Higher Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Effects of Drying Methods on Morphological Characteristics, Metabolite Content, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cordyceps sinensis

Cordyceps sinensis is a rare and endangered medicinal herb in China and a typical medicinal and food plant. Most of the research related to Cordyceps sinensis focuses on its pharmacological effects, artificial cultivation and clinical applications. However, there are few comprehensive evaluations on the quality of Cordyceps sinensis under different drying methods. In this study, the effects of vacuum freeze-drying (DG), oven-drying (HG) and air-drying (YG) on the morphological characteristics, microstructure, antioxidant activity and metabolites of Cordyceps sinensis were investigated using wild Cordyceps sinensis as the research object. The results showed that in their appearance and morphology, the YG- and HG-method Cordyceps sinensis samples were darker in color and wilted, while the DG- method Cordyceps sinensis samples were golden yellow in color and had better fullness. In terms of microstructure, the stomata of the YG and HG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were relatively small and irregularly shaped, whereas those of the DG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were larger and neat. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the HG-method samples were the lowest, followed by the YG group, and the DG group had the highest total antioxidant capacity. A correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between antioxidant capacity and lipids, lipid molecules, nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogs. A metabolomics analysis identified 1937 metabolites from 18 superclasses, with lipids, lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organoheterocyclic compounds, and organic oxygen compounds being the predominant metabolites in Cordyceps sinensis. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in DG samples showed higher levels of lipids and lipid molecules, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds compared to the other drying methods, suggesting DG as the optimal preservation method for Cordyceps sinensis. These findings offer insights for selecting appropriate drying methods and maintaining the post-drying quality of Cordyceps sinensis.

Prolactin is an Endogenous Antioxidant Factor in Astrocytes That Limits Oxidative Stress-Induced Astrocytic Cell Death via the STAT3/NRF2 Signaling Pathway.

Oxidative stress-induced death of neurons and astrocytes contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. While significant progress has been made in identifying neuroprotective molecules against neuronal oxidative damage, little is known about their counterparts for astrocytes. Prolactin (PRL), a hormone known to stimulate astroglial proliferation, viability, and cytokine expression, exhibits antioxidant effects in neurons. However, its role in protecting astrocytes from oxidative stress remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect of PRL against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative insult in primary cortical astrocyte cultures. Incubation of astrocytes with PRL led to increased enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), resulting in higher total antioxidant capacity. Concomitantly, PRL prevented H2O2-induced cell death, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and protein and lipid oxidation. The protective effect of PRL upon H2O2-induced cell death can be explained by the activation of both signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2 (NRF2) transduction cascades. We demonstrated that PRL induced nuclear translocation and transcriptional upregulation of Nrf2, concurrently with the transcriptional upregulation of the NRF2-dependent genes heme oxygenase 1, Sod1, Sod2, and Gpx1. Pharmacological blockade of STAT3 suppressed PRL-induced transcriptional upregulation of Nrf2, Sod1 and Gpx1 mRNA, and SOD and GPX activities. Furthermore, genetic ablation of the PRL receptor increased astroglial susceptibility to H2O2-induced cell death and superoxide accumulation, while diminishing their intrinsic antioxidant capacity. Overall, these findings unveil PRL as a potent antioxidant hormone that protects astrocytes from oxidative insult, which may contribute to brain neuroprotection.

Enhancing Secondary Metabolite Production in Pelargonium graveolens Hort. Cell Cultures: Eliciting Effects of Chitosan and Jasmonic Acid on Bioactive Compound Production

This study explores the effects of chitosan (CHT) and jasmonic acid (JA) elicitors on rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens Hort.) cell suspension cultures, aiming to enhance the production of phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant properties. Elicitation with CHT and JA resulted in varied biomass yields and callus characteristics, with higher concentrations generally leading to increased phenolic accumulation. Optimal biomass was achieved with CHT4 (75 mg/mL) and JA3 (50 µM) treatments. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed changes in phenolic compound composition and quantities, with specific compounds induced by either CHT4 or JA3. For instance, gallic acid content increased significantly in CHT4-treated cells, while catechin content increased notably in both CHT4 and JA3 treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase and peroxidase increased with elicitor concentration, particularly in CHT4 and JA3 treatments. Both treatments exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with JA3 exhibiting the lowest IC50 value in the DPPH assay and highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values. Surprisingly, both CHT4 and JA3 extracts effectively inhibited tyrosinase activity. These findings underscore the efficacy of CHT and JA elicitors in enhancing phenolic and flavonoid production, boosting antioxidant capacity, and inhibiting tyrosinase activity in P. graveolens cultures, offering promising implications for further research and industrial applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

Dietary phosphorus requirement of bullfrog Lithobates (Aquarana) catesbeiana

This experiment investigated the dietary phosphorus (P) requirement of bullfrogs Lithobates (Aquarana) catesbeiana. Six diets containing available P (AP) levels of 0.29% (the control group), 0.47%, 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% were formulated and fed to bullfrogs for 56 days. As the dietary AP level increased from 0.29% to 1.24%, the weight gain rate increased and then decreased, reaching the highest at the AP level of 0.88% (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, content of crude protein in the whole-body was significantly increased in bullfrogs fed the 0.88% AP diet (P < 0.05). Content of crude lipid in the whole-body was significantly decreased in bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets compared to those fed the 0.29% and 0.47% AP diets (P < 0.05). Bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06%, and 1.24% AP diets had higher content of serum P than those fed the 0.29% and 0.47% AP diets (P < 0.05). Activity of glutamic pyruvic transaminase in the serum was significantly decreased in bullfrogs fed the 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets compared to those fed the 0.29% and 0.47% AP diets (P < 0.05). Bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets had lower contents of total cholesterol in the liver and triglycerides in the serum than the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, bullfrogs fed the 0.47%, 0.65%, 0.88% and 1.06% AP diets had higher total antioxidant capacity in the serum than the control group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, contents of P and calcium in the whole-body were significantly increased in bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, bullfrogs fed the 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets had lower expression of sodium-dependent phosphate transporter in the intestine and kidney, and higher expression of hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase in the liver (P < 0.05). Bullfrogs fed the 0.88% and 1.06% AP diets had higher the mucosal fold height than those fed the 0.29% and 1.24% AP diets (P < 0.05). Compared to those fed the 0.29% and 1.24% AP diets, the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria Serratia and Acinetobacter in the intestine was decreased in bullfrogs fed the 0.88% AP diet. Using the weight gain rate, feed efficiency, whole-body and serum P content as evaluation indicators, the AP requirements of bullfrogs was 0.82% to 0.89%.

Resveratrol relieves HFD-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle tissue through antioxidant capacity enhancement and the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway.

Resveratrol has received much attention due to its beneficial effects including antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol treatment on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed animals. A total of 30 six-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to three groups (10 animals in each group): The control group in which mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD); the HFD group in which mice were fed an HFD for 26 weeks; and the HFD-resveratrol group in which HFD was replaced by a resveratrol supplemented-HFD (400mg/kg diet) after 10 weeks of HFD feeding. At the end of this period, gastrocnemius muscle samples were examined to determine insulin resistance and the oxidative status in the presence of HFD and resveratrol. Resveratrol supplementation in HFD-fed mice reduced body and adipose tissue weight, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased oxidative stress as indicated by lower malonaldehyde (MDA) levels and higher total antioxidant capacity. The supplement also increased the expression and activity of antioxidative enzymes in gastrocnemius muscle and modulated Nrf2 and Keap1 expression levels. These results suggest that resveratrol is effective in improving the antioxidant defense system of the skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice, indicating its therapeutic potential to combat diseases associated with insulin resistance and oxidative stress.

Physiological and Transcriptomic Responses of Bok Choy to Heat Stress.

High temperatures have adverse effects on the yield and quality of vegetables. Bok choy, a popular vegetable, shows varying resistance to heat. However, the mechanism underlying the thermotolerance of bok choy remains unclear. In this study, 26 bok choy varieties were identified in screening as being heat-resistant at the seedling stage; at 43 °C, it was possible to observe obvious heat damage in different bok choy varieties. The physiological and biochemical reactions of a heat-tolerant cultivar, Jinmei (J7), and a heat-sensitive cultivar, Sanyueman (S16), were analyzed in terms of the growth index, peroxide, and photosynthetic parameters. The results show that Jinmei has lower relative conductivity, lower peroxide content, and higher total antioxidant capacity after heat stress. We performed transcriptome analysis of the two bok choy varieties under heat stress and normal temperatures. Under heat stress, some key genes involved in sulfur metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and the ribosome pathway were found to be significantly upregulated in the heat-tolerant cultivar. The key genes of each pathway were screened according to their fold-change values. In terms of sulfur metabolism, genes related to protease activity were significantly upregulated. Glutathione synthetase (GSH2) in the glutathione metabolism pathway and the L3e, L23, and S19 genes in the ribosomal pathway were significantly upregulated in heat-stressed cultivars. These results suggest that the total antioxidant capacity and heat injury repair capacity are higher in Jinmei than in the heat-sensitive variety, which might be related to the specific upregulation of genes in certain metabolic pathways after heat stress.

Influence of seasonality on the targeted phytoconstituents of Moringa oleifera Lam. bark, a potent source of phytonutrients, collected from upper Gangetic plains, India

Moringa oleifera, drumstick tree, found in tropical and subtropical regions all across the world excepting frigid areas, is native to India. Different environmental conditions and seasons affect the chemical makeup of plants. The present study evaluated the methanol, 50% methanol and aqueous extracts of Moringa bark collected during five Indian calendar-based seasons for gallic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and quercetin using HPTLC. As a reaction to seasonal fluctuations, TPC and TFC were highest in the methanolic extract of winter season (392 ± 5.03 mg GAE/g and 7.15 ± 0.06 mg QE/g respectively), which also exhibited the maximum oxidative quenching activity with IC50 against DPPH, NO and SO radicals being 147.3 ± 1.32, 67.55 ± 0.70 and 85.46 ± 0.76 µg/ml respectively. The highest total antioxidant capacity using phosphomolybdate assay (87.74 ± 0.23 µg AAE/mg) was also exhibited by the same. The content of quercetin (4.68 µg/mg) and ellagic acid (3.66 µg/mg) were highest in August (rainy season) and in November (autumn season) respectively. Overall, the seasonal pattern for polyphenolic concentration was: winter > autumn > rainy > spring > summer. The most advised harvesting seasons for the bark of M. oleifera is, thus, winter followed by autumn.

Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Medicinal Pslants from Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh

The objective of the present investigation is to appraise the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, DPPH and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity along with a total antioxidant capacity of water extract obtained from six medicinal plants, i.e., Acalypha alnifolia, Caesalpinia bonduc, Carissa spinarum, Commiphora caudata, Moringa concanensis and Terminalia tomentosa. The phytochemical analysis of the six medicinal plants water extracts revealed total phenolic content (TPC) in the range of 27.77 to 3.35 GAE mg/g dwt. The highest TPC is present in A. alnifolia and the lowest is noticed in T. tomentosa. The total flavonoid content is present in between 1.68 to 1.48 QE mg/g dry weight and a higher amount of flavonoid content was observed in A. alnifolia and lowest present in C. bonduc. Antioxidant activity results of the six medicinal plants showed that the highest total antioxidant capacity was observed in Carissa spinarum and lowest in T. tomentosa. DPPH method was used to know the antioxidant capacity of aqueous extract of the six medicinal plants. Among the tested plants A. alnifolia, Carissa spinarum and Moringa concanensis strongly reduced DPPH purple color by expressing ~80% as maximum inhibition. DPPH was strongly inhibited by T. tomentosa (IC50 value 25 μg/ml). Hydroxyl radical was strongly (~96%) inhibited by T. tomentosa and lowest IC50 value was expressed by A. alnifolia (36.4 μg/ml). The study results indicate that all six medicinal plants are rich sources of natural antioxidant components.

Natural versus artificial seawater: Impacts on antioxidant capacity, muscle quality and gut microbiota of Acanthopagrus schlegelii during temporary rearing

For temporary blackhead seabream rearing, both natural seawater (NS) and artificial seawater (AS) are used at seafood markets for freshness. However, their effects on growth and muscle quality are unclear. This study explored the impacts of NS and AS on temporarily reared blackhead seabream. Various rearing periods (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days) were tested, evaluating indicators like antioxidant capacity, morphology, muscle quality, and gut microbiota to uncover differences in rearing conditions. The results indicated that blackhead seabream reared in NS had a higher total antioxidant capacity. On the 9th day of temporary rearing, the Viscero-Somatic and Hepato-Somatic index of the NS group were lower than those from AS (P < 0.05). During rearing, the NS group showed significantly higher crude protein and lipid contents than the AS group (P < 0.05). Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed distinct compositions between the groups, with Proteobacteria dominating during rearing. Ralstonia was the dominant bacterial genus, higher in the NS group. Conversely, Ahrensia and Bacteroides were more prevalent in the AS group. In conclusion, this study revealed on impacts of temporary rearing without feeding on blackhead seabream in NS and AS. NS group exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity and muscle quality, with increased beneficial bacteria in their gut microbiota.

Metabolomics Reveals Antioxidant Metabolites in Colored Rice Grains.

Colored rice is richer in nutrients and contains more nutrients and bioactive substances than ordinary white rice. Moderate consumption of black (purple) rice has a variety of physiological effects, such as antioxidant effects, blood lipid regulation, and blood sugar control. Therefore, we utilized nontargeted metabolomics, quantitative assays for flavonoid and phenolic compounds, and physiological and biochemical data to explore the correlations between metabolites and the development of antioxidant characteristics in pigmented rice seeds. The findings indicated that, among Yangjinnuo 818 (YJN818), Hongnuo (HN), Yangchannuo 1 hao (YCN1H), and Yangzi 6 hao (YZ6H), YZ6H exhibited the highest PAL activity, which was 2.13, 3.08, and 3.25 times greater than those of YJN818, HN, and YCN1H, respectively. YZ6H likewise exhibited the highest flavonoid content, which was 3.8, 7.06, and 35.54 times greater than those of YJN818, HN, and YCN1H, respectively. YZ6H also had the highest total antioxidant capacity, which was 2.42, 3.76, and 3.77 times greater than those of YJN818, HN, and YCN1H, respectively. Thus, purple rice grains have stronger antioxidant properties than other colored rice grains. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that trans-3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavanone, phorizin, and trilobatin in the YZ6H, HN, and YCN1H comparison groups all had area under the curve (AUC) values of 1. Phlorizin, trans-3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavanone, and trilobatin were recognized as indices of antioxidant capability in colored rice in this research. This research adds to the understanding of antioxidant compounds in pigmented rice, which can increase the nutritional value of rice and promote the overall well-being of individuals. This type of information is of immense importance in maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.

BONE FROM FAT: ENHANCING OSTEOGENESIS FROM ADIPOSE STEM CELLS

Extensive bone defects, caused by severe trauma or resection of large bone tumors, are difficult to treat. Regenerative medicine, including stem cell transplantation, may provide a novel solution for these intractable problems and improve the quality of life in affected patients. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) have been extensively studied as cell sources for regenerative medicine due to their excellent proliferative capacity and the ability to obtain a large number of cells with minimal donor morbidity. However, the osteogenic potential of ASCs is lower than that of bone marrow-derived stromal/stem cells. To address this disadvantage, our group has employed various methods to enhance osteogenic differentiation of ASCs, including factors such as bone morphogenetic protein or Vitamin D, coculture with bone marrow stem cells, VEGF transfection, and gene transfer of Runx-2 and osterix. Recently, we mined a marker that can predict the osteogenic potential of ASC clones and also investigated the usefulness of the molecule as the enhancer of osteogenic differentiation of ASCs as well as its mechanism of action. Through RNA-seq gene analysis, we discovered that GSTT1 was the most distinguished gene marker between highly osteogenic and poorly osteogenic ASC clones. Knockdown of GSTT1 in high osteogenic ASCs by siGSTT1 treatment reduced mineralized matrix formation while GSTT1 overexpression by GSTT1 transfection or GSTT1 recombinant protein treatment enhanced osteogenic differentiation of low osteogenic ASCs. Metabolomic analysis confirmed significant changes of metabolites related to bone differentiation in ASCs transfected with GSTT1. A high total antioxidant capacity, low levels of cellular reactive oxygen species and increased GSH/GSSG ratios were also detected in GSTT1- transfected ASCs. GSTT1 can be a useful marker to screen the highly osteogenic ASC clones and also a therapeutic factor to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of poorly osteogenic ASC clones.

Antioxidant activity and in silico anticholinesterase studies of major phenolic constituents of three commercial olive oils: A comparative study

This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties, in vitro antioxidant, and total phenolic content of three commercially available olive oils in Oman and to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of phenolic compounds through molecular docking studies. Three samples of extra virgin olive oil viz., RS (Spain), Tunisian olive oil and locally produced olive oil (Aljabal Al'akhdar) were purchased from the local market. The physicochemical parameters, total phenolic (TP) content, in vitro antioxidant activity and total antioxidant capacity were studied for comparison. In silico molecular docking studies of five phenolic compounds viz., tyrosol, hydroxy tyrosol, luteolin, oleuropein aglycone and oleocanthal on Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme was carried out to explore their possible role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). All three samples of olive oil were found to be acidic with slight variation. The refractive indices were noted to be similar to the values reported in the literature. The oils showed excellent antioxidant activity (92.11–95.34%) and were observed to have a linear correlation with their TP content. Tunisian olive oil was observed to exhibit the best antioxidant activity, highest total antioxidant capacity and contained the maximum amount of phenolic compounds. In silico molecular docking studies showed interaction with the key residues of the active site on the target AChE protein. The inhibition of the cholinesterase activity as an additional inhibitory property makes good use of the antioxidant activity rationalizing the significance of bioactive polyphenolic compounds luteolin and oleuropein aglycone present in the olive oil, thus paving the development of natural therapeutics against AD.

Effects of Dietary Thymoquinone Inclusion on Antioxidative, Oxidative, Pro-Inflammatory Responses, Semen Attributes and Testicular Changes in Heat-Stressed Rabbit Bucks

Abstract Heat stress (HS) is considered a severe concern for rabbit buck’s health, welfare and reproductive features. Thymoquinone (THQ) is a natural molecule with robust antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thereafter, three months of feeding research was applied to assess the role of THQ-enriched diets in improving the health, semen attributes and testicular changes of stressed rabbit bucks. Forty rabbit bucks were used in this research, and animals were fed diets containing 0 (THQ0; serve as a heat stress group), 100 (THQ100), 200 (THQ200), and 400 (THQ400) mg/kg of THQ for three months continually during the summer season. Outcomes displayed that THQ significantly enhanced FBW (final body weight), DBWG (daily body weight gain), and FI (feed intake) but did not affect FCR (feed conversion ratio). Compared with the THQ0 group, dietary THQ addition significantly decreased creatinine, TB (total bilirubin), TG (triglycerides), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) levels. Bucks receiving 200 mg of THQ had higher TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and GSH (glutathione) than other groups. At the same time, MDA was significantly shrunk in THQ-treated groups relative to the THQ group. The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were significantly diminished (P &lt;0.001), but nitric oxide and lysosome activity were significantly increased in bucks given diets containing THQ (200 and 400 mg/kg) as relative to the TH0 group. Libido score and reaction time were significantly improved by THQ dietary inclusion. Semen attributes, including volume, motility, concentration, and vitality, were significantly augmented in THQ100 and THQ200 groups. Histological screening of testicular tissues showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in the testicular tissues of bucks exposed to HS. This was enhanced with the supplementation of THQ at different levels. Collectively, THQ (200 or 400 mg/kg diet) can improve health, semen attributes and restore testicular damage in rabbit bucks via boosting antioxidant and reducing inflammatory cytokines.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Studies on Celtis Timorensis Leaf Extract

Objective: The objective of the present investigation is to study the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and water extracts of the leaf part of Celtis timorensis Spr. The preliminary phytochemical studies were conducted according to standard procedures. Total phenolic content was estimated using the FCA reagent method. The antioxidant efficiency of extracts was evaluated by using molybdate and DPPH methods. The antibacterial potency of leaf extracts was studied using the disc diffusion method against eight human pathogenic bacterial strains. Results: The results of preliminary phytochemical study revealed the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols, phenolic components, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and saponins. The total phenolic content of the tested extracts exhibited a range between 8.82 to 68.32 mg GAE/g dwt. The highest total phenolic content was observed in the methanol extract (68.32±1.03 mg GAE/g dwt.) and the highest total antioxidant capacity was observed in the methanol extract of leaf part (700.0±0.71 mg ASE/g dwt.).Regarding DPPH scavenging activity the highest DPPH-reducing activity (&gt;90%) was observed by methanol, ethanol and water extracts of the leaf part. Ethanol and water extracts of leaf samples strongly inhibited the gram-negative bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica (13 mm for each species) respectively. While gram-positive species i.e. Bacillus megatherium Artherobacter protophormiae and P. aeruginosa were moderately inhibited by chloroform, ethanol and water extracts (12 mm for each) respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, the selected medicinal plant C. timorensis extracts exhibited good antioxidant activity, strong antibacterial activity and rich bioactive components. It required further studies on the isolation, and characterization of active principle to evaluate its pharmacological properties.

Comparison of different papaya forms on the growth performance, immune response, antioxidative capacity, and caecal microbiota of Japanese Quails

Papaya is a sparsely branched tree and grows in many tropical and subtropical areas. Herein, this study compared the effects of papaya at 0.75 % as seeds meal (PSM), leaves meal (PLM), latex powder (PLP), or a mixture of them (PMIX) on the performances of Japanese quails. Two hundred unsexed Japanese quail (1st week-old) with an initial body weight of 21.08 ± 0.32 g were allocated into five experimental groups in cages with free access to water and test diets. Birds fed diets enriched with PSM, PLM, PLP, or PMIX for 55 weeks. The results showed that quail groups fed on papaya diets exhibited improved (P < 0.05) final weight, weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control. Dietary PLP or PMIX resulted in a remarkable WG enhancement, while PMIX reduced the FCR (P < 0.05). Activities of digestive enzymes (amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin) were enhanced (P < 0.05) with dietary papaya, especially in birds fed on PLP. Quails fed on PLM, PLP, or PMIX diets had reduced albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels. At the same time, the level of high-density lipoprotein and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase increased (P < 0.001) by dietary PLP and PMIX. Moreover, higher total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and lower malondialdehyde were recorded with papaya supplements than with the control. A similar trend was recorded for immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM), phagocyte activity, and phagocyte index. Interestingly, low caecal harmful microbiota populations were observed in birds treated with papaya. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of different papaya parts (leaves, seed, latex, and their mixture) can improve the productive performance, immunity, antioxidant indices, intestinal enzymes, and decline intestinal pathogens of growing Japanese quails.

Seasonal stress on semen quality profiles, seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in endangered Teressa goat of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Objective: To measure seasonal effects on semen quality profiles, seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in fresh and liquid stored semen in monsoon and dry seasons. Methods: A total of 10 Teressa bucks (3-4 years) were selected from breeding farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Semen samples (n=25 per season) were collected through artificial vagina method and preserved at refrigerated temperature (5°C) for 48 h using Tris citrate glucose based extender. We detected semen quality parameters [volume, mass activity, pH, sperm concentration, total motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, and plasma membrane, acrosomal and nuclear integrities], biochemical profiles [aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and total cholesterol], and oxidative stress markers [total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] during monsoon and dry seasons. Results: Semen quality parameters significantly differed between seasons (P&lt;0.05) and among storage periods (P&lt;0.05). Volume, pH, mass activity, motility, viability, acrosomal, plasma membrane and nuclear integrities, and TAC were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05). Sperm concentration, sperm abnormalities, MDA, AST, ALT and total cholesterol were significantly lower in fresh semen of monsoon than dry season (P&lt;0.05). Motility, viability, acrosomal, plasma membrane and nuclear integrities, and TAC were significantly decreased (P&lt;0.05) while sperm abnormality, AST, ALT, total cholesterol and MDA were significantly increased as liquid semen storage period advanced (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Monsoon season has higher beneficial effects on semen quality profiles and liquid stored semen remained usable for upto 48 h. Good quality ejaculates with higher TAC and lower MDA can be cryopreserved and will be used for artificial insemination.

Influence of the packaging systems on the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of wine pomace used as seasoning in chicken meat.

White wine pomace products (wWPP) represent an innovative strategy as a functional food ingredient to be used as a seasoning both for their technological and functional properties. Nevertheless, the bioactive compounds of wWPP used as a seasoning could be modified during storage. The seasoning in the meat, regardless of the storage method used, modified its phenolic profile and in its bioaccessible fractions, while maintaining a high total antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content. The contact of the seasoning with the meat can be considered safe as it does not show cytotoxicity in the Caco-2 cells. Additionally, the ability to modulate the cell oxidative stress of the bioaccessible fractions and the potential benefits on microbiota by the colonic fermentation fraction, suggest its potential use as a functional ingredient, without being affected by storage. These results are novel and may help to establish the value of this product as a functional ingredient.

Longitudinal changes of oxidative stress and PON1 lactonase activity and status in older pregnant women undergoing assisted reproductive technology: a prospective nested case-control study

BackgroundChildbearing in women with advanced maternal age (AMA) has increased the need for artificial reproductive technology (ART). ART and oxidative stress are associated with many pregnancy complications. Paraoxonase (PON) 1 is one of the key components responsible for antioxidative activity in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes of oxidative stress and PON1 lactonase activity and status in older women undergoing ART.MethodsThis prospective nested case-control study included 129 control and 64 ART women. Blood samples were obtained respectively at different stages of pregnancy. PON1 level and lactonase activity were assessed using 7-O-diethylphosphoryl-3-cyano-4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (DEPCyMC) and 5-thiobutyl butyrolactone (TBBL) as a substrate, respectively. A normalized lactonase activity (NLA) was estimated based on the ratio of TBBLase to DEPCyMCase activity. Serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), homocysteine (HCY), PON1 C-108T and Q192R genetic polymorphisms, and metabolic parameters were analyzed.ResultsLactonase activity and level of PON1 gradually decreased with pregnancy progression, while glycolipid metabolism parameters and TAC levels increased with pregnancy progression or significantly raised during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, and NLA of PON1, TOS, OSI, MDA, and HCY significantly increased before delivery in the ART and control groups. Compared with the control women, the ART women had substantially higher or relatively high lactonase activity and NLA of PON1 and TAC during pregnancy; higher triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index, apolipoprotein (apo) B, and apoB/apoA1 ratio in the 1st trimester; and higher fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and TG levels before delivery. No significant differences were found in the frequencies of PON1 C-108T and Q192R genotypes and alleles between the ART and control groups.ConclusionsWomen with AMA undergoing ART had higher TAC, PON1 lactonase activity, and PON1 NLA than control women, suggesting increased compensatory antioxidant capacity in ART women, thus showing higher sensitivity to oxidative stress-related injury and diseases.

Pharmacological activities of chemically characterized essential oils from Haplophyllum tuberculatum (Forssk.).

The present work aimed at characterizing the phytochemical composition of Haplophyllum tuberculatum essential oil (HTEO), assessing its antifungal activity against various fungal strains, evaluating its insecticidal and repulsive properties against Callosobruchus maculatus, and determine its antioxidant capacity. To this end, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis detected 34 compounds in HTEO, with β-Caryophyllene being the major constituent (36.94%). HTEO demonstrated predominantly modest antifungal effects, however, it sustains notable activity, particularly against Aspergillus flavus, with an inhibition rate of 76.50% ± 0.60%. Minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 20.53 ± 5.08 to 76.26 ± 5.08mg/mL, effectively inhibiting fungal growth. Furthermore, the antifungal, and antioxidant activities of HTEO were evaluated in silico against the proteins Aspergillus flavus FAD glucose dehydrogenase, and beta-1,4-endoglucanase from Aspergillus niger, NAD(P)H Oxidase. Moreover, HTEO displayed strong insecticidal activity against C. maculatus, with contact and inhalation tests yielding LC50 values of 30.66 and 40.28μL/100g, respectively, after 24h of exposure. A dose of 5μL/100g significantly reduced oviposition (48.85%) and inhibited emergence (45.15%) compared to the control group. Additionally, HTEO exhibited a high total antioxidant capacity of 758.34mg AAE/g EO, highlighting its antioxidant potential. Insilico results showed that the antifungal activity of HTEO is mostly attributed to γ-Cadinene and p-Cymen-7-ol, while antioxidant is attributed to α-Terpinyl isobutyrate displayed. Overall, HTEO offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic products used to manage diseases.

GSTT1 as a Predictive Marker and Enhancer for Osteogenic Potential of Human Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells.

Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) have been extensively studied as cell sources for regenerative medicine for bone because of their excellent proliferative capacity and the ability to obtain a large number of cells with minimal donor morbidity. On the other hand, the differentiation potential of ASCs is generally lower than that of bone marrow-derived stromal/stem cells and varies greatly depending on donors. In this study, we mined a marker that can predict the osteogenic potential of ASC clones and also investigated the usefulness of the molecule as the enhancer of osteogenic differentiation of ASCs as well as its mechanism of action. Through RNA-seq gene analysis, we discovered that GSTT1 (Glutathione S-transferase theta-1) was the most distinguished gene marker between highly osteogenic and poorly osteogenic ASC clones. Knockdown of GSTT1 in high osteogenic ASCs by siGSTT1 treatment reduced mineralized matrix formation. On the other hand, GSTT1 overexpression by GSTT1 transfection or GSTT1 recombinant protein treatment enhanced osteogenic differentiation of low osteogenic ASCs. Metabolomic analysis confirmed significant changes of metabolites related to bone differentiation in ASCs transfected with GSTT1. A high total antioxidant capacity, low levels of cellular reactive oxygen species, and increased GSH/GSSG ratios were also detected in GSTT1-transfected ASCs. When the in vivo effect of GSTT1-transfected ASCs on bone regeneration was investigated with segmental long-bone defect model in rats, bone regeneration was significantly better after implantation of GSTT1-transfected ASCs compared with that of control vector-transfected ASCs. In conclusion, GSTT1 can be a useful marker to screen the highly osteogenic ASC clones and also a therapeutic factor to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of poorly osteogenic ASC clones. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).