Tissue Glutathione Peroxidase Research Articles

Evaluating Pseudomonas monteilii JK-1 as an in-feed probiotic: Enhancing growth, immune-antioxidant, disease resistance and modulating gut microflora composition in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Host-derived probiotics are microorganisms sourced from the host's gut environment, aimed at enhancing growth and overall health. Given the increasing stringency in the regulation of antibiotics within animal production, the adoption of in-feed probiotics has emerged as a compelling antibiotic alternative in aquaculture. Here, we investigate the impact of Pseudomonas monteilii JK-1 on the growth performance and disease resistance of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The results indicate that P. monteilii JK-1 leads to a significant increase in weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate, along with a substantial reduction in pathogen load (Aeromonas) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy improvement in the expression of key immune-related genes, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 10 (IL10), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in both the head kidney and gut (P < 0.05). This effect extends to the augmentation of the activities of crucial antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in both liver and gut tissues (P < 0.05). Notably, P. monteilii JK-1 exerts a positive influence on the complexity of the gut microbiome ecological network. In this context, Cetobacterium emerges as a keystone microbiota responsible for maintaining interspecies interactions and enhancing gut network stability. Moreover, our study establishes a positive connection between Cetobacterium and growth performance and between Akkemansia and immune response, respectively. In addition, the result of partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) showed that P. monteilii JK-1 does not directly enhance growth performance and pathogen resistance but does so by regulating keystone taxa and promoting gut network stability. Collectively, this study offers a nuanced comprehension of how probiotics enhance growth and boost disease resistance, focusing on the gut microbial ecological network. These findings showed that P. monteilii JK-1 has potential application as a probiotic in grass carp, which may provide a new strategy of preventing and controlling bacterial diseases in this species.

Phytochemical profiling and nephroprotective potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceKidney problems are becoming more common globally and are considered a major health issue in the modern world with high mortality rate. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites is a tropical ethnomedicinal plant used to treat various diseases like diabetes, hypertension and urinary disorders and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of 70% ethanolic leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites (PL) and evaluates its nephroprotective effects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Materials and methodsThe leaves of PL were extracted with 70% ethanol and performed the phytochemical profiling using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The nephroprotective effect of PL leaf extract was evaluated at three doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days against cisplatin toxicity (16 mg/kg, i.p., once) in male Wistar rats. Body and kidney weight indices, kidney function markers and lipid profile markers in serum, and oxidative stress markers in kidney tissue were performed along with the histopathological analysis of kidney. ResultsThe LC-MS chromatograph confirmed the presence of various phytocompounds include N-Methylhernagine (aporphine alkaloid), 4-Acetamidobutanoic acid (gamma amino acid) and choline, etc. in the PL leaf extract. Exposure of cisplatin (16 mg/kg, i.p., once only) to the animals significantly elevated the levels of kidney functional markers (i.e. serum urea, uric acid, creatinine) and the lipid markers (triglyceride and total cholesterol) in blood circulation with depletion of serum albumin which were reversed by the therapy of PL leaf extract (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) in dose-dependent manner. The altered level of body and kidney weight in cisplatin treated group was also restored by the therapy. PL leaf extract effectively improved the antioxidant defense system of kidney at all doses by restoring the levels of tissue glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase with the dose-dependent reduction of lipid peroxidation against cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress. The histopathological observations also showed the significant recovery in cellular morphology after PL treatment when compared to the cisplatin toxicity group. The highest dose 600 mg/kg of PL leaf extract showed more pronounced renal recovery (p < 0.001) followed by other two doses, which was similar to the silymarin treatment group (a reference drug) against nephrotoxicity. ConclusionThe results of this study revealed the nephroprotective effects of PL leaves against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by reversing the level of biochemical markers and mitigating oxidative stress as well as improving the architecture of renal tissues. This renal protection by PL might be due to the synergistic effect of its phytoconstituents and antioxidant efficacy.

Urolithin A exerts a protective effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating HMGB1-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory disorder that has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Urolithin A (UA) is reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in ALI. However, its molecular mechanisms in ALI remain to be explored. Mice and BEAS-2B cells were administrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic the ALI model in vivo and in vitro. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological injury of lung tissues. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and culture supernatant and the levels of oxidative stress markers in lung tissues were measured using ELISA. DCFH-DA probe was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry were performed to determine cell apoptosis. The key targets and pathways were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot. UA suppressed the pathologic damage, wet/dry weight ratio, and total protein and inflammatory cells in BALF. UA decreased neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines production. UA reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in pulmonary tissues. UA also inhibited cell apoptosis in lung tissues by decreasing Bax expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression. In addition, UA suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory factor production, ROS level, and cell apoptosis in BEAS-2B. Importantly, UA decreased the expression of HMGB1 in LPS-treated mice and BEAS-2B cells. HMGB1 overexpression greatly abrogated the inhibition of UA on inflammation, ROS, and cell apoptosis in LPS-administrated BEAS-2B. Furthermore, UA treatment suppressed the phosphorylated levels of p38, JNK, ERK, and p65 in LPS-administrated mice and BEAS-2B cells. UA alleviated lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in ALI by targeting HMGB1 to inactivate the MAPK/NF-κB signaling, suggesting the potential of UA to treat ALI.

Neferine inhibits the progression of diabetic nephropathy by modulating the miR-17-5p/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 axis.

To investigate the effect of Neferine (Nef) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) and to explore the mechanism of Nef in DN based on miRNA regulation theory. A DN mouse model was constructed and treated with Nef. Serum creatinine (Crea), blood urea (UREA) and urinary albumin were measured in mice by kits, and renal histopathological changes and fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. Renal tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling pathway-related proteins in kidney tissues. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-17-5p in kidney tissues. Subsequently, a DN in vitro model was constructed by high glucose culture of human mesangial cells (HMCs), cells were transfected with miR-17-5p mimic and/or treated with Nef, and we used qRT-PCR to detect cellular miR-17 expression, flow cytometry to detect apoptosis, ELISAs to detect cellular SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px activities, Western blots to detect Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-related protein expression, and dual luciferase reporter gene assays to verify the targeting relationship between Nrf2 and miR-17-5p. Administration of Nef significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, Crea, and UREA and the expression of miR-17-5p, improved renal histopathology and fibrosis, significantly reduced MDA levels, elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities, and activated Nrf2 expression in kidney tissues from mice with DN. Nrf2 is a post-transcriptional target of miR-17-5p. In HMCs transfected with miR-17-5p mimics, the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, miR-17-5p overexpression and Nef intervention resulted in a significant increase in high glucose-induced apoptosis and MDA levels in HMCs and a significant decrease in the protein expression of HO-1 and Nrf2. Collectively, these results indicate that Nef has an ameliorative effect on DN, and the mechanism may be through the miR-17-5p/Nrf2 pathway.

Protective efficacy of Nerium oleander extract on spermatogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Men with diabetes frequently experience spermatogenic dysfunction, which is the most significant sign that diabetes has harmed their ability to reproduce. The effect of various doses of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Nerium oleander leaves on the pituitary-gonadal axis, sperm motility and number, antioxidant system, changes in testicular tissue structure, and spermatogenesis in healthy and diabetic rats has been examined in the current study. Eighty male rats that had been streptozotocin-induced diabetic and healthy were divided into eight groups: (1) control, (2) Nerium (50 mg/kg), (3) Nerium (100 mg/kg), (4) Nerium (200 mg/kg), (5) DM (6) DM+Nerium (50 mg/kg), (7) DM+Nerium (100 mg/kg) and (8) DM+Nerium (200 mg/kg) and were administered orally for 48 days consecutive. Following the studies, analysis of the testicular tissues' antioxidant capacity as well as sperm parameters, Johnsen's scoring and morphometric evaluation, histology, biochemical and stereology studies were performed.The outcomes showed that Nerium 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably enhanced the testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and reproductive organs to varying degrees in diabetic rats. After Nerium 50 mg/kg administration, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) levels in the testicular tissue were increased whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were markedly decreased. Nerium may help protect against diabetic-induced spermatogenic dysfunction in male rats by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in lower dosages.

Dynamic changes of MMPs during cerebral aneurysm formation in rats and the effect of resveratrol on MMP expression.

To investigate the expression of matrix protein metalloenzymes (MMPs) during cerebral aneurysm (CA) formation and assess the effects of resveratrol (RES) on MMP expression and CA prevention. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated, CA, and RES groups. CA models were constructed by ligating the renal and carotid arteries of SD rats. The RES group received a diet mixed with RES (50 mg/kg), while the CA group was given normal feed; the sham-operated group underwent simulated surgery without ligation and received normal feed. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the cerebral artery aneurysm wall. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as oxidative stress markers in the cerebral artery wall tissues of rats at 1-, 2-, and 3-months post-surgery. HE staining reveled that after ligation, the cerebral artery walls of SD rats exhibited irregular thickness, twisted morphology, abnormal nuclear morphology of the cells, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, confirming the successful establishment of CA model. Meanwhile, the infrared spectrogram of the RES purified from Tiger Balm closely matched that of the standard, confirming successful purification. IF staining indicated that MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels dynamically increased over time in the vessel wall of the CA rats. Subsequently, antioxidant assays showed that RES treatment enhanced antioxidant capacity, with increased levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in the vascular wall tissue. Moreover, after 3 months of RES treatment, IF staining showed a marked reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in the vessel walls of CA rats. Meanwhile, HE staining also showed improvements in the wall structure, with a more intact wall and an increased vascular endothelial cell density. RES effectively inhibits the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, thereby preventing and delaying the development of CA.

Propolis attenuates diabetes-induced testicular injury by protecting against DNA damage and suppressing cellular stress.

Introduction: Propolis has a wide range of biological and pharmacological actions, including antioxidant properties-particularly its phenolic and flavonoid constituents-that could potentially protect the reproductive system from oxidative damage. Method: Four groups were allocated 40 male Wistar rats each. The vehicle was given to the first group's normal control rats negative control. The second, third, and fourth groups of diabetic rats were given vehicle (diabetic control) and propolis orally at 50 and 100mg/kg, respectively, for 8weeks. Diabetes was induced in rats via injection of nicotinamide and streptozotocin (STZ). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and semen analysis were assessed. In addition, assessments of serum reproductive hormones, including total testosterone (TTST), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL), were measured at the end of the study. Tissue total testosterone, E2, and dihydrotestosterone were also evaluated. Serum and tissue oxidative enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, were examined, and malondialdehyde content was determined. The pancreatic and testicular tissues were histopathologically examined, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in testicular tissue were immunohistochemically analyzed. Testicular tissue was examined for DNA integrity using a comet assay. Results: Compared to the STZ-control group, propolis greatly decreased FBG levels and improved the glycemic status of diabetic rats. In comparison to the STZ-DC group, propolis increased the number of sperm cells and the percent of morphologically normal and viable sperm in male rats, improving their fertility. Propolis also restored the pancreatic islets, protected the testis from oxidative stress, and increased levels of reproductive hormones in the blood, especially testosterone. Moreover, propolis at high doses demonstrated a strong positive response for Bcl-2 and a negative expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in spermatogenic cells. Conclusion: The data obtained strongly indicate that STZ causes severe impairments to the testis whereas propolis, acting as an antioxidant, protects against the adverse effects of STZ on the testis.

Protective effects of chlorogenic acid against cyclophosphamide induced liver injury in mice

ABSTRACT We investigated possible protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against cyclophosphamide (CP) induced hepatic injury in mice. We measured aminotransferase alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in the serum. We assayed catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in hepatic tissue. We assessed expression of nuclear transcription factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch sample related protein-1 (keap1) proteins in hepatic tissues using immunohistochemistry. The relative mRNA expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Hematoxylin & eosin staining was used to assess liver histopathology. We found that administration of CGA prior to induction of injury by CP decreased serum ALT, AST and MDA expressions in hepatic tissue, while CAT, SOD, GSH and GSH-Px concentrations were increased. We found that hepatocytes of animals administered CGA gradually returned to normal morphology. CGA increased the protein expression of Nrf2 in murine hepatic tissue. Administration of CGA up-regulated mRNA expression levels of HO-1, NQO1, TNF-α and IL-6 in hepatic tissue. CGA exhibited a marked protective effect on CP induced liver injury in mice.

The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training with High-Fat Diet on Levels of Glutathione Peroxidase and Malondialdehyde in Heart Tissue of Wistar Rats

Introduction: It has been found that a high-fat diet increases the oxidative stress of the heart, which may be effective in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a high-fat diet and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in heart tissue of rats. Method: In this experimental study, 21 male Wistar rats within the age range of 12-14 weeks were randomly assigned to three groups, including normal diet (n=7), high-fat diet (n=7), and high-fat diet+HIIT (n=7). Animals in the high-fat diet groups received a high-fat diet for 23 weeks. At the same time, the high-fat diet+HIIT group received a high-fat diet followed by performing the HIIT protocol on the treadmill three times a week in the final eight weeks. At the end of the intervention, the levels of GPX enzyme and MDA in heart tissue were assessed using the enzyme colorimetric method. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey test at the significant level of P&lt;0.05. Results: The results demonstrated no significant changes in GPX (P=0.14) and MDA (P=0.214) heart tissue levels in all three groups: normal diet, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet+HIIT. Conclusion: It seems that performing eight weeks of HIIT has no effect on oxidative stress markers in rats with a high-fat diet.

Supplementation of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) diet with different zinc sources: effects on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, hemato-biochemical parameters, antioxidant response and liver histology.

An 8-week feeding trial was carried out to examine the effect of different sources of dietary Zn on some physiological responses (performance, digestive enzymes activity, hemato-biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and liver histology) of Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii. For this purpose, fish with an average weight of 100g ± 5 were randomly allocated into four groups including control, inorganic zinc (Zn-sulfate), organic zinc (Zn-gluconate), and zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) at 50mg Zn kg- 1 feed. Improved growth indices, namely weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in fish fed Zn-gluconate supplemented diet (P < 0.0.5). The highest digestive enzymes activity was recorded in fish fed Zn-gluconate supplementation (P < 0.0.5). Hematological indices significantly increased in fish fed diet containing ZnO-NPs (P < 0.0.5). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of fish fed ZnO-NPs contained diet were the highest (P < 0.0.5). The highest serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes activity were observed in fish fed ZnO-NPs and inorganic/organic Zn contained diets, respectively. While liver tissue SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes activity Zn were significantly increased in fish fed inorganic/organic Zn supplemented diet (P < 0.0.5). Based on liver histological results, a severe tissue changes such as necrosis and pyknosis were observed in fish fed with Zn-sulfate in comparison to other forms. In conclusion, the data of the present study confirmed that organic Zn (mainly) and nano-Zn (to some extent) could be more efficient Zn sources in Siberian sturgeon.

Effect of Vitamin E on Serum MDA and Antioxidant Enzymes in Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Rats

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the major causes of mortality and disability in the world. This study was designed to investigate the role of antioxidants in the treatment of induced TBI in albino rats.&#x0D; Methodology: Adult albino rats were induced with TBI by the weight-drop method. Rats were grouped into three groups of eight rats each. Group I served as a traumatized-treated group (TT), Group II served as a non-traumatized, non-treated group (TNT), and group III served as normal control group. The treatment group received 67.5 mg/kg of vitamin E (VE). Treatment started 30 minutes after the trauma and continued for 21 days. The antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum tissue were assayed to evaluate oxidative stress (OS). &#x0D; Results: The treated group showed a significant (p&lt; 0.05) increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT GPx) and a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in the concentration of MDA compared to the TNT group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Conclusively, these promising results suggest that the use of antioxidant VE may be a useful neuroprotective strategy in the treatment of TBI.

State of peroxidation in the brain and liver in experimental diabetes and its correction possibility with niacin-oxyethylendiphosphonatogermanate

The development of pharmacological methods to control oxidant stress manifestations in diabetes can be achieved using organic complex germanium compounds. One of the promising compounds is niacin-oxyethylenediphosphonategermanate (MIGU-4), which is an effective corrector of lipid metabolism and a stabilizer of the lipid layer of erythrocyte and hepatocyte membranes in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. The aim of the work is to determine the dynamics of the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPO) in the brain tissue, as well as the diene conjugate (DC) content, lipid hydroperoxides (LHP), reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver mitochondria, the serum activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT) in experimental diabetes mellitus with the correction using a complex compound of germanium with nicotinic acid – MIGU-4 and insulin, insulin alone as well as in comparison with effectiveness of vitamin E supplementation. Materials and methods. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60.0 mg/kg). MIGU-4 was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of ED50 that was 25.0 mg/kg. Mitochondrial membranes were obtained by differential centrifugation of the liver tissue. In rats with confirmed diabetes, parameters of peroxidation and antioxidant protection were studied by generally accepted biochemical and biophysical methods. Results. Glucose levels were 29.4 % lower in rats treated with MIGU-4 (25.0 mg/kg) after 8 weeks of streptozotocin-induced diabetes than those in untreated diabetic rats (p &lt; 0.05), while a decrease was 39.0 % (p &lt; 0.05) upon insulin treatment, and 47.2 % (p &lt; 0.05) – with combined use of the drugs. The MDA content in the brain tissue was 3.48 times higher than that in the control (p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, the activities of SOD and CAT were decreased by 46.4 % and 32.0 %, respectively, the activity of GPO was decreased by half (p &lt; 0.05). In the liver mitochondria, the DC content exceeded that in the control by 53.5 % (p &lt; 0.05), and the MDA and LHP levels were 2.48 times and 31.7 % higher (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. AST activity was almost doubled, ALT activity was 5.48 times increased. Insulin and the biologically active substance MIGU-4 used alone exerted a moderate corrective effect. The combined use of the drugs caused definite therapeutic and preventive effects as the brain content of MDA was 2.4 times decreased, the activity of SOD, CAT and GPO was increased by 45.6 %, 35.2 % and 67.3 % (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. In the liver mitochondria, the DC, MDA, and LHP contents were decreased by 41.0 %, 53.3 %, and 28.4 %, respectively, compared to those in rats with diabetes (p &lt; 0.05). The activity of SOD and CAT as well as GSH content were increased by 2.7 times, 51.9 %, and 23.0 % (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. AST and ALT activities were 42.2 % and 74.3 % (p &lt; 0.05) reduced, respectively. The combined use of MIGU-4 (25.0 mg/kg) and vitamin E (250.0 mg/kg) caused a decrease in the brain MDA content by 70.1 % (p &lt; 0.05) in experimental rats. The combination of MIGU-4 and vitamin E increased the activity of GPO by 58.3 % (p &lt; 0.05) as compared to rats with diabetes, indicating cumulative effects of these drugs. Conclusions. The use of MIGU-4 prevents the occurrence of oxidant stress manifestations in the brain tissue and liver mitochondria in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The corrective effect size of MIGU-4 (25.0 mg/kg) corresponds to that of vitamin E (250.0 mg/kg).

The Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Activity of Selenium and Lecithin Combination Against ethanol-induced Gastric Ulcer in mice via Modulating IGF-1/PTEN/Akt/FoxO3a Signaling.

Gastric ulcers are one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. The current study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of selenium (Se) and lecithin (Lec) alone and in combination against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice, and their ability to modulate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/ Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)/ Protein kinase B (Akt)/ Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) signaling. The mice were divided into normal, ethanol, Se + ethanol, Lec + ethanol, Se + Lec + ethanol, and omeprazole + ethanol groups. Treatment with the selected doses was continued for 14 days before a single dose of absolute ethanol (5 ml/kg body weight) was administered to induce gastric ulcers in mice. The results showed that pretreatment with Se and Lec combination effectively decreased both the macro- and microscopic gastric lesions and increased the protection index compared to the ethanol group. Remarkably, the Se and Lec combination decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and cytochrome c and increased glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase activities in gastric tissues. The Se and Lec combination increased prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-10 levels but decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β levels compared to either treatment alone. Interestingly, this combination decreased the expression of IGF-1, p-Akt, and FoxO3a proteins and increased PTEN expression in gastric tissues. The gastric tissues examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed these results. Therefore, the Se and Lec combination showed superior protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice, compared to either treatment alone, through antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, in addition to modulating IGF-1/PTEN/Akt/FoxO3a pathway signaling.

Pachymic Acid Protects Against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Suppressing Fibrotic, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Stress Pathways in Mice.

Pachymic acid (PA), a natural extract from Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. However, it is still unknown whether PA can protect against bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). In this study, we investigated the effects of PA in mice administered BLM. Our results showed that PA significantly improved lung damage and pathological manifestations. Additionally, PA reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, while increasing the level of IL-10. PA also decreased the levels of hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde, and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in lung tissue. Furthermore, PA inhibited the increases in pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), ASC, IL-1β, P20, and TXNIP induced by BLM. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the protective effects of PA against BLM-induced PF in mice by suppressing fibrotic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways.

Protective effects of exogenous melatonin therapy against oxidative stress to male reproductive tissue caused by anti-cancer chemical and radiation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.

Male testicular dysfunction is a considerable complication of anti-cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, partly due to the increased oxidative stress caused by these treatments. Melatonin is an effective antioxidant agent that protects testicles against physical and toxic chemical stressors in animal models. This study aims to systematically review the melatonin's protective effects against anti-cancer stressors on rodential testicular tissue. An extensive search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed for animal studies investigating exogenous melatonin's protective effects on rodent testicles exposed to anti-cancer chemicals and radiotherapeutic agents. Using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model, standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from the pooled data. The protocol was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022355293). The meta-analysis included 38 studies from 43 studies that were eligible for the review. Rats and mice were exposed to radiotherapy (ionizing radiations such as gamma- and roentgen radiation and radioactive iodine) or chemotherapy (methotrexate, paclitaxel, busulfan, cisplatin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, Taxol, procarbazine, docetaxel, and chlorambucil). According to our meta-analysis, all outcomes were significantly improved by melatonin therapy, including sperm quantity and quality (count, motility, viability, normal morphology, number of spermatogonia, Johnsen's testicular biopsy score, seminiferous tubular diameter, and seminiferous epithelial height), serum level of reproductive hormones (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and testosterone), tissue markers of oxidative stress (testicular tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione, caspase-3, and total antioxidant capacity), and weight-related characteristics (absolute body, epididymis, testis, and relative testis to body weights). Most SYRCLE domains exhibited a high risk of bias in the included studies. Also, significant heterogeneity and small-study effects were detected. In male rodents, melatonin therapy was related to improved testicular histopathology, reproductive hormones, testis and body weights, and reduced levels of oxidative markers in testicular tissues of male rodents. Future meticulous studies are recommended to provide a robust scientific backbone for human applications. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022355293, identifier CRD42022355293.

Ameliorative Effects of Vitamin C and Methanolic Extract of Broccoli on Cyclophosphamide-induced Poisoning in Ovary of Rat

Introduction: Considering the importance of using herbal compounds to reduce the side effects of cyclophosphamide (CPH), the current study aimed to evaluate the effects of broccoli extract and Vitamin C on ovarian poisoning with CPH. Materials and methods: Four equal groups of 48 adult female Wistar rats were formed. The first group that was control received physiological saline orally without treatment. A 200 mg/kg dose of CPH was administered intraperitoneally to the second group. For the third group, CPH was supplemented with 300 mg/kg of Vitamin C, and methanol extract of broccoli 300 mg/kg was used in the fourth group. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and ovarian tissue glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), were measured. At the end of the study, the ovarian tissue was cut and stained for histopathological investigations. Results: Ovarian tissue GPx, CAT, and SOD values indicated a significant decrease in the CPH group compared to other groups. In the CPH plus broccoli group, there was a significant decrease in MDA ovarian tissue and IL-1 and TNF-α in serum, compared to the CPH group. There were significant negative changes in ovarian cells of the CPH group, compared to the control and other treatment groups. Conclusion: The current study suggested that administrating broccoli extract plus CPH could increase the superior antioxidant potential, compared to Vitamin C. This can potentially decrease CPH-induced damage to the ovary of rats, thereby improving their fertility status.

Glutathione Peroxidase gpx1 to gpx8 Genes Expression in Experimental Brain Tumors Reveals Gender-Dependent Patterns.

Extensive research efforts in the field of brain tumor studies have led to the reclassification of tumors by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the identification of various molecular subtypes, aimed at enhancing diagnosis and treatment strategies. However, the quest for biomarkers that can provide a deeper understanding of tumor development mechanisms, particularly in the case of gliomas, remains imperative due to their persistently incurable nature. Oxidative stress has been widely recognized as a key mechanism contributing to the formation and progression of malignant tumors, with imbalances in antioxidant defense systems being one of the underlying causes for the excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) implicated in tumor initiation. In this study, we investigated the gene expression patterns of the eight known isoforms of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in brain tissue obtained from male and female control rats, as well as rats with transplacental ethyl nitrosourea (ENU)-induced brain tumors. Employing the delta-delta Ct method for RT-PCR, we observed minimal expression levels of gpx2, gpx5, gpx6, and gpx7 in the brain tissue from the healthy control animals, while gpx3 and gpx8 exhibited moderate expression levels. Notably, gpx1 and gpx4 displayed the highest expression levels. Gender differences were not observed in the expression profiles of these isoforms in the control animals. Conversely, the tumor tissue exhibited elevated relative expression levels in all isoforms, except for gpx4, which remained unchanged, and gpx5, which exhibited alterations solely in female animals. Moreover, except for gpx1, which displayed no gender differences, the relative expression values of gpx2, gpx3, gpx6, gpx7, and gpx8 were significantly higher in the male animals compared to their female counterparts. Hence, the analysis of glutathione peroxidase isoforms may serve as a valuable approach for discerning the behavior of brain tumors in clinical settings.

Gentisic acid mitigates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The current investigation was considered to evaluate the beneficial effects of gentisic acid (GA) on gentamicin (GEN)-induced nephrotoxicity in rat kidneys through assessment of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological changes. Rats were split into five equal groups. Rats were treated with GA (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days and GEN (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated from day 8 to day 14 of the experiment. On the 15th day, blood samples were collected to determine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nitric oxide (NO) levels and the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed in the renal tissue. Histopathological evaluations were done to confirm the biochemical results. GEN increased the levels of NGAL, KIM-1, BUN, and Cr in serum as well as MDA, NO, GSH, TNF-α, and IL-1β in renal tissue. Moreover, GEN administration reduced the activity of CAT, SOD, and GPx in renal tissue. Nonetheless, the administration of GA before and alongside GEN mitigated these deleterious effects. In conclusion, GA has a beneficial effect on biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Along with Garlic Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Sex Hormones in the Ovarian Tissue of Rats Under Wi-Fi Electromagnetic Radiation

Background: Electromagnetic radiation has different effects on body organs, including gonads and fertility. Information about the harmful impacts of Wi-Fi radiation on the oxidant-antioxidant system of ovarian tissue is limited. Objectives: Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of eight weeks of aerobic exercise along with garlic supplements on the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and sex hormones in the ovarian tissue of rats under Wi-Fi electromagnetic radiation. Methods: This experimental study was performed on 40 Sprague Dawley female rats aged about 8 weeks. The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, Wi-Fi radiation, aerobic exercise + Wi-Fi radiation, garlic supplement + Wi-Fi radiation, and aerobic exercise + garlic supplement + Wi-Fi radiation. Wi-Fi radiation was induced 1 h/day at a frequency of 2.45 GHz from a Wi-Fi modem. Endurance exercise was performed as three 60-minute sessions per week for 8 weeks with 50%-60% maximum running speed. Garlic supplement was given to rats for 8 weeks in drinking water at the dose of 800 mg/kg daily. Results: The results of this study showed that Wi-Fi radiation led to a decrease in the SOD and GPx levels, as well as an increase in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and MDA levels in rats (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, garlic supplements diminished the FSH and MDA concentrations, as well as elevated the SOD levels in rats under Wi-Fi radiation. It was observed that aerobic exercise caused a decline in the FSH and MDA levels and a rise in the luteinizing hormone and SOD of the rats under Wi-Fi radiation. Furthermore, aerobic exercise along with garlic supplements reduced the FSH levels and augmented the SOD and GPx concentrations in rats under Wi-Fi radiation (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: According to the findings of the present study, aerobic exercise and garlic supplements both have lowering effects on oxidative stress and synergistically increase antioxidants. In addition, aerobic exercise and garlic supplements alone improve the sex hormones of rats exposed to Wi-Fi radiation.

The regulation effect of Atractylodis macrocephalae polysaccharides on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune function in Litopenaeus vannamei

This study aims to investigate the effects of Atractylodis macrocephalae polysaccharides (AMP) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and non-specific immune function in Litopenaeus vannamei. Accordingly, three experimental diets including 0 (control group), 0.05% and 0.5% AMP were formulated and fed for 3 weeks. The result showed that compared with the control group, dietary 0.5% AMP supplementation significantly increased the weight gain (P < 0.05), serum biochemical indices (albumin, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate-oxalacetate transaminase, glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol) while 0.05% AMP supplementation had no significant influence on the above index (P > 0.05). Dietary 0.05% and 0.5% AMP supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in tissues (hemolymph, hepatopancreas and intestine) while there was a decreasing trend on the malondialdehyde content with the increased AMP supplementation (P < 0.05). Tissue lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and total nitric oxide synthase content were significantly increased with increased AMP levels in the diets and reached the highest values in the 0.5% AMP supplementation group (P < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in the further antioxidant and immune-related gene expression analysis. Gene expression of inflammatory signaling pathways (toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88) and inflammatory cytokines (Tumour necrosis factor-α, apoptosis-inducing factor, member RAS oncogene family) was reduced with AMP supplementation in the diets. In conclusion, dietary AMP supplementation could improve growth performance, antioxidant ability and immune function in shrimp, and recommended dosage for safety was 0.05%.