was apparent. While the methanol extract was more cytotoxic than the hot water extract, the latter still carries a risk should it be chronically used. Although cellular kinetics were not affected, it is proposed that extracts may shift cells into a quiescent phase of non-proliferation which the assay is not sensitive enough to detect. The antiproliferative effect is likely in response to altered redox status. However, mitochondrial depolarisation did not increase free radical levels, with no lipid peroxidation as consequence. Furthermore, a propensity for fatty acid accumulation was observed, which carries the risk of hepatosteatotic detriments. The antiproliferative effect may delay repair of hepatic injury, and thus reduce quality of life. Further emphasis should be placed on early investigation of herbal remedies for their effects on hepatocellular functioning.

Effect of Heating Methods on Quality Attributes of Culled Saanen Crossbred Goat Meat

The effect of boiling, grilling, and microwaving until reaching temperature of 85 °C on culled Saanen goat meat was evaluated and compared to raw samples. Biceps femoris muscle was used to evaluate the effect of these heating methods on proximate composition, collagen, cook loss, color, and texture profile analysis. Supraspinatus muscle was used to determine the effect of these heating methods on changes in peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of meat during 5 days of chilled storage. Boiled and grilled samples showed lower moisture (63.04 and 63.89 %, respectively) and higher protein (29.20 and 29.59 %, respectively) and fat (5.98 and 4.01 %, respectively) than those of the microwaved sample (68.03 % moisture, 26.72 % protein, and 2.95 % fat) (P &lt; 0.05). Higher total collagen in the grilled sample (14.35 mg/g) and higher soluble collagen percentage (6.57 %) in the microwaved sample were obtained (P &lt; 0.05). Boiled and grilled samples revealed higher cook loss (39.70 and 41.28 %, respectively) compared to microwaved samples (28.82 %) (P &lt; 0.05). Grilled samples exhibited higher hardness (3,730.21 g), gumminess (2,397.76), and chewiness (1,774.71) than those of other heated samples (P &lt; 0.05). Higher lightness (L* = 54.90), lower redness (a* = 4.11) and yellowness (b* = 13.96) in boiled sample were found (P &lt; 0.05). Grilled samples exhibited sharper PV formation while boiled samples revealed sharper TBARS formation during storage (P &lt; 0.05). In summary, variation in remaining moisture, soluble collagen, parallel with types of heating medium led to complexity in the results obtained in total solid, cook loss, color, and texture profile analysis (TPA). Boiled samples were prone to yield higher TBARS formation.

Banhasasim-Tang Treatment Reduces the Severity of Esophageal Mucosal Ulcer on Chronic Acid Reflux Esophagitis in Rats.

The present study was conducted to evaluate both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Banhasasim-tang (BHSST) on chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CRE) model. Rat CRE model was established operatively and then treated with BHSST (1 g/kg body weight per day) for 15 days Esophageal pathological changes were analyzed using macroscopic examination and hematoxylin/eosin staining. The antioxidant and inflammatory protein levels were determined using Western blotting. The administration of BHSST significantly reduced both the overexpression of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an excessive formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in esophagus tissue. Thus, the severity of esophageal ulcer was lower in BHSST treated rats than control rats on the gross and histological evaluation. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) led to the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme including SOD, GPx-1/2, and HO-1 by binding to antioxidant response element (ARE). Moreover, BHSST administration markedly reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins through mitogen-activated protein kinase- (MAPK-) related signaling pathways and decreased significantly the protein expressions of inflammatory mediators and cytokines by inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Taken together, these results support the fact that BHSST administration can suppress the development of esophageal mucosal ulcer via regulating inflammation through the activation of the antioxidant pathway.

Antioxidative and Inhibitory Effects of the Fruiting Body of Black Lingzhi Mushroom, Amauroderma rugosum (Agaricomycetes), on LDL Oxidation and HMG-CoA Reductase Activity.

Amauroderma rugosum fruiting bodies possess excellent cardiovascular benefits, including antioxidative, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antiinflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, and antithrombotic effects. In this article, we describe our investigations of the in vitro antioxidant activity and in vitro antiatherosclerotic potential through inhibitory effects on low-density lipoprotein (LDL), LDL peroxidation, and 3-hydroxy3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase catalytic activity using various fruiting body extracts partitioned with an organic solvent. Among 5 extracts/fractions tested, the semipolar ethyl acetate (EA) fraction demonstrated good antioxidant capacity based on total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating ability, cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation assays. The EA fraction also showed the strongest inhibitory effect on Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation via thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation and HMG-CoA reductase activity. Chemical analysis conjointly identified 10 phenolic compounds (4 benzoic acid derivatives, 3 flavonoids, 1 cinnamic acid, 1 hexahydroxydiphenic acid dilactone, and 1 xanthone derivative), some of which play pivotal roles in arresting the physiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thereby attenuating the risk of cardiovascular events occurring.

Cooperative antioxidative effects of zein hydrolysates with sage (Salvia officinalis) extract in a liposome system.

This study investigated the cooperative antioxidative effects of sage extract (SE) and zein hydrolysates (ZH). The combination of 3mg/ml ZH and 10μg/ml SE exhibited a significant synergism in inhibition of the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and provided superior protection of liposomes against oxidation. Zeta-potential results revealed that the interactions between liposomes and ZH were electrostatic interactions. Particle size determination further proved that ZH and SE added to oxidized liposomes significantly decreased the mean particle size. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that when ZH was present in the liposome oxidizing system, the droplet sizes were obviously decreased compared to oxidized samples. ZH dispersed more uniformly and the interfacial membrane was more compact in the ZH-SE liposome. Transmission electron microscopy conveyed that the ZH-SE complex around the liposome particles could form a denser network structure, preventing radicals and oxidants from the approach of the liposomes.

Obesity is not a descriptive factor for oxidative stress and viscosity in follicular fluid of in vitro fertilization patients

Obesity's impact on micro-environmental oxidative stress and follicular fluid (FF) viscosity and whether or not it has any effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) success is a matter of debate. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the levels of oxidative stress markers and the FF viscosity in obese and non-obese patients. Eighty norm-responder patients undergoing IVF were prospectively grouped according to their body mass indexes (BMI). Group 1 (n=40) and group 2 (n=40) had BMI values of ≤24.9 and ≥25.0, respectively. Total sulfhydryl (RSH) levels (nmol/m) and the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (malondialdehyde, or MDA) (µmol/ml) in FFs were quantified. For the first time in our study, FF viscosity with changing BMI values was also determined. The mean levels of MDA (µmol/ml) and RSH (nmol/ml) were not significantly different between groups (1.37±0.51; 1.51±0.51; p>0.05 for MDA and 0.42±0.30; 0.41±0.20; p>0.05 for RSH, respectively). Similarly, the FF viscosity (centipoise) was not different between groups (1.28±0.28; 1.30±0.19; p<0.05, respectively). Independent of BMI, no correlation was found between FF levels of oxidative markers and the number of oocytes retrieved or the fertilization rates. In our study, we found no difference in the levels of follicular oxidative and anti-oxidative markers or the follicular fluid viscosity with changing BMI values. We also demonstrated that the levels of oxidative stress markers and the viscosity of follicular fluid did not affect clinical outcomes.