Higher SOD Activity Research Articles

Sustained Exposure to High‐Sucrose Diet Triggers Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampus and Anticipates Cognitive and Motor Impairments in Adults Rats

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MS)‐related conditions promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in order to control their deleterious effects through activation of adaptive responses known as Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). However, under chronic stress, UPR can evolve to apoptotic pathways. Previously, we have shown that MS induced by high‐sucrose diet triggers the ERS and apoptotic pathways in hippocampus and lead to motor and behavioral impairments in young rats.AimsIn the present study we sought to investigate if sustained exposure to such diet is capable to intensify those metabolic disturbances and anticipate neurological impairments in adult rats.MethodsThus, weaned Wistar rats were divided in two groups: the control group (CTR, n=7), fed with a standard chow; and obese group (HSD, n=7), fed with high‐sucrose diet (25% sucrose). Both groups were followed for 6 months and evaluated for MS development; serum redox profile; and hippocampal gene and protein expressions of UPR sensors (IRE1α, PERK and ATF6), chaperones (GRP78, GRP94, PDI, calnexin and calreticulin), neural plasticity marker (BDNF), antioxidant defense (NRF2), senescence (P53 and P21) and apoptosis (BCL2, CHOP and PARP‐1). Furthermore, cognitive, behavioral and motor functions were also assessed, through Morris water maze, open field and rotarod test, respectively. For aging control, 20 month‐old rats (OLD, n=7) fed with standard chow were included as an aging control for gene/protein expressions and neurological assessments.ResultsThe exposure to high‐sucrose diet was capable to induce MS with marked weight gain, central obesity, dysglicemia in both fasting and fed states, hypertriglyceridemia and high free fatty acids, fat storage in liver, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia and peripheral as well as hepatic insulin resistance. The redox profile assessment showed higher lipid peroxidation with increased serum MDA levels and higher SOD activity in HSD as compared to CTR, but catalase was unchanged. UPR sensors gene expression was reduced in both HSD and OLD groups. All chaperones evaluated presented decreased gene expression, but only GRP78 and GRP94 also presented a decreased protein expression. BDNF expression was reduced in HSD (FC 0.3) and OLD groups, but NRF2 did not present any difference. As expected, the senescence markers were increased in OLD group, but only P21 was increased in HSD (FC 1.8). Assessment of apoptotic pathways showed decreased expression of BCL2 and increased gene and protein expression of CHOP. Assessment of PARP‐1 protein expression suggested the presence of calpain, a necrosis marker. Neurological evaluation demonstrated motor deficit, anxiogenic behavior and cognitive impairments (learning and spatial memory) in HSD.ConclusionsIn to to, our data support that sustained exposure to high‐sucrose diet promotes metabolic disturbances, which disrupt hippocampus homeostasis and lead to cognitive and motor impairments in 6‐months old rats.Support or Funding InformationFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Maranhão – FAPEMA and rede INCT Redoxoma

8주간 타워클라이밍 운동이 당뇨쥐의 혈청 고감도 C-반응 단백질, 간조직 SOD 활성 및 Ferritin 발현에 미치는 영향

This study was investigated the effects of resistance exericse for 8 weeks on serum high sensitivity Creactive protein, SOD activities and ferritin expression in liver of diabetic rats. At 7 weeks of age, SD rats(N=20) were induced type 2 diabetes by administering streptozotocin. A streptozotocin-induced rats were randomly assigned to a control and exercise groups. Resistance exercise consisted of tower climbing(gradual exercise) 3 days per a week for 8 weeks. After the experiment for 8 weeks, all the rats were sacrificed and then CRP, SOD activity and ferritin expression were assayed. The results of this study were as follows; Blood CRP concentration was significantly decreased in exercise group compared with control. SOD activity of liver tissue was significantly higher in exercise group than control, whereas ferritin expression was significantly lower in exercise group than control. In conclusion, regular resistance exercise is considered not only to alleviate the inflammatory responses by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in a liver but also to reduce the level of ferritin, which keeps the diabetes from being aggravated.

The bamboo aquaporin gene PeTIP4;1-1 confers drought and salinity tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis.

PeTIP4;1-1, an aquaporin gene involved in bamboo shoot growth, is regulated by abiotic stresses. Overexpression of PeTIP4;1-1 confers drought and salinity tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis. Aquaporins play a central role in numerous physiological processes throughout plant growth and development. PeTIP4;1-1, an aquaporin gene isolated from moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), comprises an open reading frame (ORF) of 756bp encoding a peptide of 251 amino acids. The genomic sequence corresponding to the ORF of PeTIP4;1-1 was 1777bp and contained three exons separated by two introns. PeTIP4;1-1 was constitutively expressed at the highest level in culms, and the expression level was elevated with increasing height of the bamboo shoot. PeTIP4;1-1 was significantly up-regulated in response to drought and salinity stresses in bamboo roots and leaves. To investigate the role of PeTIP4;1-1 in response to drought and salinity stresses, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing PeTIP4;1-1 under the control of CaMV 35S promoter were generated and subjected to morphological and physiological assays. Compared with Col-0, the transgenic plants showed enhanced tolerance to drought and salinity stresses and produced longer taproots, which had more green leaves, higher F v/F m and NPQ values, higher activities of SOD, POD and CAT, lower MDA concentration and higher water content. Transcript levels of three stress-related genes (AtP5CS, AtNHX1 and AtLEA) were enhanced. These results indicated that PeTIP4;1-1 might play an important function in response to drought and salinity stresses, and is a candidate gene for breeding of stress tolerance in other crops through genetic engineering.

Antioxidant metabolism of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. under salt stress

The aim of this study was to understand the functioning and importance of antioxidant metabolism in the preservation of Chenopodium quinoa early seedling tissue against the oxidative damage caused by different concentrations of NaCl (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM). The experimental design was completely randomized, with 5 treatments and 5 replications per treatment. After 7 days of treatments, the shoots and roots were evaluated for biomass allocation, betacyanin and antioxidant metabolism. The activity of superoxide dismutase showed similar behavior in both roots and shoots, and the greater activity of this enzyme was observed in higher concentrations of NaCl. The high SOD activity resulted in an increased production of H2O2 only in the shoots. H2O2 was probably removed by catalase, which exhibited behavior similar to that of superoxide dismutase. Higher levels of lipid peroxidation as well as lower levels of betacyanin were observed in the shoots at a concentration of 200 mM NaCl. All this metabolic adjustment was made without any impact on seedling dry matter accumulation. In this way, Chenopodium quinoa early seedlings are potentially tolerant to salinity, as an adjustment of their antioxidant metabolism was performed without affecting growth.

Inflammatory and oxidative stress phenotypes in transgenic sickle cell mice

The Townes mouse model of homozygous sickle cell disease (SS) has emerged as the major experimental model for studying pathophysiological mechanisms of human sickle cell disease (SCD). We therefore investigated hematological and hemorheological parameters as well as organ-specific inflammatory and oxidative stress molecular profiles in these animals in steady state conditions. Evidences of SCD-related intravascular hemolysis, impaired red blood cell (RBC) deformability, leukocytosis and altered plasma nitric oxide byproducts (NOx) level were found in the SS mice. The SS mice have damaged, enlarged and dysfunctional spleen as attested by high AOPP levels, low SOD and GPx activities and low pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression. SS mice exhibited cardiomegaly, high cardiac mRNA levels of proinflammatory markers and low cardiac GPx activity. While lungs did not display any noticeable defects, liver and kidney were particularly sensitive to oxidative stress and inflammation as suggested by high AOPP levels in both organs, elevated renal NF-κB and TNF-α, and increased hepatic VCAM-1 and IL-1β. Our data indicate a tissue-specific phenotype regarding oxidative stress and inflammation in SS mice that may help to optimize the development of novel potential drug treatments.

The composition of pericarp, cell aging, and changes in water absorption in two tomato genotypes: mechanism, factors, and potential role in fruit cracking

Cracking, a serious problem in many fruits, may cause significant economic losses. It may occur when internal pressure cannot sustain by the epidermis any longer. Water absorption and epidermis are among the most important factors that associated with cracking. To determine whether pericarp composition and its mechanical performance, endogenous cell wall disassembly, and water-absorbing capacity influences tomato fruit cracking, we grew a cracking-resistant genotype ‘LA1698’ and susceptible genotype ‘LA2683’. The results illustrated that the cuticle and subcutaneous layer were thicker in ‘LA1698’ than in ‘LA2683’. Compared with ‘LA2683’, the fruit firmness, consistency, and bursting strength of ‘LA1698’ were all higher. Fruits of ‘LA1698’ had decreased activities of polygalacturonase, β-galactosidase, and cellulose, which can disassemble the polysaccharide network. As a result, it had reduced water-soluble pectin and more covalently and ionically bound pectin that can crosslink with Ca2+ and B. These fruits also have a greater abundance of hemicelluloses. In addition, ‘LA1698’ had higher SOD activities and lower relative conductivity, meaning its cells might have a better biological activity to resist changes of the external environment (such as water variation) and to prevent fruit cracking. However, POD in ‘LA2683’ was more abundant than in ‘LA1698’. ‘LA1698’ produced juice with lower total soluble solids, which led to a lower initial water-absorbing ability and difference between the exocarp and mesocarp. In conclusion, a stronger pericarp and cells with a better biological activity in addition to the lower water-absorbing difference between the exocarp and mesocarp made ‘LA1698’ more resistant to cracking.

Osmotic stress alters UV-based oxidative damage tolerance in a heterocyst forming cyanobacterium

Cyanobacteria are successful in diverse habitats due to their adaptation strategies. Their mechanisms to cope with individual stresses have been studied. However, the response to combined stress conditions as found in nature remains unclear. With this aim, we studied the dual effect of 24h-osmotic and 3h-UV irradiation on the cyanobacterium Calothrix BI22. Our approach included the study of redox homeostasis, oxidative damage, reactive oxygen species production-consumption processes and photosynthetic activity. Superoxide in vivo determination with confocal image processing showed the highest accumulation under UV. However, no lipoperoxidation occurred due to a high SOD activity. This cyanobacterium was less prepared to cope with the osmotic stress assayed. Under this condition, O2 photoevolution decreased abruptly and oxidative damage was produced by reactive species other than superoxide. In this situation the cellular control of the amount of ROS failed to prevent oxidative damage and photosynthesis was seriously disturbed in spite of maximum quantum photosynthetic efficiency remained unchanged. Calothrix BI22 presented the more severe oxidative damage when both stressors were applied. The osmotic stress disentangled the mechanisms developed by this cyanobacterium to deal with 3h-UV irradiation alone.

Aspergillus flavus fungus elicitation improves vincristine and vinblastine yield by augmenting callus biomass growth in Catharanthus roseus

The influence of fungus elicitor Aspergillus flavus on alkaloid yield was investigated in Catharanthus roseus. The study reveals increased yield of vinblastine and vincristine in cultivated tissues. Different concentrations of extract applied to solid MS medium were: 0.05 % (T1), 0.15 % (T2), 0.25 % (T3), and 0.35 % (T4) along with control (T0). The callus biomass, embryo formation and plant regeneration were studied in response to elicitor treatments. The embryogenic callus was induced from hypocotyls of in vitro germinated seeds and various tissues were exposed to fungal elicitation. The use of A. flavus fungal elicitation improved callus biomass growth, which later differentiated into embryos, maximum somatic embryo induction being in T2 (106.53/callus mass). Biochemical analysis revealed more accumulation of sugar, protein and proline in growing tissues especially amended with elicitor. The somatic embryos germinated into plantlets on 2.24 µM BA added MS medium. The percent germination, shoot-, root length of germinated somatic embryos were high in low doses of elicitation (T1/T2). The quantitative analysis of vinblastine and vincristine yield was conducted in different elicitor treated tissues by the use of HPTLC. Vinblastine yield was maximum in germinating embryos (0.837 µg gm−1 dry weight), A. flavus elicitation at T2 improved vinblastine yield further (0.903 µg gm−1 dry weight). Compared to vinblastine, the yield of vincristine was low and on A. flavus addition, maximum vincristine yield was noted (0.216 µg gm−1 dry weight). The highest 7.88 and 15.50 % increased yield of vinblastine and vincristine respectively was noted on A. flavus elicitated tissues. In order to understand the role of elicitor on plant defense responses various antioxidant enzymes activity were investigated as the addition of elicitor induced cellular stress on tissues. Maturated and germinating somatic embryos had high SOD activity and on elicitation the activity of enzymes was further increased, indicating extra cellular stress on tissues, which yielded enriched level of vinblastine and vincristine at T2/T1.

Characterisation of rice cultivars on the basis of antioxidant defense response

Present study was conducted to characterise ten rice genotypes based on antioxidant response. Five genotypes were adapted to transplanting conditions (PR 116, PAU 201, Punjab Mehak 1, PR 115 and PR 120) and five to aerobic conditions (Feng Ai Zan, UPLRi-7, Vandana, IR 71701-28-1-4 and MAS-946) were raised in pots for 18 days. Differential response of various antioxidative enzymes, viz., ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), glutathione reductase (GR) and contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, ascorbate and α-tocopherol, and levels of lipid peroxidation were estimated in shoots of genotypes. Higher activities of APX, CAT, POX, GR paralleled with higher contents of ascorbate, α-tocopherol, proline, and lower levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content in cultivars adapted for transplanted conditions indicated their better scavenging ability. Cultivars PR 115, PR 120 and Feng Ai Zan performed better under aerobic conditions as revealed by higher SOD activity along with high contents of antioxidants indicating enhanced ROS scavenging ability. Our results highlights that ROS scavenging ability hold great potential in identifying and developing genotypes adapted for aerobic and transplanted conditions.

Characterization of protein fractions and antioxidant activity of Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.)

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is an annual herbaceous plant categorized under Lamiaceae family. Chia seeds were investigated as a source of proteins and natural antioxidants. It is a potential alternative source of high quality protein, fats, carbohydrates, high dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral elements. The objective of this study was to evaluate chia seed from protein content and antioxidant acivity and highlight the quality of this pseudocereal. A crude protein, moisture content, content of protein fractions, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase activity of chia seeds and food products containing chia seeds were determined. The protein content of chia seeds ranged from 2.9% to 4.6% dry matter from that albumins and globulins ranged from 54.6% to 62.8%. Chia is poor in a prolamines (<15%). Various chia seeds showed differences in their SOD activity and exhibited the high antiradical activity against 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The highest antioxidant capacity was found in sample chia seeds from Bolivia (1.46 mM TEAC.g-1 in the dry matter) and the lowest values of antioxidant activity was estimated in sample chia seeds from Argentina (1.05 mM TEAC.g-1 in the dry matter). The highest SOD activity was determined in sample chia from Argentina (2191.8 U.g-1 in the dry matter). The lowest SOD activity was found in sample chia-bio from Argentina (754.0 U.g-1 in the dry matter.). It makes them potentially suitable for use in the gluten-free diet of coeliac people and it can be used as a potential ingredient in health food because of its high antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant Enzymes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is due to tissue injury in the area caused by inflammatory reactions, release of MMPs and free radicals produced by neutrophils and macrophages. The control of free radical production may have therapeutic roles thus the study was done to check the status of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and a few antioxidant enzymes in RA patients. 45 RA patients and 40 controls were selected. Controls were asymptomatic and RA patients were selected according to ACR criteria. RA patients had significantly high MDA, SOD and ALP and reduced activity of catalase and GR as compared to controls. SOD showed positive correlation with ALP. GR was positively related with MDA, SOD and ALP. The study shows that MDA is involved in the pathogenesis of RA. The system is trying to quench free radicals by high SOD activity. Higher production of H2O2 or some other mechanism is responsible for inhibition of catalase and GR. However system is trying to reduce the damage by neutralizing superoxide anion. Therapeutic intervention of the oxidative stress may be considered for effective control of inflammation in RA patients.

Study of Anti-Fatigue Effect in Rats of Ferrous Chelates Including Hairtail Protein Hydrolysates.

The ability of ferrous chelates including hairtail protein hydrolysates to prevent and reduce fatigue was studied in rats. After hydrolysis of hairtail surimi with papain, the hairtail protein hydrolysates (HPH) were separated into three groups by range of relative molecular weight using ultrafiltration membrane separation. Hairtail proteins were then chelated with ferrous ions, and the antioxidant activity, the amino acid composition and chelation rate of the three kinds of ferrous chelates including hairtail protein hydrolysates (Fe-HPH) were determined. Among the three groups, the Fe-HPH chelate showing the best conditions was selected for the anti-fatigue animal experiment. For it, experimental rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Group A was designated as the negative control group given distilled water. Group B, the positive control group, was given glutathione. Groups C, D and E were designated as the Fe-HPH chelate treatment groups and given low, medium, and high doses, respectively. Group F was designated as HPH hydrolysate treatment group, and Group G was designated as FeCl2 treatment group. The different diets were orally administered to rats for 20 days. After that time, rats were subjected to forced swimming training after 1 h of gavage. Rats given Fe-FPH chelate had higher haemoglobin regeneration efficiency (HRE), longer exhaustive swimming time and higher SOD activity. Additionally, Fe-FPH chelate was found to significantly decrease the malondialdehyde content, visibly enhance the GSH-Px activity in liver and reduce blood lactic acid of rats. Fe-HPH chelate revealed an anti-fatigue effect, similar to or better than the positive control substance and superior to HPH or Fe when provided alone.

Antioxidant metabolism in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants in response to nitrogen supply

Nitrogen (N) is the main element required for plant development. N fertilization interferes directly in N content in tissues, antioxidant systems, chlorophyll content and photosynthesis. We investigated the action of three levels of N (0, 150 and 300 kg N ha−1) in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cv. Catuai Vermelho IAC 44 leaves of plants during distinct fruit development stages (from pinhead drop to dried fruit). Leaf N content, net photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, total soluble protein and the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase were analyzed. Leaf N content, net photosynthesis, chlorophyll and protein content increased significantly with N supply (N deficient plants exhibited visual symptoms of chlorosis). Antioxidant enzymes showed increased specific activities during fruit development, and decreases with N fertilization, being higher in absence of N. We identified two bands of Mn–SOD with increased activities and one of Fe–SOD, but they did not exhibit high SOD activity remaining essentially constant. Curiously, Cu/Zn–SOD isoenzymes were not detected, despite the fact that they are frequently abundant in plants. A relationship between N fertilization and antioxidant enzyme activities were founded in coffee leaves during fruit development indicating high activity of enzymatic antioxidant system during the coffee fruit ripening stage.

Positive effects of ceftriaxone on pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion model in rats

Aims: Many drugs have been associated with seizures as a side effect. Although they are defined as safe for nervous system. The effect on proconvulsant activity of beta lactam antibiotics have been also reported. We aimed to investigate whether ceftriaxone has an anticonvulsant effect on PTZ-induced seizures in rats. Materials and Methods: 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats, 18 of them for EEG recording and 18 of them are for behavioral studies, were randomly divided in two groups: group A for EEG recordings and group B for behavioral assesment. About 70 mg/kg PTZ was used for behavioral studies after Ceftriaxone administiration. About 35 mg/kg PTZ were used for EEG recording after ceftriaxone administiration. The electrodes were implanted on dura over the left frontal cortex and the reference electrode was implanted over the cerebellum for EEG recording. The Racine convulsion scale, first myoclonic jerk onset time, spike percentages, brain MDA and SOD levels were evaluated between the groups. Results: First myoclonic jerk onset time was significantly shorter in saline group than both 200 and 400 mg/kg ceftriaxone groups (p < 0.05). Racine's convulsion scale was significantly lower in 200 and 400 mg/kg ceftriaxone groups than saline group (p < 0.01, p < 0.0001). Both of two ceftriaxone groups have lower spike percentages than the saline group (p < 0.05). Significantly lower MDA levels and higher SOD activity were determined in 200 mg/kg ceftriaxone group compared with the saline group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that ceftriaxone has protective effects on PTZ-induced convulsions and on oxidative damage associated with PTZ.

Nutritional evaluation ofTenebrio molitormeal as fishmeal substitute for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diet

Fishmeal (FM) and soy meal (SM) are the most common protein sources used in fish feed, but they are associated with environmental, economic or production problems. Insects could be an interesting alternative source of protein. This work investigates the nutritive value of Tenebrio molitor meal (TM) and the effect of total replacement of SM by TM (TM/FM diet) or partial replacement of FM by TM (TM/FM/SM diet) versus a diet based in SM and FM (FM/SM diet) for tilapia. We studied the chitin content in TM, the in vitro protein digestibility, protease activity, oxidative stress and antioxidant defences, growth performance and nutrient utilization. The results indicate that an inclusion up to 500 g kg−1 of TM in the diet did not affect feed intake, in vitro protein digestibility, muscle amino acid composition or biometric indexes. However, their inclusion reduced growth performance and affected the muscle fatty acid profile. The lowest values for protease activity, elevated FRAP in digestive tracts and ROS level in muscle and higher SOD activity were observed in fish fed with SM/FM diet. The use of TM requires better understanding of the role of chitin in digestion and the study of toxins that might affect fish growth.

Effect of prenatal temperature conditioning of laying hen embryos: Hatching, live performance and response to heat and cold stress during laying period

This study was designed to determine the effect of prenatal temperature conditioning on hatching and live performance of laying chickens, and response to heat and cold stress during laying period. A total of 3600 eggs obtained from ATAK-S brown parent stock were incubated at control (37.5°C, CONT-Inc), cyclic low (36.5°C/6h/d from 10 to 18d of incubation, LOW-Inc) or high (38.5°C/6h/d from 10–18d of incubation, HIGH-Inc) incubation temperatures. Hatched chicks per incubation temperature were reared under standard rearing conditions up to 26wk. From 27 to 30wk, hens from each incubation temperature were divided into 3 environmentally controlled rooms and reared at control (20±2°C, CONT-Room), low (12±2°C, COLDS) or high (32±2°C, HEATS) temperatures. Hatching performance, body weight, egg production, and plasma triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels and oxidant and antioxidant activities were evaluated.The highest hatchability was for LOW-Inc chicks while HIGH-Inc chick had similar hatchability to CONT-Inc. There was no effect of incubation temperatures on plasma MDA, GSH-Px, activities and T4 concentrations on day of hatch. LOW- Inc chicks had higher SOD activities and T3 concentrations compared to the other groups. Although chick weight was similar among incubation temperature groups, CONT-Inc chicks were heavier than those cyclic incubation temperature groups until 12wk of age. Incubation temperature had no effect on sexual maturity age and weight and egg production of laying hens. From 27 to 30wk, regardless of incubation temperature, HEATS hens lost weight from day 0 to 10, had the highest cloacal temperatures and lowest feed consumption and egg production while COLDS hens had the lowest cloacal temperatures. At day 5, T4 level was higher in LOW-Inc hens at COLDS but it was higher in HIGH-Inc hens at HEATS compared to CONT-Inc. These data may suggest a modification in thyroid activity of hens that were conditioned during the incubation period. Moreover under COLDS condition, SOD production of LOW-Inc hens was higher than those of CONT- and HIGH-Inc hens indicating an induction in antioxidant enzyme activity. Nonetheless, prenatal temperature conditioning of laying hen embryos had no advantage on laying performance of hens under temperature stress conditions.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and SOD-like activity of two copper(II) complexes with hydroxymethyl pendants

To mimic the active site of Cu,Zn-SOD, new copper(II) complexes (1, [Cu2(HL)2(L)2](ClO4)2; 2, [Cu(HL)2(phen)](ClO4)2; where HL = (N-methyl-2-methylol)imidazole, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Copper(II) in 1 is four-coordinate by a N2O2 plane with two copper(II) ions bridged with two oxygens from the deprotonated hydroxylmethyl pendants. Each Cu2+ in 2 is coordinated by four nitrogens from two HL and one co-ligand of 1,10-phenanthroline. Electrochemistry of the complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The atomic net charges distribution and frontier molecular orbital energies were obtained by Gaussian 98 program with DFT method at B3LYP/lanl2dz level. The SOD-like activity (IC50) of 1 and 2 were measured as 0.10 ± 0.01 and 0.19 ± 0.01 μM by NBT assay at pH 7.8. The higher SOD activity of 1 could be attributed to the coordination configuration and the labile hydroxymethyl pendants.

Study on the Preservation of New Chitosan Hydrogel in Navel Orange

The aim was to study the preservation of coating with chitosan hydrogel on navel oranges. And the result showed that coating with 2.0% chitosan hydrogel had a higher SOD activity and lower respiration rate, membrane permeability and MDA content, which could effectively remain navel oranges’ quality and extend the shelf life.

Some synthetic cyclitol derivatives alleviate the effect of water deficit in cultivated and wild-type chickpea species

Cyclitols were prepared from corresponding allylic hydroperoxides, synthesized by photooxygenation of the appropriate cyclic alkenes. These hydroperoxides were then separately treated with a catalytic amount of OsO4. Synthesized dl-cyclopentane-1,2,3-triol 9 (A), dl-cyclohexane-1,2,3-triol 12 (B), and dl-cycloheptane-1,2,3-triol 15 (C) were used in the investigation of plant stress. Antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and water status of chickpea species exposed to synthetic cyclitols under water deficit were examined. Cyclitol derivatives significantly decreased leaf water potential, lipid peroxidation and H2O2 levels of wild and cultivated species under water deficit. Cyclitol treatments affected antioxidant enzyme activities differently in both species under water deficit. The highest SOD activity was found in A10-treated Cicer arietinum (cultivar) and C10-treated Cicer reticulatum (wild type) under water deficit. CAT activity increased in C. arietinum exposed to A cyclitols, while it increased slightly and then decreased in cyclitol-treated C. reticulatum under stress conditions. AP and GR activities were significantly increased in C. arietinum under water deficit. AP activity increased in C derivatives-treated C. arietinum, while it remained unchanged in C. reticulatum on day 1 of water deficit. GR activity was increased in A derivaties-treated C. arietinum and C derivatives-treated C. reticulatum on day 1 of water deficit and decreased with severity of stress (except for B10-treated C. arietinum). The level of AsA in C treatments and GSH in A treatments increased in C. arietinum on day 1 of water deficit, while in C. reticulatum, AsA and GSH levels decreased under stress conditions. We conclude that exogenous synthetic cyclitol derivatives are biologically active and noncytotoxic, resulting in higher antioxidant activities and lower water potential, thus increasing the water deficit tolerance of chickpea under water deficit, especially of cultivated chickpea. We also propose that synthetic cyclitol derivatives can reduce reactive oxygen species and membrane damage and are beneficial for stress adaptation.

Chloroplast pigments, proteins, lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidative enzymes during maturation and senescence of leaves and reproductive organs of Cajanus cajan L.

A comparative investigation was undertaken with pigeon pea leaves and attached flower buds/flowers/pods during their developmental stages including senescence in a natural system in experimental plots. Alterations in chloroplast pigments, total soluble proteins, lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activities of guaiacol peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) were studied at 5-day interval from initial to 40-day stage. Chloroplast pigments and proteins of leaves increased upto 15 and 20-day stages respectively followed by a steady decline. Reproductive parts, however, exhibited rise in chloroplast pigments upto 25-day and protein till last stage as developing pods gain the amount from the senescing leaves which are nearest to them. Senescing leaves show very high POD activity than the developing and senescing pods and POD appears to be associated with chlorophyll degradation. Considerably higher activity and amount of LOX and MDA respectively have been noticed in senescing leaves than in flowers and pods. Increase in SOD activity during early stage of leaf growth and maturation indicates protective role that declined at senescent stages. Pods are unique in having very high SOD activity, only last stage of senescence does show a decline.