Free Radical Formation Research Articles

Impact of essential oils from agro waste as antioxidants on biodiesel long-term storage stability for CI engines: Fresh and aged evaluations

This research aims to ameliorate the oxidation and storage stability of Prosopis juliflora Methyl Ester (PJME) using the Rancimat method (EN14112). Agricultural waste-derived essential oils (AWEOs), such as Citrus Aurantifolia L. (CA), Curcuma longa L. (CL), and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn (EC), were used as natural antioxidants alongside the commonly used synthetic antioxidant TBHQ. The concentrations of antioxidants ranged from 0% to 4% (v/v % of biodiesel). Results indicated that adding 4% CA to raw PJME extended the induction period (IP) from 2.64 h to 11.2 h at the end of 60 days, meeting EN14214 standards and exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. TBHQ is less effective at lower concentrations; however, it is comparable to CL at higher concentrations. At 4% TBHQ with PJME, the IP was 9.9, 8.8, and 8.1 hours at the end of 15, 30, and 45 days of storage, respectively. Furthermore, this study uniquely compared the performance and emissions of a CI engine fuelled with a fresh B30 blend, B30 blends stored for 60 days (aged) without and with the addition of an optimal 4% CA antioxidant. The results showed that adding 4% CA to the B30 blend extended its IPs to 34.5 hours, meeting EN590 standards for FAME blends. Compared to B30–60d, the B30+4CA-60d blend exhibited a 9.4% increase in BTE and a 6.5% decrease in BSFC at a BMEP of 4.15 bar. It has an emission reduction potential of 47.8% for CO, 8% for HC, along with a marginal decrease in NOX emissions. Compared to D100, it significantly reduced CO emissions by 37.5%, HC emissions by 8%, and NOX emissions by 16.3%. These findings indicate that natural antioxidants effectively inhibit free radical formation and maintain biodiesel quality over extended storage on par with synthetic antioxidants. This finding is significant as it maintains engine performance and addresses global energy and environmental concerns.

Biochemical analysis of bullfrog liver and blood: insights into growth and development

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive and physiological performance of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) after metamorphosis, through zootechnical growth parameters and the quantification of proteins and enzymes present in the liver. In addition we observed the behavior of circulating amino acids in the blood. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station of the Aquaculture, APTA Regional – SAA, in São Paulo, Brazil. We used 400 L. catesbeianus froglets weighing 5.76±1.32g, which were distributed in four fattening tanks in the wet system, installed under an agricultural greenhouse at density of 51 frogs/m². The animals were fed with 5% of the biomass of each tank every day, with extruded feed for carnivorous fish with 40% Crude Protein. Every 28 days, they were weighed to calculate weight gain and apparent feed conversion ratio. At the same time, two animals from each tank were chosen randomly to have their blood and liver collected for biochemical analysis to quantify amino acids, proteins, phenols, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. The results obtained indicate that the absence of screening every 15 days affected the development and uniformity of the animals, favoring cannibalism. The average apparent feed conversion was 1.84. There was an increasing and proportional formation of proteins with low degradation as the animals gained weight. As for amino acids, we detected arginine, isoleucine, alanine and tryptophan in the first month, with trypsin appearing after 60 days. These results lead us to state that total or partial screening is essential during the first month after metamorphosis, and that the feed provided, although not specific to the species, fulfilled its role in animal metabolism, with little formation of phenolic compounds and free radicals.

Ameliorative role of melatonin against adrenaline induced oxidative stress mediated cardiac and hepatic tissue injuries through preserving pyridoxine metabolism in male Wistar rats: A mechanistic insight

Adrenaline (AD) is a naturally occurring catecholamine, synthesised in the adrenal medulla to prepare the organisms for a "fight or flight" response. Under stressful circumstances, the circulatory catecholamine undergoes auto-oxidation, resulting in the formation of free radicals. Chronic stress results in the depletion of micronutrient stores in the body. Pyridoxine, often known as vitamin B6, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that acts as a coenzyme in many metabolic processes. Therefore, our current investigation has prioritized the regulation of pyridoxine metabolism during the period of chronic stress and the precise role of melatonin, as a natural antioxidant, in preventing the alterations generated by adrenaline in cardiac and hepatic tissues. Adrenaline augmented the oxidative stress indices, leading to an imbalance in the antioxidative state resulting in changes in the levels of certain organ-specific serum markers, modifications in the levels of PL (pyridoxal), PLP (pyridoxal-5-phosphate), and the enzymes responsible for their metabolism and breakdown. The foregoing results were corroborated by the histochemical and histological examinations. Melatonin efficiently counteracted all these harmful changes. Besides, the current study demonstrates that both PLP and melatonin show efficacy in scavenging free radicals, including superoxide anion free radicals and hydroxyl radicals, in the chemical system. However, the in vitro studies demonstrated that when administered together, melatonin and PLP more effectively mitigate free radical generation than the individual molecule. These findings were further confirmed by the ITC binding study. These results suggest that a combination of melatonin and PLP could be a better therapeutic approach for the amelioration of stress induced oxidative damages in cardiac and hepatic tissues with an improved pyridoxine metabolism.

Peroxydisulfate-Driven Reductive Dechlorination as Affected by Soil Constituents: Free Radical Formation and Conversion.

We report a previously unrecognized but efficient reductive degradation pathway in peroxydisulfate (PDS)-driven soil remediation. With supplements of naturally occurring low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in anaerobic biochar-activated PDS systems, degradation rates of 12 γ-hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH)-spiked soils boosted from 40% without LMWOAs to a maximum of 99% with 1 mM malic acid. Structural analysis revealed that an increase in α-hydroxyl groups and a diminution in pKa1 values of LMWOAs facilitated the formation of reductive carboxyl anion radicals (COO•-) via electrophilic attack by SO4•-/•OH. Furthermore, degradation kinetics were strongly correlated with soil organic matter (SOM) contents than iron minerals. Combining a newly developed in situ fluorescence detector of reductive radicals with quenching experiments, we showed that for soils with high, medium, and low SOM contents, dominant reactive species switched from singlet oxygen/semiquinone radicals to SO4•-/•OH and then to COO•- (contribution increased from 30.8 to 66.7%), yielding superior HCH degradation. Validation experiments using SOM model compounds highlighted critical roles of redox-active moieties, such as phenolic - OH and quinones, in radical formation and conversion. Our study provides insights into environmental behaviors related to radical activation of persulfate in a broader soil horizon and inspiration for more advanced reduction technologies.

The Effect of Combined Exposure of Fusarium Mycotoxins on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Defense, Fatty Acid Profile, and Histopathology in Laying Hens' Liver.

Fumonisin B1, T-2 toxin, and deoxynivalenol are frequently detected in feed materials. The mycotoxins induce free radical formation and, thereby, lipid peroxidation. The effects of mycotoxin exposure at the EU recommended limit (T-2/HT-2 toxin: 0.25 mg/kg; DON = 3AcDON/15-AScDON: 5 mg/kg; fumonisin B1: 20 mg/kg) and double dose (T-2/HT-2 toxin: 0.5 mg/kg, DON/3-AcDON/15-AcDON: 10 mg, and FB1: 40 mg/kg feed) were investigated during short-term (3 days) per os exposure in the liver of laying hens. On day 1 higher while on day 3 lower MDA concentrations were found in the low-dose group compared to the control. Fatty acid composition also changed: the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased by day 3. These alterations resulted in a decrease in the index of unsaturation and average fatty acid chain length. Histopathological alterations suggested that the incidence and severity of liver lesions were higher in the mycotoxin-treated laying hens, and the symptoms correlated with the fatty acid profile of total phospholipids. Overall, the findings revealed that mycotoxin exposure, even at the EU-recommended limits, induced lipid peroxidation in the liver, which led to changes in fatty acid composition, matched with tissue damage.

The potential effect of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) as a radioprotective agent against 6 Gy total body irradiation in rats

The main impact of gamma radiation on a biological system is the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals. The study aimed to explore the potential effect of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) against 6 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) in rats by observing malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and comet assay. Twenty male rats were divided into five groups: control, 6 Gy, temulawak extract + 6 Gy, garlic extract + 6 Gy, and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) + 6 Gy. MDA and GSH were measured on liver and spleen tissue homogenates, while comet assay was on lymphocyte cells. Gamma irradiation at 6 Gy significantly increased the MDA level and comet assay compared to the control group, while the GSH level decreased (p &lt; 0.05). Temulawak extract significantly reduced MDA levels and comet assay compared to the 6 Gy group while increasing GSH levels in the liver. Garlic extract significantly drops comet assay while increasing GSH levels in the liver. NAC decreases MDA levels in the liver and comet assay while increasing GSH levels in the spleen. It could be concluded that temulawak extract has a better radioprotective agent than garlic extract and is almost identical to NAC as a standard antioxidant.

Synergistic degradation of oxytetracycline hydrochloride by persulfate activated by Ni-doped MIL-88A three-dimensional catalyst: Free radical and non-free radical pathways

The advanced oxidation technology of persulfate has great potential in removing pollutants. Appropriate bimetallic activation method has obvious synergistic effect on the formation of free radicals and non-free radicals, and can also promote the electron transfer process. Therefore, in this paper, Ni was doped on the iron-based metal organic framework (MIL-88A) to form bimetallic catalyst and used as persulfate activator for oxytetracycline (OTC) degradation. The introduction of Ni increased the specific surface area of the catalyst and significantly improved its catalytic performance. Within 30 min, the degradation efficiency of 5 mg/L OTC reached 81.30%. The used catalyst can be simply recovered by standing, and the catalytic stability is high. The composition of main reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pollutant decomposition was clarified through the analysis of degradation mechanism. In addition to typical •OH、SO4•− and O2•−, non-free radical 1O2 was also generated. Based on LC-MS detection and toxicological experiments, the possible degradation pathways were proposed and the toxicity was analyzed. This material provides a new insight for activating PS to remove refractory organic compounds, and promotes the application of Fe-MOF materials in environmental pollution remediation.

FAdV-4-induced ferroptosis affects fat metabolism in LMH cells

Ferroptosis is a form of controlled cell death that was first described relatively recently and that is dependent on the formation and accumulation of lipid free radicals through an iron-mediated mechanism. A growing body of evidence supports the close relationship between pathogenic infections and ferroptotic cell death, particularly for viral infections. Ferroptosis is also closely tied to the pathogenic development of hepatic steatosis and other forms of liver disease. Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is a hepatotropic aviadenovirus causing hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) that is capable of impacting fat metabolism. However, it remains uncertain as to what role, if any, ferroptotic death plays in the context of FAdV-4 infection. Here, FAdV-4 was found to promote ferroptosis via the p53-SLC7A11-GPX4 axis, while ferrostain-1 was capable of inhibiting this FAdV-4-mediated ferroptotic death through marked reductions in lipid peroxidation. The incidence of FAdV-4-induced fatty liver was also found to be associated with the activation of ferroptotic activity. Together, these results offer novel insights regarding potential approaches to treating HPS.

Morphological changes in gum tissue during thiram intoxication followed by correction with resveratrol and sea buckthorn oil

Background: The widespread use of pesticides can lead to a violation of the ecological balance between the environment and the human body, provoking the development of oxidative stress, which leads to an increase in toxic forms of damage to organs and systems of the macroorganism. In order to suppress oxidative stress that develops in many pathological processes, it is advisable to use antioxidants that inhibit the formation of free radicals. The aim of the study: To study the morphological changes in gum tissues in case of thiram intoxication followed by correction with resveratrol and sea buckthorn oil. Materials and methods: The experiment was performed on 50 rats that received the fungicide thiram for 28 days, followed by correction with resveratrol or sea buckthorn oil. To assess the severity of inflammatory changes in histological preparations, morphofunctional changes in the mucosal epithelium and the cellular composition of the subepithelial layer were analysed. Fibroblastic differon cells, macrophages and inflammatory cells of granulocytes and lymphocytes were differentiated by karyological signs, and the thickness of the epithelial layer, the area occupied by the fibrous, vascular and cellular components were measured. Results: In the experimental groups “Thiram 28 days” and “Thiram+standard diet” in all rats, the development of an inflammatory reaction of the gum tissue was observed, manifested in hyperkeratosis and an increase in the thickness of the epithelium up to 173.438 microns and 230.568 microns, diffuse polymorphocellular infiltration of the subepithelial layer mainly due to granulocytes to 21.40 and 21.92, respectively, expansion of the lumen and blood filling of the vessels of the microvasculature. After the use of resveratrol and sea buckthorn oil, the thickness of the epithelial layer was restored to 114,07 and 190,03 microns, respectively, interstitial edema and cell infiltration of the subepithelial layer decreased. At the same time, due to migration and increase of fibroblastic differon cells (28.96 and 29.44), neocollagenogenesis processes and an increase in the fibrous component were observed up to 65.62 and 33.69 after application of resveratrol and sea buckthorn oil, respectively. Conclusion: The effectiveness of monotherapy with resveratrol and sea buckthorn oil in normalizing the morphology of gum tissue has been proven. At the same time, resveratrol has both an anti-inflammatory effect and a high regenerative effect.

Protective Effect of Pre-Radiotherapy Polyphenol and Bioflavonoid Application on Free Radical Levels in Rat Periodontal Tissue and Buccal Mucosa

Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of therapeutic radiation on free radical levels in rat periodontal tissue and cheek mucosa and investigate the protective effect of pre-radiotherapy application of polyphenols and bioflavonoids (ENOANT®).&#x0D; Material and Method: Forty rats were divided into four groups, receiving various ENOANT® regimens before therapeutic radiation. Free radical levels were evaluated using MDA and sialic acid measurements.&#x0D; Results: The study found no significant difference in free radical formation among rats subjected to therapeutic dose radiation. Long-term ENOANT® use prior to radiotherapy led to a significant decrease in tissue free radical levels compared to the radiotherapy-only group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pre-radiotherapy administration of ENOANT® demonstrated a protective effect against radiation-induced oxidative stress in rat periodontal tissue and buccal mucosa. These findings suggest ENOANT® as a promising intervention to enhance radiotherapy outcomes.

Development of jujube matcha energy gel and its effect on physical endurance performance of young active subjects

Energy gels are widely used as an ergogenic aid to enhance athletic performance. Most energy gels in the market contain mainly maltodextrin. Prolonged or high-intensity exercise can result in the formation of free radicals, oxidative stress in active muscle, and accelerated muscle fatigue which affect physical endurance performance. This study aimed to develop an antioxidant energy gel using jujube as the base ingredient. Jujube is rich in natural glucose, fructose, potassium, and ascorbic acid. The gel was fortified with 2.5% matcha powder with antioxidant properties. Other minor ingredients include whey protein and pectin. Sensory attributes of jujube matcha energy gel were evaluated by fifty panellists. The mean overall acceptability score of the energy gel was 6.94 out of 9 with an acceptance index of 77%. Jujube matcha energy gel contains 72.44% moisture, 16.30% carbohydrate, 7.72% protein, 1.33% fat, 2.21% ashes, and 108 cal/100 g. The energy gel exhibited a relatively high antioxidant activity with DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 83.26%, ferric reducing antioxidant power of 49.21 mg FE/g, total phenolic content of 29.36 mg GAE/g, and total flavonoids content of 7.54 mg CE/g. Twenty-meter beep tests were conducted to examine the effects of consuming jujube matcha gel on the physical performance of 10 active subjects (ages 18-25). Blood glucose, time to exhaustion, Borg rating of perceived exertion, and predicted VO2max were recorded. Overall, subjects were found to endure longer in the 20-meter beep test after consuming jujube matcha gel with an 18% improvement in time to exhaustion as compared to the control.

Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Glutathione Peroxidase levels in Subjects with Generalized Stage III Periodontitis before and after Periodontal Therapy – A Biochemical Study

Introduction To assess the levels of glutathione peroxidase in the saliva of subjects with generalized stage III periodontitis before and after periodontal treatment. Material and Methods This study, compares salivary glutathione peroxidase levels in generalized stage III periodontitis subjects before and after therapy. A total of 20 participants were selected. The clinical and biochemical evaluation was done at specific time intervals as described. The data was collected and analyzed. Levels of dental plaque and gingival index were recorded at baseline and 2 months post periodontal therapy. Salivary glutathione peroxide levels were assessed by ELISA kit at baseline and 2 months post periodontal therapy. Results At baseline, the mean plaque index scores were found to be 2.5585 ± 0.06685 (SD). After 2 months, the values were found to have reduced to 0.9080 ± 0.04224. At baseline, the mean gingival index scores were found to be 2.5475 ± 0.3380 (SD). After 2 months, the values were found to have reduced to 0.8700 ± 0.1676. At baseline, the mean glutathione peroxidase levels were found to be 5.1595 ± 0.3713 (SD). After 2 months, the values were found to have reduced by 4.4040 ± 1.1142 (SD). Conclusions Glutathione peroxidase level was elevated in disease conditions and is associated with the free radical formation in tissue inflammation. Following periodontal therapy, glutathione peroxidase levels are lowered significantly, indicating reduced tissue inflammation. Key-words: Antioxidants, Biomarkers, ELISA, Glutathione Peroxidase, Saliva

Abstract 7311: Lipid soluble vitamin B1 derivatives, benfotiamine and fursultiamine, prevent breast cancer cells growth

Abstract Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in the US and the second leading cancer after skin cancer in women worldwide. According to the CDC, women from 45-84 years of age are most at risk, with approximately 30% of deaths in this group being from cancer. Increased free radical formation, and oxidative and inflammatory responses have been shown to be major contributing factors for the progression of breast cancer. Several antioxidants and vitamins have been tested for their efficacy in preventing breast cancer. However, the role of vitamin B1 derivatives in the prevention of breast cancer is not known. Therefore, we hypothesize that with potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory actions, lipid-soluble derivatives of vitamin B1 (thiamine), such as benfotiamine and fursultiamine, could prevent breast cancer growth and spread. We have treated human breast cancer cells such as MCF-7 and T-4D1 and mouse breast cancer cells 4T1 with vitamin B1 derivatives and examined the cancer cells growth. Our results indicate that treatment of various breast cancer cells with benfotiamine and fursultiamine prevents the proliferation of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further, both benfotiamine and fursultiamine by regulating the activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP protein could prevent breast cancer cells growth. Benfotiamine and fursultiamine also regulates generation of reactive oxygen species in breast cancer cells. Further, vitamin B1 derivatives regulate the expression of various anti-apoptotic, pro-apoptotic, survival and inflammatory factors in both human and mouse breast cancer cells. We next planned to examine the effect of vitamin B1 derivatives on breast cancer growth in vivo using athymic nude mouse models. In conclusion, our in vitro results suggest that vitamin B1 derivatives, benfotiamine and fursultiamine, by promoting the apoptotic pathways prevent breast cancer cells growth and could be further developed as chemopreventive drugs. Citation Format: Caroline Ciaciuch O'Neill, Aveline P. Langmead, Kota V. Ramana. Lipid soluble vitamin B1 derivatives, benfotiamine and fursultiamine, prevent breast cancer cells growth [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7311.

Four POM-Viologen Color-Changing Materials with Fast Color Response under Various External Stimuli.

Four kinds of polyoxometalate (POM)-viologen compounds were synthesized by hydrothermal method, namely (1-cby)2·[H2(SiMo12O40)]·2H2O (1), (1-cby)2·[H2(SiW12O40)]·2H2O (2), (1-cby)2·(1,1'-bcby)2·{H4[Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2]}·12H2O (3), (1-cby)·(1,1'-bcby)·[H(α-PW11O39)CoII(1-cby)]·8H2O (4) (1-cby·Br = 1-Cyclopropylmethyl-[4,4']bipyridinyl-1-ium bromide, 1,1'-bcby·Br = 1,1'-Bis-cyclopropylmethyl-[4,4']bipyridinyl-1-ium bromide). These four POM-viologen compounds exhibit one-dimensional supramolecular network structures. Especially, compound 3 contains a rare sandwich POM subunit {Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2}10-. These four compounds can be used as color-changing materials, and they all exhibit noticeable color changes upon exposure to light, heat, and electricity. The discoloration mechanism involves viologen derivatives with electron-deficient properties accepting electrons from POM with electron-rich properties under external stimulation, leading to the formation of viologen free radicals. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 also have good properties for ink-free erasable printing, double anticounterfeiting, and ultraviolet detector because of their rapid color response to ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition, compounds 1-4 also show different color changes in the detection of volatile amines.

Cathodic polarization sustaining MXene-mediated fenton-like reactions: Performance, reaction mechanisms, and life cycle assessment

A variety of electron-rich heterogeneous catalysts have been used to promote successive Fenton-like reactions for water purification. However, as the inherent electrons of the catalyst are used up, its catalytic efficiency drops dramatically. Herein, we introduced cathodic polarization to sustain Ti3C2TX MXene, a typical electron-rich heterogeneous catalyst, in Fention-like reactions. Results showed that the electrified MXene with peroxymonosulfate exhibited great performance in removing various contaminants, including anticonvulsant pharmaceuticals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and chlorinated herbicides. The great cyclic stability of the electrified MXene indicated that external electrons replaced the low-valence titanium to activate peroxymonosulfate. Thus, low-valence titanium and structural integrity of MXene can be largely sustained at cathodic polarization, with the efficiency maintained at > 60 % following the 7-cycle operation compared to that decreased to 35 % in the control group. Moreover, cathodic polarization could promote the formation of adsorbed Fe-species, resulting in the preferable formation of free radicals (e.g., HO• and SO4•−). Life cycle assessment results showed that the cycling of MXene under cathodic polarization was also critical for alleviating the environmental impact of Fenton-like reactions. Our study provides insights into the catalytic mechanism of electrified Fenton-like processes and demonstrates the significance of developing sustainable catalytic systems for water purification.

Role of Electronegativity in Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) Formation on ZnO.

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), a group of emerging pollutants, have significantly longer lifetimes than typical free radicals. EPFRs form by the adsorption of organic precursors on a transition metal oxide (TMO) surface involving electron charge transfer between the organic and TMO. In this paper, dihalogenated benzenes were incorporated to study the role of electronegativity in the electron transfer process to obtain a fundamental knowledge of EPFR formation mechanism on ZnO. Upon chemisorption on ZnO nanoparticles at 250 °C, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) confirms the formation of oxygen adjacent carbon-centered organic free radicals with concentrations between 1016 and 1017 spins/g. The radical concentrations show a trend of 1,2-dibromobenzene (DBB) > 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) > 1,2-difluorobenzene (DFB) illustrating the role of electronegativity on the amount of radical formation. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirms the reduction of the Zn2+ metal center, contrasting previous experimental evidence of an oxidative mechanism for ZnO single crystal EPFR formation. The extent of Zn reduction for the different organics (DBB > DCB > DFB) also correlates to their polarity. DFT calculations provide theoretical evidence of ZnO surface reduction and exhibit a similar trend of degree of reduction for different organics, further building on the experimental findings. The lifetimes of the EPFRs formed confirm a noteworthy persistency.

Analysis of polyphenols, anthocyanins and toxic elements in Açaí Juice (Euterpe oleracea Mart.): Quantification and in vivo assessment of the antioxidant capacity of clarified Açaí juice

This study aims to measure the concentration of total polyphenols, anthocyanins and inorganic contaminants (Al, Pb and Ni) in samples of açaí juice collected in the municipalities of Pará and evaluate the in vivo antioxidant capacity of purified açaí juice. Total polyphenols and anthocyanins were determined by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, while inorganic contaminants were measured using Graphite Furnace Atomization Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GF-AAS) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (F-AAS) after microwave-assisted digestion. The in vivo study lasted five days and involved 16 rats divided into four groups. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated through the formation of peroxyl free radicals (ACAP) in rat liver tissue. The average concentrations (mg GAE/DE) of total phenolic compounds averaged 27.34, with individual values ranging from 13.28 to 56.58. The average concentration (mg ANTO/g) of anthocyanins was 7.6, with individual concentrations ranging from 5.52 to 9.75. Contaminant concentrations (mg/kg) ranged from 1.82 to 11.74 for Al, 0.04 to 0.53 for Pb and 0.18 to 0.78 for Ni. The levels of Pb found in the samples may represent a concern to health. Al and Pb induced oxidative stress in the liver tissue, but Euterpe oleracea clarified juice (EOCJ) led to significant antioxidant protection. Animals treated with the highest dose of EOCJ (2.07 g/kg body weight) experienced an approximately five-fold reduction in ACAP compared to the group exposed to the metals (Al and Pb). The findings suggest the need to monitor inorganic contaminants in açaí products as well as the potential benefits of antioxidant compounds against the liver toxicity of Al and Pb.

Neuropeptide W protects against ovarian oxidative injury and reinforces ovarian steroidogenic activity via the upregulation of ERα expression.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of neuropeptide W (NPW) on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion-induced oxidative injury and ovarian steroid metabolism. Rats were randomly divided into control and ischemia groups that received either saline or NPW (0.1 or 5 μg/kg/day). Bilateral ovarian ischemia was performed for 3 h followed by a 72-h reperfusion. Blood, ovary, and uterus samples were collected for biochemical and histological assessments. Treatment with either dose of NPW alleviated oxidative injury of the ovaries with a significant suppression in free radical formation and decreased histopathological injury in both the ovarian and uterine tissues, along with reduced lipid peroxidation and neutrophil accumulation in the uterus. Moreover, NPW treatment reversed the decrease in aromatase expression with a concomitant reduction in the expression of the inactivity enzyme estrogen sulfotransferase. Also, downregulation of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) expression in the injured ovarian tissue was abolished by NPW treatment, which implicates that the protective effect of NPW on the female reproductive system may involve the upregulation of the ERα-mediated signaling pathway. Our study demonstrated for the first time that NPW protects against ovarian oxidative injury and reinforces ovarian steroidogenic activity, which is accompanied by the upregulation of ERα expression in the ovaries.

Antidiabetic Properties of Stingless Bee Pollen in High-Fat Diet FED-Low Dose STZ Induced Experimental T2DM Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem metabolic disease because of either insulin insufficiency or ineffectiveness. Individuals with DM continuously measure their blood glucose levels during fasting and after eating in order to manage their condition effectively. glucose levels during fasting and after eating in order to manage their condition effectively. Despite the availability of several drugs, there is no treatment proven to be perfect due to adverse side impacts as well as reduced long-term efficacy. Moreover, the excessive formation of free radicals has been linked to diabetes progression, development, as well as complications. As a result, there is a need to explore new medicines without side effects, preferably derived from natural products. Therefore, this study analyzes the antidiabetic properties of stingless bee pollen scientifically. This natural product was fed a high-fat diet and low streptozotocin doses in experimental rats with T2DM. An oral glucose tolerance test aimed investigate stingless bee pollen effect on glucose homeostasis. An insulin toleration test was executed to obtain stingless pollen influence on insulin sensitivity. This study measures Insulin resistance with HOMA-IR. Oral administration of stingless bee pollen for 30 days raised glucose homeostasis in T2DM rats, as shown by the OGTT, ITT, and HOMA-IR results. In addition, this treatment significantly improved changes in glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, protein, uric acid, urea, as well as creatinine levels. The activity changes of ALP, AST, and ALT liver enzyme markers in T2DM rats were nearly normalized after given with stingless bee pollen. The activity of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes includes pyruvate kinase, glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in T2DM rats’ liver tissue. This change was significantly restored to near-normal levels after stingless bee pollen treatment.&#x0D; Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, High Fat Diet, Metformin, Stingless Bee Pollen

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of L-Glu and NAC against CCl4-induced Oxidative Damage in Rats. Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation

Background: The imbalance between free radical formation and antioxidant defence leads to the development of oxidative stress. The search for substances that would mitigate or prevent the effects of oxidative stress remains relevant. Objective: Our goal was to compare the antioxidant and mitigation effects of L-glutamic acid (LGlu) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) alone or in combination using a battery of biomarkers of oxidative stress such as reduced glutathione (GSH) superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation, determined as a content of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Histopathological examination of the liver was also performed. Methods: Experimental rats were divided into five experimental groups. Exp.1: was treated with CCl4 only, Exp. 2: was treated with CCl4/L-Glu, Exp. 3: was treated with CCl4/Glu/NAC. Exp. 4: was treated with CCl4/NAC, Control 5: served as the control rats. Results: These findings suggest that the CCl4 leads to oxidative stress by depleting the antioxidant enzyme activities and increasing peroxidation products. The studied biochemical parameters were altered by the introduction of CCl4, which was normalised (to one degree or another) by L-Glu, LGlu/ NAC and NAC treatment. Conclusion: The most remarkable protective effect was observed in groups of rats that were treated with L-Glu only. This conclusion was confirmed by histopathological findings which showed less severe hepatocellular necrosis, fibrosis and inflammation in CCl4/L- Glu and CCl4/L-Glu/NAC treated group, compared to the CCl4 group.