Increase In Total Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Evaluation of the vascular and cardiac effects of treatment with copaiba oil and white pitch: a perspective for reducing oxidative stress and improving cardiac microstructure

Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder that develops in childhood and may have associated comorbidities, such as heart disease. As a treatment, alternative therapy means are being sought to conventional methods. For study purposes, autism has been induced through gestational exposure to valproic acid. With the aim of evaluating the vascular and cardiac effects of treatment with copaiba essential oil and white pitch caused by gestational exposure to valproic acid, on the 13th day of pregnancy, the rats in the negative control group received water and those in the experimental groups received valproic acid (600 mg/kg), intraperitoneally, once. The male puppies were divided into six groups: negative and positive controls; vehicle; treated with copaiba oil; with white pitch oil and copaiba oil associated with white pitch. TERRA® oils were administered via gavage for 30 consecutive days. As a result, a reduction in superoxide dismutase, catalase and creatine kinase and an increase in total antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde were verified. Presence of myocarditis, vacuolation and necrosis of cardiomyocytes. There was no significant change in area and diameter, but there was an increase in the volume density and length of cardiomyocytes and a decrease in the volume density of blood vessels and interstices and the length density of blood vessels. Thus, exposure to valproic acid during the intrauterine period caused changes in the cardiac microstructure. However, the use of copaíba and white pitch essential oils led to oxidative and nitrosative stress, and the combination of the two oils has promising results in reversing this condition.

Использование процесса проращивания для повышения антиоксидантных свойств сырья

Abstract. The development of technology for controlled germination of grains and raw ingredients based on them, as well as the adaptation of methods and approaches for each individual crop, is one of the promising areas in the development of a line of food products that meets all the requirements of the modern population. The novelty of the research lies in the use of short-term temperature exposure as a disinfecting step before the process of germination of barley grain and the formation of an evidence base that this type of exposure does not have a negative impact on the remaining technological stages. The purpose of the study was to study the possibility of using barley grain in germination technology for the further production of raw ingredients with increased antioxidant properties. Research methods. The objects of study were barley grain (Hordeum vulgare L.), harvested from 2019 to 2022. The production of sprouted grain included separate technological stages: disinfection (short-term exposure to high temperatures), soaking (in water at 20 ± 2 °C for 20 hours) and germination (in a chamber with a temperature of 22 ± 2 °C and air humidity 95 ± 3 % , with a time range of 12–48 hours). Standard methods were used to evaluate: organoleptic indicators, humidity, nature, mass fraction of protein, ability and energy of germination, as well as microbiological indicators. To select the optimal duration of germination, the total content of flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidant activity was controlled. Results. As a result of the studies, it was established that the use of short-term thermal exposure at a temperature of 190 °C and a duration of 10 s allows minimizing the risks of activating the development of the present microflora of barley grain. Using the proposed approaches, when carrying out the technological stage of germination, it was possible to identify the optimal duration of the process – 36 hours, which leads to an increase in total antioxidant activity by an average of 46 %, flavonoid content by 560 % and polyphenols by 145 %.

Synthesis, chemical characterization, and biological investigation of naturally isolated hesperidin and its metal complexes

This study was conducted to investigate the ability of hesperidin (HES) to form metal-complexes (HES-M) by chelation with transition metals such iron(III), copper(II), zinc(II), and silver(I), in addition to screen the antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging and phosphomolybdenum reduction potential methods PRP), anti-Alzheimer activity [(acetylcholinesterase (AChE)] inhibition assay) and coagulant activity (prothrombin time PT assay). The results indicated that HES could form a 1:1 complex with the studied metals in methanolic solution. The complex has been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods. Complexing of hesperidin with metals leads to increase in the antioxidant activity by 15.4-33%. Also, the total antioxidant capacities of HES-M complexes were increased by 13.8-251%. Cu-complex revealed the most increasing antioxidant activity by 33% for DPPH scavenging activity and 251% for PRP activity. The inhibition capacity of the HES, as well as of the HES-M complexes on the enzyme AChE, was revealed that only HES-Zn complex has higher anti-Alzheimer activity (IC50 1.18 mg/mL). HES and HES-M complexes led to accelerate the clotting time by 28.9-67.3%, where HES-Zn complex was the most accelerating clotting time by 67.3%. The high increase in total antioxidant activity of hesperidin after chelating with copper (251%) opens the door for further research.
 KEY WORDS: Hesperidin, Metal ions, Complexation, Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, Coagulant activity
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 385-395. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.8

Ethnic features of antioxidant status in men with infertility

BACKGROUND: The study of the influence of ethnicity on human health is relevant at present.
 AIM: To evaluate the antioxidant status of blood and ejaculation in infertile men in different ethnic groups.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results of a survey of 222 Caucasians and 143 Mongoloids with pathozoospermia from infertile couples were used for the current retrospective analysis. The control groups comprised healthy men with realized reproductive function (97 Mongoloids and 104 Caucasians). The materials for biochemical studies were blood plasma and ejaculate. The analyses involved the use of spectrophotometric, fluorometric, and statistical methods of research. In the blood and ejaculate of the examined men, the total antioxidant activity was determined as an indicator characterizing the total activity of lipid peroxidation inhibitors and determining its buffer capacity, the concentration of fat-soluble vitamins retinol and -tocopherol, and the level of superoxide dismutase.
 RESULTS: The blood of Caucasian men with infertility was compared with that of fertile donors. The analysis revealed a decrease in the concentration of retinol by 27% (р=0.0001) and -tocopherol by 25% (р 0.0001), as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase by 5% (р=0.0002). In the ejaculation of male Caucasians with infertility, we discovered a decrease in the concentration of -tocopherol by 17% (р=0.0011) and an increase in total antioxidant activity by 21% (р=0,0004). The antioxidant defense system in Mongoloid men was characterized by an increase in retinol concentration by 24% (р=0.0002) and total antioxidant activity by 13% (р=0.0261), as well as a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity by 8% (р=0.0001). The results of the study of the antioxidant defense system in the ejaculate of Mongoloid men with infertility showed a decrease in the concentration of -tocopherol by 15% (р=0,0322) and an increase in the level of total antioxidant activity by 17% (р=0.0432).
 CONCLUSION: The data gathered allowed for an evaluation of the characteristics and the role of the antioxidant status in the general homeostasis of the organism of males of various ethnicity, who are infertile, despite being of reproductive age. A common mechanism for reproductive dysfunction present in the two ethnic groups is the lack of -tocopherol concentration and a compensatory increase in the total antioxidant activity in the ejaculate, as well as a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase in the blood of the examined men. The blood of Mongoloids is characterized by a compensatory-adaptive increase in the total antioxidant activity and retinol concentration, which contrasts with Caucasians, whose antioxidant status of blood is characterized by the inhibition of the non-enzymatic link of antioxidant protection.

Experience in the toothpaste’s hygienic effectiveness assessment by oral fluid biochemical parameters

Relevance. The oral hygiene and prevention quality depends on toothpaste. The literature analysis shows the underuse of saliva biochemical parameters for assessing oral hygiene product effectiveness.Materials and methods. Thirty-three subjects aged 19 to 22 years participated in the study. The participants used four kinds of toothpaste by the same manufacturer to evaluate the toothpaste’s effectiveness. We conducted clinical examinations and collected saliva samples on the 1st, 14th and 28th days of the study. The saliva was collected on an empty stomach without stimulation in the morning. Then it was centrifuged. The supernatant was biochemically studied.Results. The study established the criteria for the toothpaste’s low effectiveness, which involve a signifcant increase in hygienic indices and total antioxidant activity, associated with a statistically signifcant trend towards an increase in lactate content. The criteria for a toothpaste with medium effectiveness are a signifcant decrease in one of the hygienic indices, associated with an alkaline pH shift, and an increase in the total antioxidant activity, without signifcant changes in the lactate content. The criteria for a highly effective toothpaste are a signifcant decrease in hygienic indices, and an alkaline pH shift, associated with a signifcant lactate decrease. Determination of total calcium and inorganic phosphorus in the oral fluid may be crucial for assessing the toothpaste remineralizing properties. The glucose content in mixed saliva yields little information for the toothpaste’s hygienic effectiveness assessment.Conclusion. We can recommend saliva biochemical parameters for assessing the oral hygiene status and the effectiveness of oral hygiene products during oral hygiene product comprehensive studies.

Foliar biofortification of chervil with selenium and iodine under silicon containing fertilizer supply

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential elements for humans, and their deficiency is widespread throughout the world. In order to obtain a functional nutritional product with an increased content of these trace elements in the vegetative experiment, foliar biofortification of two chervil varieties with selenium (sodium selenate 10 mg/l) and iodine (potassium iodide 100 mg/l) was carried out without and against the background of the use of silicon-containing fertilizers Siliplant (3 ml/l). The combined and separate application of selenate, iodide and Siliplant increased plants’ biomass. Siliplant utilization increased the accumulation of iodine by 1.7-1.9 times, and selenium supply – by 2.2-3.1 times. A significant increase in ascorbic acid content was provided by the combined supplementation of iodine and selenium (1.25-1.27 times), iodine and silicon (1.46-1.87 times) and joint application of selenium, iodine, and silicon (1.31-1.73 times), while an increase in total antioxidant activity (1.3-1.4 times) was observed for (Se+I) and (Se+I+Si) treatments. High varietal differences in the responsiveness of plants to the selected treatments were manifested, particularly an increase of polyphenols accumulation under separate and joint treatments of chervil with iodine and selenium by 1.26 times in the cultivar 21-20, and the absence of a significant effect in the cultivar 24-20. Taking into account the adequate consumption levels (ACL) of iodine and selenium, 50 g of the resulting functional product can provide up to 79% of iodine ACL and up to 40% in selenium ACL.

Vitamin supplements enhance Spirulina platensis biomass and phytochemical contents

Abstract Spirulina platensis (SP) has a high impact on multidiscipline usage worldwide. Vitamins are considered as growth promoters due to their metabolic bio-regulating roles. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamins: riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), and ascorbic acid (C) on SP growth and contents of pigments, phenols, and phytochemicals besides its antioxidant activities. Vitamins were added in different concentrations to Zarrouk’s medium and tested for their effects weekly for three weeks of spirulina cultivation. The results revealed that 25 mg·L−1 thiamine or riboflavin promoted the most significant contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids, respectively, after 14 days of cultivation. However, adding 10 mg·L−1 thiamine achieved the most significant increase in algal biomass yield and contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, phycoerythrin, and phycobiliprotein after 21 days of cultivation. Qualitative analysis showed that both SP and SP supplemented with 10 mg·L−1 thiamine (SPt) for 21 days contain tannins and flavonoids but quantitative analysis approved that SPt recorded significant increase in phenolic and tannin contents. Moreover, SPt induced a significant increase of total antioxidant activity in vitro 1,1-diphenyl-1,2-picrylhydrazyl assay in comparison with SP. Vitamins especially thiamine added during SP culture could improve SP biomasses, pigments, and phytochemical contents and hence increased antioxidant capacity.

ОЦЕНКА ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ СИСТЕМЫ ОКИСЛИТЕЛЬНОГО МЕТАБОЛИЗМА ПОСЛЕ ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ КОРРЕКЦИИ ФЛАВОНОИДОМ ДИГИДРОКВЕРЦЕТИНОМ

A total of 71 residents, living for more than 10 years in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region with poor-quality water treatment and not employed in the manufacturing sector, were examined: 29 (40,8%) men and 42 (59,2%) women, average age 38,3 ± 8,9 years. The indicators of POL above the reference values, and AOZ – below the physiologically optimal values were established. After receiving for metabolic correction antioxidant drug dihydroquercetin for a month there was a statistically significant decrease in primary (GPl, p=0.025) and secondary (TBA-AP, p=0,049) of LPO products, significant 1,8-fold increase of total antioxidant activity (p<0,001), statistically significant increase of thiol status almost 1,2 times (p=0,036), decrease of COP more than 3 times (p<0,001).

SYNERGISM TEST OF DATE (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.) AND RAW TEMPE ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Introduction: Dates and tempeh are foods that both contain antioxidant compounds. Antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and isoflavones are known to be found in dates and tempeh. This study was conducted to see how much antioxidant activity contained in dates and tempeh and how the effect of dates and tempeh consumed simultaneously on the increase in total antioxidant activity.
 Method: This study uses a direct experimental design with prospective data collection. The selected samples were dates with the type of sukkari and tempeh wrapped in plastic. Data processing was carried out using a simple linear regression statistical method.
 Results: The DPPH test method with UV-Visible Spectrophotometry instrument showed the results of the % inhibition value of dates fruit of 39.99% and tempeh of 24.52%. Testing the synergistic effect using 7 treatments showed that the treatment with a ratio of 50:50 had a higher % inhibition value than the other treatments, which showed that consuming dates and tempeh in a ratio of 50:50 could provide a synergistic effect on antioxidant activity.
 Conclusion The results obtained indicate that both samples, both dates and tempeh have high antioxidant activity, consuming both simultaneously can increase antioxidant activity. So it can be concluded that there is an effect on the synergistic effect of antioxidant activity of dates and tempeh which are consumed simultaneously. It is recommended to conduct research on the antioxidant activity of dates and tempeh using other test methods, and further research on the formulation of the preparation or clinical trials using mice.

Physiological Performance of Rabbits Administered Buffalo Milk Yogurts Enriched with Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate or Spirulina platensis.

The present study examines the impacts of supplementing yogurt with 1% whey protein concentrate (WPC), Ca-caseinate (Ca-CN) and Spirulina platensis on the physiological performance of V-line rabbits receiving diets containing yogurt (at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight/day) and the different meat quality aspects. The results show that fat content was highest (p < 0.05) in yogurt fortified with Spirulina powder, but protein (%) was highest in yogurt enriched with WPC. Yogurt containing Spirulina powder showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in total antioxidant activity. The final live body weight for G1 was higher than the other groups. However, additives affected the saddle, hind legs, liver and neck percentages significantly (p < 0.05). There were not significant differences for all groups in the forelegs, lung and heart percentages. LDL-cholesterol, total protein, globulin, albumin, creatinine and immunoglobulin M values were lowest (p < 0.05) in the WPC group. Significant improvements appeared in the small intestinal wall, microbiology, growth performance, serum biochemistry, organ histology and meat quality of the group receiving enriched yogurt. Yogurts enriched with WPC, Ca-CN and Spirulina platensis can be used as functional foods.

Investigation on the Effect of Combination of Tanacetum Parthenium and Satureja Montana Methanolic Extracts on the Total Antioxidant Capacity and Serum Nitric Oxide

Background and Aim: Medicinal plants contain various biological compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, with anti-radical and anti-inflammatory activities that affect human health and improve life. Considering the numerous beneficial effects of Tanacetum Parthenium and Satureja Montana and the lack of full antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects of their combination, we decided to combine these two plants’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on induced acute inflammation in BALB/c mice. Methods &amp; Materials: In the present study, mice received the extracts of T. Parthenium and S. Montana and their combination by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Then, to induce acute inflammation, thioglycollate was injected intraperitoneally to all groups. FRAP and Grease tests were used to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity and serum nitric oxide concentration, respectively. One-way ANOVA analyzed the results. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: REC.1398.021). Results: The results showed that the combination of the extracts (P=0.006) and Satureja Montana (P=0.021) led to a significant increase in total antioxidant activity compared to the control group. Also, according to the results of grease test, Satureja montana (P=0.04), Tanacetum parthenium (P=0.034), and their combination (P=0.003) significantly reduced serum nitric oxide production compared to the control group. Conclusion: The present study shows the synergistic effect of the combined extracts to increase their total antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory.

The yield potential and growth responses of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) to mycorrhization under Pb and Cd stress

The effects of mycorrhization (inoculation and non-inoculation) on growth and quality of two ecotypes (Baft and Ramjerd) of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. under heavy metals stress (0, 300 Pb + 20 Cd (H1) and 600 Pb + 40 Cd (H2) (mg kg−1) was investigated. Higher concentration of heavy metals decreased shoot dry weight in Baft (7.05%) and Ramjerd (43.34%) than control. Root dry weight increased in mycorrhizal Baft (28.23%) and Ramjerd (31.84%) ecotypes under H2 than non-mycorrhizal plants. In mycorrhizal plants, root colonization percentage decreased 37.07% in H2 than control. Increasing heavy metals concentration led to increase of total antioxidant activity and total phenol content. Mycorrhizal Ramjerd showed the lowest shoot Pb concentration in both heavy metals concentrations and the highest root Pb concentration (107.25% higher than non-mycoorhizal one) in H2. For both ecotypes, the lowest shoot Cd concentration observed in mycorrhizal plants under H1 and mycorrhizal plants had more root Cd concentration (33.83 mg kg−1 dry matter) than non-mycorrhizal ones. In both concentrations of heavy metals, the lowest Pb (0.026) and Cd (0.153) translocation factor (TF) observed in mycorrhizal plants. Based on the results, licorice with TF< 1 is not a hyperaccumulator plant but stabilizes Cd and Pb in root. Novelty statement: Licorice is a well-known medicinal plant that its root and rhizome contains diverse applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. The main source of licorice supply is through harvesting from natural habitats of Iran (one of the first exporters of licorice in the world), which during the last years have been exposed to heavy metals contamination. Therefore, the growth response of the plant in polluted habitats and most importantly, the concentration of heavy metals especially in belowground parts of the plant need more consideration. Hence, this research was carried out with an objective to investigate growth and yield potential response of two ecotypes of licorice to mycorhization under heavy metal stress (Cd and Pb) and the mechanism of heavy metal management in above and belowground parts of licorice in order to achieve its potential for further sustainable phytoremediation programs and most importantly considering the heavy metal accumulation in rhizomes and roots in accordance with world standards for medicinal and edible consumption.

Урожайность и антиоксидантная активность микрозелени Petroselinumcrispum

The paper explores the germination of seeds, yields and an tioxidant properties of microgreens of different varieties and varieties of Petroselinumcrispum (Mill.) Nym. in controlled microclimatic conditions. The most active germination of seeds was observed in the interval of 7-11 days after sowing. The total increase in microgreens in height almost stops after 14 days of germination in the dark. Thus, growing products by germination in the dark is advisable longer than this period to get microgreens promising leafy varieties of parsley. A significant increase in total antioxidant activity in seed germination has been established – 2.7-5.6 times for different varieties. Parsley Petroselinumcrispum (Mill.) Nym. – a herbaceous plant used in many kitchens of the world as spicy and for the preparation of side dishes. The main flavor compounds of parsley are 1.3.8-n-metatrien, apiol, myristicin, and tetramethoxyallbenzene, of which apiol and mydisticin are “toxic in large doses”. Green, herbaceous and fruit notes in parsley are determined by the hex-3-enil, (Z)-hex-3-enol and (Z)-hex-3-enylacerate. It is proposed to use parsley as a component of functional products in the treatment of cancer. Growing parsley microgreens is advisable due to the high antioxidant and other beneficial properties. Despite the slow and time-stretched germination of seeds, within 2 weeks of cultivation formed a fairly high vegetative mass, which can be used for food and medicinal purposes, for example, as a product of functional nutrition. It is possible to grow products in the dark without the use of artificial light sources. The highest yield is provided by leafy varieties of parsley compared to root varieties.

Protective effects of hesperidin against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.

Hesperidin (HD), a bioflavonoid, has been shown to exert hepatoprotective effects. Our aim is to investigate the possible protective effects of HD against methotrexate (MTX) hepatotoxicity in adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats that were divided into four groups (10 rats/each) and were exposed to MTX with or without HD co-administration for consecutive 28days. The results showed that HD significantly ameliorated MTX-induced increase in liver enzymes and histopathological changes. Hepatic oxidative stress was suppressed by HD, as evidenced by the decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), with a concomitant increase in total antioxidant activity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, co-administration of HD with MTX remarkably upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 compared with the MTX group. By the decrease in nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) pathway and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), HD obviously attenuated inflammatory response in MTX-lesioned livers. Likewise, the downregulation of P53 by HD could explain its antiapoptotic effects as indicated by increase BCl2 and the significant decrease of caspase-9 mRNA expression as compared with the MTX group. Thus, these findings revealed the hepatoprotective nature of HD against MTX hepatotoxicity by attenuating the pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators and improving antioxidant aptitude.

Effect of solvent polarity on extraction yield and antioxidant properties of phytochemicals from bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds

The effect of solvent polarity on extraction yield and antioxidant properties of phytochemical compounds in bean seeds was studied. Seed flour of three varieties of bean was extracted in a series of organic solvents with increasing polarity (n-hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, acetone and water). Preliminary screening of phytochemicals showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthocyanins, terpenoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and reducing compounds in all extracts. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of results showed that extraction yield, phytochemical content and antioxidant properties were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the polarity of extracting solvents. The regression analysis of data showed polarity-dependent second order polynomial variations in the extraction yield, phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, reducing properties and free radical scavenging activity of each variety. Extraction in highly polar solvents resulted in high extract yield but low phenolic and flavonoid content as compared to non-polar ones. The polarity-dependent increase in total antioxidant activity and reducing properties indicates the extraction of strong antioxidant compounds in polar solvents. The study suggests the use of a combination of polar and nonpolar solvents to increase the extraction efficiency of phytochemicals with good antioxidant quality from the bean and other legume seeds.

Effect of bromfenac on free radical oxidation in model systems

Aim. The study of free radical oxidation processes in an experiment on model systems using the anti-inflammatory drug bromfenac (nakwan) widely used in ophthalmology for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the anterior chamber of the eye.&#x0D; Methods. The antioxidant capacity of the drug was evaluated by chemiluminescence registration and analysis of model systems that generate reactive oxygen species and reproduce lipid peroxidation processes using the chemiluminomer CL-003. The following parameters of spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence were determined: light sum and maximum luminescence amplitude, duration of latent period, amplitude of fast and slow flash.&#x0D; Results. When tested in vitro in two different model systems, a high antioxidant activity of the studied drug was established, up to complete suppression of chemiluminescence when 90 μg of bromfenac was added to the incubation medium, which characterizes the inhibition of the generation of reactive oxygen species. A significant increase in total antioxidant activity with bromfenac was also demonstrated, which is reflected by the integral parameter of chemiluminescence — light sum which decreased with the introduction of 10 μg of the drug by 1.2 times, and with 90 μg by 1.5 times. A comparative analysis of the antioxidant properties of various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in ophthalmic practice demonstrated a more pronounced efficacy of bromfenac compared to ketorolac, the use of which was not accompanied by statistically significant changes in chemiluminescence. A very important mechanism of the positive effect of bromfenac is the direct dependence of the action on its quantity in the reaction medium, which opens up prospects for the controlled correction of free radical phenomena and the excessive activation of lipid peroxidation in the imbalance of the pro- and antioxidant processes in biological systems.&#x0D; Conclusion. It is suggested that the protective effects of the drug in various infectious-inflammatory lesions of the eye can be determined, along with previously known properties, its antioxidant activity, restriction of increased production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress phenomena.

Study of the responses of two biomonitor plant species (Datura alba & Ricinus communis) to roadside air pollution

Various physiological and biochemical responses of two good biomonitor plant species i.e. Datura alba and Ricinus communis were studied along two roads in the Punjab, Pakistan. Chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophylls, carotenoids, total free amino acids, total soluble proteins, total antioxidant activity, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency of D. alba and R. communis were examined at different sites along both roads. Photosynthetic rate of both plant species was found to be affected. Reduced transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were also noted. However, elevated internal CO2 concentration and water use efficiency were recorded. Total soluble proteins got reduced, but, we found a tremendous increase in total antioxidant activity and total free amino acids in both plant species. D. alba was found to be more affected by the adverse effects of roadside air borne pollutants. Although R. communis was also affected but it showed minimal variation in all parameters compared to the control. Hence, our results suggest that R. communis is more resistant to urban roadside air pollution compared to D. alba and would be a good choice as phytoremediator of traffic borne pollutants, whereas, D. alba could be a better biomonitoring plant.

Oxidative stress caused by Basagran® herbicide is altered by salicylic acid treatments in peanut plants

The present work was to study a protective role of salicylic acid (SA) on oxidative stress caused by Basagran® herbicide application. Two peanut cultivars (Arachis hypogaea cv. Giza 5 and Giza 6) with different sensitivities to the herbicide were monitored for their antioxidant responses to Basagran® and/or SA treatments. Two weeks after treatment, Basagran® lowered leaf pigments (Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b and total Carotenoids) but increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents indicating occurrence of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Salicylic acid applied prior to low dose Basagran® lowered H2O2 and MDA contents in both G5 and G6. Except for SOD which is highly stimulated, POD, CAT and APX activities showed slight changes compared to control in leaves treated with Basagran® ± SA. The extracts tested by DPPH showed increase in total antioxidant activity by 4%–7% in SA + Basagran® treated leaves compared to control. The increased total antioxidant activity was related to the accumulation of amounts of phenolics as a protective action stimulated by SA. Alterations of antioxidant enzymatic system, accumulation of phenolics, increasing the total antioxidant activity by SA provide an evidence of protective action of SA in Basagran® detoxification.

Effect of Disease Modifying Agent on Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease and a leading cause of disability in people with advancing age. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs have become the mainstay of management in rheumatoid arthritis. Among these drugs, methotrexate the most frequently used agent has a proven anti-inflammatory action and is known to slow down the progression of the disease. Hence the present study is undertaken to evaluate the effect of methotrexate on the oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate.Methods: A total of 40 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 40 controls were enrolled for the study. The rheumatoid arthritis patients were further divided into patients on methotrexate (group I) and patients without methotrexate (group II). The lipid peroxidation index -Malondialdehyde and total antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels were analyzed in all the participants.Results: A significant increase in total antioxidant activity (p = 0.048) and decrease in lipid peroxidation (p = 0.04) was found in methotrexate treated arthritis patients compared to patients without methotrexate. A significant negative correlation (p=0.01) was found between MDA and total antioxidant activity in both groups of patients whereas, the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase was positively correlated with lipid peroxide levels. Conclusion: In conclusion low dose methotrexate seems to act as an effective anti-inflammatory drug and may also play an important role in minimizing the oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis. Serum total antioxidant activity is significantly raised in subjects with altered liver function profile.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ОКСИДАТИВНЫХ НАРУШЕНИЙ, ВЫЗВАННЫХ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЕМ МИКРОЧАСТИЦ АТМОСФЕРНЫХ ВЗВЕСЕЙ У НАСЕЛЕНИЯ Г. ВЛАДИВОСТОКА

We studied the response of trigger systems in healthy volunteers living in areas with different levels of air pollution. We determined that particles with the size of 800 microns and higher of relatively favorable region, particles with the size of less than 50 microns dominated in the air of the unfavorable area, among which there were the most hazardous to health amounts of microparticles - from 200 to 300 nm. Microparticles of unfavorable area causes the development of oxidative modifications of proteins and DNA contributing to the change of leukocyte potential energy. The increase in total antioxidant activity and response of thiol-disulfide system (the increase in thioredoxin, glutathione with a stable reductase level] maintains a balance of oxidation and antioxidant processes contributing to protection of the cellular and subcellular structures against considerable oxidative damage.