Increase In Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Protective effect of Tulbaghia violacea extract on cardiac damage: deep circulatory arrest rat model

Objectives: Total circulatory arrest (TCA) technique is a method used in cardiac surgery accompanied by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). It has been shown that Tulbaghia violacea extract increases antioxidant capacity, regulates blood pressure, decreases lipid peroxide, and reduces atherosclerosis. In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the effect of T. violacea extract administration on serum oxidative stress parameters (Total antioxidant status [TAS], total oxidant status [TOS] and oxidative stress index [OSI] and deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] damage level with 8-Hydroxy-2-Deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) and histopathological changes in the heart and other organs in rats with deep circulatory arrest model. Methods: In this study, 48 Wistar Albino adult rats, 24 female and 24 male, obtained from Harran University Experimental Animals Research Center were used. The average weight of female rats was 250-300 g, and the average weight of male rats was 450-500 g. These rats were randomly divided into four groups. 6 male and 6 female rats were used in each group (Group 1 = Sham, Group 2 = Injury, Group 3 = Treatment and Injury, Group 4 = Treatment). Results: As a result of this experimental study, the changes in the biochemical 8-OHdG, TOS, OSI and TAS levels of the groups were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). In the subgroup analyzes of the data, 8-OHdG level, which is an oxidative DNA damage marker in Group 2 was higher than the Group 1, Group 3 and Group 4 and there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001, p = 0.027 and p < 0.001; respectively). The TOS level of the injury group was higher than Group 1, Group 3 and Group 4 and there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p < 0.001; respectively). Conclusions: As a result of our study, we revealed that T. violacea extract has a protective effect on organ and tissue damage in the TCA model.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Following Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Increases BDNF/TrkB Signaling in Diaphragm Muscle

Respiratory insufficiency is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Diaphragm atrophy following SCI occurs as a result of damage to respiratory neural circuitry, which leads to impaired muscle contractility. Disruption of redox balance occurs after SCI and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production is an upstream trigger for diaphragm muscle atrophy and weakness. Recently, we demonstrated that increased antioxidant capacity in response to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy may play a role in preserving mitochondrial redox homeostasis following SCI. However, a precise understanding of the mechanisms by which HBO therapy can prevent diaphragm dysfunction is lacking. In this regard, evidence indicates that the secretion of neurotrophic factors, such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), may also contribute to enhanced functional recovery when HBO therapy is initiated acutely following cervical SCI. Through activation of the 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and serine‐threonine protein kinase (AKT) signaling via the phosphorylation of its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrKb), BDNF expression has been shown to modulate mitochondrial biogenesis and skeletal muscle proteolysis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that 10 days of HBO therapy initiated in the acute phase following cervical SCI can increase diaphragm mitochondrial biogenesis and prevent diaphragm proteolytic signaling by activating BDNF/TrkB signaling. To test this, adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were separated into three groups (n=8/group): (1) non‐injured, room air exposure (CON); (2) lateral‐cervical spinal cord contusion, room air exposure (SCI); and (3) lateral‐cervical spinal cord contusion, HBO therapy (SCI+HBO). Animals in the SCI and SCI+HBO groups were anesthetized, and following laminectomy at the C3–C4 level, a lateral‐cervical spinal contusion was made using a mechanical impactor. HBO therapy consisted of 10 days of exposure starting on the day of SCI, using a 40 L chamber flushed with 100% O2 and pressurized to 3 ATA. Our results indicate that HBO therapy delivered in the acute phase of SCI positively affected BDNF/TrkB signaling. Specifically, diaphragm protein expression of BDNF, p‐AKT/AKT and p‐AMPK/AMPK were increased after 10 days of HBO therapy compared to CON animals (p<0.05). Additionally, HBO therapy prevented the SCI‐induced reduction in diaphragm peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator (PGC1‐α) protein expression (p<0.05), as well as the caspase‐3‐specific cleavage of α‐II‐spectrin observed in the SCI group (p<0.05). In summary, these findings demonstrate that HBO therapy can induce BDNF signaling and highlight an additional mechanism for the protective effects of HBO therapy to preserve diaphragm muscle function following SCI.

Effects of exogenous melatonin on antioxidant capacity and nutrient uptake of Lolium perenne and Medicago sativa under drought stress

To explore the effects of exogenous melatonin on antioxidant capacity and nutrient uptake of plants under drought stress, we used Lolium perenne and Medicago sativa potted seedlings for foliar spraying and root application of 100 μmol·L-1 melatonin, respectively. We measured the biomass, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, relative conductivity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as nutrient contents (organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus) under drought stress. The results showed that the biomass of L. perenne and M. sativa decreased significantly under drought stress, and that external melatonin application could effectively alleviate the inhibitory effect of drought stress on L. perenne and M. sativa. Foliar spray and root application of melatonin under drought stress enhanced L. perenne biomass by 14.5% and 29.6%, and that of M. sativa by 36.6% and 49.1%, respectively. The SOD and POD activities in L. perenne and SOD activity in M. sativa significantly decreased under drought stress, and exogenous melatonin significantly increased SOD, POD and CAT activities in L. perenne and M. sativa, reduced the accumulation of MDA in leaves, caused a significant decrease in the relative conductivity of leaves, and significantly increased antioxidant capacity. Drought stress and exogenous melatonin did not affect organic carbon content of L. perenne and M. sativa. Under drought stress, the contents of N and P in L. perenne leaves and roots and the content of N in M. sativa roots decreased, while the application of melatonin increased the contents of N and P in roots and leaves of L. perenne and M. sativa, indicating that melatonin could regulate the nutrient absorption of L. perenne and M. sativa under drought stress. In conclusion, the melatonin application not only improved the antioxidant capacity of plants, but also regulated nutrient uptake to enhance plant resilience to drought stress. Foliar spraying of melatonin was more effective than root application.

In vitro and in vivo hypoglycemia effect of oxyberberine, a novel HO-1 agonist: A renewed evidence linking HO-1 to diabetes mellitus

BackgroundOxyberberine (OBB), an important in vivo metabolite of berberine, exerts superior hypoglycemia effect. However, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) holds a crucial status in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Previous research has indicated that OBB can specifically bind to hemoglobin and significantly up-regulated the HO-1 expression in diabetic rat. Based on cellular protection features of HO-1, this work aimed to probe the anti-diabetic effect of OBB and the association with the potential induction of HO-1 expression. MethodsA type 2 diabetic mellitus rat model was established. Glucolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and in silico simulations were also performed. ResultsAdministration of OBB or HO-1 inducer hemin significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level, blood fat, and inflammatory cytokine levels, while increased antioxidant capacity of pancreas. Meanwhile, OBB treatment remarkably stimulated liver glycogenesis and inhibited gluconeogenesis. Besides, OBB improved the glucose utilizing of muscle. Noteworthily, OBB inhibited the islet cell apoptosis and improved pancreatic function. In addition, OBB effectively improved the consumption of glucose in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Moreover, OBB also reduced oxidative stress, promoted glucose-elicited insulin secretion and enhanced expression of β-cell function proteins in INS-1 cells. Nevertheless, these effects were significantly reversed by treatment with Zincprotoporphrin (ZnPP). Additionally, in silico simulations indicated that OBB exhibited superior affinity with HO-1. ConclusionOBB effectively ameliorated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, improved oral glucose tolerance, and maintained glucose metabolism homeostasis, at least in part, by promoting HO-1-mediated activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase / protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways. These data eloquently suggest that OBB, as a novel HO-1 agonist, has good potential to be a promising candidate drug for the management of diabetes, and support a therapeutic role of HO-1 induction in diabetes that potentially paves the way to translational research.

Methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®) could effectively improve the growth, apparent digestibility coefficient, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant indices of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

A 10-week growth study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of Methylococcus capsulatus (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%) meal on the growth, digestibility, intestinal development and serum biochemical indices of juvenile Jian carp. The present results showed that compared to the control group (0% M. capsulatus meal), 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly improved the final average weight (FW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased feed conversion rate (FCR). No significant difference was found in the survival rate (SR) in the treatment groups, and SR of each group was more than 95%. Jian carp had relatively high apparent digestibility of diets containing M. capsulatus meal, the apparent digestibility coefficient of Jian carp for dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, energy and amino acid of M. capsulatus meal was 70.85%, 90.68%, 67.68%, 80.82%, and 88.00–91.17%, respectively. The addition of M. capsulatus meal had no adverse effect in the intestinal tissue of Jian carp juveniles, and 8% M. capsulatus meal significantly increased the villus width compared with the control group. Improved serum biochemical indices and increased antioxidant capacity of fish was noted in fish fed diets containing M. capsulatus meal. Replacement of M. capsulatus meal at the 6% level significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity compared to the control group. The blood glucose (GLU) of all treatment groups had a decreasing trend, and the 8% and 10% M. capsulatus meal diets had significant effects on GLU content. Compared to the control group, 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content. Compared to the control group, 6% and 8% M. capsulatus meal diets significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of Jian carp, and 8% M. capsulatus meal diet significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The study has demonstrated that the replacement of SBM with Methylococcus capsulatus shows promise as an alternative protein source in the aquaculture industry.

Hasat Sonrası UV-A ve UV-B Işık Uygulamalarının Meyve ve Sebzelerin Kalite Özelliklerine Etkisi

In the post-harvest storage of fruits and vegetables, various problems such as product and nutrient losses are combated by using traditional and new storage technologies. Ultraviolet (UV) light applications are one of the new technologies used for the protection and improvement of food products. In this study, the effects of UV-A and UV-B light applications as an acceptable abiotic stress on the sensory and nutritional quality characteristics of fruits and vegetables were evaluated within the scope of studies. In addition, information on the possible use of UV technology in the fruit and vegetable industry is presented. Findings from literature data show that environmentally friendly UV light technology can be used to reduce product losses, improve nutritional quality and sensory properties, increase antioxidant capacity, and extend shelf life in various fruits and vegetables.

The Multi-Berry Extracts Improved Aging Skin and Increased Antioxidant Capacity

Skin aging was a complex and continuous process that affected skin functions and appearance. The natural berry extract had antioxidant activity, can capture the superoxide free radicals and hydroxyl free radicals generated by ultraviolet light, so it can prevent skin aging. Several kinds of berries, including grapes, pomegranate, black currant, black chokeberry, to produce multi-berry favor drink. We used multi-berry favor drink to treated B16/F10 cells with blue light to examine melanin and antioxidant ability. Moreover, 40 adult subjects were recruited, and drink daily for 8 weeks, then examine skin condition. The multi-berry favor drink significantly decreased the melanin formation compared with the blue light group in vitro. After taking 8 weeks, the multi-berry favor drink significantly increased SOD activity, and slight increased total antioxidant capacity in human plasma. Multi-berry favor drink significantly improved the collagen, spots, melanin, wrinkles, texture and pores in the facial skin. Taking multi-berry favor drink for 8 weeks can improve the collagen, spots, melanin, wrinkles, texture and pores of the skin. In addition, multi-berry favor drink can increase the capacity of antioxidant and decrease the melanin production.

Ganoderma tsugae prevents cognitive impairment and attenuates oxidative damage in d-galactose-induced aging in the rat brain.

Lingzhi has long been regarded as having life-prolonging effects. Research in recent years has also reported that Lingzhi possesses anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-lipogenic effects. The D-galactose (D-gal, 100 mg/kg/day)-induced aging Long-Evans rats were simultaneously orally administered a DMSO extract of Ganoderma tsugae (GTDE, 200 μg/kg/day) for 25 weeks to investigate the effects of GTDE on oxidative stress and memory deficits in the D-galactose-induced aging rats. We found that GTDE significantly improved the locomotion and spatial memory and learning in the aging rats. GTDE alleviated the aging-induced reduction of dendritic branching in neurons of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Immunoblotting revealed a significant increase in the protein expression levels of the superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and catalase, and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rats that received GTDE. D-gal-induced increase in the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) was significantly attenuated after the administration of GTDE, and pyrin domain-containing 3 protein (NLRP3) revealed a significant decrease in NLRP3 expression after GTDE administration. Lastly, GTDE significantly reduced the advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs). In conclusion, GTDE increases antioxidant capacity and BDNF expression of the brain, protects the dendritic structure of neurons, and reduces aging-induced neuronal damage, thereby attenuating cognitive impairment caused by aging.

A novel and efficient concentration of pomegranate juice with enhanced antioxidant activity

In the present study we investigated the performance of a panel of 13 solid sorbents comprising layered double hydroxides, zirconium phosphate-based materials, and phyllosilicates as heterogeneous supports for the concentration of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice. Mg-containing clays exhibited an almost complete bleaching capacityof pomegranate juice and more interestingly provided blends with an increased antioxidant capacity (around 1.5-fold) respect to the parent juice when assayed for the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) coupled to ABTS decolorization test. Such an activity remained practically unaltered after 4 days during which the pomegranate concentrated preparations remained supported on clays. The approach investigated herein and used for the concentration of pomegranate juice and the discovery of the preservation for long periods of the antioxidant activities of pomegranate extracts when supported on solid sorbents have been reported herein for the first time in the literature to the best of our knowledge.

Evaluating the impact of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles on Boer goat growth performance, meat color stability, and antioxidant capacity.

A total of 72 male Boer goat kids (21.7 ± 0.5 kg) were fed for 21 d with 3 kids per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were: 0% inclusion of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0% DDGS) or 33% DDGS inclusion (33% DDGS) and were provided ad libitum. Goats and feeders were weighed weekly to collect body weights (BW) and determine feed disappearance in order to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (G:F). At the conclusion of the feeding study, a subset (n = 30; 2–3 goats from each pen representing six6 pens per treatment) of goats were harvested, carcasses evaluated, and loins were fabricated into 2.54 cm chops. Goat chop discoloration was evaluated by trained panelists and measured for L*, a*, and b* values on days 0, 4, 7, and 10 under retail display conditions. Samples were collected and analyzed for lipid oxidation, fatty acid profile, and hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacity. No evidence of differences was observed for final BW, ADFI, G:F, and carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). However, goats fed the 0% DDGS diet had greater ADG compared with those fed a diet containing 33% DDGS (P = 0.05). Overall, visual evaluation of discoloration, L*, a*, and b* as well as lipid oxidation data confirmed that feeding 33% DDGS to goats had no effect on goat chop discoloration and lipid oxidation (P > 0.10). However, all chops demonstrated a display effect, which they increased in visual discoloration and lipid oxidation and decreased in a* and b* values (P < 0.01) over the entirety of the 10-d period of retail display, regardless of the dietary treatments. As expected, feeding 33% DDGS to goats decreased relative percentage of multiple and total monounsaturated fatty acids, but increased relative percentage of multiple and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P < 0.05). The antioxidant capacity measurements showed no treatment difference in the hydrophilic portion (P > 0.10), but chops from the 33% DDGS treatment had greater lipophilic antioxidant activity compared with the 0% DDGS chops (P < 0.05). In conclusion, including 33% DDGS to the diet may negatively impact goat growth performance, but did not impact any carcass characteristics. Feeding a diet with 33% DDGS resulted in an increase in the PUFA content of goat chops but did not appear to impact meat color or lipid oxidation. The supposed negative consequence from increased PUFA is likely counterbalanced by the increased antioxidant capacity in the lipid component of meat, resulting in no difference in meat shelf-life.

Bioactive Compounds for Fibromyalgia-like Symptoms: A Narrative Review and Future Perspectives.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent, chronic condition without a cure or reliable therapy. The etiopathogenesis of this syndrome is ambiguous, which has heightened the challenge of discovering treatments to minimize patients’ painful symptoms. FM is characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain usually accompanied by functional pain syndromes, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and mood issues. Currently available treatment options for FM are limited. Recent studies have suggested a potential role for dietary bioactive compounds in FM management. We performed a narrative review to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the dietary bioactive compounds for FM, and we proposed molecular mechanisms on this topic. The inclusion criteria were (i) human, in vivo, or in vitro studies, (ii) studies related to the effect of bioactive compounds on FM-like symptoms, (iii) peer-reviewed literature, and (iv) publications until February 2022 in PubMed and Google Scholar. Exclusion criteria were (i) study designs using CCI, SNI, or SNL models because they are more NP models rather than FM models, and (ii) studies published in a language other than English. Keywords were dietary bioactive compounds, fibromyalgia, cell, animals, humans. Here, we report the effects of commonly consumed bioactive compounds (capsaicin, ginger, curcumin, n-3 PUFA, grape seed extract, naringin, and genistein) on FM-like symptoms in cellular, animal, and human studies. Cellular studies demonstrated that these bioactive compounds reduce pro-inflammatory production and increase antioxidant capacity of neurons or myoblasts that regulate apoptosis/cell survival. Animal studies showed that these regularly consumed bioactive compounds have an effect on FM-like symptoms, as evidenced by decreased pain hypersensitivity and fatigue as well as improved social behaviors. Further studies are warranted to allow meaningful comparison and quantification of the efficacy of these bioactive compounds on FM-like symptoms across studies, in terms of actual changes in antioxidant capacity, pain hypersensitivity, fatigue, and social behaviors. To date, human studies regarding the efficacy of these bioactive compounds on FM-like symptoms are limited and inconclusive. Our review identifies this important knowledge gap and proposes that the development and use of improved preclinical FM models are needed, particularly concerning the usage of female animals to better mimic FM pathophysiology and symptomatology.

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.

Effect of Li-ESWT on Testicular Tissue and Function in Androgen-Deficient Rat Model.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT), as a microenergy therapy, has the effects of inhibiting oxidative stress, antiapoptosis, and tissue repair, which is increasingly applied to a variety of diseases. Our research aims to explore the protective effects of Li-ESWT in the aging rat model and its possible molecular mechanism through in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vitro, TM3 Leydig cells incubated with H2O2 were treated with Li-ESWT at 4 energy levels (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mJ/mm2). In vivo, we employed an androgen-deficient rat model to simulate male aging and treated it with Li-ESWT at three different energy levels (0.01, 0.05, and 0.2 mJ/mm2). Li-ESWT increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in TM3 cells, improved antioxidant capacity, and reduced apoptosis, with the effect being most significant at 0.05 mJ/mm2 energy level. In androgen-deficient rat model, LI-ESWT can improve sperm count, motility, and serum testosterone level, enhancing tissue antioxidant capacity and antiapoptotic ability, and the effect is most significant at 0.05 mJ/mm2 energy level. Therefore, Li-ESWT at an appropriate energy level can improve sperm count, motility, and serum testosterone levels in androgen-deficient rat models, reduce oxidative stress in the testis, and increase antioxidant capacity and antiapoptotic abilities. The mechanism of this condition might be related to the increased VEGF expression in Leydig cells by Li-ESWT.

Increasing the functional quality of Crocus sativus L. by-product (tepals) by controlling spectral composition

AbstractCrocus sativus L. is a crop grown for spice production, and large amounts of residues from the flowers are produced during the process. The underutilized by-product from saffron spice production, the C. sativus tepals, was investigated as a promising raw material of natural bioactive compounds using light spectrum manipulation in controlled environments. The plants were grown under either light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or natural light (NL, greenhouse). LED experiments were performed in controlled-environment chambers (120 µmol m–2 s–1of photosynthetically active radiation, 18 °C, 16-h photoperiod). The LED treatments used were as follows: (i) red ʎ = 660 nm (62%) and blue ʎ = 450 nm (38%) (RB); and (ii) red ʎ = 660 nm (50%), green ʎ = 500–600 nm (12%), and blue ʎ = 4 50 nm (38%) (RGB). Flower growth parameters, total phenols, total flavonoids, flavonols, flavonol glycosides, and antioxidant properties were measured in harvested tepals. Floral by-products from plants grown under the two LED treatments accumulated higher amounts of antioxidant compounds compared to those of plants grown under NL. The total flavonoids content was significantly enhanced in the RGB LED treatment, while the corolla fresh weight significantly declined in the same treatments. The higher content of bioactive secondary metabolites in plants grown under both RB and RGB light environments resulted in increased antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH free-radical scavenging capacity and the ferric reducing antioxidant power method. These results indicate that manipulation of LED spectra could boost secondary metabolites and antioxidant capacity to obtain phytochemically enriched floral by-products with superior functional quality.

Reactive oxygen species in cancer progression and its role in therapeutics

The redox status in pathogenesis is critically regulated by careful balance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their elimination. Increased ROS level above the cellular tolerability threshold results in apoptotic or necrotic cell death. ROS belongs to a group of highly reactive compounds that have evolved to play key roles in cellular signaling pathways. It’s widely assumed that a reasonable amount of ROS is essential for a variety of biological processes. Elevated levels of ROS are known to cause various pathologic conditions like neurological disorders, cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. ROS is well known to initiate and assist in progression of tumor by promoting proliferation and survival of cancer cells and thus facilitates pro-tumorigenic signaling in tumor microenvironment. As cancer cells become more resilient to the effects of ROS manipulating drugs, increased antioxidant capacity attenuates their susceptibility to cancer treatment. Excessive environmental stress, on the other hand, can cause cancer cells to die. This review summarizes various molecular mechanisms including the role of checkpoint inhibitors that can be harnessed to develop effective therapeutic strategies for targeting ROS related signaling in cancer.

Relationships between Sex and Adaptation to Physical Exercise in Young Athletes: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to compare the redox, hormonal, metabolic, and lipid profiles of female and male basketball players during the seasonal training period, compared to their relative sedentary controls. 20 basketball players (10 female and 10 male) and 20 sedentary controls (10 female and 10 male) were enrolled in the study. Oxidative stress, adiponectin level, and metabolic profile were determined. Male and female athletes showed an increased antioxidant capacity (27% for males; 21% for females) and lactate level (389% for males; 460% for females) and reduced salivary cortisol (25% for males; 51% for females) compared to the sedentary controls. Moreover, a peculiar metabolite (in particular, amino acids and urea), hormonal, and lipidic profile were highlighted in the two groups of athletes. Female and male adaptations to training have several common traits, such as antioxidant potential enhancement, lactate increase, and activation of detoxifying processes, such as the urea cycle and arachidonic pathways as a response to inflammation. Moreover, we found different lipid and amino acid utilization related to sex. Deeper investigation could help coaches in developing training programs based on the athletes’ sex in order to reduce the drop-out rate of sporting activity by girls and fight the gender stereotypes in sport that also have repercussions in social fields.

Increased Ingestion of Hydroxy-Methionine by Both Sows and Piglets Improves the Ability of the Progeny to Counteract LPS-Induced Hepatic and Splenic Injury with Potential Regulation of TLR4 and NOD Signaling.

Methionine, as an essential amino acid, play roles in antioxidant defense and the regulation of immune responses. This study was designed to determine the effects and mechanisms of increased consumption of methionine by sows and piglets on the capacity of the progeny to counteract lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge-induced injury in the liver and spleen of piglets. Primiparous sows (n = 10/diet) and their progeny were fed a diet that was adequate in sulfur amino acids (CON) or CON + 25% total sulfur amino acids as methionine from gestation day 85 to postnatal day 35. A total of ten male piglets were selected from each treatment and divided into 2 groups (n = 5/treatment) for a 2 × 2 factorial design [diets (CON, Methionine) and challenge (saline or LPS)] at 35 d old. After 24 h challenge, the piglets were euthanized to collect the liver and spleen for the histopathology, redox status, and gene expression analysis. The histopathological results showed that LPS challenge induced liver and spleen injury, while dietary methionine supplementation alleviated these damages that were induced by the LPS challenge. Furthermore, the LPS challenge also decreased the activities of GPX, SOD, and CAT and upregulated the mRNA and(or) protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, NOD1, NOD2, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-8, p53, BCL2, and COX2 in the liver and (or) spleen. The alterations of GPX and SOD activities and the former nine genes were prevented or alleviated by the methionine supplementation. In conclusion, the maternal and neonatal dietary supplementation of methionine improved the ability of piglets to resist LPS challenge-induced liver and spleen injury, potentially through the increased antioxidant capacity and inhibition of TLR4 and NOD signaling pathway.

Light Intensity and Photoperiod Affect Growth and Nutritional Quality of Brassica Microgreens.

We explored the effects of different light intensities and photoperiods on the growth, nutritional quality and antioxidant properties of two Brassicaceae microgreens (cabbage Brassica oleracea L. and Chinese kale Brassica alboglabra Bailey). There were two experiments: (1) four photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) of 30, 50, 70 or 90 μmoL·m−2·s−1 with red:blue:green = 1:1:1 light-emitting diodes (LEDs); (2) five photoperiods of 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 h·d−1. With the increase of light intensity, the hypocotyl length of cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens shortened. PPFD of 90 μmol·m−2·s−1 was beneficial to improve the nutritional quality of cabbage microgreens, which had higher contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble sugar, soluble protein and vitamin C, as well as increased antioxidant capacity. The optimal PPFD for Chinese kale microgreens was 70 μmol·m−2·s−1. Increasing light intensity could increase the antioxidant capacity of cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens, while not significantly affecting glucosinolate (GS) content. The dry and fresh weight of cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens were maximized with a 14-h·d−1 photoperiod. The chlorophyll, carotenoid and soluble protein content in cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens were highest for a 16-h·d−1 photoperiod. The lowest total GS content was found in cabbage microgreens under a 12-h·d−1 photoperiod and in Chinese kale microgreens under 16-h·d−1 photoperiod. In conclusion, the photoperiod of 14~16 h·d−1, and 90 μmol·m−2·s−1 and 70 μmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD for cabbage and Chinese kale microgreens, respectively, were optimal for cultivation.

Supplementing Mannan Oligosaccharide Reduces the Passive Transfer of Immunoglobulin G and Improves Antioxidative Capacity, Immunity, and Intestinal Microbiota in Neonatal Goats.

Successful establishment of passive immunity (PIT) and regulation of intestinal microbiota are crucial for ruminants to maintain body health and reduce the risk of disease during the neonatal period. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on passive transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG), serum inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant levels as well as bacteria composition in the ileal digesta. A total of 14 healthy neonatal Ganxi black goats with similar birth weight (BW: 2.35 ± 0.55 kg) were selected and allocated into two groups, only fed colostrum and milk replacer (CON, n = 7) and supplemented MOS (0.06% of birth BW) in the colostrum and milk replacer (MOS, n = 7). The results indicated that MOS supplementation significantly reduced (p < 0.05) serum IgG level at 3 and 6 h after colostrum feeding. Serum GLP-1 level of goats in the MOS group was significantly lower (p = 0.001) than that in the CON group. Goats in the MOS group had higher serum CAT and lower MDA level than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Serum anti-inflammatory cytokine level of interleukin 4 (IL-4) was increased (p < 0.05), while pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 level was reduced (p < 0.05) in the MOS group when compared with the CON group. In addition, MOS supplementation remarkably increased (p < 0.05) the level of secretory IgA (sIgA) in the ileal digesta. Principal coordinate analysis of 16S rRNA sequence based on Brinary jaccard, Bray curtis, and weighted UniFrac distance of ileal microbiota showed a distinct microbial differentiation between the CON and MOS groups (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the MOS group was higher than that in the CON group, while the abundance of Verrucomicrobia was lower in the MOS group than that in the CON group at the phylum level (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Proteobacteria tended to decrease (p = 0.078) in the MOS group at the phylum level. The results of LEfSe analysis showed that MOS group was characterized by a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus, while the CON group was represented by a higher relative abundance of Akkermansia and Ruminiclostridium_5. Our findings demonstrated that MOS supplementation during the neonatal period increases antioxidant capacity and reduces the inflammatory response, and promotes IgA secretion and Lactobacillus colonization in the ileum. Thus, MOS induced positive effects are more pronounced in neonatal goats that might be an effective approach to maintain intestinal health and improve the surviving rate of neonatal ruminants.

Exenatide improves antioxidant capacity and reduces the expression of LDL receptors and PCSK9 in human insulin-secreting 1.1E7 cell line subjected to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress

Abstract Introduction GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., exenatide) are novel drugs used in the treatment of diabetes. These drugs, working with other mechanisms of action, improve glycemic control by increasing secretion of insulin and improving survival of pancreatic islet beta cells. Alterations in the oxidative stress level or the expression of proteins associated with cholesterol uptake might be responsible for those findings. Currently, there are few in vitro studies on the impact of exenatide antioxidant capacity in human islet beta cell lines and none that assess the influence of exenatide on LDL receptors and PCSK9 under hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of exenatide on antioxidant capacity, insulin secretion, and proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism. Materials and Method An in vitro culture of insulin-secreting cells 1.1E7 was subjected to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Assessment was made of the expression of enzymes associated with oxidative stress (NADPH oxidase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, iNOS) and cholesterol uptake (LDL receptors, PCSK9). Additionally, insulin and nitrite levels in culture media were quantified. Results We showed that exenatide improves expression of catalase and reduces the amount of nitrite in cell cultures in a protein kinase A–dependent manner. Those results were accompanied by a drop in the expression of LDL receptors and PCSK9. Insulin secretion was modestly increased in the culture condition. Conclusions Our findings show potential protective mechanisms exerted by exenatide in human insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cell line (1.1E7), which may be exerted through increased antioxidant capacity and reduced accumulation of cholesterol.