Glutathione Peroxidase Activity Research Articles

Relative bioavailability of selenium yeast, selenomethionine, hydroxyl-selenomethionine and nano-selenium for broilers

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Development and application of new forms of Se sources with lower toxicity and higher bioavailability has been attracting more attention. However, the bioavailabilities of Se from several new Se sources for broilers remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relative bioavailabilities of Se from Se yeast (SY), selenomethionine (SM), hydroxyl-selenomethionine (SO) and nano-Se (NS) relative to sodium selenite (SS) for broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet. A total of 576 one-day-old Arbor Acres commercial male broilers were randomly assigned to 16 treatments with 6 replicate cages per treatment in a completely randomized design involving a 5 (Se sources: SY, SM, SO, NS and SS) × 3 (added Se levels: 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg) factorial design of treatments plus 1 (a Se-unsupplemented control) for 21 d. The relative bioavailabilities of Se sources were estimated based on plasma or tissue Se concentrations as well as selenoprotein mRNA expressions and activities in broilers. The results showed that the Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in plasma, liver, breast muscle, pancreas and kidney as well as Se concentration in erythrocytes of broilers, and Gpx1 and Selenop mRNA expressions in pancreas increased linearly (p < 0.03) as added Se level increased. Furthermore, the differences (p < 0.05) among different Se sources were detected for the Se concentrations in liver, breast muscle, pancreas and erythrocytes, GPX activities in pancreas and kidney. Based on slope ratios from the multiple linear regressions of the above indices, the Se bioavailabilities of SY, SM, SO, NS relative to SS (100%) were 78 to 367%, 67.8 to 471%, 57 to 372%, and 45 to 92%, respectively. The results from this study indicated that the Se from SM, SY and SO are more available to broilers than the Se from SS in enhancing the Se concentrations in liver, breast muscle, pancreas and erythrocytes and GPX activity in pancreas, and the Se from SM had the highest while the Se from NS had the lowest relative bioavailability.

Investigation into the influence of mild hypothermia on regulating ferroptosis through the P53-SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway in sepsis-induced acute lung injury

BackgroundSepsis-induced acute lung injury (S-ALI) significantly contributes to unfavorable clinical outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests a novel role for ferroptosis in the pathophysiology of ALI, though the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Mild hypothermia (32–34 °C) has been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses, reduce oxidative stress, and regulate metabolic processes. P53 has been reported to downregulate the transcriptional activity of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), thereby limiting cystine uptake. This reduction in cystine availability compromises the activity of Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a cystine-dependent enzyme, ultimately increasing cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis. However, it remains unclear whether mild hypothermia exerts protective effects through the P53-SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway. This study investigates the influence of mild hypothermia on ferroptosis mediated by the P53-SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway in S-ALI.MethodsThis study utilized both in vivo and in vitro models. In the vivo model, 64 Sprague–Dawley rats were employed, with 40 analyzed for survival outcomes. Sepsis was induced using the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) method, after which rats were subjected to either normothermic (36–38 °C) or mild hypothermic (32–34 °C) conditions for a duration of 10 h. Twelve hours post-surgery, blood samples, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue samples were harvested for histological analysis, measurement of inflammatory markers, wet/dry ratios, blood gas analysis, assessment of oxidative stress and ferroptosis, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR analysis. In the in vitro model, RLE-6TN cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h under normothermic and mild hypothermic conditions. These cells were then evaluated for cell viability, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress levels, ferroptosis markers, as well as Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses.ResultsCLP-induced sepsis led to elevated levels of inflammatory markers, increased lung injury scores, and heightened oxidative stress markers. These detrimental effects were significantly ameliorated by mild hypothermia. Furthermore, mild hypothermia reversed the modified expression of P53, SLC7A11, and GPX4 signaling molecules. Notably, mild hypothermia also improved the 5-day survival rate of CLP rats.ConclusionMild hypothermia attenuates S-ALI and modulates ferroptosis through the P53-SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Physiological responses of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) to intermittent cold exposure: A comprehensive analysis of stress, immunity, antioxidant, and metabolic adaptations.

This study examined the energy-dependent physiological responses, including stress, innate immune, and antioxidant systems, as well as indicators of energy mobilization, in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) exposed to intermittent cold, aiming to assess the correlations between these responses. The fish were acclimated to 28°C, divided into two groups, a control group maintained at 28°C, and another exposed to 16°C for two 24h periods with a 5-day interval between them. The fish were sampled at six time points: baseline (after acclimatization to 28°C), 24h after the 1st exposure to 16°C, after 5days of recovery at 28°C, 24h after the 2nd exposure to 16°C, and after 24 and 48h of recovery at 28°C. The reduction in temperature activated the stress response, the innate immune system, and the antioxidative system as well as mobilized lipids from the visceral stores and preserved the circulating levels of triglycerides. Intermittent exposure of fish to cold increased plasma cortisol after both exposures, activated leukocyte respiratory activity after the 2nd exposure, and triggered the compensatory lysozyme response after temperature recovery in both cold exposures in addition to increasing the number of circulating monocytes and granulocytes. The activity of the enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased after the 1st and 2nd cold exposures, respectively. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity increased after the 2nd exposure compared to the control. The subtropical fish pacu was sensitive to intermittent cold exposure and was able to display protective physiological responses.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Supplementation in Adult Horses Supports Improved Skeletal Muscle Inflammatory Gene Expression Following Exercise

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing molecule with reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Exercise causes the formation of free radicals and stimulates inflammatory gene expression in leukocytes and skeletal muscle. The hypothesis that dietary supplementation with MSM alters the exercise-mediated inflammatory and oxidant response was assessed in unfit adult thoroughbred geldings. Ten geldings (6.7 ± 1.6 yr) were assigned to a diet supplemented without (CON, n = 5) or with 21 g of MSM (n = 5) for 30 days. Following the supplementation period, horses performed a standardized exercise test (SET) with blood collections before (t = 0), 10 min, 1 h, 4 h, and 24 h post-SET. Skeletal muscle biopsies were retrieved from the middle gluteus before and 1 h post-SET for total RNA isolation. All horses were rested for 120 days before the experiment was repeated in a cross-over design. Plasma total antioxidant capacity was unaffected (p > 0.05) by either exercise or MSM. Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity was less (p < 0.05) in MSM horses than in the CON. Plasma IL6, IL8, IL10, and TNFɑ were unaffected (p > 0.05) by either exercise or diet. Transcriptomic analysis of skeletal muscle revealed 35 genes were differentially expressed (DEG; p < 0.05) by 2-fold or more in response to exercise; no MSM DEGs were noted. A comparison of the exercise by diet contrasts revealed that horses supplemented with MSM contained a greater number of exercise-responsive genes (630; logFC > 0.2; q < 0.05) by comparison to the CON (237), with many of these mapping to the immune response (71) and cytokine signal transduction (60) pathways. These results suggest supplementation of MSM as a dietary aid for improved anti-inflammatory responses in skeletal muscle following exercise.

Effects of Feed Supplementation With Fulvic Acid on the Systemic and Mucosal Protective Mechanisms of Juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is an important fish species raised in aquaculture, but it is susceptible to stress, infections diseases. The present study aimed to determine the effects of fulvic acid feed addition on the systemic and mucosal protective mechanisms of juvenile rainbow trout and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of changes in the gut. Rainbow trout (4.30 ± 0.6 g) diet was supplemented with different levels of fulvic acid: 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1% and 2%. At the end of 8-week feeding trial, growth parameters such as final weight gained weight (%), SGR (F1%) increased, and FCR (all levels) decreased significantly compared to the control group. We found that the activity of lysozyme, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in the serum were significantly improved, especially after the addition of 0.5% and 1% of fulvic acid. At the same time, the immunoglobulin concentration in the skin mucus was increased with 0.5% supplementation. However, the expression of tnf-α, il-6 and gpx in the intestine was strongly upregulated after supplementation with 2%, indicating oxidative stress and inflammation with this level of fulvic acid inclusion. Furthermore, the mucus lysozyme activity was reduced at this concentration, which can increase the susceptibility to pathogen invasion. The results suggest that adding 0.5%-1% of fulvic acid to the feed of juvenile rainbow trout can help to improve their immune and antioxidative defenses and thereby support the wellbeing of fish.

Aminoguanidine hemisulfate improves mitochondrial autophagy, oxidative stress, and muscle force in Duchenne muscular dystrophy via the AKT/FOXO1 pathway in mdx mice

Aminoguanidine hemisulfate improves mitochondrial autophagy, oxidative stress, and muscle force in Duchenne muscular dystrophy via the AKT/FOXO1 pathway in mdx mice

Emodin Improves Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Liver Health Through Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway and Fat Metabolism: Growth Performance, Immune Response and Resistance Against Aeromonas veronii Infection

The experiment was aimed at examining the influence of adding emodin to feeds on the growth performance, liver immunity, and resistance against Aeromonas veronii infection among juvenile largemouth basses and other potential mechanisms. A total of 540 fish (45 ± 0.3 g) were randomly divided into 6 diets, including EM-0, EM-250, EM-500, EM-1000, EM-2000, and EM-4000 diets, in which 0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg kg−1 emodin was added. Following a 60-day feeding test, it demonstrated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of juveniles within the EM-500 and EM-1000 groups remarkably exceeded that of the EM-0 group. Subsequently, unlike those in EM-0 group, the fish in the EM-1000 group showed heightened hepatocyte count, induced hepatic lipolysis-associated expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and acyl-coenzyme an oxidase (ACO), and reduced the hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, EM-1000 could up-regulate the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in livers compared with controls and boost antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), along with a lower content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Meanwhile, the EM-1000 group increased anti-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin-10 (IL-10) while suppressing the interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in livers by contrast to controls. In the end, juvenile largemouth bass in the EM-1000 group showed a comparatively highest survival rate, whereas fish in the EM-2000 and EM-4000 groups exhibited a little higher mortality than that of the EM-0 group. To sum up, our study exposed that supplementing emodin with 1000 mg kg−1 in diet could enhance the hepatic antioxidant status and unspecific immunity to reinforce the protective effect on disease resistance, resulting in improving the growth performance in juvenile largemouth bass.

Exploring the potential of gemcitabine-metal–organic frameworks in combating pancreatic cancer under ketogenic conditions

BackgroundInadequate treatment responses, chemotherapy resistance, significant heterogeneity, and lengthy treatment durations create an urgent need for new pancreatic cancer therapies. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of gemcitabine-loaded nanoparticles enclosed in an organo-metallic framework under ketogenic conditions in inhibiting the growth of MIA-PaCa-2 cells.MethodsGemcitabine was encapsulated in Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and its morphology and size distribution were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) with further characterization including FTIR analysis. Various drug groups were established to evaluate their influences on cell cytotoxicity, apoptosis rate, cell cycle distribution, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and cell migration.ResultsThe gemcitabine-MOF was thoroughly analyzed to determine its size, morphology, and chemical composition, confirming its successful preparation. The treatment results showed an increase in the number of apoptotic cells following gemcitabine-MOF treatment, which was found to be associated with cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 phase. Moreover, these treatments also resulted in reduced cell migration, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx), and increased accumulation of MDA. Additionally, when exposed to ketogenic conditions (where beta-hydroxybutyrate is present in a glucose-limited medium), there was a further increase in cell cycle arrest, accompanied by a more pronounced decrease in SOD and GPx activity, as well as decreased migration.ConclusionThe use of metal–organic framework to encapsulate gemcitabine yielded notable pro-apoptotic effects in MIA-PaCa-2 cells with which ketogenic conditions had a synergistic effect that can hold promise for improving therapeutic options.Graphical

Effects of colloids with different compositions on benzophenone-3 biotoxicity in zebrafish embryos.

The fate of the pollutants in aquatic environment is closely related to colloids, and the carrier effect of colloids on pollutants not only affects their bioaccumulation, but may also affect their toxicity. In this study, the effects of natural colloid with different components on the biological toxicity of benzophenone-3 (BP3) to zebrafish larvae (Diano rerio) were studied. BP3 caused oxidative stress damage, thyroid system disorders and neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. And in the co-exposure groups, the organic and black carbon mineral (BCM) colloids enhanced the organism's antioxidant system by regulating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reducing the lipid peroxidation damage in larvae. BCM colloids caused the thyroid system disorders in organisms, while organic colloids exacerbated the thyroid toxicity by transporting more BP3 into organisms, inducing severe abnormal heartbeats. The BCM and organic colloids regulated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and/or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-ht) contents by affecting the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction pathway in zebrafish larvae, significantly increasing their swimming speed in co-exposure groups under the light condition. In addition, the effects of colloid-bound and freely dissolved BP3 absorbed by organisms on their physiological and biochemical activities were different. By analyzing the relative expression of the significant differential metabolites affected by BP3 in all experimental groups, it was found that colloid-bound and freely dissolved BP3 had a synergistic effect on most of these metabolites and pathways. However, the freely dissolved BP3 interfered with the purine metabolic pathway by mediating 2-(amidino)-n1-(5-phospho-d-ribosyl)acetamidine, and the tyrosine metabolic pathway by mediating choline and uranylacetic acid, while the colloid-bound BP3 has no or inverse regulatory effects on these three metabolites. This study provided a new perspective for the biotoxicity study of the pollutants in aquatic environment, necessitating a reconsideration of the real ecological risks of emerging pollutants in the presence of natural colloids.

Coenzyme Q and Selenium Co-Supplementation Alleviate Methionine Choline-Deficient Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis in Mice

Background/Objectives: The pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is closely associated with increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Coenzyme Q (CoQ) and selenium (Se) are well-established antioxidants with protective effects against oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CoQ and Se in ameliorating MASH induced by a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet in mice. Methods: C57BL/6J male mice were fed either a methionine choline-sufficient (MCS) or MCD diet and treated with vehicle, CoQ (100 mg/kg), Se (158 μg/kg), or their combination (CoQ + Se) for 4 weeks. Results: The MCD diet significantly increased hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis compared to MCS controls. Treatment with CoQ and Se, particularly in combination, markedly reduced the MAFLD activity score, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Combined supplementation of CoQ and Se significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and hepatic TG and cholesterol concentrations. CoQ and Se effectively mitigated hepatic oxidative stress by enhancing catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, increasing glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, and restoring the GSH/GSSG ratio. Lipid peroxidation markers, such as malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal, were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the expression of ferroptosis-related markers, including acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase, and hepatic non-heme iron content, was significantly downregulated, while GPX4 expression was upregulated by combined CoQ and Se treatment. Conclusions: CoQ and Se synergistically alleviate MASH progression by reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which may contribute to the suppression of ferroptosis. Combined CoQ and Se supplementation demonstrates therapeutic potential for managing MASH and related liver injury.

Effects of combined Bacillus coagulans and Yeast fermentation culture on growth performance, plasma biochemical indices, intestinal morphology and microbial of broilers.

The favorable impacts of Bacillus coagulans or Yeast culture on broiler production performance and immune function have been acknowledged. However, the effects of the combined of them (BcYc) on the broilers remained unknown. Thus, the current research aimed to assess the effects of BcYc (at dosages of 0, 200, 300, and 400mg/kg) on growth performance, plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology and microbial composition in broilers. The results revealed that ①broilers receiving 300 and 400mg/kg of BcYc showed significantly higher body weights than the control group at 4d and 21d (P < 0.05). Additionally, when contrasted with the control group, the feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased in 300mg/kg group during 4 to 21d and in 400mg/kg group during 4 to 42d (P < 0.05). ②At 21d, the broilers supplemented with 300 and 400mg/kg of BcYc demonstrated significantly elevated levels of albumin (ALB), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity than the group that not supplemented with BcYc (P < 0.05). At 42d, 400mg/kg group showed significantly higher ALB and total protein, and lower glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity and malondialdehyde content in contrast to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at 42d, GSH-Px activity in all experimental groups showed significantly higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). ③Nevertheless, no significant variation was observed neither in jejunum or duodenum morphology among all groups (P > 0.05). ④Adding 400mg/kg of BcYc led to a significantly higher Sobs index and a lower Simpson index (P < 0.05), and an extremely significantly raised in Shannon index (P < 0.01), while adding 300mg/kg of BcYc led to a significantly enhanced in Shannon index (P < 0.05). Additionally, supplementary BcYc significantly elevated the abundance of Firmicutes in phylum level, and Clostridia, Ruminococcus, Rikenella, Butyricicoccus and Eubacterium in genus level (P < 0.05). To sum up, supplementing BcYc at dosages of 400mg/kg to yellow-feathered broilers diet can help improve the growth performance, regulate plasma biochemical indicators, increase antioxidant capacity, and improve gut community composition.

Protective effects of resveratrol and naringenin against nonylphenol-induced oxidative stress in rats

Nonylphenol (NP) is a ubiquitous environmental endocrine disrupting chemical and oxidative stress inducer in biological systems. Resveratrol (RES) and Naringenin (NG) are phytochemicals possessing antioxidant properties and estrogenic activity. This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of NP and the mitigating effects of RES and NG on NP toxicity in rats. Thirty male rats were classified into 5 groups as follows: 1- Normal control (NC), 2- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, 3- NP group, 4- NP + RES and 5- NP + NG. Results revealed that NP treatment significantly decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and Glutathione content in blood, liver and kidney compared to NC and DMSO groups. Conversely, activity of Glutathione-s-transferase was significantly elevated in blood and decreased in liver and kidney. Moreover, significant escalation was observed in the levels of Malondialdehyde. Also, NP treatment led to a significant decrease in serum total testosterone and testis weight, accompanied with concurrent elevation in estradiol level compared to NC and DMSO groups. All the recorded effects induced by NP treatment were effectively countered by co-treatment with RES or NG. In addition, molecular docking studies were carried out to reveal the interactions between NP, RES, NG and estrogen receptor beta which provide a possible mechanism for their potential estrogenic activity. Overall, our study gives a deeper understanding of the toxic effect of NP on antioxidant capacity and endocrine functions as well as the potential therapeutic utility of RES and NG in alleviating these adverse effects.

INSIGHTS INTO THE MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL ROLE OF QUINIC ACID IN ALLEVIATING ETHANOL-INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN A RAT MODEL: EXPLORING OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION, AND APOPTOSIS SIGNALING PATHWAYS

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of quinic acid, a natural bioactive compound, on tissue and circulatory antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 4 were administered isocaloric glucose. Groups 2 and 3 received 30% ethanol at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight daily. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 were treated with quinic acid (50 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 2% dimethyl sulfoxide. Results: The results demonstrated significantly elevated levels of tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD), and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), along with significantly reduced enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-related enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as reduced levels of glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in ethanol-treated rats compared to the control group. Administration of quinic acid to rats with ethanol-induced liver injury significantly reduced the levels of TBARS, LOOH, and CD while markedly increasing the activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST, and levels of GSH, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in liver tissues compared to untreated ethanol-exposed rats. In addition, ethanol-treated rats showed increased mast cell accumulation, which was reduced by quinic acid treatment, along with elevated expressions of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, including Bax, Caspase-9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Nuclear factor kappa B, and interleukin-6, and a decreased expression of Bcl2 in the liver. Quinic acid supplementation in ethanol-fed rats reversed these ethanol-induced changes. Immunohistochemical studies further supported these findings. Conclusion: Quinic acid, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, may offer a therapeutic option for protecting against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity

Oxidative Homeostasis in Follicular Fluid and Embryo Quality-A Pilot Study.

The objective of this study was to measure the different redox biomarker levels within the follicular fluid (FF) and evaluate correlations with embryo quality using the one follicle-one oocyte/embryo approach. The prospective study included 54 women (average age 34.6 ± 3.0 years). Out of the 235 mature metaphase II cells that underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection, fertilization was achieved in 177 cells, producing 92 Grade I embryos, 26 Grade II embryos, 39 Grade III embryos, and 20 Grade IV embryos. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione transferase were significantly higher in the group consisting of lower-quality (Grades II-IV) embryos in comparison with top-quality (Grade I) embryos (p = 0.011; p = 0.021; p = 0.008, respectively). The concentration of oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and thiol groups was significantly increased in the group with lower-quality embryos (Grades II-IV) compared to top-quality embryos (0.027; 0.018; 0.021, respectively). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between each oxidative marker and the activities of antioxidant enzymes was observed (p < 0.001). According to our findings, the best embryos and, consequently, better in vitro fertilization outcomes are linked to low levels of oxidative stress and low antioxidant enzyme activity.

Ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid extraction of polysaccharides from Crataegus songarica K. Koch fruits: Structural characterization and Antioxidant Activity.

In this study, we optimalthe ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid extraction(UAILE)process of polysaccharides from Crataegus songarica K. Kochfruits. The optimal conditions determined were: ultrasonic power of 400 W, temperature of 79℃, extraction time of 78 min, Ethylammonium dodecyl sulfate(EADS) concentration of 1.52 mg/mL, and liquid-solid ratio of 51:1 mL/g. Under these conditions, the polysaccharides yield was34.37%, which was significantly higher than that obtained by the conventional ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and hot waterextraction(HWE)methods. After purification, we studied the chemical composition, physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of polysaccharides (CSP).The results showed that CSP is a heteropolysaccharide containing α-linkage glucopyranose, which is mainly composed of mannose, arabinose, galactose and glucose, with a molecular weight(Mw)of 27.82×104Da. In addition, CSP demonstrated significant free radical scavenging ability, and was able to efficiently reduce the H2O2-induced HepG2 cellular malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, showing its superior antioxidant activity. Based on these properties, CSP is expected to be used as a novel efficacy factor in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Influence of water chemistry and contaminant occurrence on the oxidative stress ecology of Cottus gobio in a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps)

Understanding oxidative stress in high-mountain lake fish offers crucial insights into their health, resilience, and adaptation to extreme environmental changes. This study investigates the oxidative stress response of Cottus gobio in a high-mountain lake (Dimon Lake) located in the northeast Italy during the ice-free season, focusing on the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and physicochemical water parameters, as well as persistent and emerging contaminants. Significant seasonal variations were observed in water parameters, with lower oxygen, pH, conductivity, and phosphate levels in summer compared to autumn, while temperature, ammonium, and nitrate were higher in summer. Metal concentrations in C. gobio muscle were higher in autumn, with Zn showing the most significant increase. PAHs, NDL-PCBs, and pesticides were all below the limit of quantification in the fish muscle samples. No microplastics items were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish. Oxidative stress biomarkers revealed organ-specific and seasonal variations. The liver exhibited the highest activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-tranferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR), highlighting its central role in detoxification and metabolic processes. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was notably higher in muscle tissue during summer, suggesting increased metabolic activity. A strong correlation was found between pH and the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and metallothioneins (MTs), emphasizing the importance of water chemistry in influencing oxidative stress responses. This approach not only aids in understanding the local adaptations of these fish but also highlights the impacts of environmental stressors on high-mountain ecosystems. Continuous monitoring of water chemistry, particularly pH, is crucial for understanding and managing oxidative stress in aquatic organisms, especially in the context of global environmental changes.

α -lipoic acid supplementation reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in red skeletal muscle of insulin-resistant rats

α -lipoic acid (ALA) is an eight-carbon saturated fatty acid with strong antioxidant activity. Despite previous reports of ALA's protective properties in treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (including insulin resistance and diabetes), little is known about the compound's effects on skeletal muscle metabolism. In particular, the effect of ALA on glycooxidative and nitrosative damage in red muscles during insulin resistance is unknown. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of ALA on the antioxidant barrier as well as oxidative, nitrosative and carbonyl stress in the red skeletal muscle of rats with high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance. Male Wistar cmdb/outbred rats were divided into four equal groups: control diet (CTRL), high fat diet (HFD), CTRL+ALA (30 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks; intragastrically) and HFD+ALA. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems, protein and lipid glycoxidation, nitrosative stress, and selected inflammatory/apoptosis parameters were assessed using colorimetric, fluorimetric, and immune-enzymatic methods. ALA lowered body weight and glucose metabolism parameters in insulin-resistant rats. ALA not only strengthened enzymatic antioxidant defense (by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity) but also stimulated the synthesis of non-enzymatic GSH. ALA supplementation inhibited lipid peroxidation (decreased lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde content) and prevented protein oxidation (by lowering advanced oxidation protein products concentration) in red muscle. ALA's multifactorial actions on muscle tissue also included inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis, requiring further research to elucidate its effects in metabolic diseases.

Toxicity effects of microplastics individually and in combination with Aeromonas hydrophila on freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylous).

Opportunistic pathogens, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, can cause damage to freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylous) in some situations. In addition to direct damage to the body, microplastics (MPs) can also be responsible for transmitting pathogens to the animal. Accordingly, this research was prepared to investigate the effects of MP on the damage caused by A. hydrophila exposure in A. leptodactylous. Hepatic oxidative biomarkers, blood biochemical indices, and clinical signs were investigated in freshwater crayfish co-exposed to MPs (500 and 1000 mg kg-1) and A. hydrophila (5 and 10% of the median lethal dose (LD50)) for 30 days. In the hemolymph of infested crayfish with A. hydrophila, there were no significant changes in glutathione peroxidase activity or total antioxidant level. However, in some of the clinical parameters, exposure to MP alone had a significant effect. Cholesterol levels, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and the activity of γ-glutamyltransferase reduced, conversely, glucose, malondialdehyde, and aspartate aminotransferase increased. After co-exposure to A. hydrophila and MPs, certain parameters elevated in the hemolymph of crayfish such as glucose, activity of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. However, total protein, cholesterol, γ-glutamyltransferase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activity, and total antioxidants decreased. In contrast, elevation in malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in the hepatocytes of crayfish after co-exposure to A. hydrophila and MPs. To summarize, the investigation demonstrated that the interaction of MPs and A. hydrophila in crayfish has a synergistic effect on various factors.

Inter- and intraspecific blood-related biomarkers and chemical exposure in confined and free-living sea turtles.

The relevance of recovery centers and head-starting programs for rescue, rehabilitation, rearing, and conservation of sea turtles is recognized worldwide. In addition, these centers contribute to generating biochemical and physiological data needed to identify health markers and provide baseline values. Because of the marine ecosystems' deterioration, biomarker identification is a global priority for sea turtle conservation; nevertheless, information on specific endpoints, such as neurotoxicity and mutagenesis, is still limited in sea turtles. This study aimed to contrast a set of non-invasive blood biomarkers with ecotoxicological and clinical applications in confined green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) compared with free-living ones from the Mexican Caribbean. Additionally, interspecific (green, hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles) differences were also evaluated. Plasmatic organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) were also determined. The concentration ranges of uric acid, total proteins, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), and thyroxine of both confined and free-living green turtles fell outside the reference intervals for the species. Additionally, confined green turtles had the highest number of erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) and elevated levels of hemoglobin, lipid peroxidation, and activity of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and carboxylesterase (CE). Contrasts among confined species identified hawksbill turtles with the lowest glutathione reductase activity, green turtles with the lowest ENA frequency and CE activity, and loggerhead turtles with the highest plasmatic concentrations of PCBs and OCs. The information here provided can be used as information in health monitoring programs and for conservation and management policies at regional, national, and international level.

Chitosan oligosaccharide alleviates DON-induced liver injury via suppressing ferroptosis in mice.

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a water-soluble derivative of chitin, has been recognized for its diverse biological properties. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a prevalent mycotoxin, causing extreme liver damage. However, the mechanism whereby COS alleviates DON-induced liver injury remains unclear. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (CON), DON (1.0 mg/d/kg BW DON), COS (200 mg/d/kg BW COS), and COS+DON (200 mg/d/kg BW COS + 1.0 mg/d/kg BW DON), with a period of 28 days. The results indicated that COS effectively reversed DON-induced weight loss, elevated liver index, and liver hemorrhage and swelling in mice. Moreover, COS significantly reduced liver reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in DON-exposed mice, while restoring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Further investigations revealed that COS modulated the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-apoptotic proteins through stimulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, COS inhibited ferroptosis by modulating the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 pathway and the expression of FTH1 and FLC proteins, thereby reducing lipid peroxidation accumulation and iron overload. In summary, this research showed that COS mitigated DON-induced liver injury in mice by alleviating DON-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and ferroptosis via modulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB and GPX4 signaling pathways. These results offer a theoretical basis for the development and application of COS as a novel liver protectant and propose innovative therapeutic strategies for combating DON-induced liver damage.