Increased Malondialdehyde Content Research Articles

Effects of aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in ISA chicks.

The research evaluated the effects of Aflatoxin B1 on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in ISA chicks. In total, 240 7-day-old ISA chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. The control group comprised chicks fed a basal diet. The aflatoxin (AFB1)-treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) comprised chicks fed the basal diet supplemented with AFB1 at concentrations of 5, 8, and 10 μg/kg, respectively. The growth performance, antioxidant status, immune responses, and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in all groups were measured. In the T1 treatment group (receiving the lowest AFB1 dose), a reduction in the Newcastle disease virus antibody (NDV-Ab) titer, and increases in interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA levels were observed on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05). Treatment with the higher AFB1 doses (groups T2 and T3) reduced the chicks' growth performance on days 21 and 42, measured as reductions in body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) compared with the control group. In the T2 and T3 groups, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG levels, and IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ levels were also lower than in the control group. On days 21 and 42, these two groups also showed increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, higher feed to gain ratio (F/G), and higher IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ mRNA levels than the control group (P < 0.05). The T2 and T3 groups also showed reduced T-AOC, NDV-Ab titer, IL-2 content, and GPx-1 mRNA levels on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05), increased IL-6 and IFN-γ mRNA levels on day 21, and increased F/G and MDA content on day 42 (P < 0.05) compared with group (T1). Increased MDA content and IL-6 mRNA levels in the liver and ileum were observed in group T3 compared with group T2 on day 21, and lower IgM and IL-6 levels were observed on days 21 and 42 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data showed that AFB1 exposure resulted in dose-dependent oxidative and inflammatory damage, immunosuppression, and a decline in the growth performance of chicks.

Hizikia fusiforme functional oil (HFFO) prevents neuroinflammation and memory deficits evoked by lipopolysaccharide/aluminum trichloride in zebrafish.

BackgroundOxidative stress, cholinergic deficiency, and neuroinflammation are hallmarks of most neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Lipids play an important role in brain development and proper functioning. Marine-derived lipids have shown good memory-improving potentials, especially those from fish and microalgae. The cultivated macroalga Hizikia fusiforme is healthy food and shows benefits to memory, but the study is rare on the brain healthy value of its oil. Previously, we had reported that the Hizikia fusiforme functional oil (HFFO) contains arachidonic acid, 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, phytol, and other molecules displaying in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and nitroxide scavenging activity; however, the in vivo effect remains unclear. In this study, we further investigated its potential effects against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)- or aluminum trichloride (AlCl3)-induced memory deficiency in zebrafish and its drug-related properties in silica.MethodsWe established memory deficit models in zebrafish by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (75 ng) or aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) (21 μg), and assessed their behaviors in the T-maze test. The interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), acetylcholine (ACh), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured 24 h after the LPS/AlCl3 injection as markers of inflammation, cholinergic activity, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the interaction of two main components, 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid and phytol, was investigated by molecular docking, with the important anti-inflammatory targets nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Specifically, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) and drug-likeness properties of HFFO were studied by ADMETlab.ResultsThe results showed that HFFO reduced cognitive deficits in zebrafish T-maze induced by LPS/AlCl3. While the LPS/AlCl3 treatment increased MDA content, lowered ACh levels in the zebrafish brain, and elevated levels of central and peripheral proinflammatory cytokines, these effects were reversed by 100 mg/kg HFFO except for MDA. Moreover, 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid and phytol showed a good affinity with NF-κB, COX-2, and HFFO exhibited acceptable drug-likeness and ADMET profiles in general.ConclusionCollectively, this study's findings suggest HFFO as a potent neuroprotectant, potentially valuable for the prevention of memory impairment caused by cholinergic deficiency and neuroinflammation.

Silver Nanoparticles Induce a Size-dependent Neurotoxicity to SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells via Ferritinophagy-mediated Oxidative Stress.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in a variety of consumer products because of their antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, but little is known about their toxicity to the brain. In this study, we investigated AgNP-induced neurotoxicity using the human neuroblastoma cancer (SH-SY5Y) cell line. After a 24 h treatment of AgNPs with two primary sizes (5 and 50nm labeled as Ag-5 and Ag-50, respectively), a series of toxicological endpoints including cell viability, expression of proteins and genes in amyloid precursor protein (APP) amyloid hydrolysis process and ferritinophagy signaling pathways, oxidative stress, intracellular iron levels, and molecular regulators of iron metabolism were evaluated. Our results showed that both Ag-5 and Ag-50 induced notable neurotoxic effects on SH-SY5Y cells indicated by cell proliferation inhibition, increased BACE1 protein expression, and decreased APP and ADAM10 gene expression. Activation of nuclear receptor coactivator 4-mediated ferritinophagy and blockade of autophagic flux were induced by AgNPs, accompanied by intracellular iron accumulation and overexpression of divalent metal-ion transporter-1 and ferroportin1 in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, AgNPs significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 protein expression but increased malondialdehyde concentration, suggesting that AgNP-induced iron accumulation may trigger oxidative stress by disruption of the intracellular oxidant and antioxidant systems. In addition, compared with Ag-50, Ag-5 with higher cellular uptake efficiency caused more detrimental effects on SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated a size-dependent neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells by AgNPs via ferritinophagy-mediated oxidative stress.

Microplastics addition reduced the toxicity and uptake of cadmium to Brassica chinensis L.

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and toxic metal contaminants in soils is becoming increasingly common, thereby posing serious threat to soil–plant systems. Cadmium (Cd) is the most common metal contaminant in soil and can easily combine with MPs, thereby altering its bioavailability. However, few studies have focused on the co-pollution of MPs and Cd, particularly the complex phytotoxicity caused by their interaction and the effect of co-exposure on Cd uptake in plants. We conducted pot experiments to compare the effects of exposure to polystyrene (PS) and Cd, as well as the effects of co-exposure (PS + Cd), on the physiological characteristics of Brassica chinensis L. and explored the regulatory factors of MPs on Cd uptake in plant tissues. The results showed that plant biomass, photosynthetic parameters, and chlorophyll content significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing PS doses under treatment with MPs alone. Although the negative effects of PS and Cd co-exposure on plants were higher than those of PS alone, however, the addition of MPs reduced the toxicity effects of Cd on plants and decreased the uptake and accumulation of Cd by plants compared with the Cd treatment alone. Furthermore, plants can resist the increased malondialdehyde content and oxidative stress induced by PS and Cd exposure by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. Under the PS + Cd treatment, linear models showed that soil organic carbon and sucrase activity were the key variables affecting Cd uptake by plant shoots and roots, respectively. The results of the partial least squares path modeling further showed that PS indirectly affected Cd uptake by B. chinensis by significantly affecting the physicochemical properties of soil, Cd concentration, and enzyme activity. Our results provide a new perspective and an important reference for further understanding the effects of MPs on the bioavailability and fate of heavy metals.

Silver Nanoparticles-Cow Dung Combination Disrupts Physiology, Enzyme Activities with Corresponding Increased Oxidative Stress and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Abelmoschus esculentus

The effects of a silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-cow-dung combination on Abelmoschus esculentus physiology, enzyme activities, heavy metal bioaccumulation, and micronutrients were investigated. A. esculentus seedlings were nurtured with foliar application of water, 0.75mg/L each of AgNPs, cow-dung and AgNPs-cow dung till maturity. AgNPs-cow dung inhibited root and shoot lengths by 12.9% and 24.8%, respectively as opposed to elongation recorded for individual application compared to the control. In contrast to the promotion of photosynthesis, enzyme and antioxidant activities by individual applications, AgNPs-cow dung suppressed more than 50% of these parameters. Implied toxicities of AgNPs-cow dung on A. esculentus manifested in increased malondialdehyde contents with concomitant higher bioaccumulation factor of heavy metals. Cow-dung and AgNPs each stimulated A. esculentus activities in different ways, but their combination was inhibitory, which may be ascribed to the transformed AgNPs in cow-dung and relative availability of toxic metals.

Diethylhexyl phthalate induces anxiety-like behavior and learning and memory impairment in mice probably by damaging blood-brain barrier

To investigate the effects of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) exposure on anxiety-like behaviors and learning and memory ability in mice and explore the underlying mechanism. Forty male ICR mice were randomized equally into control group (0 mg/kg) and 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg DEHP exposure groups, in which the mice were exposed to DEHP at the indicated doses by gavage for 4 weeks. After the treatments, the mice were assessed for behavioral changes using open filed test, elevated plus-maze and Morris water maze test. Brain tissues were collected from the mice for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, pathologies and expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in the hippocampus. Compared with the control group, the mice with DEHP exposure for 4 weeks exhibited no significant body weight change (P>0.05) but presented with obvious behavioral changes, manifested by reduced movement distance (P < 0.05) and time spent in the center of the open field (P < 0.05), reduced movement distance (P < 0.05) and time spent in the open arm of the elevated maze (P < 0.05), significantly increased latency of searching for the platform (P < 0.05), and decreased frequency of crossing the platform (P < 0.05). HE staining showed obvious vertebral cell death in the hippocampal CA1 to CA3 regions of the mice with DEHP exposure. The exposed mice showed significantly increased MDA content and decreased expressions of ZO-1 and occludin at both the mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analysis suggested a close correlation between anxiety-like behaviors and learning and memory abilities in DEHP-exposed mice. DEHP exposure may cause damages of the blood-brain barrier and the pyramidal cells in the hippocampus of mice, thereby inducing anxiety-like behaviors and learning and memory impairment.

Curcumin attenuates gentamicin and sodium salicylate ototoxic effects by modulating the nuclear factor-kappaB and apoptotic pathways in rats

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of curcumin (CCM) against gentamicin (GEN) and sodium salicylates (NaS)-induced ototoxic effects in rats. For 15 consecutive days, seven rat groups were given 1 mL/rat physiological saline orally, 1 mL/rat olive oil orally, 50 mg/kg bwt CCM orally, 120 mg/kg bwt GEN intraperitoneally, 300 mg/kg bwt NaS intraperitoneally, CCM+GEN, or CCM+NaS. The distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements were conducted. The rats’ hearing function and balance have been behaviorally assessed using auditory startle response, Preyer reflex, and beam balance scale tests. The serum lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress biomarkers have been measured. Immunohistochemical investigations of the apoptotic marker caspase-3 and the inflammatory indicator nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) in cochlear tissues were conducted. GEN and NaS exposure resulted in deficit hearing and impaired ability to retain balance. GEN and NaS exposure significantly decreased the reduced glutathione level and catalase activity but increased malondialdehyde content. GEN and NaS exposure evoked pathological alterations in cochlear and vestibular tissues and increased caspase-3 and NF-κB immunoexpression. CCM significantly counteracted the GEN and NaS injurious effects. These outcomes concluded that CCM could be a naturally efficient therapeutic agent against GEN and NaS-associated ototoxic side effects.Graphical abstract

Protective Effects of Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract Against Ochratoxin A-induced Nephrotoxicity and Immunotoxicity in Broiler Chickens.

IntroductionOchratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin notably produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract (BSFE) contains specific enzymes which hydrolyse OTA. This study evaluated the efficiency of BSFE in ameliorating the immunotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of OTA in broiler chickens.Material and MethodsDay-old broiler chicks were divided equally into four groups of ten: control, OTA (0.5 mg/kg feed), BSFE product (1 mL/L water) and OTA + BSFE at the same concentrations. The chicks were vaccinated against avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis, and lymphoproliferation was induced in all birds by phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P). Serum samples were taken before sacrifice and organ tissue samples were taken after, in which renal function biomarkers were assayed and the presence of OTA residue was evaluated by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Protein markers of apoptosis were determined by qPCR, and tissue lesions were examined histopathologically.ResultsExposure to OTA significantly decreased the antibody response to the vaccines and the lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P, and significantly elevated the renal function indicators: serum urea, uric acid and creatinine. It also induced oxidative stress (reduced catalase activity and glutathione concentration), lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde content), apoptosis (increased Bax and Caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 gene levels) and pathological lesions in kidney, bursa of Fabricius, spleen and thymus tissue. Residues of OTA were detected in the serum and tissue. BSFE mitigated most of these toxic effects.ConclusionBSFE counters OTA-induced immunotoxicity and nephrotoxicity because of its content of carboxypeptidase and protease enzymes.

Neurobehavioral toxicity of copper sulfate accompanied by oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in chicks' brain

The aim is to investigate the sub-acute neurotoxic effects of copper sulfate in chicks on motor and neurobehavioral activity and its relation to oxidative stress and histopathological changes in chick brain tissue. Thirty chicks were employed in this experiment, randomly separated into 5 groups of 6 chicks. They were given the following concentration 2.5, 5, 10, and 15% of LD50. Each of the chicks is put through the following behavioral tests response to tonic immobility test, righting reflex, testing the motor activity of the chicks inside the open field box. Orally LD50 was 772 mg/kg, Recording an inhibition in the animal's movement in the open field and an increase in the chicks' dormancy duration. The effects are directly proportional to the increase in the chicks' dose. Copper sulfate in 2.5, 5, 10, and 15% of the LD50 showed a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration, while 15% of LD50 recorded a significant decrease in glutathione and cholinesterase activity. All doses substantially decreased total antioxidant capacity in brain and liver tissue. Chick brain of copper sulfate 15% of LD50 shows in the cortex of cerebrum severe gliosis, satellitosis, perivascular and periaxonal edema, necrosis (karyorrhexis) of neuron, and apoptosis. The rest of the concentrations had histopathological alterations proportionate to the rise in the given dose. We concluded from this work that high concentrations of copper sulfate in the brain generated oxidative stress and histopathological alterations, which influenced chicks' neurobehavior and motor activity in the open environment.

Dietary Supplementation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) With Panax ginseng Essential Oil: Positive Impact on Animal Health and Productive Performance, and Mitigating Effects on Atrazine- Induced Toxicity

The present study assessed the impact of Panax ginseng essential oil (GEO) supplementation on physiological parameters related to productive performance and health status in Nile tilapia reared under standard conditions and exposed to a sub-lethal atrazine (ATZ) concentration. Fish were allocated into 6 groups: the control group was reared in clean water and fed with a commercial basal diet (CNT), two groups were fed with the basal diet supplemented with two different levels of GEO (GEO1 and GEO2, respectively), one group was intoxicated with 1/5 of ATZ 96-h lethal concentration 50 (1.39 mg/L) (ATZ group), and the remaining two groups were fed with the GEO-supplemented diets and concurrently exposed to 1.39 mg ATZ/L (GEO1+ATZ and GEO2+ATZ, respectively). The experiment lasted for 60 days. GEO supplementation exerted a significantly positive influence on fish growth, feed utilization, and hepatic antioxidant defense systems at both levels of supplementation. ATZ exposure significantly reduced fish survival rates and impaired fish growth and feed utilization, with the lowest final weights, weight gain, total feed intake, and the highest feed conversion ratio being recorded in the ATZ-intoxicated group. ATZ exposure caused significant changes in intestinal digestive enzyme activity (decreased lipase activity), hematological indices (decreased hemoglobin, packed cell volume, erythrocytes, and leukocytes), blood biochemical variables (decreased total proteins, albumin, globulins, and immunoglobulin M; increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and cortisol), and hepatic oxidative/antioxidant indices (decreased glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity and mRNA expression levels, and increased malondialdehyde content). Moreover, in the hepatic tissue of ATZ-intoxicated Nile tilapia, histopathological alterations and upregulated mRNA expression levels of stress- and apoptosis-related genes (Hsp70, caspase 3, and p53) were observed. GEO supplementation in ATZ-treated groups significantly attenuated the aforementioned negative effects, though some parameters did not reach the CNT values. These findings provide further and partly new evidence that sub-lethal ATZ toxicity induces reduced survivability, growth retardation, impaired digestive function, anemia, immunosuppression, hepatic oxidative stress damage, and overall increased stress level in Nile tilapia, and suggest that GEO supplementation may be useful for mitigating this toxicity and provide more general support to the productive performance and health status of this fish species.

In Vitro and In Vivo Malondialdehyde Inhibition Activities of Stichopus hermanii and Spirulina platensis

Previous research showed that Stichopus hermannii and Spirulina platensis had an antioxidant activity. It is indicated by the reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver of the diabetic rats. However, the STZ administration did not significantly increase MDA concentration of diabetic rats' blood serum for 14 days. This research aimed to determine in vitro and in vivo MDA inhibition of S. hermanii and S. platensis. The in vitro antioxidant activity test was conducted using the MDA-TBA method, and a positive control used α-tocopherol. For in vivo experiment, diabetic rats (DM) were induced by streptozotocin for 21 days. Twenty-five rats which were divided into five groups: normal rat group (NA), diabetic rat group (DA), diabetic rat group + glibenclamide (DG), diabetic rats + Stichopus hermanii (SH), and diabetic rats + Spirulina platensis (SP). The in vitro results showed that the antioxidant activity of 25 ppm Spirulina platensis had the same MDA inhibitory activity as 200 ppm α-tocopherol, but 200 ppm Stichopus hermanii had lower inhibition than 200 ppm α-tocopherol. The in vivo result showed that Stichopus hermanii treatment was more effective in suppressing blood serum MDA concentration, but Spirulina platensis was more effective in suppressing liver MDA concentration.

The sea-island cotton GbTCP4 transcription factor positively regulates drought and salt stress responses

TCP transcription factors play important regulatory roles in plant growth and development; however, their function in response to salt and drought stress in sea-island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is unknown. Here, GbTCP4 expression was induced by abscisic acid (ABA), drought, and NaCl treatments. Under drought stress, compared to wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis, transgenic GbTCP4-overexpressing Arabidopsis showed increased seed germination rate, root length and survival rate; additionally, it was ABA-insensitive at the germination stage but ABA-sensitive at the seedling stage, showing reduced stomatal opening and ABA enrichment. Under salt stress, compared to WT Arabidopsis, transgenic GbTCP4-overexpressing Arabidopsis showed greater root length, survival rate, and SPAD value and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Conversely, under drought or salt stress, virus-induced gene-silenced GbTCP4 cotton showed decreased root length, area and volume and increased MDA content and sensitivity to drought and salt stress compared with control cotton. RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that GbTCP4 affected the transcription levels of genes across multiple abiotic stress-related metabolic pathways. Furthermore, GbTCP4 activated the transcription of GbUVR8 and GbbHLH130 by binding to their promoters. These results suggest that GbTCP4 positively regulates drought and salt stress responses and is a suitable candidate gene for improving plant drought and salt tolerance.

Hyperoside protects mouse spermatocytes GC-2 cells from oxidative damage by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

To study the protective effect of hyperoside (Hyp) against ydrogen peroxide (H2O2)- induced oxidative damage in mouse spermatocytes GC-2 cells and explore the role of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in this protective mechanism. GC-2 cells were treated with 2.5 mmol/L azaacetylcysteine (NAC), 50, 100, and 200 μmol/L hyperoside, or the culture medium for 48 h before exposure to H2O2 (150 μmol/L) for 2 h. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the changes in cell viability, and cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the culture medium. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was detected using immunofluorescence assay. Exposure to H2O2 significantly lowered the proliferation rate, reduced the activities of SOD, GSH and CAT, and obviously increased MDA content, cell apoptosis rate, and the expressions of Keap1 and Nrf2 mRNA and Keap1 protein in GC-2 cells (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Treatment of the cells prior to H2O2 exposure with either NAC or 200 μmol/L hyperoside significantly increased the cell proliferation rate, enhanced the activities of SOD, GSH-PX and CAT, and lowered MDA content and cell apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). Treatment with 200 μmol/L hyperoside significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 and increased the expressions of HO-1 mRNA and the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Hyperoside also caused obvious nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the cells (P < 0.05). Hyperoside protects GC-2 cells against H2O2- induced oxidative damage possibly by activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Vanillic acid alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety/depression-like behaviors and cerebral oxidative stress in male rats

Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the important causes of anxiety and depression. Vanillic acid (VA) is a phenolic compound with a well-known anti-oxidative property. The present study was aimed to investigate the putative anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties of VA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged rats, and the potential involvement of its antioxidant effects. Rats were received VA (100 mg/kg, gavage, 10 consecutive days) or saline before intraperitoneal administration of LPS. Subsequently, rats were submitted to the elevated plus-maze (EPM), open-field test (OFT), and forced swimming test (FST) 24 h after LPS administration. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were determined in the brain tissue. The results showed that LPS challenge leads to increased anxiety-like behavior along with decreased exploratory activity in EPM and OFT, and enhanced depression-like behavior in FST. These findings were associated with decreased SOD and GPx activities and increased MDA content in the brain tissue of LPS-challenged rats. Conversely, pretreatment with VA ameliorated all the above-mentioned LPS-induced neuropathological and biochemical changes. These results indicate that VA represent anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant properties in LPS-challenged rats, which may provide new insights into the development of novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of psychiatric disorders associated with oxidative stress.

D-ribose-L-cysteine modulates paradoxical sleep deprivation-induced neurological impairments: anxiolytic and antioxidative study in rat model

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the anxiolytic and antioxidative potential of DRLC on behavioral deficits, and neuronal perturbations in the hippocampus following paradoxical sleep deprivation in adult Wistar rats. Animals were paradoxically sleep deprived for 7 days ; DRLC (75 mg/kg b.w of RiboceineTM) was pre- and post-administered for 21 days before and after paradoxical sleep deprivation. Thereafter, behavioral study was conducted to assess fear and anxiety , animals were sacrificed and biochemical analysis of oxidative stress markers and histomorphology of the hippocampus was performed. Behavioral assessments revealed that PSD elicited increased anxiety levels as demonstrated by reduced line crossing, reduced habituation time, and increased freezing time in OFT as well as increased time spent in closed arms of EPM. Also, oxidative stress levels were elevated by PSD with significantly decreased activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) concentration as well as increased Malondialdehyde concentrations in the blood serum. However, pre-and post-treatment with DRLC significantly prevented and reduced anxiety levels and oxidative stress levels as well as prevented and repaired neuronal hippocampal damage associated with PSD respectively. In conclusion, DRLC was able to modulate oxidative stress-driven alterations and perturbed emotionality linked with PSDthrough its anxiolytic and antioxidative properties. Abbreviations: D-ribose-L-cysteine(DRLC); Catalase(CAT); Glutathione transferase(GSH); Superoxide dismutase(SOD); Non-rapid eye movement(NREM); Rapid eye movement(REM); Paradoxical sleep deprivation(PSD); Elevated plus maze(EPM); Open Field test(OFT)

Role of phosphorus in Vallisneria natans and biofilm exposure to Pb2+ and Cd2+ stress

Phosphorus (P) could improve the stress resistance and adaptability of submerged macrophytes. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of plants exposed to different P and Pb, Cd concentrations. Alterations of protein synthesis, the DNA methylation (5-mC) level, and the microbial community of biofilm were also evaluated. Results indicated that lower P (0.5 mg·L−1) could promote plant growth and metal enrichment while mitigating the toxicity of metals. Higher P (5.0 mg·L−1) induced a degree of oxidative stress, as confirmed by increased activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and acid phosphatase, as well as increased malondialdehyde contents. While the variation of metallothionein synthesis and DNA methylation level of the plant was dependent on the level of P and metals in the water. These responses indicated potential mechanisms of P detoxification and intoxication. In addition, more abundant microbial communities were observed in biofilms exposed to P and metals. These findings provide theoretical support for the metal detoxification of P in submerged plants.

The Effect of Snake Venom (Naja Naja Oxiana) on Proliferation Rate of cancer Cells

Aims Because cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, finding a better way to treat it seems essential. Doxorubicin is one of the most common drugs in the treatment of cancer, which has many negative and toxic effects. Therefore, efforts to produce effective anticancer drugs through screening natural compounds, such as animal toxins continue. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Naja naja oxiana snake venom in comparison with doxorubicin on the proliferation rate and concentration of malondialdehyde in the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and fibroblast cells (HFF). Methods &amp; Materials HeLa and normal fibroblast cancer cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of snake venom and doxorubicin for 24 and 48 hours. The amplification rate was determined using trypan blue staining and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was measured to evaluate the effects of oxidative stress. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19. Findings The results showed that with increasing concentration and treatment time with snake venom and doxorubicin, the cell proliferation rate decreases, and MDA content increases. The highest decrease in proliferation rate and increase in MDA concentration were observed in the HeLa cancer cell line treated with 500 µg/mL of snake venom for 48 hours. Conclusion In comparison with doxorubicin, snake venom has a significant inhibitory effect on the HeLa cancer cell line with minimal effect on normal fibroblast cells.

Physiological and Biochemical Behaviours and Antioxidant Response of Helianthus annuus under Lanthanum and Cerium Stress

The continuous progress of global manufacturing and anthropogenic activities has resulted in excessive environmental metallic pollution, particularly with rare earth elements (REEs) which have become a prevalent issue of global concern due to their high toxicity and widespread existence. REEs-contaminated soils could ruin agriculture by inducing plant physiology disturbances in various crops that are considered the principal link of the human food chain. The main purpose of the present work is to assess the phytotoxicity of two light REEs, lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce), in Helianthus annuus after 14 days of exposure to different concentrations of La and Ce (0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 µM). Plants showed different variations in shoot and root lengths at the end of the trial period. The accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, as well as the photosynthetic efficiency, the non-photochemical quenching, the photosynthetically active radiation, and the electron transport rate, increased in the two REE treatments. Hydrogen peroxide significantly increased in all applied concentrations of La and Ce. A significant increase in malondialdehyde content was noticed only when plants were exposed to 2.5 µM La and 10 µM Ce. Results also demonstrated that La and Ce induced an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase (only the highest concentration of La decreased catalase activity). The exposure to different REE concentrations induced the accumulation of La and Ce in the plants, mainly in roots. Helianthus annuus showed an effective resistance behaviour facing La- and Ce-induced stresses.

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS L. UNDER SALINITY STRESS

Soil salinity is an abiotic factor that adversely affects growth and development of plants. To evaluate the physiological responses of Amaranthus hybridus L. under salinity stress, seedlings were exposed to 0, 0.1 and 0.2M NaCl for a period of 6 weeks. Whole plant dry weight, relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll, lipid peroxidation, protein level and antioxidant enzymes activities were evaluated after the treatment period. The results of the study showed that salinity caused a significant decrease in whole plant dry weight, relative water content, total chlorophyll and protein content while an increase in malondialdehyde content, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were observed. The severity of these effects was concentration dependent. The biomass accumulation of the control plants was 11.67±0.39 g, while those that received 0.1 and 0.2 M NaCl had 9.22±0.28 and 6.94±0.07 g respectively. The increase in malondialdehyde content and antioxidant enzymes activities were indications that salinity stress induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which caused oxidative damage to macromolecules in living cells

Bioremediation of sulfonamides by a microalgae-bacteria consortium – Analysis of pollutants removal efficiency, cellular composition, and bacterial community

Antibiotics in wastewaters (e.g., sulfonamides (SAs)) are not effectively removed by the conventional bacterial processes. In this study, a microalgae (Scenedesmus obliquus)-based process was evaluated for the removal of SAs. The maximum removal efficiency of sulfadiazine (SDZ) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) by the consortium was 5.85% and 40.84%, respectively. The lower SDZ biodegradation efficiency could be due to the difference in the lipophilic degree related to cell binding. The presence of SAs did not significantly inhibit the biomass production of the consortium (1311–1952 mg/L biomass) but led to a 36–51% decrease in total polysaccharide content and an increase in microalgae’s protein content, which caused granule formation. The presence of SMX and SDZ resulted in an increase in lipid peroxidation activity with a 6.2 and 23.5-fold increase in malondialdehyde content, respectively. Rhodobacter and Phreatobacter were abundant in the consortium with SAs’ presence, while alinarimonas, Catalinimonas and Cecembia were seen in their absence.