Increased Antioxidant Levels Research Articles

Milk protein consumption improves muscle performance and total antioxidant status in young soccer athletes: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Muscle performance and antioxidant balance are closely related to an athlete achievement. Milk proteins (whey and casein) contain essential and non-essential amino acids, which benefit muscle performance through increased antioxidant levels. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of milk protein on muscle performance and total antioxidant status (TAS) in soccer athletes.
 METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 20 males 16- to 18-year-old athletes at the Central Java Soccer Club in January 2018. For 28 days, the treatment group received 24 g/d of milk protein and the control group received 24 g/d of maltodextrin. Muscle performance was measured through a 20-m sprint, shuttle run, Illinois run, standing broad jump, sit-ups, push-ups, sit-and-reach test, and one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg extension. TAS was analyzed using the 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) method.
 RESULTS The treatment group had a decreased shuttle run time (-0.16 [0.11] versus 0.08 [0.14] sec), greater increase in sit-ups (6.80 [2.57] versus 1.10 [2.84] times/60 sec), greater increase in push-ups (2.40 [1.78] versus 0.30 [1.77] times/60 sec), and greater increase in 1RM leg extension (32.00 [13.78] versus 3.50 [13.75] kg). After adjustments for age, energy intake, carbohydrates, and pre-interventional performance, these parameters remained significantly improved after the intervention of milk protein. The TAS increase was greater in the treatment group than in the control group (0.36 [0.32] versus -0.12 [0.20] mmol/l) before and after adjustment for age, vitamin C, iron, selenium intake, and TAS pre-treatment.
 CONCLUSIONS Milk protein supplementation for 28 days increased muscle performance and TAS.

Pharmabiotic beads with improved encapsulation and gut survival for management of colonic inflammation associated gut derangements

Encapsulation techniques and materials, explored for addressing compromised probiotic gut survival, report significant production losses resulting in <10% entrapment. Presently, we report three-time enhanced entrapment (30 ± 1.2%) of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAB) in calcium-alginate beads, by modifying process parameters and employing polyethylene glycol (PEG). Water-loving, viscolysing and osmotic-building effects of PEG create numerous, fine voids in the alginate gel allowing efficient diffusion of crosslinking calcium ions, resulting in less leaky beads. Eudragit S100 overcoat improved LAB survival by 690 times in simulated GIT stresses.In DMH-DSS induced colitis and precancerous lesions in rats, while free LAB failed to show any protection, pharmabiotic beads significantly (p < .05) reduced lipid peroxidation, increased antioxidant levels; decreased serum inflammatory burden; downregulated COX-2, iNOS, and c-Myc expression; elevated levels of the selected gut bacteria and SCFAs especially butyrate, all of which add up to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, balanced gut biota, and ultimately anticancer effects.

Orally administered pressure-blanched white saffron (Curcuma mangga Val.) improves antioxidative properties and lipid profiles in vivo

This research focused on studying the effects of orally administered pressure-blanched white saffron on the antioxidative properties and lipid profiles of wistar rats. White saffron was blanched in autoclave for 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 min at 100, 105, 110, 115, and 120 °C, which are equivalent to 14.71, 17.53, 20.79, 24.54, and 28.81 psia, respectively. A total of 30 male wistar rats aged four weeks were fed with a standard diet (N), oxidized peanut oil diet + unblanched white saffron (A), oxidized peanut oil diet + blanched white saffron (B), oxidized peanut oil diet + pressure-blanched white saffron (C), and oxidized peanut oil diet + aquadest (NC), for two weeks after pre-treatment with the standard diet for a week. Invivo study showed treatment with pressure-blanched white saffron could significantly improve SOD, Vitamin E, and HDL levels compared to the negative control (NC); 686.44 U/g Hb, 10.87 μg/mL, and 94.17 mg/dL versus 405.37 U/g Hb, 7.44 μg/mL, and 43.47 mg/dL, respectively. Meanwhile, treatment with pressure-blanched white saffron could significantly reduce MDA, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels in the blood compared to the negative control (NC); 1.98 mmol/L, 108.74 mg/dL, 40.99 mg/dL, and 78.06 mg/dL versus 8.54 mmol/L, 232.46 mg/dL, 149.17 mg/dL, and 172.61 mg/dL, respectively. The results showed that pressurized blanching could significantly increase antioxidant levels of white saffron, and its dried form could improve antioxidative properties and lipid profiles in vivo.

Resveratrol Prevents Cataract Formation by Inhibiting Pro-inflammatory Mediator-induced Dysregulation of Lens Calcium

The effect of resveratrol, a free radical scavenger, during cataract development was evaluated in the Wistar rat pup model. This study investigated the possible free radical scavenging potential of resveratrol at 40 mg/ kg body wt dose in selenite-induced cataract in rat pups. Intraperitoneal injection of sodium selenite (15 µm mol/ kg body wt) in 8 to 10 day old rat pups lead to severe oxidative stress in the tissues evidenced by decreased antioxidants and increased lipid peroxidase, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical generation, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) expression levels that probably led to cataract formation. Selenite exposure also caused an increase in total calcium in the eye lens and significantly inhibited the activity of Ca2+ ATPase but not Na+/ K+ ATPase or Mg2+ ATPase. However, both pre- and co-treatments with resveratrol, but not post-treatment, led to an increase in antioxidant levels with a concomitant reduction in oxidative stress and also rescued the selenite-mediated increase in lens Ca2+ and inhibition of Ca2+ ATPase activity in the eye lens. The results of this study demonstrate antioxidants decrease and increase in free radical generation triggered by selenite causes the inactivation of lens Ca2+ ATPase leading to a rise in intracellular Ca2+ level. Resveratol treatment was able to prevent selenite-induced oxidative stress and in turn the inhibition of lens opacification. Thus, resveratrol has the potential to function as an anti-cataractogenic agent, possibly by preventing free radical-mediated accumulation of Ca2+ in the eye lens.

Effect of L-Ergothioneine on the metabolic plasma profile of the RUPP rat model of pre-eclampsia.

IntroductionPre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, but mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been implicated. L-Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring, water-soluble betaine, that has demonstrated antioxidant properties. Using the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of pre-eclampsia, this study aimed to define the plasma metabolic profile following treatment with L-Ergothioneine.MethodsThe effect of L-Ergothioneine (ET) treatment was explored using in vivo treatment in rats: Sham control (SC, n = 5), RUPP control (RC, n = 5), Sham +ET (ST, n = 5), RUPP +ET (RT, n = 5). Differential expression of plasma metabolites were obtained using untargeted liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed on normalised data comparing RC to SC, RT to RC, and RT to ST. Metabolites significantly altered (FDR < 0.05) were identified through database search.ResultsWe report significantly lower levels of L-palmitoylcarnitine in RC compared to SC, a fatty acyl substrate involved in beta-oxidation in the mitochondria. We report that a metabolite that has been associated with oxidative stress (Glutamylcysteine) was detected at significantly higher levels in RT vs RC and RT vs ST. Five metabolites associated with inflammation were significantly lower in RT vs RC and three metabolites in RT vs ST, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory effects of ET in the RUPP rat model of pre-eclampsia.ConclusionsL-Ergothioneine may help preserve mitochondrial function by increasing antioxidant levels, and reducing inflammatory responses associated with pre-eclampsia. This study shows the potential of L-Ergothioneine as a treatment for pre-eclampsia.

Utilization of Telang Leaf Meal as Antioxidant Source in Feed of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effective percentage of telang leaf meal on feed to increase antioxidant levels in tilapia liver feed.&#x0D; Study Design: A total of 12 aquariums with sizes 60 x 40 x 40 cm3and volume 96 L prepared and filled with 30 L water. Heater was installed and the temperature was raised slowly until it reached 34℃. Feed in the form of a mixture of telang leaf flour and commercial feed was given 3 times a day according to treatment and with the provisions of 3% of body weight of fish per day. Analysis of antioxidant levels was analyzed from the content of the superoxide dismutase enzyme as an antioxidant bioindicator in the body of the fish.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The cultivation was carried out at Ciparanje Hatchery and Fisheries Area, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran and Dismutase Superoxide Level Analysis was carried out at the Central Laboratory of Universitas Padjadjaran in June and July 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: This research was carried out by giving high temperatures as a source of stress, for 40 days. Tilapia were given a mixture of telang leaf meal as a source of anti-oxidants. At the end of research, Test liver fish taken superoxide dismutase levels were observed and analyzed descriptively. Daily growth and survival rate of fish were analysed using F test at 5% level, and if there were significant differences, Duncan's test was performed.&#x0D; Results: By giving heat stress continuously for 40 days the result is obtained the highest average superoxide dismutase level in treatment B (telang leaf meal 5%) as much -0.92 inhibition and lowest in treatment D (telang leaf meal 15%). A decrease in SOD levels identifies a decrease in antioxidant activity in the body of Tilapia. Daily growth rate obtained showed no significant difference. The fish will continue to grow but not as rapidly, because tilapia utilize protein up to 40% of commercial feed used to repair cells damaged during stressful periods and as a source of energy. Survival of fish decreases with increasing concentration of telang leaf flour, where the feed given has been mixed and resulted in the fish's response to the feed decreases, consequently not only the fish adapted to the environment, fish also adapt to new types of feed.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the results of research that has been done then conclusions can be drawn that the addition of telang leaf mealup to 15% in commercial feed by giving heat stress since the beginning of the culture period does not provide an effect of increasing antioxidant levels.

Assessment of Serum CoQ10 Levels and other Antioxidant Markers in Breast Cancer.

Background:The balance of the oxidative state in the body is fundamental for the maintenance of homeostasis. It has been implicated in the onset and progression of several diseases including breast cancer. The way in which the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) / antioxidants balance leads to or responds to disease is still controversial. In this study, TAC is used as a reference for the total antioxidant power of the body and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for its vital importance in cellular antioxidant action and being the only lipid soluble antioxidant synthesized endogenously. Copper and zinc were measured as trace elements reflecting the antioxidant micronutrient profile of the body. Methods:After approval of the ethical committee, 60 recently diagnosed non-intervened breast cancer patients were recruited from the Medical Research Institute hospital, Alexandria University along with 20 apparently healthy volunteers as control group. Full patient history was taken including breastfeeding history, parity, hormone replacement therapy use, body mass index, pathological examination, metastatic work up results, past medical history and drug use. CA 15-3 and laboratory investigations evaluating blood glucose, kidney and liver functions were performed. Q10 levels were measured by HPLC using a kit from Recipe®. TAC was assayed spectrophotometrically (Biodiagnostics®). Copper and Zinc levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Results:There was a statistically significant increase in the CoQ10, TAC and copper levels in the breast cancer group when compared to the control group. Zinc showed no statistically significant difference between the studied groups. Conclusion:Inspite of the fact that a high antioxidant level is usually considered as a favourable state, TAC, CoQ10 and copper levels showed significantly higher levels in the breast cancer group when compared to the control group. It is worth mentioning that the cancer group were all recently diagnosed, non-intervened and showed no signs of metastasis. It is still unclear whether the increased antioxidant levels offer a selective growth advantage to tumor cells over their surrounding normal cells or serve as a protective measure by the body in an attempt to correct the assault triggered by the ROS.

Oxidant and antioxidant balance in stable COPD patients and during acute COPD exacerbations

The oxidant-antioxidant imbalance is an important factor in the pathogenesis of COPD and yet there is a lack of evidence about total antioxidant levels of COPD patients, which may provide valuable information about the prognosis of the disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the oxidant-antioxidant systems in healthy controls and in COPD patients with a stable disease and during an acute exacerbation. The study was conducted with 42 COPD patients diagnosed by a pulmonologist and 21 healthy volunteers. Pulmonary function tests were performed, arterial blood gas; white blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet, neutrophil%, MCV, CRP, and sedimentation rate results were compared with total antioxidant status, total oxidant status levels, and oxidative stress index. There was a statistically significant difference between the three groups in FEV1/FVC, FEV1, FVC, pCO2, pO2, % SpO2, white blood cell count, neutrophil %, CRP, and ESR values. In regard to oxidant-antioxidant system measurements there was no statistically significant difference in TAS levels, but there was a significant difference in TOS and oxidative stress index levels. Positive correlation between WBC and TOS was detected in the analysis performed and no correlation was found in other parameters. Our study showed that the measurement of TAS, TOS and OSI were meaningful parameters in the evaluation of oxidative imbalance. Oxidant stress was found to be significantly increased in all COPD patients, especially in patients with COPD exacerbations. Despite the increase in oxidative stress, no increase in antioxidant levels was observed in COPD patients.

Combination of herbal components (curcumin, carvacrol, thymol, cinnamaldehyde) in broiler chicken feed: Impacts on response parameters, performance, fatty acid profiles, meat quality and control of coccidia and bacteria

The objective of this study was to determine whether curcumin and a commercial microencapsulated phytogenic supplement containing thymol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in broiler chicken feed would improve health and meat quality (fatty acid profile), as well as to determine the coccidiostatic and bactericidal potential of the additives. The broiler chickens were divided into five groups: NC – negative control feed; PC – positive control; CU – with 50 mg/kg of curcumin, PHY – 100 mg/kg phytogenic; and PHY + CU, a combination of both additives at 50 mg/kg (curcumin) and 100 mg/kg (phytogenic). We observed significantly higher levels of total proteins associated with increased circulating globulins, as well as lower levels of uric acid, cholesterol and triglycerides in the PHY + CU group than in the NC. There were significantly fewer oocysts in birds supplemented with additives in the NC group on day 21; on day 35, the NC, PHY and PHY + CU groups had significantly lower counts than the PC and CU groups; however, at 44 days, the lowest counts were in PC group. The bacterial counts were significantly lower on day 21 in all groups that received additives than those of the control group; however, at 44 days, the bacterial and Escherichia coli counts in these groups were significantly higher than those of the control. Curcumin with or without phytogenic agent improved meat quality, with increased antioxidant levels and reduction of lipid peroxidation. There were significantly lower total saturated fatty acid levels and significantly greater monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in broilers that consumed additives individually and in combination. The combination of additives significantly increased the crypt/villus ratio, a marker of improved intestinal health and performance. Additives potentiated their individual effects, suggesting they can replace conventional growth promoters without compromising health, intestinal mucosa or meat quality.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and acute toxicity effects of fermented soybean

BackgroundTempeh is a widely known fermented soybean that contains elevated level of bioactive contents. Our previous study has shown that anaerobic fermented Nutrient Enriched Soybean Tempeh (NESTE) with increase amino acid and antioxidant levels possessed better hepatoprotective effect than raw soybean.MethodsIn this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of the NESTE aqueous extract and raw soybean aqueous extract (SBE) were evaluated by quantifying the inhibition of IL-1β, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) secretion in LPS treated RAW 264.7 cell in vitro. On the other hand, in vivo oral acute toxicity effect of the extract was tested on mice at the dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. In vivo oral analgesic effect of both aqueous extracts at 200 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was evaluated by the hot plate test.ResultsIn the in vitro anti-inflammatory study, 5 mg/mL NESTE was able to inhibit 25.50 ± 2.20%, 35.88 ± 3.20% and 28.50 ± 3.50% of NO, IL-1β and TNF-α production in LPS treated RAW 264.7 cells without inducing cytotoxic effect on the cells. However, this effect was lower than 4 μg/mL of curcumin, which inhibited NO, IL-1β and TNF-α production by 89.50 ± 5.00%, 78.80 ± 6.20% and 87.30 ± 4.00%, respectively. In addition, 1.5 to 2.5-fold increase of latency period up to 120 min for mice in the hot plate test was achieved by 1000 mg/kg NESTE. The analgesic effect of NESTE was better than 400 mg/kg of acetyl salicylic acid, which only increased ~ 1.7-fold of latency period up to 90 min. Moreover, NESTE did not show acute toxicity (no LD50) up to 5000 mg/kg body weight.ConclusionNESTE is a nutritious food ingredient with potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Neuroprotective Effects of Melatonin during Demyelination and Remyelination Stages in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the myelin sheath, and melatonin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The present study evaluated the protective effect of melatonin on demyelination and remyelination processes in male and female mice with experimental MS induced by cuprizone. This model of experimental MS in mice is widely used because cuprizone administration causes an artificial demyelination reaction through oligodendrocyte apoptosis, while its withdrawal leads to spontaneous remyelination. Male and female SWR/J mice (n = 78) were divided into three main groups (control, cuprizone, and cuprizone + melatonin), which were each further subdivided into males and females. Cuprizone was orally administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 5 weeks. In addition, melatonin was intraperitoneally administered for 9 weeks at a dose of 80 mg/kg/day. During the demyelination stage, melatonin exhibited a neuroprotective function in both male and female mice. This was evidenced by improved locomotor activity, increased antioxidant levels (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione), and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and inflammatory factors (interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in male and female mice. However, the effect of melatonin during the remyelination stage varied between sexes; male mice experienced protective effects following melatonin administration, whereas no effect was observed in female mice. These results suggest a complex interaction involving exogenous melatonin, remyelination, and endogenous female sex hormones.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Polymerized Anthocyanin from Grape-Skin Extract on High-Fat-Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

We investigated the therapeutic potential of polymerized anthocyanin (PA) on a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model in mice. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to establish the NAFLD mouse model and randomly divided into four groups: control diet (con), NAFLD mice treated with saline (NAFLD), NAFLD mice treated with PA (PA), and NAFLD mice treated with orlistat (Orlistat) for four weeks. Mice were euthanized at the end of the four weeks. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were estimated, and pathological changes in the liver, white adipose tissue, and signaling pathways related to lipid metabolism were evaluated. Results revealed that the body, liver, and white fat weight of the NAFLD group was significantly increased compared to that of the con group, while that of the PA group showed significant reduction. NAFLD led to an increase in blood lipids in mice (except for HDL). Conversely, PA effectively reduced TC and LDL-C. Compared to the control group, the degree of steatosis in the mice of PA group was decreased. Moreover, PA also regulated the NAFLD signaling pathway. In agreement with improved lipid deposition, PA supplementation inhibited the activation of inflammatory pathways, depressing oxidative stress through increased antioxidant levels, and increasing β-oxidation to inhibit mitochondrial dysfunction. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PA can improve the liver function of NAFLD mice, regulating blood lipids, reducing liver-fat accumulation, and regulating lipid metabolism.

Anticancer and antiangiogenesis activities of novel synthesized 2-substitutedbenzimidazoles molecules

In this study, novel 2-substituted benzimidazoles molecules having triazole, thiadiazole, and oxadiazole rings were synthesized and were evaluated by anticancer, antioxidant/oxidant status, genotoxicity, and antiangiogenesis assays. Anticancer activity of the compounds was determined by MTT (0.5, 5, and 50 $\mu $g/mL) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays against human prostate and breast cancer cells. Oxidative status of cells was elicited by total oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity methods. Chick chorioallantoic membrane assay was used to evaluate the antiangiogenic activity. Genotoxicity was evaluated by the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN) tests in lymphocyte cultured human blood. Our results showed that some of the compounds synthesized had significant antiproliferative activity against both cancer cell lines (between 4.54 $\pm $ 0.35 and 20.17 $\pm $ 3.15 $\mu $g/mL), with higher inhibition of the breast cancer, and caused inhibition of LDH release with a linear correlation to MTT results. Moreover, the 5 $\mu $g/mL dose of these molecules led to an increase in antioxidant levels. Compounds had antiangiogenic effectiveness in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, all of the compounds did not affect SCE and MN levels compared to controls. In conclusion, these newly synthesized molecules can be a resource of new anticancer agents with their nongenotoxic, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic properties.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BJ01 augments endurance against N2 starvation by modulating physiology and biochemical activities of Arachis hypogea.

Arachis hypogea (Peanut) is one of the most important crops, and it is harvested and used for food and oil production. Being a legume crop, the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen is achieved through symbiotic association. Nitrogen deficiency is one of the major constrains for loss of crop productivity. The bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is known for interactions with plants. In this study, characteristics that promote plant growth were explored for their ability to enhance the growth of peanut plants under N2 deficit condition. In the presence of S. maltophilia, it was observed that fatty acid composition of peanut plants was influenced and increased contents of omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid (γ-Linolenic acid) were detected. Plant growth was increased in plants co-cultivated with PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) under normal and stress (nitrogen deficient) condition. Electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 content reduced in plants, co-cultivated with PGPR under normal (grown in a media supplemented with N2 source; C+) or stress (nitrogen deficient N+) conditions compared to the corresponding control plants (i.e. not co-cultivated with PGPR; C–or N–). The growth hormone auxin, osmoprotectants (proline, total soluble sugars and total amino acids), total phenolic-compounds and total flavonoid content were enhanced in plants co-cultivated with PGPR. Additionally, antioxidant and free radical scavenging (DPPH, hydroxyl and H2O2) activities were increased in plants that were treated with PGPR under both normal and N2 deficit condition. Overall, these results indicate that plants co-cultivated with PGPR, S. maltophilia, increase plant growth, antioxidant levels, scavenging, and stress tolerance under N2 deficit condition. The beneficial use of bacterium S. maltophilia could be explored further as an efficient PGPR for growing agricultural crops under N2 deficit conditions. However, a detail agronomic study would be prerequisite to confirm its commercial role.

Protective effects of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol on spinal cord injury-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET) is a potent antioxidant polyphenolic compound. In this study, our objective was to investigate the underlying mechanism of the neuroprotective role of DOPET in attenuating spinal cord injury (SCI). Initially, SCI was induced by performing surgical laminectomy on the rats at T10-T12 level. Then, the neurological function-dependent locomotion was measured using Basso Beattie Bresnahan score, which declined in the SCI-induced group. Increased antioxidant levels such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione along with other parameters such as increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were all observed in the SCI group. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were upregulated in the serum and spinal cord tissue as observed on the immunoblot. Interestingly, protein levels of apoptotic markers such as Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and RT-PCR analysis-based mRNA level of pro-inflammatory cytokine, nuclear factor- κ activated B cells (NF-κB) were significantly upregulated in the spinal cord tissue. Nonetheless, antiapoptotic factor such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein expression was downregulated in the same group. However, on administering 10 mg/kg of DOPET, the neuronal function was rescued, antioxidants were restored back to the normal levels, LPO and MPO activities were reduced in conjunction with downregulated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers in the SCI group. These findings show that DOPET could potentially target multiple signalling pathways to combat SCI.

Aloe Vera Peel Extract Administration Increased Antioxidant Enzyme Levels of Serum and Seminal Plasma in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered as a complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera peel extract on the antioxidant levels of serum and seminal plasma of type 2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rat was injected by 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) combined with 230 mg/kg of Nicotinamide acid (NA) intraperitoneally. The rats were declared to have diabetic with fasting blood glucose level > 200 mg/dl 72 hours after induction. Diabetic rat samples were divided into four groups, control group (diabetes without treatment) and three groups were treated by Aloe vera peel extracts orally: 100 mg (P.1), 200 mg (P.2), and 400 mg/kg body weight (P.3), respectively. Antioxidant levels of serum and seminal plasma, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were examined after 28 days of treatment. Results: The levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH in the group receiving Aloe vera peel extract were statistically significant (p <0.05) higher than the control. There were also significant differences between the dose variations group. Conclusion: Aloe vera peel extract can significantly increase antioxidant levels in serum and seminal plasma of type 2 diabetic mice.

Characterization on antioxidant and physical properties of gelatin based composite films with incorporation of Centella asiatica (pegaga) extract

This study aimed to characterize the influence of Centella asiatica at 0.3% and 0.7% on antioxidant activities; mechanical and physical properties of chicken skin gelatin/CMC/ Centella asiatica film. Characterization of the blended films with 0.7% Centella asiatica extract shows higher antioxidant activities with a total phenolic content of 0.36 mg/g of GAE, DPPH of 89.26%, and reducing power of 0.80 nm compared to 0.3% Centella asiatica extract added where the total phenolic content was 0.29 mg/g of GAE, DPPH of 89.26% and reducing power of 0.80 nm. The addition of 0.3% of Centella extract provide higher value in tensile strength, elongation at break, melting point and transparency but lower in UV-light penetration and crystallinity of the films. While the addition of 0.7% Centella extract contributes to higher value in WVP and puncture test. In conclusion, the incorporation of Centella asiatica extracts on film greatly increased antioxidant levels and improved some of the mechanical and physical properties of the film blends.

Functional Immunoregulation by Heme Oxygenase 1 in Juvenile Autoimmune Diseases.

An autoimmune disease is an inflammatory condition in which the human body's immune system attacks normal cells, resulting in decreased and abnormal immune function, which eventually leads to tissue damage or organ dysfunction. In the field of medicine, especially in pediatrics, knowledge about autoimmune diseases is still inadequate. Some common juvenile autoimmune diseases such as Henoch-Schonlein purpura, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, and autoimmune encephalitis cause considerable public concern. Recent studies revealed that heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), an enzyme that participates in heme degradation, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and may regulate autoimmunity. Firstly, it may promote the differentiation of T lymphocytes into CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and may be associated with changes in the ratios of cytokines (Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg) as well. Secondly, HO-1 can regulate the immune system through the secretion of proteins such as transforming growth factors and interleukins. Moreover, increasing the expression of HO-1 can improve vascular function by increasing antioxidant levels. Thus, HO-1 may provide a theoretical basis and guidance for therapeutic management of juvenile autoimmune diseases.

Investigation of wet cupping therapy’s effect on oxidative stress based on biochemical parameters

IntroductionWet cupping therapy is one of the main applications which has been used in the Unani medicine system. Current literature explaining how this traditional treatment method works is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether wet cupping therapy could affect reactive oxygen species and antioxidant levels. MethodsThis was a single arm pre and posttest intervention study conducted in Karabuk University Teaching and Research Hospital (KUTRH) between 1st January and 1st May 2018. Twenty-four participants were included. Wet Cupping Therapy was applied to all individuals once every month for three months. Venous blood samples were collected before the first (Venous1) and after the last application (Venous 2) and cupping blood samples were collected during the first and last applications. Malondialdehyde (MAD) and total oxidant status (TOS) which both indicate oxidation; glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant status (TAS), catalase (CAT) activities that indicate antioxidant effect, and protein levels were measured on the obtained serums. ResultsThe highest MDA and TOS levels and the lowest TAS, GSH, SOD and CAT levels were found in initial cupping blood. Significant improvement was observed in second cupping blood for these parameters when compared to initial values. We also found that MDA and TOS levels, as well as TAS, GSH, SOD and CAT levels, all changed favorably in the Venous 2 blood sample compared to the Venous 1 (p < 0.001). ConclusionWet cupping therapy seems a promising method for increasing antioxidant levels and curbing oxidative stress.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound healing activity of Morus nigra

The present study was aimed to judge wound healing and the anti-inflammatory potential of Morus nigra leaves (MNL) in rats by incision and excision wound methods. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measurement of paw oedema in carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. The tensile strength and biochemical parameters were used for studying the wound healing properties of MNL by incision wound methodology. The wound contraction area, antioxidant status, and antimicrobial studies were exhausted excision wound methodology. Tensile strength and hydroxyproline level of different concentrations (% w/w) of MNL ointment treated groups were found significantly (P < .01) comparable to the reference group. There was a significant decreased in percent inhibition of paw oedema with an increase in MNL concentration. Moreover, MNL showed significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, by its ability to increase antioxidant levels (29.97 ± 1.31 mg/50 mg tissue of SOD, 25.17 ± 0.91 mmol/50 mg tissue of CAT and 31.71 ± 1.21 mmol/50 mg tissue of GSH) and antimicrobial levels (16.0 ± 0.50 μg/disc for Bacillus subtilis; 16.1 ± 0.28 μg/disc for Staphylococcus aureus; 25.8 ± 0.50 μg/disc for Escherichia coli; 26.1 ± 0.28 μg/disc for Proteus vulgaris; 18.0 ± 0.50 μg/disc for Candida albicans and 17.3 ± 0.50 μg/disc for Candida glaborata). The results obtained in the present study clarify that MNL inhibits paw oedema and accelerates cutaneous wound healing.