GSH-Px), Glutathione Reductase Research Articles

Assessment of Combined Effects of Selenium and Cadmium on Antioxidant Activity of Enzymes Produced by Citrobacter freundii

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study is novel in demonstrating the differential effects of cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) on Citrobacter freundii, specifically highlighting the mitigation of Cd toxicity by Se addition. The research reveals that while Cd concentrations above 40 ppm hinder bacterial growth and significantly reduce protein content, Se addition alleviates these detrimental effects, reducing the protein content decline and antioxidant enzyme activities. This work provides new insights into the interplay between heavy metal toxicity and antioxidant defenses in bacteria, suggesting potential biotechnological applications for managing Cd contamination. Full Abstract In this study, Citrobacter freundii (NRRL B-2643) bacteria were cultured in an LB medium with different cadmium (Cd) concentrations. To mitigate the deleterious impact of Cd, varying quantities of selenium (Se), renowned for its antioxidative power, were added to the cadmium-containing growth medium. Bacterial concentration, soluble protein, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Glutathione reductase (GSH-Red), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) were determined by spectrophotometer. No significant microorganism growth was observed at 150 ppm and higher Cd concentrations. However, the bacterial growth was not affected up to 40 ppm Cd concentration. Bacteria were grown in media containing 0, 75, 100, and 125 ppm Cd, where the 0-ppm cadmium group served as control. The protein content of the microorganism grown in the medium containing 75, 100, and 125 ppm Cd decreased about 21, 40, and 62 percent, respectively, compared to the control. When 3.0 ppm selenium was added to the same growth medium, the percentage decrease in protein amount compared to the control was 12, 25, and 50, respectively. Compared to the control, an increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities in bacteria grown in cadmium-containing media was observed (p<0.05). With the addition of 1.0 and 3.0 ppm selenium to cadmium-containing media, a decrease was observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Effect of Cadmium and Vitamin C on Citrobacter Freundii's Antioxidant Enzymes and Stress Markers

In this study, Citrobacter freundii (NRRL B-2643) bacteria were grown in LB medium containing varying concentrations of cadmium (Cd). In order to reduce the negative effect of Cd, different concentrations of vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, were added to the Cd-containing growth medium. Bacterial concentration, soluble protein and activities of antioxidant enzymes (Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD)) were determined by spectrophotometer. In addition, reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), 4-hydroxyneoneal (4-HNE), malondialdehyde (MDA) amounts were determined by HPLC. No significant microorganism growth was observed at 150 ppm and higher Cd concentrations. Bacteria production was not affected up to 40 ppm Cd concentration. Bacteria were grown in media containing 0, 75, 100 and 125 ppm Cd. The protein content of the microorganism grown in the medium containing 75, 100 and 125 ppm Cd decreased about 24, 44 and 62 percent, respectively, comparisons to the control. When 50 ppm of vitamin C was added to the same growth medium, the percentage decrease in protein amount compared to the control was found to be 10, 31 and 50, respectively. An increase was observed in the antioxidant enzymes activities and stress markers in bacteria grown in cadmium-containing media compared to the control (p<0.05). With the addition of 25, 50 and 75 ppm vitamin C to cadmium-containing media, a decrease was observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the amounts of stress markers.

Reduced antioxidant capacity in children with iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R), and paraoxonase (PON1) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and investigate susceptibility to atherosclerosis with decreasing antioxidant capacity in adolescent patients with iron deficiency (ID) and irondeficiency anemia (IDA). Twenty-five patients with IDA (14.9±1.8 years; 14 female and 11 male patients), 25 patients with ID (14.1±2.24 years; 13 female and 12 male patients) and 21 healthy controls (14.04±2.01 years; 11 female and 10 male individuals) were included in the study. Serum PON1, GSH-Px, GSH-R, and CIMT were measured in all cases. After 3-month oral iron therapy for the group with IDA, the same measurements were performed again. CIMT was statistically significantly higher in patients with ID and IDA than in the control group (p<0.05). PON1, GSH-Px, and GSH-R activities decreased and were statistically significantly low in patients with IDA compared to the control group (p<0.05). Serum PON1 activity was statistically significantly lower in patients with ID than in the control group (p<0.05). Post-treatment PON1, GSH-Px, and GSH-R activities in patients with IDA got back to normal and were statistically significantly higher compared to pre-treatment values. Antioxidant capacity decreases in patients with IDA and ID, which causes atherosclerotic changes. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency must be treated without the development of iron-deficiency anemia.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Subjects.

The oxidant/antioxidant balance has been implicated in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. We investigated oxidative damage and antioxidant status in high-risk prostate cancer subjects. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in erythrocytes, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in leukocytes and plasma levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxide products were measured in high-risk and age-matched healthy subjects. Serum PSA levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in high-risk subjects, whereas GST (p < 0.0001) and GSH (p < 0.002) were higher in healthy controls. Levels of 8-OHdG, an oxidized nucleoside of DNA, were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in high-risk subjects. No marked difference in the levels of CAT (p = 0.237), GSH-Px (p = 0.74), GSH-R (p = 0.344), SOD (p = 0.109), and lipid peroxide products (p = 0129) were observed between two groups. Pearson’s correlation between GST and PSA (r = −0.69 (p < 0.0001)), GST and 8-OHdG (r = −0.62 (p < 0.0004)), GSH and 8-OHdG (r= −0.39 (p = 0.038)), and CAT and GSH-Px (r= −0.33 (p = 0.04)) were found to be negatively correlated, whereas 8-OHdG and PSA were positively associated (r= 0.57 (p < 0.002). These results indicate a significant role of oxidative damage in prostate carcinogenesis, particularly during the early stages of development. In conclusion, our data support the importance of antioxidant defense as a valuable diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in prostate cancer.

Polysaccharide from Phellinus igniarius alleviates oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice

To evaluate the role of polysaccharide from Phellinus igniarius (PPI) in the improvement of oxidative stress, hepatic granuloma and hepatic fibrosis in Schistosoma japonicum-iniected in mice. The mouse model of schistosomiasis was established by S. japonicum cercariae infection via the abdomen. Balb/c mice were randomly assigned into 5 groups, including the healthy control group (Group A), infection control group (Group B), PPI treatment group (Group C), praziquantel treatment group (Group D) and PPI-praziquantel combination group (Group E), of 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in groups B, C, D and E was infected with (30 ± 2) S. japonicum cercariae. Then, mice in groups D and E were given praziquantel by gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg for successive two days on day 42 post-infection, while mice in groups C and E were given PPI by gavage at a dose of 400 mg/kg for successive 30 days on day 42 post-infection. Histopathological changes of hepatic tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN) were determined, while the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) and glutathione (GSH) were detected in Mouse liver homogenates. The expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was quantified in hepatic tissues using immunohistochemistry, and the Nrf2 and Gsta4 gene expression was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. Untreated mice presented typical pathological changes of schistosomal hepatic disorders, while PPI treatment effectively alleviated hepatic egg granulomas and collagen deposition. S. japonicum infection resulted in aggravation of hepatic lipid peroxidation, induction of oxidative stress, elevated serum MDA level and a reduction in the activity of GSH and antioxidant enzymes activities in mice. As compared to infected but untreated mice, PPI treatment suppressed hepatic lipid peroxidation, increased the GSH activity and restored the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, PPI treatment inhibited the TGF-β signaling pathway and up-regulated the Nrf2 and Gsta4 gene expression. PPI plays a critical role in the treatment of schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis. It may improve oxidative stress damages through up-regulating Nrf2 and Gsta4 gene expression, thereby suppressing the development of hepatic egg granulomas and hepatic fibrosis.

Extracts from Fermented Black Garlic Exhibit a Hepatoprotective Effect on Acute Hepatic Injury.

The mechanism of hepatoprotective compounds is usually related to its antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. Black garlic is produced from garlic by heat treatment and its anti-inflammatory activity has been previously reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of five different extracts of black garlic against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatic injury (AHI). In this study, mice in the control, CCl4, silymarin, and black garlic groups were orally administered distilled water, silymarin, and different fraction extracts of black garlic, respectively, after CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally to induce AHI. The results revealed that the n-butanol layer extract (BA) and water layer extract (WS) demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect by reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, the BA and WS fractions of black garlic extract increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and the interleukin-1 (IL-1β) level in liver. It was concluded that black garlic exhibited significant protective effects on CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury.

Effect of polyphenols from wild Chilean currants (Ribes spp.) on the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes in human gastric AGS cells

The protective effect of polyphenols from Chilean currants (Ribes spp.) in human epithelial gastric cells (AGS) against oxidative induced-stress has been recently reported. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of polyphenol-enriched extracts (PEE) from three Chilean Ribes species to modify the activities of the intracellular antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in AGS cells. The PEE of each species was fractionated using membrane chromatography to give an anthocyanin-enriched fraction (AF) and a copigment fraction (CF). A significant increase in the SOD activity was observed with a dose-response effect after an overnight incubation of AGS cells with the PEE, AF and CF from the selected species. The activity of CAT was enhanced by the CF of Ribes magellanicum and R. cucullatum, and by the AF of R. punctatum. For the GSH-R, a dose-response effect was observed in the extracts of R. magellanicum, while for the GSH-Px activity, only the AF of R. magellanicum and R. cucullatum had a significant increase. The studied samples were not able to increase the intracellular GSH content. Only the R. magellanicum samples raised the intracellular total antioxidant activity. These results suggested that the increase in the activity of the antioxidant response enzymes is associated with the cytoprotective effect of these native currants.

Protective effect of rosiglitazone against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury is associated with down-regulation of hepatic NADPH oxidases

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of rosiglitazone (RSG), a synthetic PPAR-γ agonist, on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury. Male CD-1 mice were injected with APAP (300mg/kg). Some mice were pretreated with RSG (20mg/kg) 48, 24 and 1h before APAP injection. As expected, RSG pretreatment alleviated APAP-induced acute liver injury. Moreover, RSG pretreatment attenuated APAP-induced hepatic cell death and improved the survival. Although it did not affect hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP)2E1 expression, RSG pretreatment attenuated reduction of hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, inhibited upregulation of hepatic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX)-2 and NOX-4, and alleviated hepatic GSH depletion during APAP-induced acute liver injury. In addition, RSG pretreatment suppressed activation of hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling during APAP-induced acute liver injury. These results provide a novel mechanistic explanation for RSG-mediated protection against APAP-induced acute liver injury. The present results suggest that synthetic PPAR-γ agonists might be effective agents for preventing the progression of APAP-induced acute liver injury.

Antioxidant properties of repaglinide and its protections against cyclosporine A-induced renal tubular injury.

Repaglinide (RG) is an antihyperglycemic agent used for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It has a good safety and efficacy profile in diabetic patients with complications in renal impairment and is an appropriate treatment choice, even for individuals with more severe degrees of renal malfunctions. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of RG on cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced rat renal impairment and to evaluate the antioxidant mechanisms by which RG exerts its protective actions. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into five groups: administrations of olive oil (control, PO), RG (0.4 mg/kg, PO), CsA (30 mg/kg in olive oil, SC), RG (0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg, PO) plus CsA (30 mg/kg in olive oil SC) every day for 15 days. SC administration of CsA (30 mg/kg) to rats produced marked elevations in the levels of renal impairment parameters such as urinary protein, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). It also caused histologic injury to the kidneys. Oral administration of RG (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) markedly decreased all the aforementioned changes. In addition, CsA caused increases in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione in kidney homogenate, which were reversed significantly by both doses of RG. The findings of our study indicate that RG may play an important role in protecting the kidney from oxidative insult.

Evaluation of Nootropic Activity of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Persicaria flaccida&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; on Cognitive Performance, Brain Antioxidant Markers and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Rats: Implication for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxidative stress is the leading cause of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer´s disease (AD). The plant Persicaria flaccida (PF) is known in Bengali as red Biskatali belongs to family Polygonaceae. Preliminary studies have shown the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective activities of Biskatali. In this consequence, methanolic extract of PF (MEPF) was selected to explore the ability of this plant to enhance cognitive functions, brain antioxidant enzymes and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity which can be used for the treatment of AD. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of MEPF on cognitive performance, brain antioxidant enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activity in rats by using behavioral and biochemical study. Treatment with MEPF (i.e., 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) was investigated for 14 days in Swiss albino male rats and its effects on different types of memory were examined using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test, Passive Avoidance (PA) test, Morris Water Maze (MWM) test as well as level of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in rat brain tissue homogenates. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was determined by colorimetric method. Administration of highest dose of MEPF significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) decreased retention transfer latency (RTL) of rats on 7th and 14th day compared to the control group in EPM test. In PA test highest dose of MEPF meaningfully (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) increased step-through latency (STL) of rats on 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th day with respect to control group. Both doses of MEPF markedly (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) decreased escape latency (EL), increased time spent in the target quadrant (TSTQ) and time spent in the annuli (TSA) of rats on successive days as compared to that of control group in MWM test. MEPF administration, especially highest dose significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001) increased the level of CAT, SOD, GSR, GST & GSH-Px and considerably (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) decreased TBARS level & AChE activity in the brain tissue homogenates of rats compared to the control group. Behavioral and biochemical studies suggest that MEPF promotes cognitive function by improving different types of memory and reduces oxidative stress by increasing the level of brain antioxidant markers and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. Therefore, this plant extract can be used for enhancing memory in neurodegenerative disorders like AD.

Effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone on improving memory deficits in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in rat

We investigate the effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) on improving memory deficits in the current study by using an animal model of type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats. Animals in control group went on a normal diet. Rats that developed diabetes were divided into 4 groups, including STZ-induced diabetic group which was treated with saline and three 20E groups received different 20E concentrations for 12 weeks. Spatial memory performance was measured in rats by the Morris water maze. The level of nuclear factor-кB (NF-кB) in the brain was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The mRNA levels and enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GR) were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR and spectrophotometry. The concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain were detected by ELISA. Compared with the control group, rats in the STZ-induced diabetic group that developed type 1 diabetes exhibited significant memory loss. In addition to the hippocampus CA1 area that displayed severe damage, significantly higher expression levels of NF-кB were observed in these rats. Furthermore, the expression levels of SOD, catalase, GSH-Px GR and BDNF were significantly decreased in rats with diabetes. By contrast, the treatment with 20E, especially at higher concentrations, reversed the above-mentioned conditions caused by diabetes. The results suggest that the 20E has a protective role in counteracting memory deficits in rats with diabetes of rat, possibly through enhancing the antioxidative ability in the brain.

Effect of zinc and selenium supplementation on antioxidative status of seminal plasma and testosterone, T4 and T3 level in goat blood serum

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) on antioxidative status and testosterone, T4 and T3 levels in 12 bucks aged between 2 and 4 years, weighing 25–35 kg. The experimental animals were divided in control and test groups containing six animals each. The animals of the control group were not given any supplementation, whereas test group were given supplementation of Zn and Se in the form of 150-ppm zinc sulphate and 0.50-ppm sodium selenite, respectively, for 105 days. Zn and Se levels in serum and seminal plasma, testosterone, T4 and T3 levels in serum and antioxidative status of seminal plasma were estimated at 0, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days of the experiment. After 60 days of supplementation, concentration of Zn and Se in seminal plasma and serum increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. After 60 days, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GSHR) and catalase (CAT) activity in seminal plasma of test group increased significantly (P<0.05), whereas lipid peroxidation (LPO) decreased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. After 60 days, serum testosterone, T4 and T3 concentration in test group increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. It may be concluded that Zn and Se supplementation can improve the antioxidative status and hormone levels by increasing the Zn and Se level in seminal plasma and serum, respectively.

Investigation of the Antioxidant Status in Multiple Myeloma Patients: Effects of Therapy

Multiple myeloma is a malignant silent incurable plasma cell disorder. The present study aimed to assessed the activation of the oxidative stress pathway in affected patients. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine deaminase (ADA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, glutathione, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in addition to related enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed in sixty patients with multiple myeloma before and after one month treatment with induction therapy. The results of the study showed a significant elevation in AOPPs, MDA, ADA levels in patients with multiple myeloma before and after treatment in comparison to healthy control samples In contrast TAC glutathione, vitamin C and E, and the antioxidant enzymes levels were decreased significantly. On comparing samples of MM patients after treatment, there was significant increase of TAC glutathione, vitamin C and E, and the antioxidant enzymes in parallel with decreasing AOPPs, MDA and ADA levels in comparison with samples of patients before treatment. The results indicate oxidative stress and DNA damage activity increase in MM and are alleviated in response to therapy.

INVOLVEMENT OF MAIN OXIDATIVE STRESS MECHANISMS IN THE TOXICITY OF BENOMYL AND CARBENDAZIM IN RATS

This study aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in toxicity induced by BNL (benomyl) and its metabolite CBZ (carbendazim), which are systemic broad-spectrum benzimidazole fungicides.The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd), γ−glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as the levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), being a lipid peroxidation marker and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured in the liver, kidney, testis and brain tissues of the rats, after acute exposure of the two fungicides and their mixture.In all tissues, it was observed that MDA levels were increased and changes in antioxidant defense system were occurred. The induction of oxidative stress manifested as changes in the activity and/or levels of antioxidative parameters has been suggested as the mechanism by which BNL and CBZ induces their toxic effects. *Correspondence: tunga@istanbul.edu.tr

Effects of Launaea procumbens on brain antioxidant enzymes and cognitive performance of rat.

BackgroundLaunaea procumbens is used in the treatment of oxidative stress and mental disorders. The effects of Launaea procumbens methanolic extracts (LPMEs), i.e., 100 and 200 LPME mg/kg body weight (b.w.), on cognitive performance as well as on the activity of acetylcholinesterase, and antioxidant enzymes in rat brain tissue homogenates were evaluated.MethodsThirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided equally into three groups. Rats in group I (control) were given saline (vehicle), group II received LPME (100 mg/kg b.w., p.o.), and group III were treated with LPME (200 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 7 days. Antioxidant potential was assessed by measuring the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx), glutathione reductase (GSR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) contents in brain tissue homogenates. Activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cognitive performance were also assessed.ResultsLPME administration reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS contents), increased GSH levels and enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT, GSHpx, GSR and GST. AChE activity was reduced by LPME treatment compared with untreated controls.ConclusionThese findings suggested the significant impact of LPMEs on brain function. These effects could be through the antioxidant effects of the bioactive constituents present in LPME.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in amniotic fluid and complications in pregnancy

Objective. In this study, we tried to determine whether the activities of the primary antioxidant enzymes are detectable in amniotic fluid and whether they can be used as early biomarkers of complications in pregnancy such as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and bacterial vaginosis.Methods. This was a prospective study in which amniotic fluid was taken between 16 and 19 week of gestation. In all, 161 pregnant women were divided into two groups: study group – patients with the treated local infection, PIH, and GDM, and control group – healthy pregnant women. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of supeoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSHR), glutathione S-transpherase (GST), xanthine oxidase (XOD) and lipid peroxidation (LP) were determined spectrophotometrically in amniotic fluid samples.Results. Concentration of malondialdehyde varied greatly between investigated groups. XOD and SOD activities, though very low, were present in amniotic fluid samples. Also, enzymes of glutathione cycle and GSH concentrations were detectable and showed certain variations.Conclusion. Parameters of oxidative stress in amniotic fluid could be altered in certain pathological conditions. Their use as clinical biomarkers is limited due to great variations of amniotic fluid volume between patients which gives favor to hemolysate or serum of pregnant women.

Protective effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed oil against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

The present study examined the protective effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., SBT) seed oil on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in male ICR mice. Our results showed that oral administration of SBT seed oil at doses of 0.26, 1.30, and 2.60mg/kg for 8weeks significantly reduced the elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol at least 13% in serum, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver at least 22%, that was induced by CCl4 (1mL/kg) in mice. Moreover, the treatment of SBT seed oil was also found to significantly increase the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd), and GSH content in liver up to 134%. Our study found that the optimal dose of SBT seed oil was 0.26mg/kg, as the minimum amount exhibiting the greatest hepatoprotective effects on CCl4-induced liver injury. Overall, the hepatoprotective effect of SBT seed oil at all tested doses was found to be comparable to that of silymarin (200mg/kg) and have been supported by the evaluation of the liver histopathology in mice.

랫드 간세포 일차배양에서 양파 추출물이 수은에 의해 유도된 독성 및 지질과산화에 미치는 영향

본 연구의 목적은 랫드 간세포 일차배양에서 양파추출물이 수은에 의해 유발된 세포독성, 지질과산화 및 항산화효소 활성에 미치는 효과를 조사하기 위함이다. 수은 농도별 효과를 조사하기 위해 0, 1, 5, 10, 30 및 50 ppm의 다양한 농도의 <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX>로 6시간 동안 간세포를 일차배양하였다. 간세포 독성과 생존율은 배양액의 GOT와 LDH 활성 및 MTT 값으로 결정하였고, 지질과산화는 TBARS 농도로 측정하였다. 항산화에 미치는 효과는 catalase, GSH-Px, GSH-Rd 활성 및 DPPH free radical 소거활성으로 결정하였다. 10 ppm 이상의 <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX> 농도는 GOT 활성을 증가시켰고 %MTT 감소를 현저히 억제시켰으며 TBARS 농도를 증가시켰다. 또한 30 ppm 이상의 <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX> 농도는 LDH 활성을 증가시켜 수은이 농도 의존적으로 간세포 손상과 지질과산화를 촉진시켰다. 6시간 동안 30 ppm 농도의 <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX>, 처리는 간세포의 catalase, GSH-Px 및 GSH-Rd 활성을 현저히 감소시켰다. 수은 독성에 대한 양파추출물의 효과를 조사하기 위해 30 ppm의 수은 존재하에 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 및 0.3 mg/ml의 다양한 농도의 양파추출물로 6시간 동안 간세포를 일차배양하였다. 0.05 mg/ml이상 농도의 양파추출물 첨가는 30 ppm 농도의 수은에 의해 증가된 GOT 활성을 감소시켰으며 MTT 감소를 증가시켰다. 또한 0.01 mg/ml 이상 농도의 양파추출물은 수은에 의해 증가된 LDH 활성과 TBARS 농도를 감소시켜 양파추출물이 수은에 의해 유발된 간손상과 지질과산화를 억제시켰음을 알 수 있었다. 0.05 mg/ml와 0.01 mg/ml 이상 농도의 양파추출물 첨가는 수은에 의해 각각 억제된 catalase와 GSH-Px 활성을 증가시켰으나 GSH-Rd 활성에는 영향을 미치지 못하였다. 양파추출물의 농도가 증가할수록 free radical 소거활성은 증가하여 5 mg/ml 농도의 양파추출물은 pyrogallol 용액의 흡광도 감소를 100%로 기준하였을 때 93% 이상의 소거 활성을 나타내었다. 이상과 같이 간세포 일차배양에서 수은은 간독성 증가, 간세포 생존율 감소, 지질과산화 촉진 및 catalase, GSH-Px, GSH-Rd 등의 항산화효소 활성 감소를 유발시켰으며, 양파추출물은 catalase와 GSH-Px의 활성을 증가시키고 free radical을 소거시켜 수은에 의해 유발된 독성 및 지질과산화를 억제함으로써 항산화 및 간보호 효과를 나타내는 것으로 사료된다. The objective of present study was to investigate the effect of onion extracts on mercuryinduced cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in primary monolayer cultures of rat hepatocytes. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were incubated for 6 hr in the presence of various concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 30 or 50 ppm) of <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX>. Cytotoxicity and cell viability were determined by measuring glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) value. Lipid peroxidation w as evaluated using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Effects of onion extract on antioxidant system were determined by measuring catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) activities as well as DPPH free radical scavenging activity. <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX> at the concentration of 10 ppm increased GOT activity and TBARS concentration but decreased %MTT reduction, whereas <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX> at the concentration of 30 ppm increased LDH activity, representing that <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX> caused cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in dose-dependent manner, <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX> at the concentration of 30 ppm significantly decreased catalase, GSH-Px and GSH-Rd activities. When primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were incubated with various concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 or 0.3 mg/ml) of onion extract for 6 hr in the presence of 30 ppm of <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX>, onion extracts at the concentration of 0.05 mg/ml decreased GOT activity, but increased %MTT reduction by 30 ppm of <TEX>$HgCl_2$</TEX>. <TEX>$HgCl_2-induced$</TEX> LDH activity and TBARS concentration were decreased by onion extract at the concentration of 0.01 mg/ml. Taken together, onion extract prevented H<TEX>$HgCl_2-induced$</TEX> hepatocyte injury and lipid peroxidation. Onion extracts at the concentration of 0.1 mg/ml almost or completely inhibited <TEX>$HgCl_2-induced$</TEX> catalase and GSB-Px activities. GSH-Rd activity, however, was not affected by onion extract. Free radical scavengjing activity was increased as concentration of onion extract increased. Onion extract at the concentrion of 5 mg/ml possesed mote than 93% scavenging activity comparing to 100% radical scavenging activity by pyrogallol solution as a reference. These results demonstrate that onion extracts suppressed mercury-induced cytoctoxicity and lipid peroxidation by scavenging free radical and increasing catalase and GSH-Px activities.

Effects of Ganoderma on aging and learning and memory ability in senescence accelerated mice

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Ganoderma on aging, learning and memory ability in senescence accelerated mice (SAMP8). Six-month-old SAMP8 mice were divided into four groups: control and three experimental groups supplemented with 0.3%, 0.6% or 1.8% Ganoderma for 12 weeks. Body weight, food intake, aging score, open field test and active shuttle avoidance tests were performed during the experiment. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) of RBC, brain and liver, and the amyloid of brain were analyzed after sacrificed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the body weight, food intake and locomotion among four groups. The aging score of 0.6% and 1.8% Ganoderma groups were significantly lower than that of the control group ( p<0.05). The escape responses of 0.3%, 0.6% and 1.8% Ganoderma groups at the fourth day were significantly better than control group in the female groups ( p<0.05), whereas there were no differences among the male groups. Ganoderma groups had significantly higher activities of SOD, GSH-Px and GSH-Rd, and lower brain amyloid when compared with the control group ( p<0.05). In summary, we suggested that the Ganoderma may improve learning and memory ability and promote the activities of antioxidation.

Antioxidant systems in rat lens as a function of age: Effect of chronic administration of vitamin E and ascorbate

Oxidative damage occurring in the lenses of patients with senile cataract may be due to partially reduced forms of oxygen. We assayed the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Red), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in rat lenses at different ages (1, 4, and 24 months), and also evaluated lens glutathione (GSH) levels and the effects of chronic administration of vitamin E and sodium ascorbate. We observed a significant age-related decrease in GSH-Px, GSH-Red and G6PD activities, but no age-related change in SOD activity. Chronic treatment with both vitamin E and sodium ascorbate failed to restore enzymatic activities to the levels of younger rats. An age-related reduction in GSH content was also observed; however, chronic administration of vitamin E, but not of sodium ascorbate, restored GSH levels to those of younger rats.