Increase In Glutathione Reductase Activity Research Articles

Effects of Helianthus annuus seeds on antioxidants, lipid profile and serum urea and creatinine in obesity induced rats using high fat diet

High-fat diets have been strongly associated with common metabolic diseases. Clinical practices often link these diseases, such as hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress resulting from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, to severe conditions like cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Managing these conditions is often financially demanding. Helianthus annuus seeds, known to be non-toxic even at doses greater than 5000mg/kg in rats, with an LD50 greater than 5000mg/kg, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing elevated blood sugar levels and BMI in both animal and human studies. Therefore, further research is needed to explore the potential effects of sunflower seeds on antioxidants, lipid profiles, and serum urea and creatinine levels in rats induced with obesity using a high-fat diet. In this study, overnight fasting blood samples were collected to conduct lipid profile tests (HDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides). These tests utilized a photometric system with procedures derived from the Diasys-G Emmany kit and the measurement and precipitation method. The modified Jaffe technique for in-vitro measurement of creatinine in serum was employed to measure urea and creatinine levels. The experiment involved 27 Wistar rats weighing between 350 and 400 grams, randomly divided into 9 groups, with 3 rats in each group. Group 1 served as the control, while groups 2 to 9 were subjected to various conditions: high-fat diets alone for 6 weeks (group 2), high-fat diets with high (5000mg/kg body weight), medium (3000 mg/kg body weight), or low (2000 mg / kg body weight) doses of Helianthus annuus seeds powder for 6 weeks (groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively). Additionally, there were variations in duration and doses in groups 6 to 9, where rats were fed high-fat diets 20 g/ kg / day /rats for 5 weeks and then supplemented with Helianthus annuus seeds powder (5000 mg / kg, 3000 mg / kg and 2000 mg / kg per rat for group 6,7,8 or Metformin 70 mg / kg per rat for group 9) for 1 week. The results revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in rats across all groups compared to the control. However, all groups supplemented with Helianthus annuus seeds alongside high-fat diets displayed a significantly increased HDL level (P < 0.05) compared to rats fed only high-fat diet alone. Creatinine levels were significantly increased in all Helianthus annuus seeds -supplemented groups compared to the high-fat diet alone, while urea levels showed no significant differences among the groups. Furthermore, rats in all Helianthus annuus seeds -supplemented groups alongside high-fat diets demonstrated a significantly increased glutathione reductase activity (P < 0.05) compared to the control and high-fat diet alone. The study indicated that sunflower seeds significantly bolster antioxidant protection, elevate HDL levels, and increase creatinine levels in rats fed high-fat diets, suggesting potential beneficial effects in mitigating the adverse impacts of high-fat diets on health parameters.

The Effects of Antioxidants and Hyperbaric Oxygenation at Severe Thermal Injury: a Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION. Severe thermal injury (STI) characterized, among others, by hypoxia and oxidative stress (OS). The possibility of maintaining the antioxidant system through the antioxidants usage is proposed, but their effectiveness and duration are debatable issues. On the other hand, correction of OS at STI is theoretically possible by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) sessions, but there is a need to assess the benefit-risk ratio. AIM. Investigate the effect of antioxidants and hyperbaric oxygenation sessions on the course of oxidative stress at severe thermal injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study involved conditionally healthy individuals (n = 25), and patients with STI (n = 31), randomized into 3 groups: standard methods (n = 11), supplemented with antioxidants (daily injecting of 250 g vitamin C, 1.494 g “Cernevit” and 10 ml “Addamel N” during 14 days, n = 11) or HBO sessions (50–60 minutes in pressure chambers BLKS-30, BLKS-307/1 in the “low dose” at 1.3 Ata, n = 9). Plasma and erythrocytes were evaluated for free radical oxidation (FPO) and total antioxidant activity, malonic dialdehyde (MDA) concentration, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione reductase. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. At the antioxidant usage was found SOD activity increase by 11 % (p 0.01) on the second day, a decrease in FROer by 13 % (p = 0.012) on the 9th day, and MDAer by 13 % (p = 0.036) on the 6th day. In the HBO group, there was 9 % increase in SOD activity (p = 0.038) after the first session, an increase in glutathione reductase activity by 15 % (p = 0.028) by the 9th day. Thus, it is possible to pre-limit the period of potentially favorable use of antioxidants and HBO, which contributes to the maximum therapeutic effect. The negative consequences caused by the use of antioxidants or HBO have not been identified in this work. CONCLUSION. The antioxidant usage at STI contributes to the growth of the antioxidant protection of erythrocytes. The HBO usage leads to an improvement in cellular respiration and antioxidant enzymes activity and does not cause a deepening of OS. The optimal duration of prescribing antioxidants is the first 6–8 days, HBO — 9–11 days from the beginning of therapy.

GSH-related enzyme activity and tumor relation: glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase status under hypoxia in HepG2 cells

Abstract Objectives In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumorigenesis, hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). Until now, the time-dependent alteration of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) under hypoxic conditions in HCC were not clear. Consequently, our main target was to investigate the role of GPx and GR status in HCC cell line (HepG2) under hypoxic conditions. Methods HIF-1α protein levels in cell lysates were determined by ELISA assay and protein expressions were identified using western blot. GPx and GR activity levels of the cell lysates were measured spectrophotometrically. Results HIF-1α protein levels were determined under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (p<0.001). Also, HIF-1α protein levels and expressions were observed under time-dependent hypoxic conditions, the HIF-1α protein level is found to be reached its peak point at 4 h in the HepG2 cell line. We also have detected decreased activity levels of GPx and increased GR activity levels under hypoxia for 4 h (p<0.001). Conclusions More than 4 h of exposure to hypoxic environment reducted the HIF-1α levels in HCC cells. According to the results, we suggest the ideal exposure time to hypoxic conditions as 4 h for the HepG2 cell line. In addition, hypoxia also stimulated the activity levels of GPx and GR. Our results suggest that the activity levels of GPx and/or GR enzymes may be therapeutic targets in the hypoxia-dependent HCC tumorigenesis process.

Does the anesthetic tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) distort oxidative status parameters in tadpoles?

The effect of anesthesia/euthanasia with ethyl 3-aminobenzoate methanesulfonate (MS-222) on the oxidative status of Hyla arborea tadpoles was examined to determine whether the use of the anesthetic can confound the experimental results of the oxidative stress-based investigation. The experiment was conducted on two groups of tadpoles reared at different temperatures to produce differences in antioxidant capacity between the groups. After development at different temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C), the animals were exposed to different concentrations of MS-222 (0, 0.1, 1, and 5 g/L) for 15 min. The higher temperature decreased catalase activity, glutathione and protein carbonyl levels and increased glutathione reductase activity. The glutathione level and glutathione/thiol-related parameters were significantly changed after MS-222 exposure. However, individuals from the different temperature groups responded differently to the tested anesthetic, pointing to the possible influence of the initial levels of antioxidant capacity. The analysis of the interaction between the factors (temperature and MS-222) confirmed that the anesthetic can confound the results regarding the effects of temperature on the oxidative status parameters. The concentration of 0.1 g/L MS-222 had the lowest influence on the alterations in oxidative status and the results of the effect of temperature. A brief review of the current literature on the use of MS-222 in tadpoles made clear the absence of precise information on anesthetic concentration and exposure time. Similar studies should be repeated and extended to other amphibian species and other factors of interest to provide better guidance on tadpole anesthesia/euthanasia for future experiments that consider oxidative status parameters.

Does Nanosilver Exposure Modulate Steroid Metabolism in the Testes?-A Possible Role of Redox Balance Disruption.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a popular engineered nanomaterial widely used in industry. Despite the benefits they bring to society, AgNPs are not neutral to human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single intravenous dose (5 mg/kg body weight) of 20 nm AgNPs on steroid metabolism and redox balance in the testes of adult rats. The effects were evaluated 1 day or 28 days after intervention and compared with saline-treated animals. Decreased aromatase and estrogen receptor α levels (by 21% and 27%, respectively) were observed 1 day after AgNPs administration, while increased testosterone, increased dihydrotestosterone levels, higher androgen receptors and higher aromatase expression in Leydig cells (by 43%, 50%, 20% and 32%, respectively) as well as lower (by 35%) androgen receptor protein levels were observed 28 days after exposure to AgNPs compared to control groups. The AgNPs treatment resulted in decreased superoxide dismutase activity, decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, and increased glutathione reductase activity (by 23%, 63% and 28%, respectively) compared to control animals, irrespective of the time of measurement. Increased (by 28%) intratesticular lipid hydroperoxides level was observed 1 day after AgNPs exposure, while decreased (by 70%) GSH and increased (by 43%) 7-ketocholesterol levels were observed 28 days after treatment compared to control animals. Conclusions: AgNPs exposure caused redox imbalance in the gonads shortly after AgNPs administration, while a longer perspective AgNPs exposure was associated with impaired androgen metabolism, probably due to increased oxidative stress.

Pretilachlor-induced physiological, biochemical and morphological changes in Indian paddy field agroecosystem inhabited Anabaena doliolum

Pretilachlor is a systemic, pre-emergence herbicide applied in the paddy fields to kill narrow and broadleaf weeds. The present study evaluates the toxicity of pretilachlor on the non-target diazotrophic free-living cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum, commonly found in the paddy fields of eastern Uttar Pradesh (India) and used as a biofertilizer. A.doliolum was subjected to several doses (0, 2, 5, 7, 10, 20 and 40 μg/ml) of pretilachlor and its effects were examined in terms of alterations in cellular morphology, ultrastructure, physiology, and biochemical attributes. The treatment of pretilachlor decreased the growth, total pigment content and photosynthetic efficiency of the test organism in a dose-dependent manner. The decline in growth was observed on 20th day at 2, 5, 7, 10, 20 and 40 μg/ml of pretilachlor concentration by 4, 9, 26, 47, 71 and 92%, respectively. Furthermore, Chlorophyll a and phycocyanin levels were noticeably declined. As a result, the photosynthetic performance also registered a similar decline as measured by chlorophyll fluorescence. However, carotenoid content increased by 13%, 41% and 53% at 5, 10 and 20 μg/ml on 5th day reflecting its protective property. A marked increase in fluorescence intensity and malondialdehyde content by 2.65 and 2.45 folds at 10 and 20 μg/ml on 7th day was registered. The enzymatic antioxidants (SOD and CAT) and a concurrent increase in glutathione reductase activity were registered (1.75 and 2.11-fold at 20 and 40 μg/ml on 5th day), indicating pretilachlor mediated ROS generation. Moreover, ultrastructural studies done by SEM and TEM revealed plasma membrane and thylakoid membrane damage and fragmentation. These findings have contributed to the broader comprehension of the stress responses triggered by pretilachlor in cyanobacteria. Moreover, they can aid in the evaluation of the detrimental impact of pretilachlor on A. doliolum, given their crucial function as a nitrogen contributor in paddy fields.

Evaluation of the Antifungal Potential of Grape Cane and Flesh-Coloured Potato Extracts against Rhizoctonia sp. in Solanum tuberosum Crops.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the most important food crops worldwide, and Rhizoctonia solani infection is one of the most common diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of Vitis vinifera byproducts (VIDES) and flesh-coloured potato (FCP) extracts against Rhizoctonia sp. in potato crops. Photosynthetic traits, phenolic profiles, and antioxidant and enzymatic activities were determined. The VIDES extract showed a 151.4% improvement in stomatal conductance and a 258.5% improvement in the photosynthetic rate compared to the plants without infection. Regarding the enzymatic antioxidant activity, the best response was found in the FCP treatments with 30 min of application, with increases of 25%, 161%, and 450% in ascorbate peroxidase, catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, respectively, compared to plants without infection. For the VIDES extract, a 15 min application produced an 83% increase in CAT activity, whereas a 181% increase in GR activity compared to plants without infection was produced after a 30 min application. A similar behaviour was observed for antioxidant compounds, where FCP had a higher concentration of compounds and antioxidant activity. This finding suggests that FCP and VIDES promote the synthesis of plant-defence compounds against Rhizoctonia sp. in potato crops, in which the application time is a determining factor.

Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal that phytohormone pathways and glutathione metabolism are involved in the arsenite toxicity response in tomatoes

The main forms of inorganic arsenic (As) in soil are arsenate [As(V)] and arsenite [As(III)]. Both forms inhibit plant growth. Here, we investigate the effects of As(III) toxicity on the growth of tomatoes by integrating physiological and transcriptomic analyses. As(III) toxicity induces oxidative damage, inhibits photosynthetic efficiency, and reduces soluble sugar levels. As(III) toxicity leads to reductions in auxin, cytokinin and jasmonic acid contents by 29 %, 39 % and 55 %, respectively, but leads to increases in the ethylene precursor 1-amino-cyclopropane carboxylic acid, abscisic acid and salicylic acid contents in roots, by 116 %, 79 % and 39 %, respectively, thereby altering phytohormone signalling pathways. The total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents are reduced by 59 %, 49 % and 94 % in roots; moreover, a high GSH/GSSG ratio is maintained through increased glutathione reductase activity (increased by 214 %) and decreased glutathione peroxidase activity (decreased by 40 %) in the roots of As(III)-treated tomato seedlings. In addition, As(III) toxicity affects the expression of genes related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The altered expression of aquaporins and ABCC transporters changes the level of As(III) accumulation in plants. A set of hub genes involved in modulating As(III) toxicity responses in tomatoes was identified via a weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Taken together, these results elucidate the physiological and molecular regulatory mechanism underlying As(III) toxicity and provide a theoretical basis for selecting and breeding tomato varieties with low As(III) accumulation. Therefore, these findings are expected to be helpful in improving food safety and to developing sustainable agricultural.

Combined effects of green tea supplementation and eccentric exercise on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activity

PurposeThis study investigated whether combining eccentric exercise and green tea supplementation synergistically increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activity, a transcription factor responsible for coordinating endogenous antioxidant expression.MethodsIn a double-blinded, randomized, between-subjects design, 24 males (mean [SD]; 23 [3] years, 179.6 [6.1] cm, 78.8 [10.6] kg) performed 100 drop jumps following a 6 days supplementation period with either green tea (poly)phenols (n = 12; 500 mg·d−1) or a placebo (n = 12; inulin). NRF2/antioxidant response element (ARE) binding in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion, and differential leukocyte counts were measured pre-, post-, 1 h and 24 h post-exercise.ResultsExercise did not increase NRF2/ARE binding (p = 0.12) (fold change vs rest: green tea = [post] 0.78 ± 0.45, [1 h] 1.17 ± 0.54, [24 h] 1.06 ± 0.56; placebo = [post] 1.40 ± 1.50, [1 h] 2.98 ± 3.70, [24 h] 1.04 ± 0.45). Furthermore, CAT activity (p = 0.12) and 8-OHdG excretion (p = 0.42) were unchanged in response to exercise and were not augmented by green tea supplementation (p > 0.05 for all). Exercise increased GR activity by 30% (p = 0.01), however no differences were found between supplement groups (p = 0.51). Leukocyte and neutrophil concentrations were only elevated post-exercise (p < 0.001 for all).ConclusionEccentric exercise, either performed alone or in conjunction with green tea supplementation, did not significantly increase NRF2 activity in PBMCs.Trial registration numberosf.io/kz37g (registered: 15/09/21).Graphical abstract

Integrated biomarker response index as an ally in the observation of metabolic biomarkers in muscle of Astyanax lacustris exposed to thermal variation

Temperature is an important factor that conditions the physiological responses of fish, generating a stressful condition when in non-ideal parameters. Thus, the objective was to evaluate metabolic aspects in the muscle of fish Astyanax lacustris submitted to thermal shock. The specimens were subjected to 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h of exposure to 15 °C and 31 1 °C, with their respective controls 23 °C. At 15 °C there was a reduction in glycogenolysis in the initial periods indicated by changes in glycogen phosphorylase (GP), pyruvate and lactate. Subsequently, there was an increase in GP activity, pyruvate levels and hexokinase activity in the next time periods, suggesting an increase in energy demand. At 31 °C there was observed low need for the protein metabolism, indicated by reduction in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. At 15 °C, initial periods show an increase in glutathione reductase activity and an increase in carbonylated protein levels, indicating induction of oxidative stress for muscle. At 31 °C, there was a punctual increase in reduced glutathione levels at 24 h. In addition, the integrated biomarker response index proved to be a good ally in the evaluation of a set of biomarkers, corroborating the results observed by the biomarkers individually. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the acute thermal shock affects the metabolism of A. lacustris muscle, which undergoes rearrangements to deal with temperature, where 15 °C is more stressful than 31 °C.

Dietary ferulic acid supplementation improved cottonseed meal-based diet utilization by enhancing intestinal physical barrier function and liver antioxidant capacity in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idellus).

The present study explored the effects of ferulic acid (FA) supplementation in cottonseed meal (CSM)-based diets on grass carp growth performance, feed utilization, liver antioxidation status, and intestinal physical barrier function. Here, four experimental diets supplemented with FA at graded levels (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and CSM as the main protein source (384.6 g/kg feed) for an 8-week feeding trial. Our results indicated that 200 mg/kg FA supplementation in a CSM-based diet significantly improved growth performance [including final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate, and specific growth rate] and feed utilization [including feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio] in grass carp (p < 0.05). The results of polynomial regression analysis based on FBW recommended that the optimal dose for FA supplementation was 204 mg/kg. Compared with that no FA supplementation, 200 mg/kg FA supplementation significantly reduced liver malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione reductase activities (p < 0.05) and 100 mg/kg FA supplementation significantly increased liver total superoxide dismutase activities and reduced blood alanine transaminase levels (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, 100 mg/kg FA supplementation also led to significantly increased mRNA expression of zo-1, zo-2, occludin, claudin-b, claudin-3, claudin-7a, and claudin-12, encoding intestinal tight junction proteins (p < 0.05). Notably, FA supplementation could reduce lipid deposition by regulating bile acid (BA) secretion. In this study, 100 and 200 mg/kg FA supplementation significantly increased blood and liver total BA levels, respectively (p < 0.05); 100 mg/kg FA also significantly activated mRNA expressions of fxr and cyp7a1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the whole-body composition results presented that FA treatment relieved lipid deposition, particularly 50 and 200 mg/kg FA supplementation (p < 0.05). Moreover, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly lower and high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher with 200 mg/kg FA supplementation than with no FA supplementation (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results indicated that FA may be a beneficial feed additive to boost fish growth performance and increase CSM utilization.

The ethylene bisdithiocarbamate fungicides mancozeb and nabam alter essential metal levels in liver and kidney and glutathione enzyme activity in liver of Sprague-Dawley rats

Mancozeb is a fungicide of the ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) class complexed to the metals manganese and zinc. Nabam is the sodium salt of the EBDC backbone. The purpose of this study was to determine if these EBDC compounds alter essential metal homeostasis and glutathione status in Sprague-Dawley rats. Our findings indicate EBDCs caused accumulation of copper in kidneys, but not liver. EBDC compounds also increased glutathione reductase activity in liver, but not kidneys, whereas only mancozeb increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver. Mancozeb and nabam increased total glutathione in liver, but only mancozeb increased total glutathione in the kidney. Neither mancozeb nor nabam altered glutathione ratio in either liver or kidney compared to control. Our data suggest that the EBDC backbone of mancozeb, and not the zinc or manganese moieties, is responsible for changes in glutathione status and alteration of essential metal homeostasis in rat liver and kidney.

Antioxidant status in children and adolescents with COVID-19

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the importance of this problem to the first stage and has affected healthcare system around the world. Despite the more favorable COVID-19 course, the child population should be at focus of special attention, due to the active participation in its distribution. The course of COVID-19 includes a cascade of pathological processes accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species, which can have extremely negative consequences for the developing organism. The research of these processes in children is vital and will improve the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic measures. The aim: to analyze changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic links in the antioxidant defense in children and adolescents with diagnosed COVID-19 infection.Materials and methods. 17 children and adolescents (average age – 12.35 ± 4.01 years) were examined, including 8 boys (47 %) and 9 girls (53 %) with COVID-19 infection. The control group of children and adolescents (practically healthy) according to the «copy-pair» principle was selected. We used spectrophotometric methods.Results. In the group of children and adolescents with diagnosed COVID-19 infection, there were lower levels of total antioxidant activity (p &lt; 0.0001), superoxide dismutase activity (p &lt; 0.0001), content of reduced glutathione (p = 0.048) and retinol (p = 0.015), increase in glutathione reductase activity (p = 0.015) relative to the control.Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the insufficiency of antioxidant system components number in children and adolescents with diagnosed COVID-19 infection and indicate the advisability of antioxidant therapy using to stabilize these indicators.

Specific glutathione-S-transferases ensure an efficient detoxification of diclofenac in Solanum lycopersicum L. plants

Diclofenac (DCF) is a very common pharmaceutical that, due to its high use and low removal rate, is considered a prominent contaminant in surface and groundwater worldwide. In this study, Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Micro-Tom (tomato) was used to disclose the role of glutathione (GSH)-related enzymes, as GSH conjugation with DCF is a well reported detoxification mechanism in mammals and some plant species. To achieve this, S. lycopersicum plants were exposed to 0.5 and 5 mg L−1 of DCF for 5 weeks under a semi-hydroponic experiment. The results here obtained point towards an efficient DCF detoxification mechanism that prevents DCF bioaccumulation in fruits, minimizing any concerns for human health. Although a systemic response seems to be present in response to DCF, the current data also shows that its detoxification is mostly a root-specific process. Furthermore, it appears that GSH-mediated DCF detoxification is the main mechanism activated, as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was greatly enhanced in roots of tomato plants treated with 5 mg L−1 DCF, accompanied by increased glutathione reductase activity, responsible for GSH regeneration. By applying a targeted gene expression analysis, we provide evidence, for the first time, that SlGSTF4 and SlGSTF5 genes, coding for GSTs from phi class, were the main players driving the conjugation of this contaminant. In this sense, and even though tomato plants appear to be somewhat tolerant to DCF exposure, research on GST activity can prove to be instrumental in remediating DCF-contaminated environments and improving plant growth under such conditions.

Maize resistance to northern corn leaf blight is potentiated by nickel

AbstractNorthern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by Exserohilum turcicum, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting maize yield worldwide. A foliar spray of nickel (Ni) to potentiate maize resistance against NCLB was investigated by examining alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus (leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll [Chl] a fluorescence parameters), production of ethylene and reactive oxygen species as well as activities of defence and antioxidant enzymes. Mycelial growth of E. turcicum was inhibited by Ni in vitro. Inoculated plants sprayed with Ni exhibited higher foliar Ni concentration, reduced NCLB symptoms, and lower concentrations of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. In inoculated leaves of plants not sprayed with Ni, concentrations of Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoids were lower and the photosynthetic apparatus was impaired at the biochemical level due to high NCLB severity. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were not affected by Ni, except an increase in glutathione reductase activity for noninoculated plants sprayed with Ni. High lipoxygenase and polyphenoloxidase activities, lower ethylene production, as well as elevated production of phenolics and lignin helped decrease NCLB severity in the leaves of Ni‐sprayed plants.

Effect of CO2 exposure on the antioxidant enzymes activity and gill histology of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Increase in carbon dioxide level is considered as a threat to all living organisms and in particular aquatic organisms are vulnerable. Although a number of studies were carried out to predict the effect of increased CO2 with marine organisms, fresh water fish were the least concerned ones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to study the effect of antioxidant enzymes in zebrafish exposed to acute concentration of CO2 (based on prediction for 2300). Three ranges of pH were selected below the range where no fatality was observed, 6.0 – 6.5, 5.5 – 6.0 and 5.0 – 5.5. Antioxidant enzyme analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was performed for the tissues, liver, gills and muscles. Although a significant decrease in SOD activity was observed in all three tissues, only a slight variation in CAT activity was found in all the tissues. MDA content which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation showed an increasing pattern in all the tissues. A slight increase in GR activity was found in all the tissues; however, a significant decrease in GPx activity was noted. Further, the histology of gills exposed to CO2 showed marked damage and injury including lamellar fusion and necrosis. Our study concludes that exposure to CO2 has led to oxidative stress which has resulted in cellular injury and damage

Ecophysiological responses of two closely related epigean and hypogean Niphargus species to hypoxia and increased temperature: Do they differ?

Ecological performance of animals depends on physiological and biochemical processes that are adjusted to the environment. The responses to hypoxia or anoxia have been frequently studied in subterranean aquatic organisms in order to find potential adaptations to restrict oxygen conditions occurring in the underground habitats. However, some previous studies have compared phylogenetic distant epigean and hypogean species or the epigean and hypogean populations of the same species due to little chance to compare closely related epigean and hypogean species. Therefore, in this study, we compared the effects of exposure to hypoxia, followed by reoxygenation, and increased temperature on oxygen consumption, potential metabolic activity, and antioxidant activities in closely related epigean and hypogean species: Niphargus zagrebensis and N. stygius. Oxygen consumption of N. stygius increased similarly during post-hypoxic recovery at 10 and 20°C (approx. 5-times), while N. zagrebensis increased its oxygen consumption for 9.7 and 4.4-times at 10 and 20°C, respectively. We observed higher exploitation of metabolic potential for current oxygen consumption during reoxygenation in N. zagrebensis than N. stygius. Exposure to hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation at 20°C increased catalase (CAT) activity in N. stygius, but not in N. zagrebensis. We observed increased glutathione reductase activity in both Niphargus species. We concluded that respiratory and antioxidant responses to severe hypoxia and increased temperature differed between closely related epigean and hypogean Niphargus species. Hypogean Niphargus species possess physiological and biochemical characteristics that are advantageous in temperature stable subterranean environments which support inhabiting of species that have low energetic demands, while epigean Niphargus species can successfully inhabit specific surface habitats.

Resveratrol Improves Hepatic Redox Status and Lipid Balance of Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Retardation in a Piglet Model.

Abnormal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress (OS), and inflammation play a pivotal role in the increased susceptibility to neonatal fatty liver diseases associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This study was firstly conducted to investigate whether resveratrol could alleviate IUGR-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, alteration of redox and immune status in a sucking piglet model and explore the possible mechanisms at transcriptional levels. A total of 36 pairs of 7 d old male normal birth weight (NBW) and IUGR piglets were orally fed with either 80 mg resveratrol/kg body weight/d or 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium for a period of 14 days, respectively. Compared with the NBW piglets, the IUGR piglets displayed compromised growth performance and liver weight, reduced plasma free fatty acid (FFA) level, increased hepatic OS, abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation and weakened hepatic immune function, and hepatic aberrant transcriptional expression of some genes such as heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase 1, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, liver fatty acid-binding proteins 1, toll-like receptor 4, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Oral administration of resveratrol to piglets decreased the levels of FFA and total triglycerides (TG) in the plasma and hepatic TNF-α concentration, and increased glutathione reductase activity and reduced glutathione level in the liver. Resveratrol restored the increased alanine aminotransferase activity in the plasma of IUGR piglets. Treatment with resveratrol ameliorated the increased hepatic malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, TG, and FFA concentrations induced by IUGR. Resveratrol treatment alleviated the reduced lipoprotein lipase activity and its mRNA expression as well as TNF-α gene expression in the liver of IUGR piglets. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase 1 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 genes expression of piglets was upregulated by oral resveratrol administration. In conclusion, resveratrol administration plays a beneficial role in hepatic redox status and lipid balance of the IUGR piglets.

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation with Aluminum or Selenium on the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Mouse Brain and Liver

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) or selenium (Se) on the “primary” antioxidant defense system enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) in cells of mouse brain and liver after long-term (8-week) exposure to drinking water supplemented with AlCl3 (50 mg or 100 mg Al/L in drinking water) or Na2SeO3 (0.2 mg or 0.4 mg Se/L in drinking water). Results have shown that a high dose of Se increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in mouse brain and liver. Exposure to a low dose of Se resulted in an increase in catalase activity in mouse brain, but did not show any statistically significant changes in superoxide dismutase activity in both organs. Meanwhile, the administration of both doses of Al caused no changes in activities of these enzymes in mouse brain and liver. The greatest sensitivity to the effect of Al or Se was exhibited by glutathione reductase. Exposure to both doses of Al or Se resulted in statistically significant increase in glutathione reductase activity in both brain and liver. It was concluded that 8-week exposure to Se caused a statistically significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in mouse brain and/or liver, however, these changes were dependent on the used dose. The exposure to both Al doses caused a statistically significant increase only in glutathione reductase activity of both organs.

Effects of chronic exposure of waterborne copper on the antioxidant system and tissue accumulation in golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita).

We assessed the acute and chronic effects of copper (Cu2+) on the antioxidant system in golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita). The median lethal concentration after 96h was determined as 0.24mgL-1. We then used 0.06 (L) and 0.12mgL-1 (H) Cu2+ to assess the responses of the antioxidant system to long-term exposure. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, and oxidized glutathione were measured in gill and liver tissue after 24 and 72h and 7, 14, 21, and 28days of exposure, as well as after 16days of recovery in Cu2+-free water. Cu2+ accumulated to a greater extent in the liver than in the gill (0.61-0.75mgkg-1 vs. 24.0-69.9mgkg-1 in L group and 0.98-1.47mgkg-1 vs. 33.3-66.03mgkg-1 in H group). In the gill, we observed increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as in the concentrations of reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione. In the liver of L group, we observed increases in glutathione reductase activity and in the levels of reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione. In L group, the activity of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione content increased after 24h and then decreased over time, while catalase and glutathione reductase activity and oxidized glutathione levels increased. Data from the recovery period indicated that higher concentrations of Cu2+ may induce irreversible oxidative damage to the gill of golden trout.