Liver Glutathione Peroxidase Research Articles

Withanolides from Withania somnifera Ameliorate Neutrophil Infiltration in Endotoxin-Induced Peritonitis by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines.

Identification of novel anti-inflammatory strategies are needed to avoid the side effects associated with the currently available therapies. Use of anti-inflammatory herbal remedies is gaining attention. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the pharmacological potential of the withanolide-rich root extracts of the medical plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal using in vivo and in vitro models of endotoxin-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. The pharmacological effects of W. somnifera root extracts were evaluated using a mouse model of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-induced peritonitis and various relevant human cell lines. HPLC analysis of the W. somnifera root extracts identified the presence of various bioactive withanolides. In vivo challenge of mice with endotoxin resulted in the infiltration of various leukocytes, specifically neutrophils, along with monocytes and lymphocytes into the peritoneal cavity. Importantly, prophylactic treatment with W. somnifera inhibited the migration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes and decreased the release of interleukin-1β, TNF-α, and interleukin-6 cytokines into the peritoneal cavity as identified by ELISA. Liver (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, glutathione disulfide, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase) and peritoneal fluid (nitrite) biochemical analysis revealed the antioxidant profile of W. somnifera. Similarly, in human HepG2 cells, W. somnifera significantly modulated the antioxidant levels. In THP-1 cells, W. somnifera decreased the secretion of interleukin-6 and TNF-α. In HEK-Blue reporter cells, W. somnifera inhibited TNF-α-induced nuclear factor-κB/activator protein 1 transcriptional activity. Our findings suggest the pharmacological effects of root extracts of W. somnifera rich in withanolides inhibit neutrophil infiltration, oxidative hepatic damage, and cytokine secretion via modulating the nuclear factor-κB/activator protein 1 pathway.

The ameliorative activity of Chrysobalanus orbicularis in streptozotocin-induced type II diabetes mellitus rat model

Chrysobalanus orbicularis is a medicinal plant present in West Africa in the Itsekiri speaking part of Nigeria. It is used conventionally in diabetes mellitus management. This research investigates the ameliorative activity of the aqueous leaf extract of C. orbicularis in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Freshly prepared streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight [BW]) was administered intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. Three diabetic groups were placed on aqueous leaf extract of C. orbicularis at 11.076, 22.134, and 44.268 mg/kg BW respectively; a group was placed on metformin (44.28 mg/kg BW), and the other two groups were the diabetic control and normal control. The experiment lasted for 28 days, thereafter, fasting blood glucose levels and body weight variations were recorded. Also, glycogen level, antioxidant enzyme, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities, malonaldehyde (MDA) as well as glucose transporters 2 and 4 levels were analyzed using standard procedures. Diabetic rats administered aqueous extract of C. orbicularis leaf significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the fasting blood glucose and MDA levels, and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. In addition, administration of aqueous extract of C. orbicularis leaf to diabetic rats demonstrated a momentous increase in liver glycogen level, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, glutathione transferase, and hexokinase activities as well as GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 levels. The data from this study suggest that the aqueous extract of C. orbicularis leaf may be beneficial in the management of diabetic mellitus and its secondary effects.

Effect of dietary replacement of fish meal protein with crawfish shell meal ( Procambarus clarkii ) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and anti‐oxidative capacity of Oujiang color common carp ( Cyprinus carpio var. color )

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary crawfish shell meal (CSM) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and anti-oxidative capacity of Oujiang color common carp. 180 juvenile fish (initial weight 3.0 ± 0.5 g) were assigned to the control group and the CSM25 group (fed with 25% substitution of fish meal by CSM) for 8 weeks. Results showed that significant improvement in the weight gain rate (WGR) in CSM25 group than the control (p < .05), whereas no significant change in feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate and feeding intake between the groups (p > .05). Also, no significant difference was obsevered between the groups in terms of serum biochemical index and muscle composition (p > .05). And liver superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), lysozyme (LYZ) and protease activities in CSM25 group were significantly higher (p < .05). Moreover, histological analysis indicated that width of mucosa and thickness of muscular coat in mid-intestine were significantly changed (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary supplement with CSM25 induced high oxidative stress, promote protease activities and had no negative effects on the growth performance of Oujiang color common carp. Hence, CSM may be a viable alternative protein source to reduce the demand for fish meal.

Glutathione metabolism in rats fed high fat diet and effect of curcumin treatment

The present research was designed to study the positive effect of curcumin and the bad effects of dietary high fat diet (beef tallow) which causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, very harmful affecting health, also our study was designed to study the important role of curcumin, against (HFD-induced obesity). Sixty male albino rats weighing( 165-170gm), were be obtained from animal house at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine ,Zagazig University .After acclimatization at 23-25 0Cand and free availability of water and diet rats were divided into four main groups, each contains 15 rats for 12 weeks.G1(Control),G2(Curcumin),G3(HFD),G4(HFD+cur) .At the end of the experiment, all rats were euthansized and blood collected weekly to biochemical examination during 12 weeks. Our results after statistical analysis revealed that showed that rats Fed on curcumin (3% w/w), had a significant increase in (total glutathione ,GSH, glutathione quotient) and a significant decrease in oxidized glutathione level in hepatic tissue ,a significant increase in the activity of liver glutathione peroxidase and reductase but a significant decrease in the glutathione state in rats fed on beef tallow on G3 (HFD) when compared to the control group .a significant increase in glutathione state in G4(HFD+CUR) when compared to G3(HFD). our results revealed a significant increase in insulin level ,HDL ,and a significant decrease in blood glucose, TAG, total cholesterol ,MDA ,LDL in G2(Curcumin) and (HFD+CUR) but a small significant decrease in total bilirubin in only (HFD+CUR) group when compared to group 3(HFD). A significant decrease in insulin level, HDL-c in G3(HFD)when compared to curcumin group a significant increase in blood glucose, TAG , TC ,LDL-c ,VLDL, MDA, bilirubin in high fat diet .Rats fed on curcumin 3% showed a significant decrease in body weight gain but rats fed on beef tallow revealed a significant increase in body weight.

English

Toxicological studies were carried out to investigate the effect of consumption of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides root bark widely used in traditional medical practices and as protectant of stored cereal products in Nigeria, using albino rats. Serum, kidney and liver were tested for oxidation stress and tissue damage markers; aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), urea, bilirubin and creatinine contents, and Kidney and liver glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione transferase (GST), non-protein sulphadryl (NP-SH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total sulphadryl (T-SH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These tests were carried out using commercially available kits. Results obtained for all doses (1, 5 and 10%) of the tested parameters did not significantly vary with control (p>0.05), indicating normal liver and kidney function (even in the face of variation in liver GPX and SOD. This study has proven that the plant is safe for human consumption at the rates or dosages tested. Key words: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, albino rats, toxicology, biochemical parameters.

Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Artemisia campestris Essential Oil Against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Kidney and Liver Injuries in Rats.

This study is aimed to elucidate the possible antioxidant and protective effects of Artemisia campestris essential oil (ACEO) against the deleterious effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) in rats. The in vivo study revealed increases in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and the serum contents of creatinine, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), and glucose in rats treated with CPF as compared to controls. Meanwhile, hepatic and renal activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver and kidney decreased and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Some histopathologic features were noticed in liver and kidney of the CPF group. Interestingly, ACEO alleviated the biochemical disruptions and reduced these hepato-renal morphologic changes.

The biological activity of the organic UV filter ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

UV filters are able to enter the aquatic environment and negatively affect non-target organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate subchronic exposure to ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) in rainbow trout. The tested EHMC concentrations of 6.9 (low), 96.0 (medium) and 395.6 μg/kg (high) were used. The lowest concentration was based on environmentally relevant concentrations. The higher concentrations were chosen as a multiple of the lowest one to determine the dose-response relationship. EHMC was incorporated into feed pellets. The experiment was conducted for six weeks in a semi-static system. Haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress indices were determined at the end of the experiment and supplemented by histological examination. Significant changes were proven at medium and high concentrations of EHMC. Specifically, increases of glucose, lactate and decrease of albumin and total protein in plasma indicate a stress ethology. Moreover, a decrease of plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and ammonia were observed even in the experimental group exposed to the lowest concentration of EHMC, perceived as an environmentally relevant concentration. The ferric reducing ability of plasma was decreased in all tested concentrations. Exposure to the highest concentration of EHMC resulted in a decrease in leukocyte counts. Increased activity of glutathione peroxidase in liver was recorded for the medium and the highest concentration of EHMC. The level of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in kidney was elevated for the highest concentration. Decrease of the activity of glutathione-S-transferase in gills for medium concentration of EHMC was registered. Histopathological examination revealed massive destruction of hepatic parenchyma at the highest concentration of EHMC. All these results support the finding of a stress load on the fish organism. In summary, although subchronic exposure to EHMC had no effect on behaviour, mortality or feed intake, this exposure resulted in the alteration of saccharide, lipid and protein metabolism and weakened antioxidant capacity.

Effects of dietary selenium on growth performance, antioxidative status and tissue selenium deposition of juvenile Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor)

Selenium (Se) is an essential antioxidative trace element for animals. Proper dietary Se supplementation could promote growth and antioxidative ability of fish species, especially for those under oxidative stress caused by high-density aquaculture model. However, the narrow safety rage between deficiency and toxicity doses of Se complicates its use for supplementation purpose. Here, we reported the effects of dietary Se supplementation with sodium selenite (0.21, 0.53, 0.79, 1.11, 1.45 and 1.72 mg Se/kg diet, P1–P6) on the growth performance, antioxidative status and tissue Se deposition of an important marine economic fish, Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor). After an 8-week feeding trial, it was demonstrated that the dietary Se supplementation (P1–P3) significantly improved the weight gain of the fish, while a decreased trend of weight gain was observed at higher Se supplementation levels (P4–P6). The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in serum and liver significantly increased with the increasing Se levels. While, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) firstly increased and then decreased with the increasing Se levels, with highest value presented in P4 and P3 group, respectively. The trends of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum and liver were opposite to those of CAT, with lowest value in P3 group. Similar to their enzyme activity counterparts, the mRNA expression of GPx1, SOD1 and SOD2 in liver were also significantly affected by the dietary Se levels. Furthermore, it was shown that Se contents in liver, muscle and swim bladder linearly increased with the dietary Se levels, with the Se accumulation efficiency of liver > muscle > swim bladder. It can be concluded that a dietary Se supplementation of 0.74 mg/kg is suggested for the aquaculture of juvenile N. coibor, based on the weight gain, antioxidative enzyme activities/expression and tissue Se accumulation.

Protective Effect of Lacticaseibacillus casei CRL 431 Postbiotics on Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Status in Rats with Aflatoxin B1-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Studies have shown that the intracellular content of probiotic (postbiotics) has antioxidant properties, which can improve the antioxidant status in vivo. However, its absorption and mechanisms underlying the protective effects are still unknown. The antioxidant capacity of Lacticaseibacillus casei CRL431 (IC-431) postbiotics was determined after an in vitro simulated digestive process. Permeability of antioxidant constituents of IC-431 was determined by an ex vivo everted duodenum assay. Aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress rat models were established and treated with IC-431; biomarkers of hepatic mitochondrial function and H2O2 levels, oxidative stress, and oxidative stress index (OSi) were examined. The antioxidant capacity of IC-431 (477±45.25μmol TroloxEquivalent/L) was reduced by exposure to the simulated digestive process. No difference (p>0.05) was found among digested and the permeate fraction of IC-431. A protective effect was observed by significantly lower OSi and higher liver glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities. Lower H2O2 production, a higher degree of mitochondrial uncoupling, and lower mitochondrial respiration coefficient were also observed (p<0.05). These results suggest that IC-431 antioxidant components permeate intestinal barriers to enter the bloodstream and regulate antioxidant status during AFB1-induced oxidative stress by reducing hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction, thus enhancing antioxidant enzyme response.

Effect of dietary inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal integrity of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) fingerlings.

Probiotic supplementation in fish feed is becoming popular as a viable alternative to curb the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in aquaculture. The effect of inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and health related indices of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) fingerlings was studied, using different concentrations of a commercial inactivated L. plantarum product (Immuno-LP20): D1 (control, 0 mg/kg), D2 (100 mg/kg), D3 (200 mg/kg), D4 (400 mg/kg), D5 (800 mg/kg), and D6 (1600 mg/kg). After an eight-week feeding trial during which the diets were fed to triplicate groups of fish (initial weight: 1.58 ± 0.05 g), D2, D3, and D4 produced fish with significantly higher growth parameters than the control fish (P < 0.05), whilst all fish fed the diets with L. plantarum had significantly improved feed utilization parameters than the control group. Serum total protein content, and lysozyme activity significantly increased in fish fed D4 than the control fish, whilst complement 4 content was higher in fish fed almost all the inactivated probiotic diets (except D5) than the control fish. Serum superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in fish fed all the Immuno-LP20 diets except D2, and liver glutathione peroxidase activity in D2, D3, and D4 fish were significantly higher than in the control fish. Intestinal structure was also significantly improved in fish fed the Immuno-LP20 diets. According to these results, using inactivated L. plantarum as dietary supplement could be beneficial in the production of black sea bream at an optimum inclusion rate similar to 100 mg/kg ≤ 400 mg/kg Immuno-LP20.

Effects of zinc on tissue uptake and toxicity of lead in Sprague Dawley rat

Lead (Pb) exposure occurs together with other metals including zinc (Zn). This study investigated the impact of Zn on Pb tissue accumulation and Pb-induced toxicities. Animals (n=6 rats per group) were exposed to lead acetate (PbAc) or a combination of PbAc and zinc acetate (ZnAc) under the following groups: control (deionized water), low PbAc [12 mg/kg PbAc (3 mg PbAc/rat/day)], low PbAc–ZnAc [12 mg/kg PbAc (3 mg PbAc/rat/day) + 0.2 mg ZnAc/rat/48 hr], high PbAc [120 mg/kg (30 mg PbAc/rat/day)], and high PbAc–ZnAc [120 mg/kg (30 mg PbAc/rat/day) + 1 mg ZnAc/rat/48 hr] for 8 weeks. A significant reduction in body weight gain was observed in the high PbAc group relative to the control group. Muscles and testes both had reduced and increased Pb uptake in low PbAc–ZnAc and high PbAc–ZnAc groups compared to PbAc only groups, respectively. Bone Pb levels in the high PbAc–ZnAc group were lower than the high PbAc group. Zinc co-administration attenuated Pb-induced inhibition of delta aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme and enhanced catalase enzyme activity at a high level of exposure. Moreover, ZnAc seems to have minimized the effects of Pb-induced mRNA dysregulation in antioxidant and antiapoptotic enzymes encoding genes. Heme oxygenase-1 was downregulated in the kidney and brain in the low PbAc group. Liver glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase-1 were downregulated in the high PbAc group. These findings suggest that zinc co-administration with lead may partially mitigate against Pb-induced toxicities.

EFFECT OF ITRACONAZOLE ON THE LIVER OF ADULT MALE ALBINO RAT AND THE POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF COENZYME Q10 (HISTOLOGICAL, IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL STUDY)

Background: The efficacy and therapeutic benefit of itraconazole as antifungal medication can be clinically limited by the incidence of hepatotoxicity. Objective: Detection of the effect of itraconazole administration on the histological structure and function of the liver in adult male rat and its amelioration by Coenzyme Q 10 (COQ 10) use. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were used and divided into four equal groups. Group I: Control group, Group II received Coenzyme Q10 (10mg/Kg/day) for four weeks, Group III were treated orally with itraconazole (100 mg/kg/day) for four weeks and Group IV pre-treated with Coenzyme Q10 orally (10 mg/Kg/day) 2 hours prior to itraconazole (100 mg/kg/day) for four weeks. After the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and blood samples were collected for assessment of liver function tests (ALT, AST, and ALP). Liver tissue specimens were collected for histopathological examination and assessment of liver tissue levels of MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH. Results: Histopathological examination using light and electron microscope showed that itraconazole induced marked distortion of liver parenchyma, hepatic congestion with vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes which associated with significant increase in AST, ALT, and ALP as compared to control group There was also a significant increase in liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level, with significant decrease in liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH). Pre-treatment with CoQ10 reduced itraconazole hepatic affection with preservation of histological picture of the liver tissues, liver function parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Conclusion: COQ 10 reduced itraconazole-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male albino rats.

Study of the beneficial effect of vanadium sulfate on the liver of experimental diabetic rats

Background and Aims: Liver is a tissue that is negatively affected by diabetes mellitus (DM). This is due to its central function in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Vanadium salts, which have insulinomimetic effects, have been found to stimulate glycogenesis and glycolysis, as well as to inhibit glycogenolysis and lipolysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of vanadium sulfate (VS) on biochemical changes in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Methods: Randomly selected 6.0 - 6.5 months Swiss Albino rats were separated into two diabetic and two control groups. Group I: non treated animals. Group II: non treated animals orally administered VS (100mg/kg/day for 60 days), group III: STZinduced diabetic animals (65 mg/kg with intraperitoneally) and group IV: STZ-induced diabetic animals administered VS (at same dose and time). Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, as well as alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase, myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase and lactate dehydrogenase were estimated in liver tissue homogenates of the groups. Results: Liver catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase and paraoxonase activities were decrease, but alkaline phosphatase, glucose6-phosphate dehydrogenase and myeloperoxidase activities were increase in diabetic rats when compared to normal rats. Conclusion: Results show that VS restored altered parameters in the liver tissue and prevented oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

Mechanisms involved in the possible protective effect of chrysin against sodium arsenite-induced liver toxicity in rats

Arsenic as a one of the most important toxic metals could induce hepatotoxicity. Previous reports revealed the significance of oxidative stress in promoting of arsenic-induced liver toxicity. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the effect of chrysin (CHR), a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity, against sodium arsenite (SA)-induced hepatotoxicity.Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1: received normal saline (2 ml/kg/day, orally for 21 days), Group 2: received SA (10 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days), Group 3, 4 and 5: received CHR (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively, orally for 21 days) and SA (10 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days) from the 7th day. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated. Moreover, liver glutathione peroxidase and myeloperoxidase activity as well as levels of protein carbonylation, malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were evaluated. Moreover, histological evaluation was done.Our results revealed that treatment with CHR (more potentially at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day) before and alongside with SA significantly mitigated the SA-induced hepatotoxicity. Also, the hepatoprotective effect of CHR was verified by the histological evaluation of the liver.The results of current study demonstrated that CHR (100 mg/kg/day) could mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by SA in liver tissue.

Selenium Safeguards the Liver Against 5-Fluorouracil Induced Toxicity

Background: The hepatotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) can deprive cancer patients of its maximum therapeutic benefits. Selenium (Se) is a trace element with potential benefits in some animal models of diseases.&#x0D; Objectives: This study assessed the ability of Se to nullify the hepatotoxic effect of 5-FU in albino rats. &#x0D; Methods: In this study, 40 adult male albino rats were grouped into A to D (each 5 rats). Rats in group A (control) were treated intraperitoneally (IP) with normal saline (0.2 mL) daily for 5 days. Rats in groups B1 to B3 were treated IP with Se (0.125, 0.25, and 0.50 mg/kg) daily for 5 days, respectively. Rats in group C were treated IP with 5-FU (20 mg/kg) daily for 5 days. Rats in groups D1to D3 were treated IP with Se with 0.125, 0.25, and 0.50 mg/kg before treatment with 5-FU (20 mg/kg) daily for 5 days, respectively. After treatment, the rats were euthanized, and their blood samples were collected and evaluated for serum liver function. Liver samples were evaluated for biochemical and histological parameters.&#x0D; Results: Liver and serum aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin levels were significantly (P&lt;0.001) high in 5-FU-treated rats in comparison to the control group. Liver glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione levels were significantly (P&lt;0.001) low whereas the malondialdehyde level was significantly (P&lt;0.001) high in 5-FU-treated rats compared with the control group. Moreover, hepatocyte necrosis was observed in 5-FU-treated rats. &#x0D; Conclusion: Nonetheless, 5-FU-induced hepatotoxicity was significantly nullified in rats supplemented with Se (0.125 mg/kg, P&lt;0.05; 0.25 mg/kg, P&lt;0.01, and 0.5 mg/kg, P&lt;0.001) in a dose-dependent fashion in comparison to 5-FU-treated rats. Thus, Se may have a clinical benefit in 5-FU-induced hepatotoxicity

The mixed application of organic and inorganic selenium shows better effects on incubation and progeny parameters

This experiment aims to study the effects of dietary selenium (Se) sources on the production performance, reproductive performance, and maternal effect of breeder laying hens. A total of 2,112 Hyline brown breeder laying hens of 42 wk of age were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups, with 8 repeats in each group and 88 chickens per repeat. The sources of dietary Se were sodium selenite (SS, added at 0.3 mg/kg), L-selenomethionine (L-SM, added at 0.2 mg/kg), and combination of SS and L-SM (SS 0.15 mg/kg + L-SM 0.15 mg/kg). The pretest period was 7 d, and the breeding period was 49 d. Compared with 0.3 mg/kg SS, the addition of 0.2 mg/kg L-SM in the diet significantly increased the hatchability (P < 0.05) and the Se content (P < 0.05) in egg yolk and chicken embryo tissues and improved the activity of yolk glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) effectively (P < 0.05). Treatment with 0.2 mg/kg L-SM also reduced the content of yolk malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) and significantly improved the antioxidant performance of 1-day-old chicks, as manifested by increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-px, total antioxidant capacity and the ability to inhibit hydroxyl radicals) in serum, pectoral, heart, and liver (P < 0.05). This treatment decreased the malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of liver glutathione peroxidase 4 and deiodinase 1 mRNA (P < 0.05). Adding L-SM to the diets of chickens increased the hatchability of breeder eggs as well as the amount of Se deposited and antioxidant enzyme activity in breeder eggs and embryos. Compared with SS, L-SM was more effectively transferred from the mother to the embryo and offspring, showing efficient maternal nutrition. For breeder diets, the combination of organic and inorganic Se (0.15 mg/kg SS + 0.15 mg/kg L-SM) is an effective nutrient supplementation technology program for effectively improving the breeding performance of breeders and the antioxidant performance and health level of offspring chicks.

Antioxidant activity and inhibition of ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage of Selenium-rich peptide fraction from selenium-rich yeast protein hydrolysate

The bioactive peptides and trace element selenium (Se) both have good antioxidant activity. However, whether combined Se and bioactive peptides have more excellent antioxidant activity remain unknown. The aim of this study is to prepare a Se-rich peptide fraction containing both Se and peptides from Se-rich yeast protein hydrolysate and investigated its antioxidant activity and effect on ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced skin oxidative damage. The peptide fractions with different molecular weight (MW) and Se content were obtained by enzymatically hydrolyzing normal or Se-rich yeast proteins followed by a filtration process. In vitro free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays showed that Se-rich peptides fraction with lower MW of <1 kDa (sSeP) had the highest antioxidant activity compared with Se-rich peptide fractions with higher MW of <3 kDa or normal peptide fractions. Oral administration of sSeP significantly decreased the level of malonaldehyde (MDA) in liver and serum, and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver and serum in normal mice. When topically applied on the dorsal skin of mice, sSeP effectively alleviate UVB radiation-induced skin damage and oxidative stress by increasing GPx and catalase activities and glutathione content in skin or serum. Furthermore, sSeP showed a protective effect against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells probably by increasing aquaporin-3 expression and attenuating the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Overall, the results showed that Se-rich yeast peptide fraction containing Se and bioactive peptides could be a promising antioxidant nutrient used as food additive to enhance the body’s antioxidant ability or as cosmeceutical product to minimize the skin oxidative damage.

Exogenous glutamine ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of glutamine (Gln) on diabetic nephropathy and other complications in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Streptozotocin/nicotinamide induced diabetic rats were enrolled as an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Animals were divided into control, diabetic, and Gln (1000 mg/l in drinking water, eight weeks) treated diabetic groups. Gln alleviated renal inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase, and glutathione), decreased serum uric acid and creatinine, and restored renal histopathological changes (glomerular volume, sclerosis, and leukocyte infiltration). Additionally, Gln ameliorated other complications, including systemic oxidative stress (serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, serum and liver glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and total superoxide dismutase, and liver catalase), insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and hyperlipidaemia. Collectively, Gln attenuates diabetic nephropathy and other complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Diabetic complications and oxidative stress: The role of phenolic‐rich extracts of saw palmetto and date palm seeds

Recently, we reported that the date palm seed (DP) and saw palmetto seed (SP) extracts possessed a great amount of phenolic contents with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role of DP and SP phenolic-rich extracts in modulating diabetic complications and oxidative stress in the STZ- diabetic rat. DP and SP extracts significantly inhibited both microbial and pancreatic α-amylases. The STZ-induced diabetic rat groups treated with DP and SP extracts exhibited reversed hyperglycemia (40% and 54%, p<.001-.01) and body weight (70%, p<.001) alteration close to normal. Moreover, DP and SP extracts modulated serious damages in the structures of the pancreas, kidney, and liver of diabetic rats. DP and SP extracts improved the decline of the activities of antioxidant enzymes: Catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase in liver, kidney, and pancreas of the diabetic rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Generally, date seed is a rich source of dietary fibers, polyphenols, and antioxidants and used in foods and pharmaceuticals. Our study reported that date palm seed (DP) and saw palmetto seed (SP) phenolic-rich extracts attenuated diabetes and its complications, probably tissue regeneration and normalizing the oxidative stress in the STZ-induced diabetic rat.

Effects of protein extract from the housefly larvae (Musca domestica vicina) on the hyperlipidemic mice induced by Triton WR-1339

Hypercholesterolemia is a chief risk reason for atherosclerosis. Triton-WR 1339 (Tyloxapol) was used by several investigators to initiate hypercholesterolemia in animals. Housefly maggots contain high larval protein extract (PE) that is used as an anti-atherosclerosis. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of the PE of houseflies against Triton-WR 1339-induced hyperlipidemia, oxidative damage, and histopathological changes of the liver and dorsal aorta of male mice. In this study, four groups of experimental mice, including ten mice each, were classified into: Group I, mice were administered with 0.5 ml saline solution, and considered as a positive control; Group II, mice were administered day after day by gavage with 0.5 ml of 200 mg/kg bw PE; Group III, hyperlipidemic mice were taken no treatment till the end of experiment and Group IV, the hyperlipidemic mice were administered day after day by gavage with 200 mg/kg bw PE. On day 40, the mice were anesthetized, blood samples were collected, the livers and the aorta were dissected for various biochemical tests and histopathological examinations. The biochemical parameters, triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were increased, and reduction in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), the total glutathione (GSH) and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were observed following Triton WR-1339 treatment in mice. After administration of the PE (200 mg/kg bw), the results revealed significant reduction in serum TC and TGs while HDL-C, oxidative stress levels in liver tissue, LPO, GSH and GPx were significantly increased. Histopathological examinations of the liver tissue and the aorta of mice showed alterations afterwards Triton WR-1339 administration. Treatment with 200 mg/kg bw PE showed beneficial effects with lower capsular thickening, enlargment of hepatocytes and much lower inflammatory cell infiltration.