High Levels Of Antioxidant Enzymes Research Articles

Tissue-Characteristic Expression of Mouse Proteome

The mouse is a valuable model organism for biomedical research. Here, we established a comprehensive spectral library and the data-independent acquisition–based quantitative proteome maps for 41 mouse organs, including some rarely reported organs such as the cornea, retina, and nine paired organs. The mouse spectral library contained 178,304 peptides from 12,320 proteins, including 1678 proteins not reported in previous mouse spectral libraries. Our data suggested that organs from the nervous system and immune system expressed the most distinct proteome compared with other organs. We also found characteristic protein expression of immune-privileged organs, which may help understanding possible immune rejection after organ transplantation. Each tissue type expressed characteristic high-abundance proteins related to its physiological functions. We also uncovered some tissue-specific proteins which have not been reported previously. The testis expressed highest number of tissue-specific proteins. By comparison of nine paired organs including kidneys, testes, and adrenal glands, we found left organs exhibited higher levels of antioxidant enzymes. We also observed expression asymmetry for proteins related to the apoptotic process, tumor suppression, and organ functions between the left and right sides. This study provides a comprehensive spectral library and a quantitative proteome resource for mouse studies.

Effect of pollution represented by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on the levels of p53 and some antioxidant enzymes in Baghdad traffic police

Objectives: To ascertain the protective effect of p53 tumor protein by monitoring its levels in comparison with the levels of antioxidant enzymes, against any type of cancer that can be caused by chronic exposure of traffic policemen to air pollutants.
 Methods: This study comprises 140 participants, who have been divided into two groups (Traffic police and Office police). PAHs were analyzed for each participant by GC/FID while p53 protein and antioxidant enzymes were measured by the ELISA technique. 
 Results: The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and p53 tumor protein were high in the blood of traffic police compared to office police, while higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase and G-Px) were observed in the blood of office police.
 Conclusion: Exposure to PAHs can cause oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and lead to cancer. However, because natural endogenous biomolecules like p53 protein can neutralize PAHs' carcinogenic effects, their elevation has a beneficial anti-cancer effect by reducing oxidative stress and preventing tumorigenesis.

Evaluation of DNA Damage in Traffic Cops Exposed to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollution in Baghdad City Streets and its Association to Certain Biomarkers

Objectives: To find out the extent to which the genetic material of Baghdad traffic policemen is affected by the oxidative damage caused by pollutants by monitoring the levels of 8-OHdG compared to the levels of antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde.
 Methods: This study includes 140 participants; they have been divided into two groups (traffic police and office police). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed for each participant by GC/FID while 8-OHdG and antioxidant enzymes were measured by the ELISA technique.
 Results: The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 8-Oxo-dG, and malondialdehyde were elevated in the blood of the traffic police compared to the office police, while higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were observed in the blood of the office police. 
 Conclusion: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbones can cause oxidative stress through their metabolic derivatives and the resulting active molecules, which lead to the formation of 8-Oxo-dG and the reduction of enzymatic antioxidants, which may lead to the emergence of cancers.

Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Six Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties at Seedling Stage under Increasing Salinity Stress

Present study deals with the activities of antioxidant enzymes in six rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, namely Sadamota, Patnai, Dhoodeshwar, Ghewas, Gontrabidan-2 and Malabati, which were subjected to increasing salinity stress (0.05 M, 0.1 M and 0.15 M NaCl) from germination to seedling stage along with control under laboratory conditions. The main objective of this study was to find out variations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes which can differentiate tolerance to salinity. Increasing salinity stress induced gradual increase in the activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase, Catalse (CAT), Glutathione reductase (GR), and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX). High activities of SOD, CAT, GR and APX were observed in Doodeshwar and Malabti under salinity stress. High levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX and GR) under salinity stress will contribute to salinity tolerance in rice varieties Doodeshwar and Malabathi. Significant genotype×salt treatment interaction suggested the differential effect of stress on genotype for antioxidant enzymes. Catalse activity showed significant (p<.001) positive correlation with SOD (r=.818), GR (r=.624), and APX (r=.593). High levels of Lipid peroxidation was noticed in Ghewas, Gonrabidan-2 and Sadamota, indicating higher membrane damage when compare to Doodeshwar and Malabathi under salt stress. Doodeshwar and Malabathi can be recommended as salt tolerant varieties for advance evaluation at field level. Analysis of antioxidant enzymes from rice seedlings exposed to salinity stress will provide rapid screening method and time saving. Mass screening will be conducted for preliminary selections which can be used in field conditions.

Bitter Gourd Honey Ameliorates Hepatic and Renal Diabetic Complications on Type 2 Diabetes Rat Models by Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms.

Honey has several pharmacological effects, including anti-diabetic activity. However, the effectiveness of bitter gourd honey (BGH) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of BGH on the kidney and liver of a streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model. Methods: A single dose (nicotinamide 110 mg/kg, streptozotocin (STZ) 55 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) was used to induce DM in male rats. For 28 days, normal or diabetic rats were administered 1 g/kg/day and 2 g/kg/day of BGH orally. After the treatment, blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected and analysed for biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters. In addition, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the major bioactive components in BGH. Results: The administration of BGH to diabetic rats resulted in significant reductions in alanine transaminase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea levels. Diabetic rats treated with BGH showed lesser pathophysiological alterations in the liver and kidney as compared to non-treated control rats. BGH-treated diabetic rats exhibited reduced levels of oxidative stress (MDA levels), inflammatory (MYD88, NFKB, p-NFKB, IKKβ), and apoptotic (caspase-3) markers, as well as higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) in the liver and kidney. BGH contains many bioactive compounds that may have antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Conclusion: BGH protected the liver and kidney in diabetic rats by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis-induced damage. As a result, BGH can be used as a potential therapy to ameliorate diabetic complications.

Polyphenol treatment delays the browning of litchi pericarps and promotes the total antioxidant capacity of litchi fruit

Rapid pericarp browning is the leading factor for quality deterioration and marketing decline of litchi fruit. In the present study, litchi fruit was treated with phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidin, p-coumalic acid, chlorogenic acid, apple polyphenol, and tea polyphenol, before being stored at 20°C for 10 d. Phenolic compound treatment delayed pericarp browning and weight loss, reduced respiration rate, and maintained high total acid levels and vitamin C content in litchi fruit. Subsequently, the key antioxidant characteristics were determined to evaluate the effects of phenolic compounds on the antioxidant system during pericarp browning. The phenolic compound-treated fruit exhibited higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, anthocyanins, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, as well as a lower superoxide radical production rate and polyphenol oxidase and peroxide activities during whole-fruit storage than the control. Of the five treatments, proanthocyanidin application produced the most significant effects; therefore, this may be the best method for inducing antioxidant system-related factors, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and delaying pericarp browning in litchi.

NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CURCUMIN AGAINST CYCLOSPORINE A-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RAT MODEL

https://wiadlek.pl/wp-content/uploads/archive/2021/WLek2021121.pdf The aim: The current study was designed to examine the possible Nephroprotective effects of CMN in preventing nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by chronic administration of CsA in rats. Materials and methods: This study consisted of four groups and each group was made up of 8 rats. The first group was considered as a control group (received vehicle (0.9%N/S orally, and olive oil S.C), and the rest included the following: CMN group (received CMN in a dose of 30mg/kg/day orally), CsA group (received CsA in a dose of 20mg/kg/day S.C), and CMN plus CsA combination group (received CMN (30mg/kg/day, orally) plus CsA (20mg/kg/day, S.C) for 21days). For each group, the following variables wereassessed: Serum urea concentration, Serum creatinine concentration, initial body weight, final body weight, Tissue MDA level, Tissue GpX1 level, Tissue CAT level, Tissue SOD level, and tissue IL-2 level, and histopathological examination. Results: Mean levels of serum urea and creatinine, tissue MDA, tissue IL-2, and histopathological scores are significantly (P<0.05) increased in the CsA group compared with the control, and CMN groups (normal renal tissue). Tissue SOD, CAT, and GpX1 activities are significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the CsA group compared with the control, and CMN group. Concomitant administration of CMN with CsA resulted in significantly (P<0.05) lower elevated levels of MDA, serum urea, and creatinine, significantly higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, and normalization of the altered renal morphology compared with CsA treated rats. Conclusions: CMN has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the kidney from CsA’s toxicity.

Drought tolerance in high-generation transgenic maize inbred lines overexpressing the betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase gene

Abiotic stress such as drought seriously endangers maize growth and production. Glycine betaine (GB) accumulation in transgenic crops following heterologous overexpression of the BADH gene has been shown to dramatically improve the tolerance to salt, cold, and oxidative stresses, but it is unclear if GB accumulation leads to improved drought tolerance of maize. In this study, we analyzed the drought tolerance of high-generation BADH transgenic maize inbred lines at different growth stages using the hyperosmotic solution and water-withholding methods. Molecular detection revealed that exogenous BADH was successfully introduced into the maize plant genome and overexpressed in three transgenic maize inbred lines. Under osmotic stress, transgenic maize held better germination ability than the unmodified Dan988 (WT) line. In addition, transgenic maize contained higher levels of antioxidant enzymes and osmotic regulatory substances compared with WT, and thus accumulated less harmful substances and this alleviated the negative effects of drought. We used the membership function method to quantify the drought tolerance and found that Dan988-BADH-4 showed the best tolerance, followed by Dan988-BADH-2 and Dan988-BADH-1 while WT ranked lowest. This was consistent with the statistical analysis of the experiments. From the indoor and field survey, we observed that the agronomic traits of transgenic maize were not affected by the overexpression of BADH. In conclusion, BADH overexpression in maize is beneficial for drought tolerance and the three transgenic maize lines can be used for further breeding experiments.

Physiological responses of the xerohalophyte Suaeda vermiculata to salinity in its hyper-arid environment

Few plants can survive and grow equally well in salty and salt-free substrates (i.e., habitat-indifferent halophytes). Such plants provide a good opportunity to understand physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance. In this study, we investigated the environmental salinity impacts on several physiological and biochemical features of Suaeda vermiculata, a habitat-indifferent halophyte. Samples of different organs were collected from S. vermiculata from both a highly saline marsh habitat (HSMH) and non-salty gravel plain (NSGP) for the determination of the following physiological and bio-chemical features: chlorophyll and carotenoids, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, CAT; guaiacol peroxidase, GPX; Ascorbate peroxidase, APX) activities. Elemental compositions in soil and plant samples from both habitats were also assessed. Results showed that plants from HSMH had significantly lower values of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and leaf biomass, compared to those from NSGP. Roots from HSMH attained higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPX, APX) and lower values of reactive oxygen species (MDA and H2O2), indicating that the enzymes are more likely scavenging the reactive oxygen species (ROS). The enzyme activities and ROS levels were much lower in the shoots of both HSMH and NSGP than in roots. Accumulation of sodium was higher in leaves and shoots than roots of S. vermiculata. This study indicates that Suaeda vermiculata is a salt tolerant plant with adaptations to different environments through down-regulation of different biochemical and physiological features to avoid oxidative stress.

Live fast, die old: oxidative stress as a potential mediator of an unexpected life‐history evolution

Intraspecific latitudinal patterns in life history are well documented, yet underlying mechanisms of such patterns are poorly understood. To advance our insights in the evolution of latitudinal differences in two key traits, growth rate and lifespan, we evaluated the potential costs of rapid growth in terms of reduced adult lifespan, and the mediatory role of oxidative stress. We studied latitudinal differentiation in routine and experimentally increased (compensatory) larval growth rates, and in adult lifespan under common garden conditions in low‐ and high‐latitude populations of the damselfly Ischnura elegans. The low‐latitude populations showed not only higher routine growth rates but also a stronger compensatory growth response after a transient food shortage compared to the high‐latitude populations. In contrast with a tradeoff scenario, adults of the faster growing low‐latitude populations lived longer, had higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, and tended to experience lower oxidative damage. Importantly, these latitudinal patterns were largely mirrored at the treatment level, where experimentally induced compensatory growth rates were associated with neither oxidative damage nor shorter adult lifespans. Moreover, individuals with a higher growth rate after the transient food shortage did not have shorter adult lifespans or higher oxidative damage, but instead showed a stronger antioxidant defense. Our data indicate that an overcompensatory, hormetic response in antioxidant defense, potentially induced by the higher routine growth rates, resulting in less oxidative damage may underlie these unexpected growth‐lifespan patterns. Our results highlight the added value of incorporating oxidative stress physiology, and the need to consider multivariate tradeoffs in which animals optimize multiple traits, when studying life‐history evolution.

Tanshinone IIA pretreatment promotes cell survival in human lung epithelial cells under hypoxia via AP-1-Nrf2 transcription factor.

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) plays a decisive role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation under hypoxia; thus, AP-1 subunits or dimers could be modulated for a desired phenomenon in a cell using a suitable compound of therapeutic potential. Herein, we used Tanshinone-IIA as an AP-1 (subunits) modulator, and the purpose of the study was to investigate the signaling mechanism exhibited by Tan-IIA in facilitating tolerance to hypoxia. A549 cells were pretreated with Tan-IIA and exposed to hypoxia for 6, 12, 24, and 48h. Biochemical and molecular parameters were assessed in order to trace the signaling pathway. Tan-IIA attenuated hypoxia-induced oxidative stress by modulating the expression of AP-1 subunits (via. MAPK) and Nrf2 transcription factor, which in turn were responsible for maintaining the higher levels of antioxidant enzymes and genes (HO). Tan-IIA increased the cell survival. This could be attributed to an increased NO level via iNOS gene and activated JNK, ERK pathway that induced c-jun/c-fos, c-jun/fosB, junD/c-fos, and junD/fosB heterodimers. This in turn leads to the cell cycle progression by activating cyclins (D and B). This was further confirmed by the lower levels of p53 and their downstream genes (p16, p21, p27). In addition, Tan-IIA decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels by inhibiting the formation of junB/fra-1 heterodimer regulated by p38. Tan-IIA increased cell survival to hypoxia by maintaining the higher levels of cellular iNOS, HO-1, jun-D, c-jun, fos B via Nrf2-AP-1.

Antioxidant enzymes change in different non-metastatic stages in tumoral and peritumoral tissues of colorectal cancer.

Antioxidant defences and oxidative stress are related to development, progression and malignancy of colorectal cancer. However, their role in early stages of cancer remains unknown. More and more recent studies have revealed that non-tumour adjacent tissue is not a normal tissue. Thus, our aim was to analyse protein levels of MnSOD (Manganese Superoxide Dismutase), acMnSOD (Acetylated Manganese superoxide Dismutase), SIRT3 (Sirtuin 3), CuZnSOD (Cupper Zinc Superoxide Dismutase), CAT (Catalase), GPx (Glutathione Peroxidase), and GRd (Glutathione Reductase) both in tumour and non-tumour adjacent tissue from colorectal cancer patients by western blot. Non-tumour adjacent tissue seemed to have higher levels of antioxidant enzymes that detoxify hydrogen peroxide compared to tumour tissue. In contrast, tumour tissue had higher levels of MnSOD and acMnSOD. Furthermore, most of the proteins analysed showed significant differences between stage I and II in both non-tumour adjacent and tumour tissue. This could indicate that antioxidant enzymes, especially MnSOD, play a crucial role in early stages of colorectal cancer in both tissues, so they could be analysed as novel biomarkers to improve colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Development of a novel oxidative stress-amplifying nanocomposite capable of supplying intratumoral H2O2 and O2 for enhanced chemodynamic therapy and radiotherapy in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a potent approach to cancer treatment, but the tumor microenvironment (TME) in solid tumors is often highly hypoxic and contains high levels of antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing the RT efficacy. In this study, we developed an oxidative stress amplifier (termed CFM) capable of self-sufficient H2O2 and O2 delivery that can be used in concert with RT and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) to treat tumors in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model systems. Upon exposure to the hypoxic and acidic TME, CFM undergoes rapid degradation that results in the release of Fe3+, Ca2+, O2, and H2O2. Glutathione can subsequently reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+, which is then able to react with H2O2via the Fenton reaction to yield high levels of hydroxyl radicals which subsequently damage mitochondria. CaO2-derived O2 also modulates intratumoral hypoxia, while excessive Ca2+ levels within mitochondria result in apoptotic cell death. Altogether, these properties sensitize PDX tumors to RT. Importantly, the Fe, Zn, and Ca generated by CFM degradation are essential elements in humans. Altogether, these properties make this approach to oxidative stress amplification a promising means of amplifying oxidative stress within tumors while overcoming hypoxia-related resistance to RT, thereby providing a framework for the design of potent radiosensitizing therapeutic approaches.

Scavenging reactive oxygen species selectively inhibits M2 macrophage polarization and their pro-tumorigenic function in part, via Stat3 suppression

Tumor associated macrophages (TAM) enhance the aggressiveness of breast cancer via promoting cancer cell growth, metastasis, and suppression of the patient's immune system. These TAMs are polarized in breast cancer with features more closely resembling the pro-tumorigenic and immunosuppressive M2 type rather than the anti-tumor and pro-inflammatory M1 type. The goal of our study was to examine primary human monocyte-derived M1 and M2 macrophages for key redox differences and determine sensitivities of these macrophages to the redox-active drug, MnTE-2-PyP5+. This compound reduced levels of M2 markers and inhibited their ability to promote cancer cell growth and suppress T cell activation. The surface levels of the T cell suppressing molecule, PD-L2, were reduced by MnTE-2-PyP5+ in a dose-dependent manner. This study also examined key differences in ROS generation and scavenging between M1 and M2 macrophages. Our results indicate that M2 macrophages have lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lower production of extracellular hydrogen peroxide compared to the M1 macrophages. These differences are due in part to reduced expression levels of pro-oxidants, Nox2, Nox5, and the non-enzymatic members of the Nox complex, p22phox and p47phox, as well as higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, Cu/ZnSOD, Gpx1, and catalase. More importantly, we found that despite having lower ROS levels, M2 macrophages require ROS for proper polarization, as addition of hydrogen peroxide increased M2 markers. These TAM-like macrophages are also more sensitive to the ROS modulator and a pan-Nox inhibitor. Both MnTE-2-PyP5+ and DPI inhibited expression levels of M2 marker genes. We have further shown that this inhibition was partly mediated through a decrease in Stat3 activation during IL4-induced M2 polarization. Overall, this study reveals key redox differences between M1 and M2 primary human macrophages and that redox-active drugs can be used to inhibit the pro-tumor and immunosuppressive phenotype of TAM-like M2 macrophages. This study also provides rationale for combining MnTE-2-PyP5+ with immunotherapies.

Apigenin loaded phospholipid based nanoemulsion in therapeutics of Parkinson's disease via attenuation of oxidative stress and upregulation of dopamine

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder it is linked with the oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to develop, optimizes and evaluate the antiparkinson effects of apigenin loaded phospholipid based nanoemulsion via attenuation of oxidative stress and upregulation of dopamine. Apigenin (AP) is a flavone enriched in fruits and vegetables, which possess numerous therapeutic actions including anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities. The antioxidant action was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay, which founds high scavenging efficiency for apigenin loaded phospholipid based nanoemulsion as compared to pure apigenin. The pharmacokinetic parameters and Dopamine concentration were also determined. The said formulation delivers higher concentration of apigenin to brain via nasal route. Whereas the Biochemical estimation evaluation showed that higher levels of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione, superoxide dismutase and lower level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in treated group of rats after receiving of said formulation via intranasal route over haloperidol-induced Parkinson's disease group (control). The intranasal administration of said formulation founds brain: blood ratio of 3.01 > 0.097 in 1 h over apigenin solution respectively. Furthermore, it showed direct nose to brain delivery of drug by passing blood brain barrier. Apart from this, the pharmacokinetics of intranasally administered apigenin loaded phospholipid based nanoemulsion showed significantly higher dopamine concentration (19.21 ± 2.06 ng/mL) over haloperidol treated rats (7.21 ± 1.06ng/mL). The apigenin loaded phospholipid nanoemulsion might play an important role in the effective management of parkinsons in the near future.

EFFECTS OF DRIED LEAF POWDER OF OCIMUM SANCTUM IN HEXAMITA-INFECTED FISH ANABAS TESTUDINEUS

Objective: The prophylactic and antioxidative role of the dried powdered of Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi) was measured in Hexamita-infected fish Anabas testudineus.
 Method: Four groups of infected fish were kept in four separate aquariums and the following doses of leaf powder applied (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg/L) for 10 days, and the first group is considered as control and no such treatment is given there.
 Results: Histopathology showed a remarkable alteration in the structure of liver tissue. Progressive changes observe along with the treatment schedule in hepatic histology and differential count of blood. Results showed that Hexamita infections significantly increased (p<0.05) the oxidative stress in the liver of infected fish. Whereas the treated fish exposed to different doses of powdered leaf of O. sanctum show significantly higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase) and lower levels of stress marker (Malondialdehyde) than control fish. This treatment caused a rapid skin formation in the scar region. The highest recovery found in 100 mg/L doses of leaf powder, whereas the least recovery found in 25 mg/L group.
 Conclusion: The findings of the present study may play a key role in aquaculture industry for controlling the death of fish from Hexamita infection.

Oxidative stress damage circumscribed to the central temporal retinal pigment epithelium in early experimental non-exudative age-related macular degeneration

Non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (NE-AMD) represents the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. The macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lies in a high oxidative environment because its high metabolic demand, mitochondria concentration, reactive oxygen species levels, and macular blood flow. It has been suggested that oxidative stress-induced damage to the RPE plays a key role in NE-AMD pathogenesis. The fact that the disease limits to the macular region raises the question as to why this area is particularly susceptible. We have developed a NE-AMD model induced by superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) in C57BL/6J mice, which reproduces the disease hallmarks exclusively circumscribed to the temporal region of the RPE/outer retina. The aim of this work was analyzing RPE regional differences that could explain AMD localized susceptibility. Lower melanin content, thicker basal infoldings, higher mitochondrial mass, and higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, were found in the temporal RPE compared with the nasal region. Moreover, SCGx induced a decrease in the antioxidant system, and in mitochondria mass, as well as an increase in mitochondria superoxide, lipid peroxidation products, nuclear Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 levels, and in the occurrence of damaged mitochondria exclusively at the temporal RPE. These findings suggest that despite the well-known differences between the human and mouse retina, it might not be NE-AMD pathophysiology which conditions the localization of the disease, but the macular RPE histologic and metabolic specific attributes that make it more susceptible to choroid alterations leading initially to a localized RPE dysfunction/damage, and secondarily to macular degeneration.

Alleviation of Drought Stress in Turfgrass by the Combined Application of Nano-compost and Microbes from Compost

Drought stress is a key environmental factor limiting the growth and productivity of plants. Turfgrasses are often affected by drought in north China due to water shortage. In the present study, the impact of nanosized compost either alone or in combination with drought tolerant isolates from compost on turfgrass response to drought was investigated. Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost was processed into nanosized particles and added in turfgrass soil. Microorganisms in the MSW compost were screened for drought stress tolerance using increasing concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). Festuca arundinacea Schreb. plants were inoculated with this mixture and exposed to drought stress by reducing the amount of water added at vegetative growth stage. The drought-tolerant isolates from compost were identified as Bacillus cereus, Lysinibacillus sp. and Rhodotorula glutinis. Our results revealed that nanocompost and microbial inoculation minimized the drought stress-imposed effects significantly increasing shoot biomass, root biomass, and chlorophyll content. Similarly, nanocompost-treated and inoculated seedlings showed higher levels of antioxidant enzymes and lower MDA content compared to nontreated control under drought stress. The combination of nano-sized compost and microbial inoculation were more efficient than nanocompost alone in terms of influencing growth and physiological status of the seedlings under drought stress. Our data suggest that nanocompost combined with drought-tolerant isolates may enhance drought tolerance in turfgrass by promoting plant growth and increasing the capacity to eliminate toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Differential behavior of the antioxidant system in response to salinity induced oxidative stress in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive cultivars of Brassica juncea L.

Abstract In the present study, the ability of salt tolerant (CS-52) and salt sensitive (RH-8113) cultivars of Brassica juncea L. was investigated for their differential antioxidant defense mechanism to counter the salinity induced oxidative stress. The seedlings were treated with varying levels of NaCl (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and changes in content of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ascorbic acid, glutathione and proline were examined. Further, salinity induced variations in activity levels of leaf superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR) in both the cultivars were also investigated. Production of H2O2 and MDA was much higher in salt sensitive cultivar RH-8113. Glutathione, ascorbic acid and proline content enhanced in both the cultivars with more pronounced effect on tolerant cultivar CS-52. The salt tolerant cultivar CS-52 exhibited significant increase in the activities of SOD, DHAR and GR in response to the increasing salinity, though no increase in the activity of CAT, POX and APOX was observed. However, basal level of POX and APOX was found to be much higher in the salt tolerant cultivar CS-52. In comparison, SOD activity declined and that of CAT, DHAR and GR remained unaltered in salt sensitive cultivar RH-8113, though there was significant increase in the activities of POX and APOX. These results suggest that cultivar CS-52 exhibit better protective mechanism against salt induced oxidative damage by maintaining higher levels of antioxidant enzymes and of some antioxidants in comparison to salt sensitive cultivar RH-8113.

Multiple roles of RARRES1 in prostate cancer: Autophagy induction and angiogenesis inhibition.

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) poses a major health concern in men worldwide. Retinoic Acid Receptor Responder (RARRES1)/ Tazarotene-induced gene-1 (TIG-1) is a putative tumor suppressor gene that exerts its tumor suppressor function via unknown mechanisms. Epigenetic silencing of RARRES1 leads to its loss in several types of cancer, including PCa. Determining the molecular mechanisms that mediate the tumor suppressor role of RARRES1 in PCa is the focus of our study.FindingsOur data indicates that RARRES1 over expression in PCa cell lines represses mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. RARRES1 expression induces the levels of autophagy-related genes, beclin, ATG3 and increases LC3B-II conversion. A significant induction of SIRT1 along with mTOR inhibition is noted on RARRES1 expression. Furthermore, RARRES1 over expression elevates the levels of the antioxidant enzyme, catalase. Our results also indicate that RARRES1 expression inhibits angiogenesis in endothelial cells.ConclusionsIn summary, the data presented here indicate that forced expression of RARRES1 in PCa cells (a) induces ER stress and autophagic response; (b) increases SIRT1 levels; and (c) higher levels of anti-oxidant enzymes. Our study also implicates the role of RARRES1 as a novel anti-angiogenic molecule. Overall this study reports the molecular players that RARRES1 modulates to serve as a tumor suppressor molecule. Future studies will help determine the in vivo mechanisms by which RARRES1 may serve as a target for therapeutic intervention both in cancer and in angiogenesis-related disorders.