Increased Glutathione Peroxidase Activity Research Articles

Curcumin mitigates ochratoxin A-induced oxidative stress and alters gene expression inbroiler chicken liver and kidney.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin (CURC) supplementation on broiler chickens exposed to ochratoxin A (OTA), by examining biochemical parameters and the expression of glutathione redox system genes and their regulation. OTA reduced glutathione content in the liver while increasing glutathione peroxidase activity. CURC showed no significant effects. Kidney parameters remained mostly unaffected. Gene expression analysis revealed OTA-induced upregulation of KEAP1, NRF2, AHR, GPx4 and GSR genes in the liver. CURC supplementation led to the upregulation of GPx4and AHR genes with OTA+CURC treatment, resulting in the downregulation of GPx4, KEAP1, NRF2 and AHR genes compared to OTA treatment alone. In the kidney, GPx4 was downregulated, andNRF2and AHR were upregulated as an effect of OTA, while CURC upregulated the NRF2 gene only. OTA+CURC treatment led to the downregulation of GPx4, GSS and AHR genes compared to the control and downregulation of NRF2 and AHR genes compared to OTA. The results suggested that CURC is partly effective against OTA-induced oxidative stress and that the effect of OTA and CURC on the antioxidant response is regulated through the KEAP1-NRF2-ARE and AHR pathways.

Comparison of the potential toxicity induced by microplastics made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) on the earthworm Eiseniafoetida

A growing number of studies have demonstrated that microplastic (MP) contamination is widespread in terrestrial ecosystems. A wide array of MPs made of conventional, fossil-based polymers differing in size and shape has been detected in soils worldwide. Recently, also MPs made of bioplastics have been found in soils, but there is a dearth of information concerning their toxicity on soil organisms. This study aimed at exploring the potential toxicity induced by the exposure for 28 days to irregular shaped and differently sized MPs made of a fossil-based (polyethylene terephthalate – PET) and a bioplastic (polylactic acid – PLA) polymer on the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Two amounts (1 g and 10 g/kg of soil, corresponding to 0.1% and 1% of soil weight) of both MP types were administered to the earthworms. A multi-level approach was used to investigate the MP-induced effects at sub-individual and individual level. Changes in the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, as well as in lipid peroxidation levels, were investigated at specific time-points (i.e., 7, 14, 21 and 28 days) as sub-individual responses. Histological analyses were performed to assess effects at tissue level, while the change in digging activity was considered as a proxy of behavioral effects. Earthworms ingested MPs made of both the polymers. MPs made of PET did not induce any adverse effect at none of the biological levels. In contrast, MPs made of PLA caused the modulation of earthworms’ oxidative status as showed by a bell-shaped activity of superoxide dismutase coupled with an increase in glutathione peroxidase activity. However, neither oxidative and tissue damage, nor behavioral alteration occurred. These findings suggest that the exposure to bio-based MPs can cause higher toxicity compared to fossil-based MPs.

Time-restricted feeding prevents ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic stem cell damage by inhibiting NOX-4/ROS/p38 MAPK pathway

Ionizing radiation (IR)-induced damage to the hematopoietic system is a prominent symptom following exposure to total body irradiation (TBI). The exploration of strategies aimed at to mitigating radiation-induced hematopoietic damage assumes paramount importance. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has garnered attention for its beneficial effects in various diseases. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effects of TRF on TBI-induced hematopoietic damage. The results suggested that TRF significantly enhanced the proportion and function of hematopoietic stem cells in mice exposed to 4 Gy TBI. These effects might be attributed to the inhibition of the NOX-4/ROS/p38 MAPK pathway in hematopoietic stem cells. TRF also influenced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 and increased glutathione peroxidase activity, thereby promoting the clearance of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, TRF alleviated aberrations in plasma metabolism by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin. These findings suggest that TRF may represent a novel approach to preventing hematopoietic radiation damage.

Propolis Protects GC-1spg Spermatogonial Cells against Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Damage.

Propolis is a natural resin produced by honeybees with plenty of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress disrupts germ cell development and sperm function, with demonstrated harmful effects on male reproduction. Several natural antioxidants have been shown to reduce oxidative damage and increase sperm fertility potential; however, little is known about the effects of propolis. This work evaluated the role of propolis in protecting spermatogonial cells from oxidative damage. Propolis' phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential were determined, and mouse GC-1spg spermatogonial cells were treated with 0.1-500 µg/mL propolis (12-48 h) in the presence or absence of an oxidant stimulus (tert-butyl hydroperoxide, TBHP, 0.005-3.6 µg/mL, 12 h). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assays and proliferation by Ki-67 immunocytochemistry. Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant defenses were evaluated colorimetrically. Propolis presented high phenolic and flavonoid content and moderate antioxidant activity, increasing the viability of GC-1spg cells and counteracting TBHP's effects on viability and proliferation. Additionally, propolis reduced ROS levels in GC-1spg, regardless of the presence of TBHP. Propolis decreased caspase-3 and increased glutathione peroxidase activity in TBHP-treated GC-1spg cells. The present study shows the protective action of propolis against oxidative damage in spermatogonia, opening the possibility of exploiting its benefits to male fertility.

Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) Ethanol Extract Lowered Blood Glucose Levels, Increased Glutathione Peroxidase Activity, And Decreased Malondialdehyde in White Rats Model of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus can increase oxidative stress and damage cells. Noni fruit has antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, analgesic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory benefits, can boost immunity, and has antioxidant content. Noni contains phenolic compounds (anthraquinones, acuities, asperulosides, and scopoletin), organic acids (capric and caprylic acids), and alkaloids (xeronine). The effect of noni ethanol extract can significantly reduce blood glucose (P<0.05) of the T2 group (177.00±137.78) and T3 (159.40±86.53) when compared to the C+ group (511.00±131.45). The T1 group (387.40±170.06) had no significant difference (P>0.05) when compared to the C+ group (511.00±131.45), but there was a decrease in the average yield at T1 (387.40±170.06). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) examination showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in T1 (1188.32±93.41), while in T2 (1385.35±38.65) and T3 (1460.32±42.51) was not significant (p<0.05). Examination of serum glutathione peroxidase (GPX) showed a significant decrease in T1 (119.97±37.45), there was a decrease in GPX levels, while in the T2 group (236.14±6.05) and T3 (185.24±43.07), there was no decrease. Noni ethanol extract can lower blood glucose levels, reduce Malondialdehyde levels, and prevent increased activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Flavonoid compounds in noni ethanol extract can avoid increased blood glucose and reduce free radicals formed due to hyperglycemia conditions.

Redox status of blood lymphocytes in patients with soft tissue sarcomas

Introduction. The proven significance of free radical disorders in oncopathology determines the relevance of their study in soft tissue sarcomas (STS), which are characterized by a tendency to recurrence and high mortality of patients.Aim. To study the indicators of free radical oxidation and antioxidant protection in blood lymphocytes in primary and recurrent STS, depending on the sex and age of patients.Materials and methods. In 51 patients with primary STS, T2bN0M0 (17 men and 34 women) and in 34 patients (14 men and 20 women) with relapses, the level of lipid peroxidation products – malondialdehyde and diene conjugates, activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, total peroxidase activity, the level of reduced glutathione were studied by spectrophotometric methods. Patients were divided by age: ≤45 years and >45 years. The comparison groups (donors) consisted of 12 men and 17 women divided into the same age subgroups.Results. In men >45 years old with primary sarcomas, there was an increase in diene conjugates by 2.2 times, with relapses by 2.4 times, and in young men - only with relapses by 2.6 times. The level of malondialdehyde in men did not change with primary sarcomas, with relapses it was reduced in both age groups by 2.4–2.6 times. In women with primary STS, there was an increase in most of the studied parameters in both age groups by 1.6–1.9 times. The increase in diene conjugates level and superoxide dismutase activity was the most pronounced (>3 times) in patients of the older age group. The increase in glutathione peroxidase activity in primary STS in young women was 2.3 times, and in the older age group in patients of both sexes it was 5 times. In half of the women with relapses developed no earlier than 3 years after treatment, a decrease in both lipid peroxidation products by 2.6–3.4 times was found, and in all women almost 4-fold activation of superoxide dismutase and 8-fold glutathione peroxidase with an increase in the level of reduced glutathione by 7 times took place, which was significantly higher than in men. For women of the older age group, a 3-fold increase in the ratio of superoxide dismutase/total peroxidase activity is characteristic for primary STS and almost 5-fold for recurrence.Conclusion. In primary STS, the activation of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant enzymes in women is more pronounced than in men. Changes in most indicators are more typical for patients of older age groups, in which relapse was accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde in patients of both sexes and maximum activation of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in women.

Chronic Thermal Acclimation Effects on Critical Thermal Maxima (CTmax) and Oxidative Stress Differences in White Epaxial Muscle between Surface and Cave Morphotypes of the Mexican Cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus).

AbstractIn the face of increasing environmental temperatures, operative differences between mitochondrial function and whole-animal phenotypic response to the environment are underrepresented in research, especially in subtemperate ectothermic vertebrates. A novel approach to exploring this connection is to examine model species that are genetically similar but that have different whole-animal phenotypes, each of which inhabits different environments. The blind Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus) has the following two morphotypes: a surface form found in aboveground rivers and an obligate cave-dwelling form. Each morphotype inhabits vastly different thermal and oxygen environments. Whole-animal and mitochondrial responses to thermal acclimation and oxidative stress, with respect to increasing temperatures, have not been previously determined in either morphotype of this species. Here, we chronically acclimated both morphotypes to three temperatures (14°C, 25°C, and 31°C) to establish potential for acclimation and critical thermal maxima (CTmax) for each morphotype of this species. After measuring CTmax in six cohorts, we additionally measured enzymatic antioxidant capacity (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities), peroxyl scavenging capacity, and lipid peroxidation damage in white epaxial muscle for each individual. We found a significant effect of acclimation temperature on CTmax (, ) but no effect of morphotype on CTmax (, ). Additionally, we found that morphotype had a significant effect on glutathione peroxidase activity, with the surface morphotype having increased glutathione peroxidase activity compared with the cave morphotype (, ). No other oxidative stress variable demonstrated significant differences. Increases in CTmax with chronic thermal acclimation to higher temperatures suggests that there is some degree of phenotypic plasticity in this species that nominally occupies thermally stable environments. The decreased glutathione peroxidase activity in the cave morphotype may be related to decreased environmental oxygen concentration and decreased metabolic rate in this environmentally constrained morphotype compared to in its surface-living counterparts.

Enzymatic responses reveal different physiological strategies employed by eurytolerant fish during extreme hot and cold cycling acclimation temperatures

Heat waves and cold snaps are projected to rise in magnitude, duration, interval, and harshness in the coming years. The current literature examining thermal impacts on the physiology of organisms rarely uses chronic, variable thermal acclimations despite the fact that climate change predictions project a more variable environment. If we are to determine species’ susceptibility to climate change, chronic and variable lab acclimations should be prioritized. Here, we acclimated the eurytolerant sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) to two extreme cycling thermal regimes: one warm [resting 27 °C with a spike to 33 °C for 8 h daily], one cold [resting 6.5 °C with a spike to 12 °C for 8 h daily], and three chronically stable conditions (10, 22, and 30 °C) for comparison. We measured enzymatic antioxidants (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation (LPO) damage, and citrate synthase (CS) activity in white epaxial muscle. Of particular note, we found significant increases in log CAT activity and SOD concentration in the warm cycling temperatures, and significant increases in GPx activity in the cold cycling temperatures. We found no significant accumulation of LPO damage in any of our thermal acclimation treatments. Thus, sheepshead minnows demonstrate two particularly different mechanisms towards dealing with thermal variation in low and high temperatures. The enzymatic differences between low and high cycling temperatures may define pathways of eurytolerant organisms and how they may survive predicted variability in thermal regimes.

Selenium homeostasis in human brain cells: Effects of copper (II) and Se species

BackgroundBoth essential trace elements selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) play an important role in maintaining brain function. Homeostasis of Cu, which is tightly regulated under physiological conditions, seems to be disturbed in Alzheimer´s (AD) and Parkinson´s disease (PD) patients. Excess Cu promotes the formation of oxidative stress, which is thought to be a major cause for development and progression of neurological diseases (NDs). Most selenoproteins exhibit antioxidative properties and may counteract oxidative stress. However, expression of selenoproteins is altered under conditions of Se deficiency. Serum Se levels are decreased in AD and PD patients suggesting Se as an important factor in the development and progression of NDs. The aim of this study was to elucidate the interactions between Cu and Se in human brain cells particularly with respect to Se homeostasis. MethodsFirstly, modulation of Se status by selenite or SeMet were assessed in human astrocytes and human differentiated neurons. Therefore, cellular total Se content, intra- and extracellular selenoprotein P (SELENOP) content, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity were quantified. Secondly, to investigate the impact of Cu on these markers, cells were exposed to copper(II)sulphate (CuSO4) for 48 h. In addition, putative protective effects of Se on Cu-induced toxicity, as measured by cell viability, DNA damage, and neurodegeneration were investigated. ResultsModulation of cellular Se status was strongly dependent on Se species. In detail, SeMet increased total cellular Se and SELENOP content, whereas selenite led to increased GPX activity and SELENOP excretion. Cu treatment resulted in 133-fold higher cellular Cu concentration with a concomitant decrease in Se content. Additionally, SELENOP excretion was suppressed in both cell lines, while GPX activity was diminished only in astrocytes. These effects of Cu could be partially prevented by the addition of Se depending on the cell line and Se species used. While Cu-induced oxidative DNA damage could not be prevented by addition of Se regardless of chemical species, SeMet protected against neurite network degeneration triggered by Cu. ConclusionCu appears to negatively affect Se status in astrocytes and neurons. Especially with regard to an altered homeostasis of those trace elements during aging, this interaction is of high physiological relevance. Increasing Cu concentrations associated with decreased selenoprotein expression or functionality might be a promoting factor for the development of NDs.

Effect of olive oil on oxidative and DNA damage induced by imidacloprid

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of olive oil (OLO) on the genotoxicity of imidacloprid (IMI). Rats were divided into four groups: control group, IMI group that was exposed to 22.5 mg/kg b.w. IMI for 4, 8, and 12 weeks; OLO before IMI group – dosed orally with OLO at a dose of 10 mL/kg body weight for two weeks before IMI exposure of 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The OLO after IMI group was treated with OLO in a dose of 10 mL /kg body weight for two weeks after IMI exposure of 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured in blood serum. The bone marrow from the femur was collected for the comet assay. The results revealed that exposure to IMI induced DNA damage, which was associated with increased blood MDA level and decreased GPx activity. However, treatment with OLO resulted in decreasing both DNA damage and MDA level while increasing GPx activity. On the other hand, pre-treatment with OLO was effective in decreasing the DNA damaging effect of IMI.

Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Cytotoxicity of Epirubicin-HCl in Lung Cancer Cells

Background: Studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is present in green tea at a higher rate than other components, has an additive or synergistic cytotoxic effect when applied with different anticancer drugs and reduces the side effects caused by anticancer drugs. It is known that the order of administration of drugs in combined applications also affects cytotoxicity. In this context, in our study, the most effective application sequence was determined by evaluating the cytotoxic responses of epirubicin-HCl and EGCG according to the different application order in A-549 cells (NSCLC). Methods: To demonstrate the apoptotic activity, we detected changes in mRNA ratios of Bax, a pro-apoptotic gene, and Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, (Bax/Bcl2), as well as changes in the activity of caspase 3/7 enzyme. To demonstrate the effect of oxidative stress generation, we investigated changes in glutathione peroxidase activity. Results: It was observed that the cell viability of A-549 cells exposed to different concentrations of epirubicin-HCl and EGCG for 48 h decreased depending on the concentration increase. According to the results of cell viability in cells to which epirubicin-HCl (<IC50) and EGCG (<IC50) were treated with together, and the combination index (CI) value calculations, the most effective combination concentrations were determined to be IC20 Epirubicin-HCl and IC10 EGCG. LDH activities were found higher in epirubicin-HCl + EGCG treatment than epirubicin-HCl alone treatment compared to control groups. Treatment of epirubicin-HCl with EGCG was found to be more effective in increasing glutathione peroxidase activity than epirubicin-HCl alone. Both of epirubicin-HCl alone and combination traetments caused increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in A-549 cells. Conclusion: Combination therapy of epirubicin-HCl with EGCG may be a light in the future for lung cancer patients who are tried to be treated with conventional chemotherapy drugs but cannot achieve the desired success.

Anti-leishmanial, immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity of quercetin against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of quercetin and its immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity against Leishmania major (L. major).Methods: L. major promastigotes and amastigotes were incubated with different concentrations of quercetin to estimate EC50. For in vivo study, the base of tails of mice was infected with L. major. After developing ulcers in the inoculation site, mice were treated with 50 mg/kg quercetin orally for 28 consecutive days. The wound-healing potential of quercetin was evaluated by histopathological analysis of tissue sections stained by hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson's trichrome. In addition, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, and adiponectin, the ferric reducing ability of plasma, as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured.Results: The EC50 values of quercetin against L. major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were 0.27 and 0.85 μM, respectively. Histopathological analysis showed that fewer inflammatory cells, more fibroblasts, and more collagen deposition were observed in tissue sections of quercetin-treated mice. In addition, treatment with quercetin markedly increased glutathione peroxidase activity, the ferric reducing ability of plasma and adiponectin levels while decreasing malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels.Conclusions: Quercetin shows anti-leishmanial activity, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it may be further explored as an effective drug in treating leishmaniasis.

Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on oxidative stress parameters and sex hormone levels of modern genotype sows.

Sows are exposed to severe stress and hormonal challenges during their whole productive life. As polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important role in immune and reproductive functions, with a better understanding of their role in breeding sows' nutrition, improved performance and more sustainable pig production can be achieved. In this study, we investigated the effects of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the antioxidant status and hormone levels of sows. A total of 48 Danish Large white × Danish Landrace sows were supplemented either with sunflower oil (SO) as a control group or with fish oil (FO) as experimental group at the same dose of 10g/kg feed. Blood samples were collected on day 14 of lactation, 5 days after weaning (insemination), and 30 days after insemination. To estimate antioxidant and reproductive effects, the amounts of reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), serum 17β oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-keto PGF1α) levels were investigated. FO-based supplementation increased GPx activity on day 14 of lactation. Five days after weaning, the concentration of GSH in FO-fed sows was significantly higher than that in SO-fed sows. The E2 content of blood was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group for two of the three examined periods (day 14 of lactation and 30 days after insemination), whereas P4 levels were significantly higher in the experimental group 5 days after weaning. We found that 6-keto PGF1α levels were systematically lower in the experimental group throughout the trial. This study provides evidence of the major impact of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids on the tested hormone levels, which serve as precursors for the production of E2 and P4 but have an opposite effect on PGF2α production.

Evaluation of Toxic Effects Induced by Sub-Acute Exposure to Low Doses of α-Cypermethrin in Adult Male Rats.

To contribute new information to the pyrethroid pesticide α-cypermethrin toxicity profile, we evaluated its effects after oral administration to Wistar rats at daily doses of 2.186, 0.015, 0.157, and 0.786 mg/kg bw for 28 days. Evaluations were performed using markers of oxidative stress, cholinesterase (ChE) activities, and levels of primary DNA damage in plasma/whole blood and liver, kidney, and brain tissue. Consecutive exposure to α-cypermethrin affected the kidney, liver, and brain weight of rats. A significant increase in concentration of the thiobarbituric acid reactive species was observed in the brain, accompanied by a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. An increase in GPx activity was also observed in the liver of all α-cypermethrin-treated groups, while GPx activity in the blood was significantly lower than in controls. A decrease in ChE activities was observed in the kidney and liver. Treatment with α-cypermethrin induced DNA damage in the studied cell types at almost all of the applied doses, indicating the highest susceptibility in the brain. The present study showed that, even at very low doses, exposure to α-cypermethrin exerts genotoxic effects and sets in motion the antioxidative mechanisms of cell defense, indicating the potential hazards posed by this insecticide.

Assessment of squalene effect on antioxidant enzymes and free radicals in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus as a metabolic disease can have serious consequences. Due to their chemical properties,bioactive compounds can play a role in diabetes management. Squalene is a natural oil and bioactive compound. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of squalene have been discussed in recent studies. Squalene plays a role in controlling diabetes by maintaining the oxidant/antioxidant balance.Objective: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of different doses of squalene, on different days, on the levels of some oxidative indices and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in groups of people with type 2 diabetes and compare them with each other and healthy people.Methods: 150 individuals were recruited in this study. These individuals were separated into five groups. Group one contained 30 individuals, representing the healthy control group. Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 included subjects with type 2 diabetes. Each of the subjects in groups 3, 4 and 5 received squalene in doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg as an oral capsule (liquid filled oral), respectively for 84 days. Subjects in Group 2 did not receive squalene. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (as antioxidant indicators) activities and the levels of hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species (as oxidant indicators) were assayed.Results: In 84 days, a statistically significant difference (P value < 0.05) was observed in all the diabetic groups compared to the healthy group. In the comparison between groups receiving squalene with each other, there was a significant increase (P value < 0.05) in catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, depending on squalene dose and time. There was not a statistically significant (P value > 0.05) increase in glutathione peroxidase activity. Statistically significant changes in oxidative indices were not dose-dependent or time-dependent.Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, a dose of 600 mg of squalene in 84 days is effective in increasing catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and reducing hydrogen peroxide levels. Squalene can play an important role in controlling and reducing the consequences of diabetes caused by changes in the oxidant/antioxidant balance.Keywords: squalene, type 2 diabetes, T2D, antioxidant enzymes, bioactive compounds, free radicals

Laying performance, egg quality, fertility, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes activity, gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, mucosal immunity, and cytokine levels in meat-type Japanese quail breeders fed different phytogenic levels

A total of 180 female Japanese quail breeders were allocated to 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 6 birds and fed a diet supplemented with 0, 125, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) in a 9-wk experiment. Egg weight, feed efficiency, shell breaking strength and calcium content, specific gravity, Haugh unit, and percentages of fertile eggs increased with increasing PFA levels (P < 0.05). Increasing of PFA levels increased nutrient digestibility, dietary AMEn, and activities of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and intestinal digesta (P < 0.05). Supplementation of PFA reduced Escherichia coli (P < 0.05), Clostridium spp. (P < 0.05) and Salmonella spp. counts (P < 0.05), while increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. counts in the ileal and cecal contents (P < 0.05). Dietary PFA increased jejunal villus height and decreased ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05). Serum diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate level were decreased with increase in PFA level (P < 0.05). Increasing PFA levels increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the pancreas, small intestine, and cecal tonsil, but decreased malondialdehyde contents (P < 0.05). Birds fed PFA exhibited increased levels of secretory IgA in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05), and increased the percentage of CD3+ T cells, ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and cytokine concentrations in the cecal tonsils (P < 0.05). In conclusion, PFA could improve gut health and nutrient utilization and, therefore, benefit productivity, egg quality, and fertility in quails.

Do Circulating Redox Biomarkers Have Diagnostic Significance in Alcohol-Intoxicated People?

The toxic properties of ethanol are inextricably linked to oxidative stress. Despite many reports on the effects of alcohol dependence on blood redox homeostasis, there are no data on the oxidative stress profile in alcohol-poisoned cases. There are also no data on the diagnostic usefulness of redox biomarkers determined post-mortem in various biological fluids. This work investigates the utility of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant barrier, redox status, and oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in different biological fluids (such as blood, urine, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid) in the post-mortem study of patients with acute alcohol intoxication. The study group included those who died due to acute ethanol intoxication (n = 22). The research showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant status, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and tryptophan concentration only in the study group’s urine compared to the control. In other circulating fluids, both antioxidant enzyme activities and glycoxidation product concentrations were not significantly different in individuals who died of alcohol overdose compared with those who died suddenly. We also did not observe a connection between oxidation–reduction balance and the amount of alcohol consumed before death. These unexpected observations may be caused by irreversible post-mortem changes occurring at the cellular level due to autolysis and putrefaction. In summary, the use of circulating body fluids to assess redox homeostasis is limited in the post-mortem analysis. Our results indicate the increased stability of urine collected post mortem compared to other circulating bioliquids. Further studies are needed to assess the intensity of oxidative and carbonyl stress in ethanol-damaged organs and the effects of post-mortem processes on cellular redox balance.

Porcine bile acids promote the utilization of fat and vitamin A under low-fat diets.

Fat-soluble vitamin malabsorption may occur due to low dietary fat content, even in the presence of an adequate supply of fat-soluble vitamins. Bile acids (BAs) have been confirmed as emulsifiers to promote fat absorption in high-fat diets. However, there are no direct evidence of exogenous BAs promoting the utilization of fat-soluble vitamins associated with fat absorption in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we chose laying hens as model animals, as their diet usually does not contain much fat, to expand the study of BAs. BAs were investigated in vitro for emulsification, simulated intestinal digestion, and release rate of fat-soluble vitamins. Subsequently, a total of 450 healthy 45-week-old Hy-Line Gray laying hens were chosen for an 84-day feeding trial. They were divided into five treatments, feeding diets supplemented with 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg BAs, respectively. No extra fat was added to the basic diet (crude fat was 3.23%). In vitro, BAs effectively emulsified the water-oil interface. Moreover, BAs promoted the hydrolysis of fat by lipase to release more fatty acids. Although BAs increased the release rates of vitamins A, D, and E from vegetable oils, BAs improved for the digestion of vitamin A more effectively. Dietary supplementation of 60 mg/kg BAs in laying hens markedly improved the laying performance. The total number of follicles in ovaries increased in 30 and 60 mg/kg BAs groups. Both the crude fat and total energy utilization rates of BAs groups were improved. Lipase and lipoprotein lipase activities were enhanced in the small intestine in 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg BAs groups. Furthermore, we observed an increase in vitamin A content in the liver and serum of laying hens in the 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg BAs groups. The serum IgA content in the 90 and 120 mg/kg BAs groups was significantly improved. A decrease in serum malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione peroxidase activity were also observed in BAs groups. The present study concluded that BAs promoted the absorption of vitamin A by promoting the absorption of fat even under low-fat diets, thereupon improving the reproduction and health of model animals.

Plasma lipids, lipid peroxides and antioxidant system in osteoarthritic patients underwent spa therapy

Objective: The molecular processes underlying degenerative cartilage disease ''osteoarthritis, OA'' are not fully known.. Although oxidative stress causes cell damage in various tissues, there is not enough evidence for the involvement of oxidative stress in degenerative joint diseases. On the other hand, various spa therapies such as balneotherapy, mud, mineral water, and sulfur bath have long been used for treating osteoarthritis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of spa therapy with balneotherapy on oxidant/antioxidant status and lipid levels. Material and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 28 osteoarthritis patients who had spa therapy at Bursa Military Hospital, Turkey. Osteoarthritis patients between 45-70 years who had no contraindications to spa therapy were eligible for inclusion in the study. Spa therapy included balneotherapy with acratothermal water, physical therapy modalities, and mild exercise for 15 days. Blood samples were obtained before and after the treatment cycle to determine the patients' possible changes in oxidant/antioxidant status and lipid profiles. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (T-SH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and plasma lipids were measured. Results: We found a statistically nonsignificant decrease in MDA levels and a significant increase in GPx activity. Whereas plasma lipids, T-SH levels, TAC, and SOD activity remained unchanged. Conclusion: We may suggest that different mechanisms may play a role in the beneficial effects of spa therapy with balneotherapy in OA besides stimulation of GPx activity.

The Hydroalcoholic Extract of Nasturtium officinale Reduces Lung Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in an Ovalbumin-Induced Rat Model of Asthma.

Background Asthma is known as a disease that causes breathing problems in children and adults and is also associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress of the airways. Nasturtium officinale (NO) possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, particularly anti-inflammation and antioxidant potentials. Thus, this study for the first time was aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of NO extract (NOE) in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of asthma. Materials and Methods Forty-four male Wistar rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce asthma symptoms. The animals were allocated into five groups: control (C), asthmatic (A), A + NOE (500 mg/kg), NOE (500 mg/kg), and A + dexamethasone (DX, 2.5 mg/kg). After 7 days, blood and tissue samples were taken from the rats. Then, the level of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters, and antioxidant enzymes activity were measured. Results The obtained results showed that OVA-sensitive rats significantly increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1B, TGF-β, and SMA-α compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while treatment with NOE remarkably reduced the SMA-α gene expression compared to the asthma group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it decreased the expression of IL-1B and TNF-α genes, although it was not statistically significant. The level of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) significantly reduced in A group compared to the C group (p < 0.05), whereas NOE administration significantly increased this marker (p < 0.05). Moreover, NOE attenuated inflammation and alveolar injury in the lungs of OVA-sensitive rat compared to the nontreated A group. Conclusions Overall, our findings demonstrated that NOE somewhat is able to reduce airway inflammation by reducing inflammatory and increasing GPX activity. Indeed, further experiments investigating the impact of different extract doses are needed to confirm the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of NOE.