Improvement Of Antioxidant Status Research Articles

Effect of Ginger on Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Carbohydrate Metabolic Profiles in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats

The purpose of this research was to investigate how ginger can protect oxidative stress (antioxidant status) and carbohydrate metabolism in rats with induced diabetes. In this study we observed in diabetic rats, activities of SOD, CAT, GSH content, total carbohydrates, and total proteins decreased, while glycogen content was increased. However, administering ginger to diabetic rats led to an improvement in antioxidant status, total carbohydrates, total proteins and a decrease in glycogen levels. These results indicate that ginger has antioxidant and other medicinal properties that can regulate carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats.

Intervention with Purple Okra Pudding and Supplement to Improve Antioxidant Status in Healthy Adults

This research aimed to analyze the potency of purple okra-based products in improving the antioxidant status of healthy adults. Thirty adults with high body fat percentages were allocated into three groups: the first group was treated with 100 g of purple okra pudding/day, the second group was provided with a purple okra extract supplement that contained 3.80 g of extract/day, and the third group was a control group. The intervention was carried out for 28 days. All subjects were exposed to nutrition education, and data on their characteristics, food intake, and physical activity level were collected. The results showed that purple okra pudding and supplement had antioxidant activity of 0.39 and 455.39 mg AEAC/g extract, IC50 of 543.79 and 71.78 ppm, and total phenol of 6.21 and 24.49 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. There were significant differences among subject groups in energy, protein, and fat intake as well as physical activity level. The group treated with purple okra pudding showed a significantly higher ΔSOD after the intervention, most probably due to the role of antioxidants contained in purple okra in upregulating antioxidant defense. In contrary, there was a declining trend of ΔSOD in the group treated with purple okra extract supplement. The different effects observed between the two groups might be due to the different phenol contents between the two intervention products. This study showed that purple okra has the potential as a functional food and health supplement in improving the antioxidant status of healthy adults with high body fat percentages as indicated by a higher change of SOD level (0.08 u/mL) in comparison to the control (-0.07 u/mL).

Impacts of astaxanthin-enriched Paracoccus carotinifaciens on growth, immune responses, and reproduction performance of broodstock Nile tilapia during winter season.

The growth, immune response, and reproductive performance of broodstock of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under winter stress conditions were investigated the effects of supplementary diets with astaxanthin-enriched Paracoccus carotinifaciens. Throughout an eight-week period in the winter season, male and female tilapia were fed with diets containing different levels of P. carotinifaciens dietary supplementation: 0 g/kg (T1; control), 5 g/kg (T2), 10 g/kg (T3), and 20 g/kg (T4). Subsequently, a four-week mating system was implemented during the winter stress period. The results revealed that there were no significant differences observed in growth, hematological indices, and blood chemical profiles among all treatment groups for both male and female tilapia. However, a significant increase in cholesterol content was noted in both male and female tilapia fed with the T4 diet (p<0.05). The total carotenoid content in the muscle was evaluated, and significantly higher values were found in both male and female tilapia that fed T4 supplementation (p<0.05). Moreover, immunological parameters such as myeloperoxidase and antioxidant parameters in the liver including superoxide dismutase activity and catalase enzyme activity showed significant increases in tilapia fed with the T4 diet. The impact of P. carotinifaciens supplementation on broodstock tilapia indicated a significant increase in spermatozoa concentration in males and increased egg production in females after consumption of the T4 diet (p<0.05). Thus, this study highlighted that the presence of astaxanthin-enriched P. carotinifaciens in the diet of broodstock Nile tilapia can lead to the accumulation of carotenoids in their muscle tissue, improvement in antioxidant status, enhancement of immune function, and potential enhancement of reproductive capabilities, even under overwintering conditions.

Desintoxicação de poluentes de águas subterrâneas da planície de Al Jifara (Líbia) usando quitosana sintetizada naturalmente: status histológico e antioxidante em ratos Wistar

ABSTRACT To evaluate the efficiency of naturally derived chitosan as a bio-adsorbent to improve water quality in Jefara plain and health condition, male Wistar rats divided into 7 groups: group I (drinking unpolluted water), group II (drinking untreated water from aquifer 1), group III (drinking water from aquifer 1 treated with 0.5gm/L chitosan), group IV (drinking water from aquifer 1 treated with 1 gm/L chitosan), group V (drinking with untreated water from aquifer 2), group VI (drinking water from aquifer 2 treated with 0.5gm/L chitosan, group VII (drinking water from aquifer 2 treated with 1 gm/L chitosan) for 30 days. Adsorptive ability of chitosan was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray after the exposure processes. The recorded antioxidant biomarkers showed marked elevations superoxide dismutase, glutathione reduced and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels in groups II and V. The application of chitosan, significantly (P&lt; 0.05) reduced the TBARS level compared to untreated groups indicating the improvement of antioxidant status. Severity of structural damages of all recorded alterations in renal and hepatic tissues was more pronounced in the rats groups that were exposed to untreated water. While, chitosan intervention is significantly reduced the above recorded alterations.

Eugenol Improved Antioxidant Status, Proinflammatory and Apoptotic Markers on Rats Exposed to Cardiotoxicity

The current study was conducted to evaluate the cardioprotective potentials of eugenol against hypertension induced by doxorubicin in rats. Rats were exposed to Doxorubicin HCl (2mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally to induce cardiotoxicity and treated with eugenol (5 mg/kg) orally for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, the blood pressure was assessed in the tested animals and the levels of serum lipid profile and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Also, the heart was dissected and the oxidative stress and apoptotic markers in heart homogenate were assessed. There was high statistically significant difference between all the tested groups regarding the systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. The Serum oxidative stress markers and lipid profile markers showed a statistically significant increase in the positive control group compared to other groups. The heart homogenate level of all the tested parameters showed a statistically significant increase in the positive group compared to other groups except for the MDA levels that was comparable between the positive group and protection group. Eugenol's antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties protect against hypertension. Eugenol's antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects protect the heart from hypertension's long-term effects at the tissue level.

Azadirachtin Attenuates Carcinogen Benzo(a) Pyrene-Induced DNA Damage, Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis, Inflammatory, Metabolic, and Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells.

Azadirachtin (AZD), a limonoid from the versatile, tropical neem tree (Azadirachta indica), is well known for its many medicinal, and pharmacological effects. Its effects as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer agent are well known. However, not many studies have explored the effects of AZD on toxicities induced by benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), a toxic component of cigarette smoke known to cause DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, leading to different kinds of cancer. In the present study, using HepG2 cells, we investigated the protective effects of Azadirachtin (AZD) against B(a)P-induced oxidative/nitrosative and metabolic stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Treatment with 25 µM B(a)P for 24 h demonstrated an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), followed by increased lipid peroxidation and DNA damage presumably, due to the increased metabolic activation of B(a)P by CYP 450 1A1/1A2 enzymes. We also observed intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, alterations in glutathione-dependent redox homeostasis, cell cycle arrest, and inflammation after B(a)P treatment. Cells treated with 25 µM AZD for 24 h showed decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis, partial protection from DNA damage, and an improvement in mitochondrial functions and bioenergetics. The improvement in antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory potential, and alterations in cell cycle regulatory markers qualify AZD as a potential therapeutic in combination with anti-cancer drugs.

Protective effect of flaxseed oil the on diazinon-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats

Here in, we investigated the possible hepatoprotective effects of flaxseed oil on Diazinon (DZN) induced oxidative stress in rat liver. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were divided randomly into five groups: Control group (1 ml normal saline orally), DZN group (70 mg/kg/day, p.o.), flaxseed oil group (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.), and co- treatment groups (DZN 70 mg/kg/day plus flaxseed oil at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively). Oxidative stress markers including liver and serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total thiol group (TTG) were analyzed. Also liver function tests such as serum Alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used for liver histological study. Compared to control group, DZN significantly increased liver and serum level of MDA, CAT, TAC and TTG. Also, DZN increased serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels. Flaxseed oil consumption significantly improved oxidative stress status and liver functions tests. Theses effectiveness was completely dose dependent. Also, flaxceed oil ameliorates liver histopathological alterations induced by DZN. Our data demonstrated DZN induced liver toxicity through oxidative stress mechanisms. Flaxceed supplementation had liver protective effects by decreasing oxidative stress markers and improvement of antioxidative status. Also, flaxceed reduced the development of DZN-induced alterations in liver. It seems that flaxceed supplementation may have protective role in DZN-induced oxidative damage in hepatic tissues.

Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate

A strong controversy persists regarding the effect of red wine (RW) consumption and health. Guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancers discourage alcohol consumption in any form, but several studies have demonstrated that low RW intake may have positive effects on CVD risk. This review evaluated randomised controlled trials (RCTs), examining the recent literature on the correlations between acute and chronic RW consumption and health. All RCTs published in English on PubMed from 1 January 2000 to 28 February 2023 were evaluated. Ninety-one RCTs were included in this review, seven of which had a duration of more than six months. We assessed the effect of RW on: (1) antioxidant status, (2) cardiovascular function, (3) coagulation pathway and platelet function, (4) endothelial function and arterial stiffness, (5) hypertension, (6) immune function and inflammation status, (7) lipid profile and homocysteine levels, (8) body composition, type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism, and (9) gut microbiota and the gastrointestinal tract. RW consumption mostly results in improvements in antioxidant status, thrombosis and inflammation markers, lipid profile, and gut microbiota, with conflicting results on hypertension and cardiac function. Notably, beneficial effects were observed on oxidative stress, inflammation, and nephropathy markers, with a modest decrease in CVD risk in five out of seven studies that evaluated the effect of RW consumption. These studies were conducted mainly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and had a duration between six months and two years. Additional long-term RCTs are needed to confirm these benefits, and assess the potential risks associated with RW consumption.

The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cichorium intybus leaf on aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in the testis of Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Cigarette smoke (CS) contains compounds such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress caused by excessive ROS eventually leads to germ cell apoptosis and male infertility. The leaves of Cichorium intybus (chicory) are rich in natural antioxidants, but their protective effects on the adverse effects of CS on testicular tissue have not been studied. 24 Wistar rats were classified into four groups: control, extract: treatment with chicory extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 13 weeks, smoke: exposed to CS for 13 weeks, and smoke + extract: exposed to CS and treated with the C. intybus extract. Histological and biochemical analyses and apoptosis assay were done, and Ahr, and Cyp1a1 expression was determined. Treatment with C. intybus compensated for the reduction of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids caused by CS. Chicory extract reduced free radicals and improved antioxidant status. The lowest and highest percentage of apoptotic cells was observed in the extract and smoke groups, respectively, while simultaneous treatment with C. intybus extract led to a significant reduction of apoptotic cells. The mean Ahr levels in the control, extract, smoke and smoke + extract groups were 1.00±0.57, 1.93±0.25, 5.98±0.42, and 0.62±0.22, respectively (p˂0.05). The mean levels of Cyp1a1 expression in the control, extract, smoke and smoke + extract groups were 1.00±0.31, 2.28±0.65, 5.55±0.40, and 0.21±0.23 (p˂0.05). The C. intybus extract probably affected Cyp1a1 expression by downregulation of Ahr. These led to a decrease in free radicals and apoptosis, and an improvement in antioxidant status.

Zinc Enhancement through Supplementation and Dietary Implementation – Does It Affect Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients?

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients might be zinc deficient due to compromised nutritional intake and dietary protein restrictions; protein foods being rich in zinc. Zinc deficiency might cause increased oxidative stress and consequently reduced antioxidant parameters. Tailored dietary counseling along with zinc supplementation may play a major role in affecting the zinc and antioxidant status of patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation and dietary counseling on oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: 185 subjects were enrolled for the study (145 were predialysis patients [Group-1 (Stage-3 CKD) and Group-2 [Stage-4 CKD]) on the basis of Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative CKD stages from 1 to 5; and 40 apparently healthy controls. Zinc supplementation alone (Intervention 1) was given to 50 CKD patients (30 Group-1 and 20 Group-2). Diet counseling (Intervention 2) consisted of 45 patients (25 Group-1; 20 Group-2). 50 patients (30 Group-1 and 20 Group-2) received both zinc supplementations along with diet counseling (Intervention 3). Dietary zinc status, oxidative stress and antioxidants were accessed for all subjects. Results: Intervention-1 and 3 groups exhibited highly significant improvement in antioxidant status and lowering of oxidative stress. Conclusion: Improving zinc status through dietary counseling and supplementation may help in combating enhanced oxidative stress by improving antioxidant parameters in renal failure patients.

A Review of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga for Improving Antioxidant Status and Reducing Anxiety in Adults

Breathing exercises are frequently advised to promote improved organ function, stress reduction, relaxation, and control over psychophysiological states. It has been demonstrated that yogic breathing, which is the control of breath movement, improves immunological function, autonomic nervous system imbalances, and illnesses linked to stress or psychology. This study aimed to evaluate and present a thorough analysis of the physiological mechanisms, the mind–body connection, and the advantages of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) in various therapeutic settings. Medline, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were among the many internet resources that were looked up. Articles on SKY were chosen after a thorough screening of all the results. We looked through these articles’ references to see if there were any more, perhaps pertinent articles. A variety of cyclical breathing rhythms, from slow and soothing to fast and invigorating, are used in SKY, a special kind of yogic breathing technique. An increasing body of research indicates that SKY may be an advantageous, low-risk, low-cost supplement to the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, medical conditions linked to stress, substance misuse, and the rehabilitation of criminal offenders.

Seasonal plasticity in immunocompetent cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α), myeloid progenitor cell (CFU-GM) proliferation, and LPS-induced oxido-inflammatory aberrations in a tropical rodent Funambulus pennanti: role of melatonin.

In seasonal breeders, photoperiods regulate the levels of circulatory melatonin, a well-known immunomodulator and an antioxidant. Melatonin is known to play a complex physiological role in maintaining the immune homeostasis by affecting cytokine production in immunocompetent cells. In this study, we have quantified seasonal and temporal variations in immunocompetent cytokines-IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α-and circulatory corticosterone along with in- vitro proliferation of bone marrow-derived granulocyte macrophage-colony forming unit (CFU-GM) progenitor cells of a tropical seasonal breeder Funambulus pennanti (northern palm squirrel). Transient variations in antioxidant status of seasonal breeders might be due to the fluctuations associated with immunity and inflammation. Further,to establish a direct immunomodulatory effect of photoperiod, we recorded the LPS-induced oxidative and inflammatory responses of squirrels by housing them in artificial photoperiodic chambers mimicking summer and winter seasons respectively. We observeda marked variation in cytokines level, melatonin, and corticosterone , and CFU-GM cell proliferation during summer and winter seasons. High Peripheral melatonin levels directly correlated with cytokineIL-2 levels, and inversely correlated with TNF-α, and circulatory corticosterone level. LPS-challenged squirrels housed in short photoperiod (10L:14D; equivalent to winter days) showed a marked reduction in the components of the inflammatory cascade, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, NOx, NF-κB, Cox-2, and PGES, with an overall improvement in antioxidant status when compared to squirrels maintained under a long photoperiod (16L:8D; equivalent to summer days). Our results underline the impact of seasonality, photoperiod, and melatonin in maintaining an intrinsic redox-immune homeostasis which helps the animal to withstand environmental stresses.

Antihypertensive Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre (Euphorbiaceae) in Wistar Rat.

Ricinodendron heudelotii stem bark is commonly used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate the antihypertensive and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii in salt-induced hypertensive rats. Analysis by HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify various chemical components of the extract. A total of thirty rats were used for each test. High-salt hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of NaCl for 12 weeks. Mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored by noninvasive methods. Oral administration of Ricinodendron heudelotii significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the increase of mean blood pressure (23.12%, 26.14%, and 24.34%) and heart rate (31.19%, 31.09%, and 26.98%), respectively, at the doses of 40, 20, and 6 mg/kg, compared to the hypertensive group. All the doses tested significantly reduced or/and ameliorated biochemical and oxidative stress parameters. Histological analysis showed that Ricinodendron heudelotii restored renal disorders induced by the administration of salt. The aqueous extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii exerts a cardioprotective effect, and the antihypertensive activity seems associated with an improvement in antioxidant status. Overall, the results justify and support the traditional use of Ricinodendron heudelotii.

Effects of Regular Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) Consumption on Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

The Brazil nut (BN) is a promising food due to its numerous health benefits, but it is still necessary to systematically review the scientific evidence on these benefits. Thus, we examined the effects of regular BN consumption on health markers in humans according to the health state (with specific diseases or not) of the subjects. PubMed, Embase®, and Scielo databases were used to search for clinical trials. The PRISMA guideline was used to report the review, and the risk of bias for all studies was assessed. Twenty-four studies were included in the present review, of which fifteen were non-randomized. BNs were consumed in the context of a habitual free-living diet in all studies. Improvement in antioxidant status through increased levels of selenium and/or glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma, serum, whole blood, and/or erythrocytes was observed in all studies that evaluated antioxidant status, regardless of the health state of the sample. In addition, healthy subjects improved lipid markers and fasting glucose. Subjects with obesity had improvement in markers of lipid metabolism. Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia improved oxidative stress or DNA damage. Subjects undergoing hemodialysis benefited greatly from BN consumption, as they improved lipid profile markers, oxidative stress, inflammation, and thyroid function. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment improved verbal fluency and constructional praxis, and controversial results regarding the change in a marker of lipid peroxidation were observed in subjects with coronary artery disease. In conclusion, the benefits of BN consumption were found in different pathways of action and study populations.

Actinidia deliciosa Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Changes in Pancreatic α-, β-, and δ-Cells and Immunohistochemical and Histological Architecture in Diabetic Rats.

The present study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic effect of Actinidia deliciosa in diabetic rats. Rats were grouped as follows: control, Actinidia deliciosa aqueous extract (ADAE, 1 g/kg, daily and orally), streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg BW, single intraperitoneal dose), and STZ plus ADAE, respectively. Twenty-eight components were detected by GC-MS analysis with high phenolic contents and high DPPH scavenging activity. In vivo results revealed that rats treated with STZ showed a highly significant elevation in blood glucose and a decrease in insulin hormone levels. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide levels were elevated, while bodyweight, enzymatic, and nonenzymatic antioxidants were significantly decreased. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical insulin expression, besides ultrastructure microscopic variations (β-cells, α-cells, and δ-cells), were seen in pancreas sections supporting the obtained biochemical changes. Otherwise, rats supplemented with ADAE alone showed an improved antioxidant status and declined lipid peroxidation. Moreover, diabetic rats augmented with ADAE showed significant modulation in oxidative stress markers and different pancreatic tissue investigations compared to diabetic ones. Conclusively, ADAE has a potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic influence that may be utilized as a health-promoting complementary therapy in diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Parameters and Antioxidant Status in Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

A surge in oxidative stress and weakened antioxidant defense contributes to the initiation and progression of Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD). The resultant burst in free radicals causes oxidation of lipoproteins mainly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Further studies need to be conducted to find whether the management of CAD can be evaluated within the context of oxidant/antioxidant balance with the contribution of newer markers. This study was performed to evaluate, compare, and correlate oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant status in CAD patients with controls and evaluate and compare pro-oxidant, a pro-inflammatory enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory enzyme, and paraoxonase (PON) between CAD patients and controls. OxLDL, an oxidation product of low-density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative marker, and reduced glutathione (GSH), an anti-oxidant marker, and lipid profile were assessed and compared in CAD patients and controls. The activity of MPO was correlated with that of PON, and MDA level was correlated with GSH level. A total of 100 clinically proven CAD patients, in the age range of 35-70 years, were selected from the Out Patient Department (OPD) of our Institute. A total of 60 controls in the same age range and without CAD were selected after undergoing health checkups in the hospital. Based on the obtained results, oxLDL, MDA, and MPO were significantly increased in patients than in controls (P<0.05), and PON and GSH were significantly lowered in patients than in controls (P<0.05). Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL were significantly high in CAD patients. A significant negative correlation was observed between MPO and PON levels and between MDA and GSH levels. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant status were observed in patients with CAD. Formation of oxLDL increased MPO and decreased PON are all additional risk factors for the development of CAD and can be targeted for future therapeutic purposes. Lifestyle modifications and treatment methods can reduce CAD risk through the reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of antioxidant status.

Fucoidan alleviates the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum stresses in ischemic rat livers

BackgroundHepatic ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a major problem for liver surgery leading to graft dysfunction. The use of compounds of natural origin as fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweed, could have a potential clinical benefit in the treatment of ischemic diseases. Nevertheless, the accurate mechanisms of action of fucoidan on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and mitochondria after warm hepatic ischemia have not been yet investigated. Thus, the present study focused on the modulation of fucoidan effects on the signaling pathways involving the mitochondria and the ER in ischemic rat liver. MethodsMale Wistar rats were subjected to either sham operation or one hour of partial warm ischemia (70%) followed by two hours of reperfusion. Before ischemia, rats were treated with 0.9% NaCl (I/R group), fucoidan (100 mg/kg body weight) orally for 7 consecutive days (I/R-Fuc group), TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid, inhibitor of ER stress) (100 mg / kg body weight, i.v.) 10 min before ischemia (I/R-TUDCA group) or fucoidan with TUDCA (I/R-Fuc-TUDCA group). ResultsOur results showed that fucoidan and TUDCA reduced cytolysis and induced a significant improvement in antioxidant status, as compared to I/R. Interestingly, preconditioning with fucoidan resulted in significant decreased ER stress, as reflected by GRP78, p-PERK, ATF-6, XBP-1 and TRAF2. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK, JUNK and P38) significantly diminished after fucoidan treatment. Rats undergoing fucoidan treatment protected liver against mitochondrial stress, which was correlated with low induction of apoptosis (caspase-3). Inhibition of ER stress by TUDCA administration boosted all the protective effects of fucoidan. ConclusionIn conclusion, fucoidan treatment may represent an effective strategy in reducing liver I/R injury through mitochondrial stress attenuation and ER inhibition.

Pleiotropic Beneficial Effects of Dietary L-Ascorbic Acid Fortification in Middle-Aged Mice

Background: An enhanced knowledge of the multiple effects of ascorbic acid (AA) in health can broaden our understanding of the impacts of its deficiency. Method: Mice (10-12 month old) were either fed standard rodent feed or AA-fortified diet at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of feed, respectively for 8 weeks. On completion of the study, animals were sacrificed, following which haematological, inflammatory/apoptotic marker, oxidative stress markers, and markers of hepatic/renal integrity were assessed. Results: Across the groups, AA fortified diet was associated with an increase in food consumption; however, body weight reduction occurred at the lowest concentration, while weight gain was observed at the higher concentrations. Haematological indices (white cell count, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and red cell count) increased at the highest concentration; while some other red cell parameters decreased. A concentration-dependent improvement in antioxidant status, with the greatest benefit at the highest concentration, was observed. Also, a concentration-dependent modulation of inflammatory markers, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, and biochemical markers of liver and kidney function was observed. Conclusion: Dietary fortification with AA in middle-aged mice impacted several measurable parameters in a concentration dependent manner. In addition to its antioxidant effects, it was also associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

Iodine Supplementation Improved Antioxidant Status, Hormonal Status, Sexual Behavior, and Semen Production Performance of Bos indicus Bulls Under Tropical Climatic Condition.

Iodine is anessential micronutrient that plays a crucial role in male reproduction (sexual behavior and semen production performance) by modulating thyroid function and the antioxidant status of the animal. Nonetheless, in Bos indicus bulls, a thorough evaluation of the effects of dietary iodine supplementation on antioxidant status, seminal quality parameters, and its interaction with other minerals is not documented. Twelve Bos indicus (Sahiwal) bulls were distributed into three groups (n = 4 in each group) viz. T1 (control), T2, and T3 and fed diets containing 0.250, 0.375, and 0.500 ppm iodine/ kg dry matter intake, corresponding to 0%, 50%, and 100% higher than ICAR (2013) recommendations, respectively. The experimental feeding was carried out for 60 days and the effects on nutrient utilization, hormonal and antioxidant status, and sperm function tests were investigated. Results revealed that body weight, dry matter intake, and nutrient digestibility remained unaffected by dietary supplementation of iodine. Testosterone and thyroxine hormone concentrations were improved (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 groups. Blood and seminal iodine content were also higher (p<0.05) in both the supplemented groups (T2 and T3). Sperm functions viz. viability, physical membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, motility, and mitochondrial membrane potential were improved (p<0.05) due to iodine supplementation. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation and membrane scrambling in spermatozoa were reduced (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 groups. Blood antioxidant status (total antioxidant activity and GPx levels) was improved (p<0.05) in T2 and T3. Sexual behavior was also improved (p<0.05) in iodine-supplemented groups. Hence, it can be concluded that iodine supplementation at the dose rate of 0.500 ppm in the Bos indicus bull diet is beneficial in improving hormonal status, antioxidant status, and semen quality.

Effect pf Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Feed Component on the Redox and Immune System of Pregnant Sows and their Offspring

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the effect of dried fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for sows on blood redox and immunological parameters, taking into account the physiological period (pregnancy or lactation) and age (primiparous vs multiparous sows). The experiment also aimed to determine how FRSM administered to pregnant sows, affects the antioxidant and immune systems of piglets. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 15 animals each. Control groups of primiparous (CG) and multiparous sows (CS) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows. Experimental groups of primiparous (EG) and multiparous sows (ES) received feed with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to day 100 of gestation, 9% share of FRSM from day 100 of gestation to day 7 of lactation, and then again 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. In the blood plasma of pregnant sows fed diet with FRSM addition, higher FRAP value and vitamin C, uric acid (UA), immunoglobulin IgG content, lymphocytes (LYM) count and a lower content of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides (LOH), immunoglobulin IgM was noted than in the blood plasma of control sows. Both primiparous and multiparous lactation sows whose feed included FRSM had higher catalase (CAT) activity, higher FRAP, vitamin C, immunoglobulin IgG and IL-6 content, and lower UA content than the control sows. Piglets born to sows fed diet with FRSM addition had significantly higher FRAP values, vitamin C, IgG, and IL-6 content and white blood cells (WBC) count and lower MDA and UA content in the blood plasma than piglets born to sows from control group. Multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows had higher CAT activity, and higher vitamin C, LOH, creatinine (CREAT), and IgM content. Elevated FRAP, and CREAT levels and reduced MDA content were also observed in the plasma of the multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows during lactation. Multiparous lactation sows compared to primiparous sows had lower WBC count, and IgG and IgM content. Piglets born to multiparous sows had higher FRAP values, LOH content and IgA content while lower MDA content compared to piglets born to primiparous sows. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in feed for sows significantly stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in the diet of sows stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. This is responsible for stimulation of the immune system (increased LYM counts and IgG titres in the blood plasma). The improved antioxidant status in the plasma suggests that dried fermented rapeseed meal stimulated the immune system of pregnant and lactating sows and their newborn offspring.