Improved Superoxide Dismutase Activity Research Articles

Flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia Benth seeds improves antioxidant status in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced Diabetes mellitus

BackgroundOxidative stress is a disruption in the balance between free radicals and the body's natural defenses. This study investigated the modulatory effect of a flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed (FRFMTS) on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes in diabetic Wistar rats. The plant seeds were collected, and identified then, hydro-ethanolic extract was obtained with 80 % (v/v) ethanol and partitioned with solvents to obtain the FRFMTS. Diabetes mellitus was induced with a single dose of 40 mg/kg bwt streptozotocin and the rats were treated according to their grouping; group 1: non-diabetic control, groups 2 and 3: non-diabetic treated with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS, respectively. Group 4: diabetic control group, groups 5 and 6: diabetic groups treated with 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS, respectively, while group 7: diabetic treated with 6.67 mg/kg metformin. Antioxidant status, oxidative stress biomarkers and activities of antioxidant enzymes were determined in plasma, heart, and kidney tissues using established procedures. ResultsPlasma total antioxidant status (TAS) was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats upon treatment with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS (70.4 %), while 50 mg/kg FRFMTS increased TAS by 70 %. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the plasma, heart, and kidney of diabetic rats significantly decreased (61.3 %, 58.8 % and 31.4 % respectively) while lipid peroxidation (LPO) was elevated when compared with normal control groups. Flavonoid-rich fraction of M. tenuifolia at 25 mg/kg bwt and 50 mg/kg bwt significantly increased the activity GPx enzyme by 32.3 % and 72 % in plasma, while there was no significant differences in both kidney and heart of diabetic rats when compared with diabetic control groups. The treatment of diabetic rats with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS improved SOD activity in the plasma (51.5 % and 69.8 %), heart (32.3 % and 27.6 %) and kidney (31.4 % and 27.1 %) respectively, and CAT activity in plasma (44.2 % and 57 %), heart (28.6 % and 60 %) and kidney (69.6 % and 76.7 %) respectively. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in lipid peroxidation assay in the heart and kidney of diabetic rats treated with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS reduced significantly by (62.5 % and 71.1 % in heart), while 50 mg/kg FRFMTS significantly reduced MDA in kidney by 43.8 %. ConclusionsThe results showed that FRFMTS reduces oxidative stress and enhances the activities of antioxidant enzymes in STZ-diabetic Wistar rats. As such, FRFMTS could be useful in the management of oxidative stress-mediated diabetic complications.

Exogenous Substances Improved Salt Tolerance in Cotton

Soil salinization is a major limiting factor for cotton growth in Southern Xinjiang. Studying technologies and mechanisms to improve cotton salt tolerance is of significant importance for the development and utilization of saline–alkaline land. In this study, ‘Xinluzhong 40’ cotton was used as the material, and 150 mmol·L−1 sodium chloride (NaCl) and 1.2% natural saline–alkaline soil extract were employed to simulate single-salt (SS) and mixed-salt (MS) stresses, respectively. The effects of different exogenous substances (sodium nitrophenolate, 24-epibrassinolide, and γ-aminobutyric acid) on the growth characteristics of cotton under salt stress were investigated. The results show that: (1) Under salt stress, the height and biomass of cotton (50 d old) were reduced. Both SS and MS stresses led to increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, elevated proline (PRO) content (with an increase of 50.01% and no significant difference), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (with increases of 63.14% and 32.42%, respectively). At the same time, catalase (CAT) activity decreased, Na+ and Cl− contents increased, K+ content decreased, and the K+/Na+ ratio was reduced. (2) Application of sodium nitrophenolate (S), 24-epibrassinolide (E), and γ-aminobutyric acid (G) significantly improved SOD activity and PRO content while reducing MDA content (decreased by 29.33%, 25.48%, and 30.47% compared to SS treatment; and 1.68%, 5.21%, and 5.49% compared to MS treatment, respectively). They also increased CAT activity (increased by 75.97%, 103.24%, and 80.79% compared to SS treatment; and 91.06%, 82.43%, and 119.68% compared to MS treatment, respectively) and K+/Na+ ratio (increased by 57.59%, 66.35%, and 70.50% compared to SS treatment; and 38.31%, 42.97%, and 66.66% compared to MS treatment, respectively), reduced Cl− content, and promoted increases in plant height and biomass. The effects of exogenous substances on antioxidant capacity and ion balance under salt stress were significant, particularly under SS stress. (3) Principal component analysis revealed that under SS and MS stresses, principal component 1 mainly reflects cotton’s antioxidant capacity, with SOD, CAT, and PRO having high weights; principal component 2 mainly reflects cotton’s ion balance and nutrient absorption, with root Na+, stem Na+, leaf Na+, root K+, and root Cl− having high weights. These findings highlight the potential of exogenous substances to improve cotton salt tolerance and provide scientific evidence for cotton cultivation on saline–alkaline land, offering new insights into cultivation techniques from an applied research perspective.

Modulatory Effect of Dihydromyricetin on Chronic Alcoholic Liver Injury Based on the FXR-NLRP3 Signaling Pathway and Serum and Liver Metabolomics

Background In modern diets, alcohol consumption has led to an increase in the number of cases of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is commonly used as a hepatoprotective agent owing to its remarkable efficacy in treating chronic alcoholic liver injury; however, its mechanism of action is unclear. The object of the study is to investigate the effect and mechanism of DMY in alleviating chronic ALD. Methods A mouse model of chronic ALD was established. Mice were treated with DMY for 56 days, and their biochemical parameters including liver function, blood lipids, and oxidative stress-related indices were measured. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) expression, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway-related protein expression, and inflammation-related gene expression were determined to elucidate the mechanism of DMY in mice with ALD. Lastly, serum and liver metabolomics-based UHPLC-Orbitrap Exploris MS analyses were used to determine the influence of the metabolism of DMY on mice with ALD. Results Pharmacodynamic studies showed that DMY could decrease aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, improve superoxide dismutase activity, and reduce inflammation in mice with ALD. DMY treatment protects the liver by increasing FXR protein expression and by decreasing NLRP3 pathway-related protein expression and inflammatory gene expression. Metabolomics analysis indicated that ethanol treatment mainly altered metabolism in mice. DMY could regulate 10 metabolites in serum, namely, N-α-acetyllysine, 1-pyrrolinecytosine, glutamyllysine, 5-methylcytosine, N-methylvaline, pyridoxamine, demethoxycurcumin, L-arginine, triacetin, and 15-methylpalmitate. It could also regulate 31 metabolites in the liver, including L-methionine and L-leucine. DMY treatment altered the following important pathways: valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; cysteine and methionine metabolism; and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation. Correlation analyses using heatmaps revealed that the metabolic parameters are closely related to the pharmacodynamic index. Conclusion These findings indicated that DMY alleviated ALD by regulating the FXR-NLRP3 signaling pathway and could treat serum and liver metabolic disorders.

Effects of supplementing coated methionine in a high plant-protein diet on growth, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of TOR signaling pathway associated genes in gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio.

This study explored the impacts of supplementation of different levels of coated methionine (Met) in a high-plant protein diet on growth, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes activity and expression of genes related to TOR signaling pathway in gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibeilo). A high-plant protein diet was formulated and used as a basal diet and supplemented with five different levels of coated Met at 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75%, corresponding to final analyzed Met levels of 0.34, 0.49, 0.64, 0.76, 0.92 and 1.06%. Three replicate groups of fish (initial mean weight, 11.37 ± 0.02g) (20 fish per replicate) were fed the test diets over a 10-week feeding period. The results indicated that with the increase of coated Met level, the final weight, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate initially boosted and then suppressed, peaking at 0.76% Met level (P< 0.05). Increasing dietary Met level led to significantly increased muscle crude protein content (P< 0.05) and reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity (P< 0.05). Using appropriate dietary Met level led to reduced malondialdehyde concentration in hepatopancreas (P< 0.05), improved superoxide dismutase activity (P< 0.05), and enhanced intestinal amylase and protease activities (P< 0.05). The expression levels of genes associated with muscle protein synthesis such as insulin-like growth factor-1, protein kinase B, target of rapamycin and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein-1 mRNA were significantly regulated, peaking at Met level of 0.76% (P< 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing optimal level of coated Met improved on fish growth, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of TOR pathway related genes in muscle. The optimal dietary Met level was determined to be 0.71% of the diet based on quadratic regression analysis of WG.

Formulation of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.-purple sweet potato-based biscuit as antioxidant by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in high-fat-diet-fed rats

Incorporating antioxidants in functional foods represents an excellent dietary approach to prevent oxidative stress. The present work aimed to create a novel formulation of biscuits using a combination of Zingiber cassumunar (ZC) and purple sweet potato (PSP) as the main ingredients, in producing a functional food product that possesses antioxidant properties. The present work involved conducting trials and implementing optimisation techniques in order to obtain three distinct biscuit formulations, namely F1 (ZC 0.75 g: PSP 5.25 g), F2 (ZC 0.45 g: PSP 5.55 g), and F3 (ZC 0.28 g: PSP 5.72 g). The proximate analysis of the three formulations met the Standard Nasional Indonesia (SNI) criteria for biscuits, which encompassed parameters such as moisture content, ash, fat, protein, crude fibre, and metal residue. The F3 biscuits were chosen as the test biscuits in subsequent experiments due to their superior quality. The administration of F3 biscuits at a dosage of 1.94 g per 200 g of body weight to rats fed with high-fat diet for 28 d resulted in a substantial reduction (p &lt; 0.05) in malondialdehyde levels, with a mean value of 2.17 ± 0.22 nmol/mL. Additionally, this intervention improved superoxide dismutase activity, with a mean value of 72.95 ± 3.06%. The F3 biscuits demonstrated promising antioxidant potential. This could serve as a basis for further clinical trials in humans before its potential commercialisation. Further investigation into the formulation of the biscuit is necessary, especially concerning the moisture, ash, and crude fibre levels present.

Effect and mechanism of fish scale extract natural hydrogel on skin protection and cell damage repair after UV irradiation

Skin lesions caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure seriously reduce people's life quality, safe natural products development to prevent and repair ultraviolet damage is an effective strategy. We investigated the protective and reparative effects of the natural composite gel (SE-gel) derived from fish scales on UV-irradiated skin by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) -mediated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Our results showed that SE-gel rich in glycine and proline had good ultraviolet absorption, water absorption, moisturizing and free radical scavenging abilities. In vitro, SE-gel could improve UV-irradiated L929 cell viability by 1.24 times via inhibiting 50% ROS production and malondialdehyde, and improving superoxide dismutase activity to reduce oxidative stress caused by UV irradiation. In UV-irradiated mouse skin damage model, SE-gel prevent UV-induced skin erythema, epidermal thickening, collagen fiber degradation and disruption, and reduced UV-induced inflammatory response via NF-κB signaling pathway, showing potential application in UV-irradiated skin damage prevention and repair.

Quercetin and Its Derivative Counteract Palmitate-Dependent Lipotoxicity by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cardiomyocytes.

Cardiac lipotoxicity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related cardiovascular disease. The flavonoid quercetin (QUE), a nutraceutical compound that is abundant in the "Mediterranean diet", has been shown to be a potential therapeutic agent in cardiac and metabolic diseases. Here, we investigated the beneficial role of QUE and its derivative Q2, which demonstrates improved bioavailability and chemical stability, in cardiac lipotoxicity. To this end, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were pre-treated with QUE or Q2 and then exposed to palmitate (PA) to recapitulate the cardiac lipotoxicity occurring in obesity. Our results showed that both QUE and Q2 significantly attenuated PA-dependent cell death, although QUE was effective at a lower concentration (50 nM) when compared with Q2 (250 nM). QUE decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an important indicator of cytotoxicity, and the accumulation of intracellular lipid droplets triggered by PA. On the other hand, QUE protected cardiomyocytes from PA-induced oxidative stress by counteracting the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl groups (which are indicators of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, respectively) and intracellular ROS generation, and by improving the enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Pre-treatment with QUE also significantly attenuated the inflammatory response induced by PA by reducing the release of key proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α). Similar to QUE, Q2 (250 nM) also significantly counteracted the PA-provoked increase in intracellular lipid droplets, LDH, and MDA, improving SOD activity and decreasing the release of IL-1β and TNF-α. These results suggest that QUE and Q2 could be considered potential therapeutics for the treatment of the cardiac lipotoxicity that occurs in obesity and metabolic diseases.

Polyphenols as a partial replacement for vitamin E in nursery pig diets.

A total of 300 pigs (241 × 600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 6.0 ± 0.01 kg) were used in a 42-d trial to determine the effects of vitamin E levels and partially replacing vitamin E with a polyphenol (Cabanin CSD, R2 Argo, Denmark) on growth performance, complete blood count, serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and cytokine panel. Sixty pens of pigs were weighed and allotted to one of the five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with 12 pens per treatment. A control treatment was formulated to provide 15 IU/kg of vitamin E equivalence from vitamin E. This control treatment was then used as a base for three replacement strategy diets to determine the effects of replacing an additional 60 IU/kg of vitamin E with polyphenol in diets containing a basal level of vitamin E requirement estimate (15 IU/kg). First, an additional 60 IU/kg of vitamin E was added for a total of 75 IU/kg of vitamin E equivalence. Second, 50% of the additional vitamin E (30 IU/kg) was replaced with the equivalency of polyphenol. Third, all 60 IU/kg of the additional vitamin E was replaced with the equivalency of polyphenol. To evaluate whether there are negative effects of feeding nursery pigs a high level of polyphenol, a fifth treatment was formulated to provide 575 IU/kg of vitamin E equivalence with 75 IU/kg from vitamin E and 500 IU/kg from polyphenol. Whole blood and serum samples were collected on days 10 and 42, and pig weights and feed disappearance were measured on days 10, 21, 31, 38, and 42. For growth performance, increasing vitamin E equivalence tended to improve (quadratic, P < 0.10) gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) from days 10 to 21, and tended to improve (linear, P < 0.10) G:F from days 21 to 42 and 0 to 42. There was a vitamin E equivalence × day interaction (P = 0.050) for serum SOD activity. Increasing vitamin E equivalence increased (linear, P < 0.05) serum SOD activity on day 42 but not on days 10 (P > 0.10). For serum cytokines, there was no evidence of differences (P > 0.10) between treatments and vitamin E equivalence. Moreover, there was no evidence of differences (P > 0.10) in all response variables between the three replacement strategies throughout the entire periods. In summary, increasing vitamin E equivalence tended to improve G:F, which may be related to the improved SOD activity. Furthermore, polyphenol can effectively replace vitamin E provided above the vitamin E requirement to provide similar benefits from increasing vitamin E equivalence.

Polysaccharides from tropical green seaweed Chaetomorpha antennina induces non-specific immune responses and improves antioxidative activities in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) leukocyte culture cell line

Polysaccharides from seaweeds are promising biomolecules that could sustainably improve the health status of cultured fish species. In this study, water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Chaetomorpha antennina were investigated to determine their physicochemical characteristics and biological activities. C. antennina water-soluble polysaccharides (CAWP) comprised mainly of carbohydrate (69.0 ± 2.3 %), sulphate (12.6 ± 0.5 %), uronic acid (8.8 ± 0.1 %) and protein (3.5 ± 0.2 %). High Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC-PAD) analysis revealed that CAWP contained mostly arabinose (17.1 ± 2.3 mg/L), galactose (9.3 ± 1.0 mg/L), glucose (5.1 ± 0.6 mg/L), xylose/mannose (1.4 ± 0.6 mg/L) and a small proportion of fucose (0.3 ± 0.1 mg/L). CAWP, with intrinsic viscosity of 0.66 dL/g and estimated molecular weight of 318 kDa, were non-toxic to Carp leukocyte culture (CLC) cell line at concentrations ≤25 μg/mL. CAWP at concentrations of 12.5 and 25 μg/mL stimulated CLC to release significant amount of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and augmented phagocytic activity. Intracellular antioxidant activities indicated that CAWP did not induce oxidative damage in CLC but could improve superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), total glutathione (tGSH) and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The findings from our study provide a foundation for the applicability of water-soluble polysaccharides from C. antennina in the aquaculture industry as a potent immunomodulatory agent. • Chaetomorpha antennina is a rich source of sulphated polysaccharides. • Induction of oxidative burst response in Carp leucocytes • Phagocytosis of Red Zymosan® bioparticles by Carp leucocytes • Improved intracellular antioxidant activities

Fungal metabolite isolated from Mycosphaerella nawae AM20 and its protective role in cerebral ischemia

Usnic acid is one of the important metabolites showed cardiovascular protective properties. The main aim of the study was to analyze antioxidant and cerebral ischemia preventive role in experimental Albino rats. The amount of usnic acid in the Mycosphaerella nawae AM20 culture extract was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Antioxidant property was evaluated by various methods and usnic acid has potential Fe2+ chelating activity. The influence of usnic acid on special learning and memory was studied in vivo using Albino rats. Morris water maze (MWM) analysis revealed that the experimental ischemic rats treated with usnic acid reached the platform at minimum time than ischemic rats without usnic acid treatment. At 0.1 mL usnic acid concentration, hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) inhibition activity was 18.4 ± 1.1% and it increased as 80.3 ± 2.4% at 0.5 mL concentration in the reaction mixture. Likewise, acetylcholinesterase (ACE) inhibitor activity was observed and was dose dependent. At 0.2 mL concentration, 21.8 ± 1.7% enzyme activities inhibited and it increased as 48.3 ± 1.8% at 0.5 mL sample concentration. Fibrinolytic analysis revealed 13 ± 0 mm zone of clearance at 0.5 mL sample concentration and the standard plasmin showed 17 ± 2 mm zone of clearance. Biochemical analysis revealed that the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher in the hippocampal region of ischemia group animal (59.4 ± 3.5 μM). Moreover, usnic acid treated ischemia group showed reduced MDA content (29.8 ± 3.5 μM). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced in ischemic albino rat and improved SOD activity was observed in the treated animal.

The Positive Influence of Polyphenols Extracted From Pueraria lobata Root on the Gut Microbiota and Its Antioxidant Capability.

Pueraria lobata, an edible food and medicinal plant, is a rich source of bioactive components. In this study, a polyphenol-rich extract was isolated from P. lobata. Puerarin was identified, and the high antioxidant bioactivity of the P. lobata extract was evaluated using the methods of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS), and hydroxyl free radical scavenging ratio. Additionally, the IC50 values of DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were 50.8, 13.9, and 100.4 μg/ml, respectively. Then, the P. lobata extract was administered to C57Bl/6J mice and confirmed to have a superior effect on enhancing the antioxidant status including improving superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase peroxide activity, total antioxidant capacity activity, and malondialdehyde contents in vivo. Furthermore, the P. lobata extract had beneficial and prebiotic effects on the composition and structure of gut microbiota. Results showed that the P. lobata extract significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, involving Lactobacillaceae and Bacteroidetes, and decreased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Burkholderiaceae. Overall, our results provided a basis for using the P. lobata extract as a promising and potential functional ingredient for the food industry.

Rivastigmine Regulates the HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway to Induce Angiogenesis and Improves the Survival of Random Flaps in Rats.

Random skin flaps are frequently used to repair skin damage. However, the ischemic and hypoxic necrosis limits their wider application. Rivastigmine, a carbamate cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI), has also been shown to reduce ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) and inflammation. This study was performed to examine the effect of rivastigmine on flap survival. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats with a modified McFarland flap were randomly divided into three groups: control group, 1 ml of solvent (10% DMSO + 90% corn oil); low-dose rivastigmine group (Riv-L), 1.0 mg/kg; and high-dose rivastigmine group (Riv-H), 2.0 mg/kg. All rats were treated once a day. On day 7, the skin flap survival area was measured. After staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), the pathological changes and microvessel density (MVD) were examined. The expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, CD34, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were examined to determine the degree of oxidative stress. Lead oxide/gelatin angiography showed neovascularization and laser Doppler blood flowmetry showed the blood filling volume. Rivastigmine significantly increased the flap survival area and improved neovascularization. CD34, VEGF, and HIF-1α expression were increased, These changes were more pronounced in the Riv-H group. Treatment with rivastigmine reduced the level of MDA, improved SOD activity, and reduced expression of IL-1β and IL-18. Our results indicate that Rivastigmine can increase angiogenesis and significantly improve flap survival.

Ultrastructural and biochemical studies on the potential effects of Moringa oleifera seed oil against nephrotoxicity induced by sofosbuvir in albino rats

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes both acute and chronic hepatitis which spread worldwide and accompanied with severe complications in long period of injury. Sofosbuvir (sofo) is a new drug for HCV treatment. Although it has an effective potential in reducing HCV load, its use was accompanied by some side effects. Moringa oleifera (MO) seed oil is natural food-supplemented oil has many pharmaceutical properties which give the plant the ability to reduce or improve the side effects of many insults. This work aimed to determine the possible protective effects of MO seed oil against sofo-nephrotoxicity. Four experimental groups were used; the control group, MO oil group was orally given MO seed oil (2ml/kg/day), sofo group was orally given sofo (36mg/kg/day) and sofo and MO oil group was orally administered sofo, then after 2 hours they were given MO oil. The rats received all doses daily for eight weeks. Twenty four hours following the last injection, rats were anesthetized, sacrificed, the two kidneys were quickly removed and the blood samples were withdrawn for complete blood count (CBC) and determination of the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of glutathione (GSH). Sofosbuvir induced marked ultrastructural changes and significant decrease in SOD activity and GSH level. In addition, CBC of the same groups showed significant decrease in the mean corpuscular value and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin and significant increase in red blood cells count. On the other hand, co-treatment with MO seed oil efficiency improved sofo-induced nephrotoxicity which was evident from the disappearance of most of the ultrastructural changes and improving SOD activity and GSH level. Conclusions: Moringa oleifera seed oil may improve the ultrastructural and biochemical changes associated with nephrotoxicity induced by sofo due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents.

Effects of mixed irrigation using brackish water with different salinities and reclaimed water on a soil-crop system

AbstractTo explore the effects of mixed irrigation on soil and crops, a pot experiment was conducted in two salinity levels of brackish water, four levels of mixed brackish-reclaimed water and freshwater irrigation as the control. The soil Na-Cl to Ca-SO4 contents changed, and activities of soil alkaline phosphatase and polyphenol oxidase changed, exhibiting a ‘V’-shaped curve with increasing the proportion of reclaimed water in the mixture. At the same brackish-reclaimed water level, there were no significant differences in alkaline phosphatase and polyphenol oxidase activities except for soil alkaline phosphatase activity decreasing significantly with the increase in salinity under brackish water irrigation. Mixed irrigation obviously improved superoxide dismutase activity but no significant influences on aboveground dry weight, underground biomass or crop physiological indexes (chlorophyll, soluble protein, malondialdehyde, peroxidase, catalase). Based on the integrated biological response index version 2 (IBRv2), the deviation of reclaimed water irrigation was the smallest, followed by 1:1 and 1:2 (3, 5 g/L brackish water salinities, respectively), with IBRv2 values of 7.94, 12.55 and 16.04. Therefore, considering the soil-crop characteristics, limited daily water amount and inadequate pipeline facilities for reclaimed water, the brackish-reclaimed water ratio should be 1:1 and 1:2 at 3, 5 g/L of brackish water, respectively.

Design, in vitro bioactivity and in vivo influence on oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinases of bioglasses in experimental skin wound

BackgroundThe bioactive glasses (BGs) are very attractive materials increasingly used in healing skin lesions due to their antibacterial effect and stimulation of collagen deposition and angiogenesis. In this study, three specimens of bioactive glasses (BG1, BG2 and BG3) have been synthesized and characterized. MethodsIn order to evaluate their in vitro bioactivity, the pH measurements, zeta potential and the concentration of Ca2+ and fluor ions released after immersion in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and for BG1 and BG3, X-ray powder diffraction analysis, were performed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also used for detection of different ions in the solid bioglasses before immersion in PBS. The impact of BG1 and BG3 on skin healing mechanisms was evaluated by oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and -9 and by histopathological analysis. ResultsThe results have shown that all the BGs tested are characterized by a very high degradation rate and a very fast Ca2+, fluor and boron releases and displayed changed surface morphology at SEM, after 7 and 14 days of immersion in PBS. In addition, BG1 and BG3 reduced in vivo the lipid peroxidation, increased the nitric oxide, especially at 14 days and improved superoxide dismutase activity, mainly in BG1 treated animals. In parallel, both BG1 and BG3, diminished MMP-9 at 14 days and increased the proportion of normal collagen in the bed of the wound, particularly BG3. ConclusionThese results suggested that due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of components released from BGs and regulatory properties on MMPs activities, BGs can exert beneficial effects in wound healing.

Evaluation of antioxidant enzyme activity in doxorubicin treated breast cancer patients in Iraq: A molecular and cytotoxic study

BackgroundOne of the main anthracycline antibiotics is doxorubicin which has been used as an efficient antitumor drug. Doxorubicin is being used in the therapy of different cancers like, breast cancers, cervical cancers, and others. MethodsIn this research, we examined the reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes of patients with breast cancer treated with doxorubicin. Ninety peripheral blood samples were collected from diagnosed breast cancer patients. Samples were divided into two groups, 30 were newly diagnosed and 60 were already treated with doxorubicin. ResultsThe activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase was significantly decreased in newly diagnosed subjects as compared with healthy controls. Patients under doxorubicin treatment revealed an increased mean level of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity were higher than that of healthy control. The level of superoxide dismutase in newly diagnosed patients showed a significant decrease comparing with the control group. Treatment with doxorubicin markedly improved superoxide dismutase activity with no significant differences compared with control group. Also, cell viability of MCF-7 cells treated with doxorubicin was reduced in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum inhibition rate. MCF-7 cells treated with doxorubicin was observed with significant upregulation of superoxide dismutase (1.9-fold) and glutathione peroxidase (2.22-fold) gene compared with untreated cells. On the other hand, a minor increase in catalase gene expression (1.6-fold increase) was recorded in doxorubicin treated cells with no significant differences (p = 0.5301) comparing with non-treated cells. Doxorubicin treatment exhibited 72.34% increasing in reactive oxygen species generation. ConclusionsWe can conclude that breast cancer patients exhibited a significant reduction in the level of superoxide dismutase, while the levels of both catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in breast cancer patients in comparison to healthy control.

Modulation of Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Storm by Ultramicronized N‐Palmitoylethanolamine

The anti-inflammatory effect of the N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) has been widely investigated. PEA is able to inhibit mast cells degranulation and stabilize mitochondrial function. Its mechanism of action involves the cytokine storm management induced by the inflammatory stimuli. The heterogeneous particle size and lipid nature of naïve PEA limit its solubility and become a therapeutic issue. The ultramicronized form of PEA (PEA-um) has shown better bioavailability than the naïve form. This study investigated the effect of PEA-um on LPS-induced lung inflammatory response. Mice were intratracheally instilled with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and then PEA-um (30 mg/kg) was administered at one and six hours later. PEA-um significantly suppressed the levels of interleukin- 6, interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Additionally, it decreased lung injury, lactate dehydrogenase and myeloperoxidase activities, wet weight/dry weight ratio and improved superoxide dismutase activity. PEA-um administration reduced mast cells recruitment in the inflamed tissue. It was also able to decreased the inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine and PARP expressions. Besides, PEA-um significantly suppressed nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in lung tissue. Together, these results indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of PEA-um is associated with the NF-κB pathway, and that it shows therapeutic potential for LPS-induced acute lung injury.

Ectopic expression of a wheat superoxide dismutase gene TaSOD5 enhances salt and oxidative stress tolerance in Arabidopsis

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a crucial reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, which converts superoxide radical to H2O2, so it is thought to enhance abiotic stress tolerance by reducing ROS and thus avoiding oxidative damage. In this study, we isolated a salt- and oxidative stress-responsive copper-zinc (Cu/Zn) SOD encoding gene TaSOD5 from wheat. The ectopic overexpression of TaSOD5 in Arabidopsis thaliana increased total SOD and Cu/Zn SOD activities and enhanced tolerance to salt stress. Arabidopsis ectopically expressing TaSOD5 possessed a superior resistance to oxidative stress stimulated by exogenous H2O2. Ectopic overexpression of TaSOD5 elevated the activities of both ROS scavengers and an O2.- producer - NADPH oxidase. These findings show that Cu/Zn SOD enhanced salt tolerance via regulating the machinery of redox homeostasis rather than improving SOD activity alone.

Modulation of the growth performance, biochemical parameters, and non-specific immune responses of the hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀×E. lanceolatus♂) by two kinds of Chinese herb

This study investigated the effects of pyrola (Pyrola calliantha) and common verbena (Verbena officinalis) on the growth performance, biochemical parameters, and non-specific immune responses of the hybrid grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ E. lanceolatu). The fish fed with diets containing common verbena or pyrola powder was incorporated into the basal diet at 0, 20(A2), 40(A4), and 60(A6) g/kg, or 20(B2), 40(B4), and 60(B6) g/kg, respectively, for 60 d. Common verbena significantly improved the growth performance of grouper, especially at the dose of 40 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest and lowest values of total protein and globulin were found in the B6 and control groups, respectively. Significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values were found in the fish fed diets containing 40 and 60 g/kg of the herbs compared with the control (p < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase activities were significantly lower in all experimental groups compared to the control, and the B6 group had the lowest value (p < 0.05). Relative to the control, the herbs significantly reduced malondialdehyde level and improved superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, and total antioxidant capacity, and the effect was greatest in the B6 group. Relative to the control, the mRNA levels of HSP90, IL-1β, IgM and TRIF genes were significantly up-regulated in all treatment groups throughout the entire experimental period. When challenged with V. alginolyticus LP01, the survival rate of treated groups was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the control, and the B6 group had the highest value. In conclusion, based on growth performance, the optimal supplemental level of common verbena in the hybrid grouper diet was 40 g/kg; with immunity as the evaluation index, the optimal supplemental level of pyrola in the hybrid grouper diet was 60 g/kg. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of Chinese herbs in healthy culture of grouper.

The extract of Gnaphalium affine D. Don protects against H2O2-induced apoptosis by targeting PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGnaphalium affine D. Don is an important Traditional Chinese herbal Medicine (TCM) used to treat hyperuricemia, asthma, rheumatic arthritis, antitussive, expectorant and cardiovascular in folk medicine because of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effect of G. affine extract (GAE) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis and explore the possible underlying mechanism in cardiomyocyte. Materials and methodsThe ingredients of GAE were isolated and tentatively identified by HPLC-ESI-Q-Qribatrip-MS/MS. The cardioprotective and anti-oxidant effects of GAE were evaluated in the experimental model with H2O2 induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were pretreated for 3 h with or without GAE or with GAE plus PX866 (PI3K inhibitor), then exposed to H2O2 for 6 h, H9c2 cells viability were detected by CCK8 kit, the content of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured by the commercial biochemical kits, western blotting, immunohistochemical (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays were performed to evaluate the proteins and mRNA expression, propidium iodide (PI) staining was adopted to indicate H9c2 cells apoptosis. ResultsFirstly, seventeen polyphenols and flavonoids compounds with the characteristics of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant in GAE were tentatively identified by HPLC-ESI-Q-Qribatrip-MS/MS. In the experimental model, GAE not only significantly improved cells viability, but also showed anti-oxidant effects through improving SOD activity, up-regulating nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and decreasing intracellular concentration of ROS and MDA and the proteins expression of p47phox, p67phox and gp91phox. On the other hand, GAE revealed anti-apoptotic effect through up-regulating the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), down-regulating Bcl2-associated X (BAX) and cleaved-caspase 3. Furthermore, GAE significantly facilitated phosphorylation of AKT and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) but not AMPK, while the effects were blocked by PX866 (PI3K inhibitor). ConclusionsOur data suggested that GAE showed strong anti-oxidant effect to ameliorate oxidative stress and attenuate apoptosis induced by H2O2 in H9c2 cells by targeting PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.