GPx Activity Research Articles

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) alleviates inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and improves pregnancy outcomes in preeclampsia (PE)-like rats via eNOS/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Background and purposeEpigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant, has shown protective effect in many diseases. We explore the effect and potential regulatory mechanisms of EGCG in preeclampsia (PE)-like rats. Methods and materialsPE was mimicked in pregnant rats. EGCG was orally administered at a dosage of 25(Low, L) or 50 mg/kg (High, H) from gestational day (GD) 6–17. The blood pressure signatures, heart rates were monitored. The 24-h proteinuria and serum were analyzed. On GD 18, rats were sacrificed, and pups and placentas were weighed. Kidneys and placentas were analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E). Placentas were examined using western blot for sFlt1, eNOS, Nrf2, HO-1, SLC7A11. MDA, GSH, GPx and Fe2+ were measured. ResultsEGCG inhibits systolic blood pressure, BUN, CREA, ALT, AST, UA and proteinuria levels in PE-like rats. EGCG enhances the pup weight and crown-rump length and reduces the rate of fetus growth restriction in PE group. Endothelial dysfunction and infiltration of inflammatory cells were found in kidney cortex and placenta tissues in PE group and were inhibited by EGCG treatment. sFlt1 was activated in placentas in PE group and inhibited by EGCG while eNOS/Nrf2/HO-1 were inhibited in PE group and restored by EGCG. MDA and Fe concentrations were elevated in PE group and reduced by EGCG while the GSH level, SLC7A11 and the GPx activity were inhibited in PE group and restored by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG alleviates inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and placental ferroptosis, improves pregnancy outcomes in PE-like rats via eNOS/Nrf2/HO-1.

Aspergillus awamori: potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic colonic inflammation with a significant health hazard. Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) is a microorganism with various bioactive compounds with natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present work aimed to elucidate the protective and therapeutic effects of varying concentrations of A. awamori against acetic acid (AA)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. Nine groups of albino male rats were established: a control negative group (G1), a control positive group (G2,AA), and preventive protocol groups (including G3A, G4A, and G5A) that received 100 mg, 50 mg, and 25 mg/kg b.w, respectively, of A. awamori orally and daily from the 1st day of the experiment and for 7 consecutive days. Then, they were subjected to one dose of AA intrarectally on day 8th. G3B, G4B, and G5B were termed as curative protocol groups that received one dose of AA on day 8th and then administered 100 mg, 50 mg, and 25 mg/kg b.w. of A. awamori, respectively, on day 9th and continued receiving these doses daily until day 16th. Rats in the AA group exhibited marked histopathological alterations of the distal colon, with an exaggeration of the DAI. In addition, a remarkable increase in oxidative stress was represented by the elevation of MDA and NO levels with a decline in SOD and GPx activities. In addition, upregulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNA expressions and downregulation of Muc2 and Nrf2 levels were detected. Unambiguously, a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect was noticed either in A. awamori prevented or treated groups expounded by reducing and regulating TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β with improved pathological lesion scoring. The Muc2, Nrf2, and bcl-2 gene levels were upregulated and restored also. In summary, the findings in this work reveal that A. awamori supplementation successfully alleviated the UC induced by AA, which had a better effect when administered before colitis induction.

Cd-induced cytotoxicity and its HO-1 and ROS quenching enzyme-mediated regulation in 2–3 leaf stage seedlings of Sorghum bicolor: An important millet crop of the arid & semi-arid regions

Cadmium is a non-essential trace metal element with no known biological function. Cd is toxic to both plants and human beings; hence, it is of prime concern to the scientific community. The objective of this research is to find out the effect of heme oxygenase 1 on Cd toxicity in Sorghum bicolor seedlings. Hydroponically adapted seedlings were treated to various concentrations of Cd within the range of 10 to 200 μM. Seedlings were harvested after 120 h of Cd stress. The cellular homeostasis and metal tolerance mechanisms were conducted to evaluate growth parameters, stress parameters (MDA and H2O2 content), non-enzymatic and enzymatic parameters (CAT, APX and GPX) including HO 1. The results showed that HO 1 activity was measured to be highest in leaves at 150 μM CdCl2, which was 29.61 %.The HO 1 activity was correlated with the MDA content and antioxidant enzymes activity at this Cd concentration. The highest activity of HO 1 was revealed through the decrease of GPX and CAT activities. Consequently, HO 1 works within a cohort that helps the development of the plant's defense mechanisms by scavenging ROS, which is confirmed by the time-dependent study. Accordingly, our research highlighted that HO 1 might increase the efficiency of stress tolerance by enhancing antioxidant defence mechanisms against Cd toxicity in S. bicolor.

Estetrol Inhibits Endometriosis Development in an In Vivo Murine Model

Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, and it is associated with alterations in the expression of hormone receptors and inflammation. Estetrol (E4) is a weak estrogen that recently has been approved for contraception. We evaluated the effect of E4 on the growth of endometriotic-like lesions and the expression of TNF-α, estrogen receptors (ERs), and progesterone receptors (PRs) in an in vivo murine model. Endometriosis was induced surgically in female C57BL/6 mice. E4 was delivered via Alzet pump (3 mg/kg/day) from the 15th postoperative day for 4 weeks. E4 significantly reduced the volume (p < 0.001) and weight (p < 0.05) of ectopic lesions. Histologically, E4 did not affect cell proliferation (PCNA immunohistochemistry) but it did increase cell apoptosis (TUNEL assay) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it modulated oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, and GPX activity, p < 0.05) and increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS/MDA, p < 0.01). Molecular analysis showed mRNA (RT-qPCR) and protein (ELISA) expression of TNF-α decreased (p < 0.05) and mRNA expression of Esr2 reduced (p < 0.05), in contrast with the increased expression of Esr1 (p < 0.01) and Pgr (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrates for the first time that E4 limited the development and progression of endometriosis in vivo.

Systemic inflammation in early lactation and its relation to the cows' oxidative and metabolic status, productive and reproductive performance, and activity

A dysregulated inflammatory response contributes to the occurrence of disorders in cows during the transition period from pregnancy to lactation. However, a detailed characterization of clinically healthy cows that exhibit an enhanced inflammatory response during this critical period remains incomplete. In this experiment, a total of 99 individual transition dairy cows and 109 observations (18 cows monitored in 2 consecutive lactations), submitted to similar transition management were involved to evaluate the relationship between elevated an inflammatory response and metabolic and oxidative status, as well as transition outcomes. Blood was taken at -7, 3, 6, 9, and 21 DIM, and concentrations of metabolic parameters (glucose, β-hydroxybutyric acid, nonesterified fatty acids [NEFA], insulin, IGF-1, and fructosamine) were analyzed. Additionally, oxidative parameters (proportion of oxidized glutathione to total glutathione in red blood cells, the activity of glutathione peroxidase [GPx] and superoxide dismutase, concentrations of malondialdehyde, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and acute phase proteins (APP) including haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA) and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A:G) were determined in the blood at 21 DIM. The 3 APP parameters were used to group clinically healthy cows into 2 categories through k-medoids clustering (i.e., a group showing an acute phase response, APR; n = 39) and a group not showing such a response (i.e., non-APR; n = 50). Diseased cases (n = 20) were handled in a separate group. Lower SAA and Hp concentrations as well as higher A:G were observed in the non-APR group, although for Hp, differences were observed from the APR group and not from the diseased group. Only 1 of the 5 oxidative parameters differed between the groups, with the non-APR group exhibiting lower GPx activity compared with the diseased group. The non-APR group showed the highest IGF-1 levels among the 3 groups and and lower NEFA concentrations compared with the diseased groups. Cows in the diseased group also showed reduced dry matter intake and milk yield compared with clinically healthy cows, regardless of their inflammatory status. Moreover, the APR group exhibited temporarily lower activity levels compared with the non-APR group. These findings highlight that cows with a lower inflammatory status after 21 DIM exhibited better metabolic health characteristics and productive performance, as well as activity levels. Nevertheless, the detrimental effects of a higher inflammatory status in the absence of clinical symptoms are still relatively limited.

Redox balance and immunity of piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge after treatment with hemp or fish oil, and vitamin E

This study investigated the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative status and immune responses in weanling piglets pre- and post-E. coli challenge. Suckling piglets (n = 24) were randomly selected from two litters for an oral supplementation (1 mL/day) with fish oil or hemp oil and vitamin E supplementation (60 mg natural vitamin E/mL oil) from day 10 to 28 of age. At day 29 and 30 of age, each piglet was orally inoculated with 6.7 × 108 and 3.96 × 108 CFU of F4 and F18 E. coli, respectively. Blood was sampled from all piglets on day 28 before E. coli challenge and on day 35 of age to investigate immunological and oxidative stress markers in plasma. One week after weaning and exposure to E. coli, a general reduction in the α-tocopherol concentration and activity of GPX1 was obtained. Vitamin E supplementation lowered the extent of lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidative status and immune responses after E. coli challenge. Hemp oil had the greatest effect on antioxidant enzyme activity. Provision of hemp oil and vitamin E to suckling piglets may reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea.

Superoxide Dismutase Mimetic Avasopasem Manganese Enhances Radiation Therapy Effectiveness in Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Accelerates Wound Healing.

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are mesenchymal malignant lesions that develop in soft tissues. Despite current treatments, including radiation therapy (RT) and surgery, STSs can be associated with poor patient outcomes and metastatic recurrences. Neoadjuvant radiation therapy (nRT), while effective, is often accompanied by severe postoperative wound healing complications due to damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Thus, there is a need to develop therapeutic approaches to reduce nRT toxicities. Avasopasem manganese (AVA) is a selective superoxide dismutase mimetic that protects against IR-induced oral mucositis and lung fibrosis. We tested the efficacy of AVA in enhancing RT in STSs and in promoting wound healing. Using colony formation assays and alkaline comet assays, we report that AVA selectively enhanced the STS (liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and MPNST) cellular response to radiation compared to normal dermal fibroblasts (NDFs). AVA is believed to selectively enhance radiation therapy by targeting differential hydrogen peroxide clearance in tumor cells compared to non-malignant cells. STS cells demonstrated increased catalase protein levels and activity compared to normal fibroblasts. Additionally, NDFs showed significantly higher levels of GPx1 activity compared to STSs. The depletion of glutathione using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) sensitized the NDF cells to AVA, suggesting that GPx1 may, in part, facilitate the selective toxicity of AVA. Finally, AVA significantly accelerated wound closure in a murine model of wound healing post RT. Our data suggest that AVA may be a promising combination strategy for nRT therapy in STSs.

Towards a natural treatment for mania: red onion husk extract modulates neuronal resilience, redox signalling, and glial activation

BackgroundRed onion husk, a readily available agricultural waste material, contains diverse bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to assess the safety and therapeutic potential of red onion husk extract in managing manic-like symptoms and associated neurochemical dysfunctions.MethodsAcute and repeated oral dose studies were conducted in mice and rats to evaluate the safety profile of the extract. FT-IR analysis identified functional groups in the extract, while GC-MS analysis identified specific bioactive compounds in the flavonoid-rich fraction. A ketamine-induced manic behaviour model in Wistar rats was employed to assess the extract’s efficacy in attenuating manic-like symptoms. Behavioural and neurochemical analyses were performed to further investigate the extract’s effects.ResultsThe extract demonstrated a favourable safety profile in both acute and repeated dose studies. FT-IR analysis revealed a complex mixture of organic compounds, including hydroxyl groups, alkynes/nitriles, aromatic and non-aromatic C = C bonds, amines, and polysaccharides. GC-MS analysis identified 17 bioactive compounds, including five-methyl-2-phenylindolizine, methadone N-oxide, and 3-phenylthiane, S-oxide. Ketamine administration significantly increased oxidative stress markers, TBARS, and suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, CAT) in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, alongside elevated acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, indicating enhanced neuronal excitability. Pre-treatment with FRF (25 mg/kg) effectively mitigated ketamine-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced TBARS levels and partially restored SOD and GPx activities. Interestingly, FRF significantly increased CAT activity (p < 0.001), potentially suggesting an additional compensatory mechanism. Notably, FRF pre-treatment also counteracted ketamine-upregulated AchE activity, offering neuroprotection against heightened neuronal excitability.ConclusionRed onion husk extract exhibits a favourable safety profile and exerts potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, possibly through modulating Nrf2 signalling pathways. Its ability to counteract ketamine-induced oxidative stress and neuronal hyperactivity highlights its potential as a complementary therapeutic strategy for managing manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying FRF’s action and explore its clinical efficacy in human studies.

Adverse Health Effects of the Long-Term Simultaneous Exposure to Arsenic and Particulate Matter in a Murine Model.

PM2.5 and arsenic are two of the most hazardous substances for humans that coexist worldwide. Independently, they might cause multiple organ damage. However, the combined effect of PM2.5 and arsenic has not been studied. Here, we used an animal model of simultaneous exposure to arsenic and PM2.5. Adult Wistar rats were exposed to PM2.5, As, or PM2.5 + As and their corresponding control groups. After 7, 14, and 28 days of exposure, the animals were euthanized and serum, lungs, kidneys, and hearts were collected. Analysis performed showed high levels of lung inflammation in all experimental groups, with an additive effect in the coexposed group. Besides, we observed cartilaginous metaplasia in the hearts of all exposed animals. The levels of creatine kinase, CK-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase increased in experimental groups. Tissue alterations might be related to oxidative stress through increased GPx and NADPH oxidase activity. The findings of this study suggest that exposure to arsenic, PM2.5, or coexposure induces high levels of oxidative stress, which might be associated with lung inflammation and heart damage. These findings highlight the importance of reducing exposure to these pollutants to protect human health.

Empagliflozin drives ferroptosis in anoikis-resistant cells by activating miR-128-3p dependent pathway and inhibiting CD98hc in breast cancer

A tumour suppressor miRNA, miR-128-3p, is widely involved in various biological processes and has been found to get downregulated in breast cancer patients. We previously published that ectopically expressed miR-128-3p suppressed migration, invasion, cell cycle arrest, and breast cancer stem cells. In the present study, we explored the role of Empagliflozin (EMPA) as a miR-128-3p functionality-mimicking drug in inducing ferroptosis by inhibiting CD98hc. Given that CD98hc is one of the proteins critical in triggering ferroptosis, we confirmed that miR-128-3p and EMPA inhibited SP1, leading to inhibition of CD98hc expression. Further, transfection with siCD98hc, miR-128-3p mimics, and inhibitors was performed to assess their involvement in the ferroptosis of anoikis-resistant cells. We proved that anoikis-resistant cells possess high ROS and iron levels. Further, miR-128-3p and EMPA treatments induced ferroptosis by inhibiting GSH and enzymatic activity of GPX4 and also induced lipid peroxidation. Moreover, EMPA suppressed bioluminescence of 4T1-Red-FLuc induced thoracic cavity, peritoneal tumour burden and lung nodules in an in-vivo metastatic model of breast cancer. Collectively, we revealed that EMPA sensitized the ECM detached cells to ferroptosis by synergically activating miR-128-3p and lowering the levels of SP1 and CD98hc, making it a potential adjunct drug for breast cancer chemotherapy.

Effect of temporal thermal stress on Penaeus vannamei: Growth performance and physiological plasticity.

The present study evaluated the effect of temporal periods of hypothermia and hyperthermia, followed by an optimal temperature recovery phase on the growth, survival, and physiological response of Penaeus vannamei. Post-larvae were exposed to stress periods for 7 and 14 days at 22 °C and 32 °C each, followed by a recovery phase at 28 °C to complete seven experimental weeks, and were compared with a control group maintained at 28 °C. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and survival were weekly determined. Muscle, hepatopancreas, and hemolymph were sampled on the 14th day of the recovery phase for biochemical composition, and antioxidant and digestive enzyme activities determination. The shrimp presented a higher growth rate during short-term hyperthermia in contrast to shrimp under hypothermia that presented compensatory growth after thermal stress when the temperature was restored at 28 °C. Hyperthermia increased 12–13% the feed intake while this was diminished 21–29% by the hypothermia periods. Shrimp undergo metabolic adjustments following thermal stress, with short hypothermia increasing the lipase activity and lipid storage in the hepatopancreas, while short hyperthermia also enhances chymotrypsin activity and leads to higher protein and lipid accumulation. Conversely, prolonged hyperthermia induces greater energy consumption, depleting lipid and glycogen stores, while hypothermia causes scarce mobilization of energy reserves during recovery phase. Antioxidant enzyme activities were not affected by short-thermal stress (7d), while prolonged thermal stress (14d) significantly affected SOD, CAT, and GPx activities. The present study provides important insights into the physiological plasticity of P. vannamei during recovery from thermal stress.

The presence of virulence factor genes downregulates uterine AQP3 and alters glutathione peroxidase activity and uterine histopathology in canine pyometra.

Present study was designed to evaluate the role of virulence factor genes (papG, cnf1 and hylA) in the pathogenesis of canine pyometra. Antimicrobial susceptibility test and detection of virulence genes were performed Escherichia coli (E. coli) detected in uterine swab samples. Animals were divided into two groups based on the presence (VF+, n:14) or absence (VF-, n:7) of the virulence factor genes papG, cnf1 and hylA. Blood and tissue glutathione peroxidase activity, uterine histopathologic analysis and AQP3, ESR1, PGR, OXTR gene expressions were determined in both groups. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 15.1. All E. coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin, whereas resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and lincomycin. None of the isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime. E. coli isolates had at least one virulence gene. The most prevalent gene was fimH (100%), followed by fyuA (95.8%), usp (83.3%), sfa (75%), cnf1 and hlyA (70.8%) genes. Blood GPx activity was greater in VF+ animals. On the other hand, uterine tissue GPx activity was lower in VF+ group compared to the control group. Expression levels of AQP3 were upregulated more than fivefold in VF-dogs compared to the control group. In addition, AQP3 expression levels were found approximately threefold higher in VF (-) than VF (+) group (p < .05). Varying degree of inflammation noted for all animals with pyometra, but the presence of bacteria noted only in VF+ animals. In conclusion, the presence of virulence factor genes does not play a role in the histopathological degree of inflammation, the presence of bacteria was found to vary. Serum GPx activity increased in VF+ animals. While the hormone receptor expressions were similar, AQP expression was upregulated in the absence of virulence factor genes.

Exploring effects of organic selenium supplementation on pork loin: Se content, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and metabolomic profiling during storage.

This research was conducted to study the effects of organic selenium (Se) supplements at different levels on pork loin quality during storage. Fifteen pork loins were procured randomly from three groups, Con (fed basal diet), Se15 (fed 0.15 ppm organic Se along with 0.10 ppm inorganic Se), and Se45 (fed 0.45 ppm organic Se along with 0.10 ppm inorganic Se). Each sample was analyzed for Se contents, antioxidant properties (glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity, 2,2'-azinobis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] [ABTS] and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activities, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), physicochemical properties (water holding capacity, pH, color), and metabolomic analysis during 14-day storage period. Se45-supplemented group showed significantly higher Se contents and GPx activity than the other groups throughout the storage period. However, other antioxidant properties were not significantly affected by Se supplementation. Selenium supplementation did not have an adverse impact on physicochemical properties. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-based metabolomic analysis indicated that the selenium supply conditions were insufficient to induce metabolic change. These results suggest that organic Se (0.15 and 0.45 ppm) can accumulate high Se content in pork loins without compromising quality.

Potential Protective Role of Radicut in Valproic Acid-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Spleen

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the potential protective role of Radicut (RAD) in Valproic acid (VPA)-induced oxidative stress in splenic tissues of rats. Method: Rats were divided into groups as follows: Group 1: Controls (n=8), Group II: R: RAD-given group (30 mg/kg/day, n=8), Group III: V: VPA-given group (0.5 g/kg/day, n=10), Group IV: V+R: VPA+RAD-given group (30 mg/kg/day, n=11). VPA, RAD, and VPA+RAD were given to the animals for 7 days (i.p). Biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress were determined in spleen homogenates. Results: VPA elevated oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and sialic acid levels, increasing alkaline phosphatase activity, and decreasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S- transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Administration of RAD to VPA-given group decreased LPO, SA levels, and acid phosphatase levels, and increased tissue factor, SOD, GST, and GPx activities. Conclusion: RAD reversed the biochemical results in the V group, by clarifying its protective effect. RAD has the potential to prevent oxidative stress during VPA treatment, which could be beneficial.

Quercetin and hesperidin protection against hepato-renal damage occasioned by carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in a rat model

BackgroundCurrent pharmacological research has shown that medicinal plants have notable bioactivities. For more than a millennium, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has prescribed CRP primarily as a qi-regulating medication for therapeutic purposes. Hence, the synergistic effect of the two medicinal plants on the hepato-renal damage in rats exposed to CCL4. Materials and MethodsFor twenty-one days, rats were gavaged with quercetin and hesperidin (2.4 and 2.4 mg/kg each) after being exposed to CCL4 (0.5 mg/kg). Samples were taken to evaluate several biochemical markers. Nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The activity of the enzymes alanine transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated to represent liver function. Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated for antioxidant level, total bilirubin, total protein, urea, uric acid, and creatinine), as well as histopathology were assessed. ResultsThe concentration of total bilirubin, total protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine, increased considerably (P < 0.05) after exposure to carbon tetrachloride, with the levels of H2O2, MDA, SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH, and the activities of ALT and AST in serum, also, changes observed in histopathological findings. Upon treatment with the extracts, the levels of H2O2 and MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced and modify SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH, ALT, and ALP activities in rats substantially (P < 0.05). With slid changes on histopathological effect. ConclusionQuercetin and hesperidin treatment successfully improved liver and kidney pathophysiology and reduce the level of ROS. Thus, quercetin and hesperidin can be recommended as a hepato-renal preventive agent against CCL4-induced toxicity.

Biochemical, morphological and molecular assessments of n butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera L. following exposure to inorganic mercury on the liver of Wistar rats

BackgroundMercury chloride (HgCl2) damages tissues it comes in contact with in sufficient concentration. This study evaluated the protective effects of n-butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera (BFPD) on mercury-triggered liver toxicity in Wistar rats. 25 male rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group I was administered 2 ml/kg of distilled water; group II was administered 5 mg/kg of HgCl2; group III was administered 500 mg/kg of BFPD + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2; group IV was administered 1000 mg/kg of BFPD + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2, while group V was administered 100 mg/kg of silymarin + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2. orally for 2 weeks. The rats were euthanized and liver tissue blood samples were collected for histological, histochemical, stereological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and biochemical studies.ResultsThe results revealed that HgCl2 induced oxidative stress in the rats evident by histoarchitectural distortions and altered levels of liver enzymes, proteins, and oxidative stress biomarkers when compared to the control. However, BFPD treatment restored these changes. Glutathione peroxidase levels decreased (p < 0.05) in the HgCl2−treated group when compared to the control and BFPD-treated groups. HgCl2 group revealed reduced reactivity with histochemical and immunohistochemical stains (Masson’s Trichrome and B cell Lymphoma 2) when compared to the control, with a significant decrease in quantified liver Bcl-2 stain intensity when compared to the silymarin-treated group. BFPD administration revealed normal staining intensity comparable to the control. HgCl2 administration revealed a remarked decrease in the number of hepatocytes when compared to the control, BFPD, and silymarin groups. BFPD preserved (p < 0.05) the stereological features when compared to the HgCl2-treated group. GPx activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.05) with HgCl2 administration when compared to the control and silymarin-treated groups. BFPD attenuated GPx gene activity to levels similar to the control indicating some level of amelioration against HgCl2-induced toxicity.ConclusionsThe ability of BFPD to mitigate HgCl2 triggered liver alterations could be attributed to the antioxidant property of its flavonoid content. Therefore, BFPD may be a potential candidate for treating and managing liver-induced mercury intoxication.

Moringa isothiocyanate-1 mitigates the damage of oxidative stress and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Moringa isothiocyanate-1 (MIC-1) has shown potential for DN management, however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. This research intended to evaluate the impact and mechanism of MIC-1 on DN. Six C57BLKS/J-db/m mice served as controls. Eighteen C57BLKS/J-db/db mice were randomly separated into three groups: db/db, db/db + irbesartan (IBS), and db/db + MIC-1. Three weeks post-drug administration, the body weight and kidney weight of mice in each group were measured. Concurrently, serum creatinine (Scr), urine albumin, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), oxidative stress-, and inflammatory-related factors were determined. Additionally, the pathological injury, apoptosis, apoptosis-related markers, NLRP3, and ASC levels in the kidney tissues were examined utilizing H&E, Masson, PAS, TUNEL staining, and Western blot. MIC-1 decreased the body weight, kidney weight, the levels of Glu, Scr, and urine albumin in db/db mice. Moreover, MIC-1 significantly suppressed the levels of MDA, insulin, GHb, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPX in the serum of db/db mice. MIC-1 also mitigated the kidney tissue injury in db/db mice. Western blot assay showed that MIC-1 enhanced the Bcl-2 level and suppressed the Bax, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 levels of the kidney tissues in db/db mice. MIC-1 ameliorated the kidney injury in DN mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the suppression of renal cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses.

The Effect of Short-Term Artificial Feed Domestication on the Expression of Oxidative-Stress-Related Genes and Antioxidant Capacity in the Liver and Gill Tissues of Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi).

To investigate whether Mandarin fish developed oxidative stress after being domesticated with artificial feed, we conducted a series of experiments. Oxidative stress is an important factor leading to diseases and aging in the body. The liver integrates functions such as digestion, metabolism, detoxification, coagulation, and immune regulation, while the gills are important respiratory organs that are sensitive to changes in the water environment. Therefore, we used the liver and gills of Mandarin fish as research materials. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term artificial feed domestication on the expression of oxidative stress genes and the changes in oxidative-stress-related enzyme activity in the liver and gills of Mandarin fish. We divided the Mandarin fish into two groups for treatment. The control group was fed with live bait continuously for 14 days, while the experimental group was fed with half artificial feed and half live bait from 0 to 7 days (T-7 d), followed by solely artificial feed from 7 to 14 days (T-14 d). The experimental results showed that there was no difference in the body weight, length, and standard growth rate of the Mandarin fish between the two groups of treatments; after two treatments, there were differences in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress in the gills (keap1, kappa, gsta, gstt1, gstk1, SOD, and CAT) and in the liver (GPx, keap1, kappa, gsta, gstt1, gr, and SOD). In the liver, GPx activity and the content of MDA were significantly upregulated after 7 days of domestication, while in the gills, SOD activity was significantly upregulated after 7 days of domestication and GPx activity was significantly downregulated after 14 days of domestication. These results suggest that artificial feed domestication is associated with oxidative stress. Moreover, these results provide experimental basic data for increasing the production of aquaculture feed for Mandarin fish.

The Bioremediation of Industrial Effluents by Phanerochaete Chrysosporium: The COD, TOC Removal Efficiency and Biochemical Assessment for Dreissena Polymorpha

AbstractBioremediation is one of the cheapest and easy method for biological treatment for most kind of industial wastewater. Bioremediation potential of the Phanerochaete chrysosporium for industrial wastewater from Industrial Zone Wastewater plant in Mardin, Turkey, was evaluated. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) reduction efficiencies of P. chrysoporium of on wastewater studied using biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Thiobarbituric Acid (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in Dreissena polymorpha. The level of TBARS, a marker of lipid peroxidation was found to be high because of wastewater exposure after treatment. TBARS levels decreased (from 20.2 to 31.6 and from 20.8 to 37.5). GSH levels (from 52.3 to 15.9), CAT levels (from, 119.7 to 15.3 and from 91.1 to 13.4) SOD levels (from 3.8 to 0.9 and from 3.4 to 1.2) and GPX activity (from 177.2 to 104.4 and 174.2 to 100.5) decreased in the wastewater exposure groups during 24 and 96th hour compared to the control groups. GSH levels, CAT, SOD and GPX activity increased after treatment by P. chrysosporium. Results indicate that industrial wastewater caused oxidative stress in Dreissena polymorpha. The findings revealed that the highest removal efficiency for COD and TOC, at 86.3 % and 80.3 % respectively, occurred in the 1/20 diluted medium. P. chrysosporium has proven to be effective in the bioremediation of wastewater from the Industrial Zone Changes in biochemical parameters before and after bioremediation showed that antioxidant parameters such as CAT, SOD, GPx activities and GSH and TBARS levels can be used as biomarker to evaluate bioremediation efficiency.

The Role of Glutathione in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease that usually develops in older people. Pathogenetic changes in this disease include anatomical and functional complexes. Harmful factors damage the retina and macula. These changes may lead to partial or total loss of vision. The disease can occur in two clinical forms: dry (the progression is slow and gentle) and exudative (wet-progression is acute and severe), which usually starts in the dry form; however, the coexistence of both forms is possible. The etiology of AMD is not fully understood, and the precise mechanisms of the development of this illness are still unknown. Extensive genetic studies have shown that AMD is a multi-factorial disease and that genetic determinants, along with external and internal environmental and metabolic-functional factors, are important risk factors. This article reviews the role of glutathione (GSH) enzymes engaged in maintaining the reduced form and polymorphism in glutathione S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1) and glutathione S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1) in the development of AMD. We only chose papers that confirmed the influence of the parameters on the development of AMD. Because GSH is the most important antioxidant in the eye, it is important to know the influence of the enzymes and genetic background to ensure an optimal level of glutathione concentration. Numerous studies have been conducted on how the glutathione system works till today. This paper presents the current state of knowledge about the changes in GSH, GST, GR, and GPx in AMD. GST studies clearly show increased activity in ill people, but for GPx, the results relating to activity are not so clear. Depending on the research, the results also suggest higher and lower GPx activity in patients with AMD. The analysis of polymorphisms in GST genes confirmed that mutations lead to weaker antioxidant barriers and may contribute to the development of AMD; unfortunately, a meta-analysis and some research did not confirm that connection. Unspecific results of many of the parameters that make up the glutathione system show many unknowns. It is so important to conduct further research to understand the exact mechanism of defense functions of glutathione against oxidative stress in the human eye.