Increased Serum Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Radiotherapy induces an increase in serum antioxidant capacity reflecting tumor response

Background and purposeRadiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay component of treatment for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but responses vary. As RT relies upon oxidative damage, antioxidant expression in response to RT-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) could compromise treatment response. We aimed to examine local and systemic antioxidant responses to increased RT-induced ROS in relation to treatment success. Materials and methodsNuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), the main antioxidant transcription factor, was immunofluorescently stained in FaDu cells and in tumor biopsies of patients with oral cavity/oropharynx HNSCC before and after five fractions of RT. Besides, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was analyzed in HNSCC tumor cells in vitro and in serum of HNSCC patients before, during, and after RT. ResultsData revealed an increase in NRF2 expression and TAC in head and neck cancer cells in vitro over the course of 5 daily fractions of 2 Gy. In accordance, also in patients’ tumors NRF2 expression increased, which was associated with increased serum TAC during RT. Increasing serum TAC was related to impaired local tumor control. ConclusionRadiation induced NRF2 expression and upregulated TAC, which may compromise the effect of RT-induced ROS. Changes in serum TAC during RT could serve as a novel predictor of treatment outcome in HNSCC patients.Medical Ethics Review Committee (CMO) approval – CMO number: 2007/104.

Effects of Ban Lian Zi Jin San on intestinal inflammation and barrier function of heat-stressed broilers

Heat stress (HS) in broilers can be an environmental stressor that leads to intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier damage. In order to examine the effect of Ban Lian Zi Jin San (BLZJS) on intestinal inflammation and barrier function in heat-stressed broilers, a model of chronic cyclic HS in broilers was established. A total of 300 twenty-one-day-old broilers were divided into 5 treatments at random. Broilers in 3 BLZJS dosage groups were kept in an ecologically controlled room at 37℃ ± 2℃ for 6 wk, and fed basal diets supplemented with 0.5, 1, and 2% BLZJS. Broilers in HS group were housed in the same room, but fed the basal diets. The findings indicated that supplementation of BLZJS significantly declined serum HS indexes levels (HSP70, HSP90), and increased serum antioxidant capacity (SOD and T-AOC) in broilers (P < 0.05). Besides, supplementation of BLZJS significantly inhibited the expression of HS indexes (HSP70 and HSP90), genes related to TLR4 inflammatory signal pathway (TLR4, MyD88, TRIF, IRAK-4, and NF-κB), inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), and upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and intestinal tight junction-related genes (Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1) in broiler jejunum (P < 0.05). On the other hand, supplementation of BLZJS could significantly reduce the protein expression of NF-κB and HSP70 in chick jejunum (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BLZJS inhibited the activation of TLR4 signal pathway and reduced the production of inflammatory factors, restoring the level of intestinal tight junction protein and protecting jejunal intestinal barrier function in heat-stressed broilers.

Effects of the Oat Hay Feeding Method and Compound Probiotic Supplementation on the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Rumen Bacteria Community of Dairy Calves.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the oat hay feeding method and compound probiotics (CMP) on the growth, health, serum antioxidant and immune indicators, rumen fermentation, and bacteria community of dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age. Forty-eight female Holstein calves (80 ± 7 days of age, 93.71 ± 5.33 kg BW) were selected and randomly divided into four groups. A 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted for the experiment, with the factors of the oat hay feeding method (fed as free-choice or 16.7% in the diet) and compound probiotics (CMP) inclusion (0.15% or 0%) in the pelleted starter. The results showed that, compared with giving oat hay as free-choice, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake at 1-84 d (p < 0.05), with an average daily gain (ADG) at 61-84 d (p = 0.02); adding CMP to the pelleted starter did not significantly affect body weight, and reduced the fecal index (p < 0.05). Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the concentration of IgA, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.01), while adding CMP increased the catalase (p < 0.01) and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) in serum. Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the ruminal concentration of propionic acid (p < 0.05) and isobutyric acid (p = 0.08), and decreased the ruminal pH (p = 0.08), the concentration of acetic acid (p < 0.05), and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.01). Feeding 16.7% oat hay reduced the relative abundance of ruminal Firmicutes, Unidentified-Bacteria, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, NK4A214-group, Olsenella, and Actinobacteriota (p < 0.05); adding CMP increased the relative abundance of ruminal Prevotella, Rikenellaceae-RC9-gut-group, Ruminococcus, NK4A214-group, and Ruminococcus (p < 0.05), and decreased the abundance of Desulfobacterora, Prevotella-7, and Erysipelotricaceae-UCG-002 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake and average daily gain, while slightly reducing the ruminal pH values; adding CMP to the pelleted starter resulted in reduced diarrhea incidence, increased serum antioxidant capacity and immunity, as well as ruminal richness and diversity of microorganisms in dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age.

Reduced serum concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species following strenuous exercise in the heat are not associ-ated with an upregulation in serum antioxidative capacity

Introduction: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced as a response to exercise and play a part in guiding the adaptive response to physical training. Exercise in the heat has been shown to further increase accumulation of RONS in systemic circulation; however, a high anti-oxidative response or heat acclimatization mechanisms could attenuate this response. In a previous study, we found reduced RONS concentrations in trained athletes following strenuous cycling in the heat. Therefore, this secondary analysis assessed whether these reduced RONS serum con-centrations are induced by an increased serum antioxidant capacity. Methods: Twelve male cyclists (V̇O2peak: 60 ± 4 ml ∙ kg-1 ∙ min-1) completed a 60-minute constant workload trial (55% peak power output, ambient temperature 30.4 ± 0.6°C) with and without ice vest in a randomized order. The core body temperature (Tcore) was measured by an ingestible capsule. Blood samples were col-lected before and after each trial to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and RONS. Due to the absence of between-group dif-ferences, data of both conditions were pooled. Results: Tcore statistically increased (p &lt; 0.001) over the experimental trials (+6.0 ± 1.6%, effect size (ES) = 5.6). Concentrations of RONS (-17.2 ± 15.5%, p &lt; 0.001, ES = 1.0) and TAC (-8.9 ± 22.9%, p = 0.04, ES = 0.7) statistically decreased, while the activity of CAT (+15.5 ± 84.0%, p = 0.90, ES = 0.04) and SOD (+9.2 ± 58.7%, p = 0.98, ES = 0.01) remained un-changed. Conclusions: Reduced serum RONS concentrations after strenuous cycling in the heat were not associated with upregulation of serum antioxidant capacity in trained athletes. The prooxidant-antioxidant balance may rather be regulated at a myocellular level and should be further assessed in future studies.

Effects of fermented soybean meal on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs

• Fermented soybean meal (FSM) supplementation (7.42%) increases serum and muscle antioxidant ability. • FSM supplementation (7.42%) improves the growth performance of finishing pigs. • FSM supplementation induces a shift in muscle fiber types to more oxidative muscle fibers such as MyHC I. This objective was to investigate the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSM) on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs. Results showed that dietary FSM significantly increased ( P < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) and nutrient digestibility. FSM-containing diet increased serum antioxidant capacity, but decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in longissimus thoracis ( P < 0.05). The FSM-containing diet tended to decrease the pH 45min and increase a* (redness) value of longissimus thoracis (0.05 < P < 0.1). Moreover, FSM-containing diet increased the fat content synthesis in longissimus thoracis and upregulated lipogenic genes mRNA levels. Additionally, FSM-containing diet elevated the expression levels of myofiber-type related genes such as the MyHC I and MyHC IIa , but decreased the expression level of 4E-BP1 ( P < 0.05). These results indicated that FSM supplementation is capable of improving the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant ability in finishing pigs.

Possible involvement of l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in the antidepressant activity of Auraptene in mice

BackgroundDepression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Auraptene (a coumarin derivative) has been shown to possess pharmacological effects on neurological diseases.PurposeThe present study aimed to investigate the possible role of the NO pathway in Auraptene antidepressant effects in male mice.MethodsBehavioral tests were used to assess depression-like behaviors. The mice received Auraptene at 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, the combination of the sub-effective (ineffective) dose of Auraptene (10 mg/kg) and L-NAME, and the combination of the effective dose of Auraptene (30 mg/kg) and L-arginine. Finally, OFT, TST, FST, brain, serum MDA level, antioxidant capacity, hippocampus, and serum NO level were measured.ResultsThe data analysis showed that Auraptene (30 mg/kg) improved depression-like behaviors. Auraptene (30 mg/kg) also significantly reduced serum NO levels (P < 0.05) and significantly increased serum MDA (10 mg/kg, P < 0.05). Auraptene at 30 mg/kg also increased serum antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01). Co-administration of L-NAME and the sub-effective dose of Auraptene enhanced the effects of Auraptene. However, co-administration of the effective dose of Auraptene and L-arginine reduced the impacts of Auraptene.ConclusionsThe results showed that Auraptene causes antidepressant effects in a dose-dependent manner and acts as a prooxidant at 100 mg/kg, and exacerbates oxidative stress. The antidepressant effects of this active molecule are exerted by reducing the NO level in the hippocampus and serum, increasing the antioxidant capacity, and reducing the MDA level in the serum.

Anti-Toxoplasma Effect of Hydroalchohlic Extract of Terminalia chebula Retz in Cell Culture and Murine Model.

Background:We examined anti-Toxoplasma effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia chebula Retz (T. chebula) in cell culture and murine model.Methods:The study was conducted in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2017. Half maximal effective (concentration (EC50) of T. chebula extract and pyrimethamine was determined in infected Hela cells by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. In the animal model, BALB/c mice were injected with tachyzoites (104) of T. RH strain intraperitoneally. 24h after the injection, the test groups were orally treated with 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of T. chebula extract for 7 days. The survival rate of the mice was determined and blood samples were collected to determine the amount of serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity. Then peritoneal fluid of the mice was collected to count the number of tachyzoites and after necropsy, the pathologic changes, including the weight of liver, spleen and kidneys were investigated. The analysis of data was accomplished using SPSS.Results:EC50 values were 94.7μg/mL and 290.50μg/mL for T. chebula and pyrimethamine respectively. In the animal model, the extract of T. chebula in concentration of 100 mg/kg showed the same anti-Toxoplasma effect as pyrimethamine. This concentration of the extract decreased number of intraperitoneal tachyzoites and increased the survival rate of the mice. This extract reduced the levels of serum MDA and tissue inflammation and increased serum antioxidant capacity.Conclusion:Regarding the positive effect of extract, after more clinical trials in the animal model and standardization of the extract, it can be used as an alternative or complementary therapy for toxoplasmosis.

Açai pulp supplementation as a nutritional strategy to prevent oxidative damage, improve oxidative status, and modulate blood lactate of male cyclists.

Açai pulp is a source of phytochemicals and has been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antigenotoxic effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of açai pulp consumption on oxidative, inflammatory, and aerobic capacity markers of cyclist athletes. A crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind study was developed with ten male cyclists (33.5 ± 4.7years old, body mass index of 23.9 ± 1.38kg/m2, and training load around 1875 ± 238 AU/week). The athletes consumed 400g/day of pasteurized açai pulp (AP) or placebo (PL) for 15days, with a 30-day wash-out period between trials. Lipid peroxidation, serum antioxidant capacity, DNA damage in peripheral blood (Comet assay), IL-6 and TNF-alpha, blood lactate concentration during effort, anaerobic threshold intensity (ATi), maximum workload reached (Wmax), rating of perceived exertion threshold (RPET), and heart rate threshold (HRT) were evaluated before and after each intervention. Data were analyzed using a linear regression model with mixed effects (p ≤ 0.05). Increased serum antioxidant capacity (p = 0.006) and decreased lipid peroxidation (p = 0.01) were observed in subjects after intervention with AP. Blood lactate levels during effort significantly decreased (by 29%, p = 0.025) and ATi increased (p = 0.006) after AP. No significant effect on DNA damage was attributed to AP consumption. We found notable effects of AP intervention on antioxidant status in athletes. Both the reduction in blood lactate concentration and increase in ATi during the effort suggest an overall improvement in the aerobic capacity of the cyclists, confirming that AP consumption may influence variables associated with performance in endurance athletes.

Ingestion of Lycosome L-tug Formulation of Dark Chocolate Ameliorates Postprandial Hyperlipidemia and Hyperglycemia in Healthy Volunteers.

Twenty-eight healthy middle-aged volunteers (40-60 years old) with equal gender representation were randomized into 3 study groups to investigate the changes in postprandial glucose and lipids after ingestion of different formulations of dark chocolate (DC). The volunteers from the first group were requested to ingest 100 g of regular DC whereas the individuals from the third group were given 100 g of highly bioavailable lycosome formulated L-tug formulation of DC containing 23.3 mg of lycopene. A second group received a 23.3 mg lycopene capsule, a tomato-derived antioxidant carotenoid as a matching control. Serum specimens were obtained following 30 minutes as well as 1, 2, and 3 hours after study products intake. Ingestion of L-tug DC was accompanied by the reduced postprandial hyperglycemia with maximum difference seen at 3rd hour of the study and reduction of average AUCGluc values by 20% (P<0.05) as compared to regular DC. Moreover, ingestion of L-tug DC was accompanied by a statistically significantly reduced median concentration for postprandial triglycerides (to 390.7 mg⁎hr/dL; 5/95%% CIs: 363.2/405.7 versus regular DC value of 439.5mg⁎hr/dL and a lower range of confidence intervals - 5/95%CIs: 394.0/475.1). A similar tendency was observed in changes of total cholesterol concentration. Ingestion of L-tug DC completely abolished total cholesterol increase seen in volunteers at 3rd hour of postprandial period following intake of the control DC. Ingestion of lycopene alone did not cause any changes in postprandial changes of glucose or serum lipids. The observed postprandial changes can be related to the 56.2 % increase in serum lycopene level which was observed after ingestion of L-tug DC only. Higher serum lycopene levels following the ingestion of L-tug DC resulted in a corresponding increase in serum antioxidant capacity and reduction of oxidized LDL as well as a decline in malonic dialdehyde concentration in the serum of volunteers.

Phytochemical Study and Antidepressant Effect of Essential Oil of Apium graveolens L.

Background and Purpose: Depression is a common and debilitating disease.The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of Apium graveolens essential oil and its anti-depressant effect in mice and the effect on motor balance, serum and brain antioxidant capacity.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 60 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (N=10), Control, reserpine 5 mg/kg IP, reserpine + fluoxetine 20mg/kg, reserpine + essential oil (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg). The intervention group received 5 mg/kg reserpine and 18 hours later, essential oil (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg). Assessment of depression done with forced swimming and open field tests and motor balance with a Rotarod. Serum and brain antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels were measured.&#x0D; Results: Reserpin increased the immobilization time in the forced swimming test, the number of motor units in the open field test, serum and brain malondialdehyde and reduced the antioxidant capacity and the motor balance. Fluoxetine and essential oil of Apium graveolens 50 and 75 mg/kg reduced the time of immobilization time, number of motor units, serum and brain malondialdehyde and increased serum and brain antioxidant capacity and motor balance. Apium graveolens essential oil 100 mg/kg increased serum antioxidant capacity and reduced number of motor units.&#x0D; Conclusion: Chemical compounds of essential oil of Apium graveolens have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regulating of chemical neurotransmitters properties that are known mechanisms of depression.

Phytochemical Study and Antidepressant Effect of Essential Oil of Apium graveolens L.

Background and Purpose: Depression is a common and debilitating disease.The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of Apium graveolens essential oil and its anti-depressant effect in mice and the effect on motor balance, serum and brain antioxidant capacity.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: 60 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (N=10), Control, reserpine 5 mg/kg IP, reserpine + fluoxetine 20mg/kg, reserpine + essential oil (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg). The intervention group received 5 mg/kg reserpine and 18 hours later, essential oil (50, 75 and 100 mg/kg). Assessment of depression done with forced swimming and open field tests and motor balance with a Rotarod. Serum and brain antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels were measured.&#x0D; Results: Reserpin increased the immobilization time in the forced swimming test, the number of motor units in the open field test, serum and brain malondialdehyde and reduced the antioxidant capacity and the motor balance. Fluoxetine and essential oil of Apium graveolens 50 and 75 mg/kg reduced the time of immobilization time, number of motor units, serum and brain malondialdehyde and increased serum and brain antioxidant capacity and motor balance. Apium graveolens essential oil 100 mg/kg increased serum antioxidant capacity and reduced number of motor units.&#x0D; Conclusion: Chemical compounds of essential oil of Apium graveolens have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regulating of chemical neurotransmitters properties that are known mechanisms of depression.

Evaluation of Agraz Consumption on Adipocytokines, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Markers in Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by increased oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory state. Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (known as “agraz”) is a berry rich in polyphenolic compounds with demonstrated antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of agraz consumption on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in women with MetS. Forty women with MetS (47 ± 9 years) were randomly assigned to consume daily either 200 mL of agraz nectar or placebo over four weeks in a double-blind, cross-over design study, separated by a 4-week washout period. Metabolic and inflammatory markers in serum and antioxidant/oxidative stress markers in serum and urine were assessed at the end of each period. Serum antioxidant capacity measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was significantly higher (p = 0.028), while urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was lower (p = 0.041) after agraz consumption, compared to placebo. In conclusion, consumption of agraz during four weeks increased serum antioxidant capacity and decreased a marker of DNA oxidative damage in women with MetS, compared to placebo. These results suggest that agraz consumption may play a protective role in patients with MetS.

Hydroxytyrosol augments the redox status of high fat diet-fed rats

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is being investigated for its manifold biological activities. In this study, we assessed whether HT could lessen the metabolic and redox imbalance caused by high-fat diet, in a rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=4 each), homogeneous for age and weight. Group 1: control diet; Group 2: control diet+20μg HT/d by oral gavage; Group 3: high fat, high carbohydrate diet; Group 4: high fat, high carbohydrate diet +20μg HT/d by oral gavage. The experiment lasted four weeks. The addition of HT to the high fat diet did not slow down weight gain as compared to the unsupplemented diet. No significant differences in glycemia were observed among the four experimental groups. Ascorbic acid plasma concentrations at the end of the experimental period were non-significantly lower in high fat diet rats than in control animals. Plasma, but not erythrocytes hydroperoxide concentrations were significantly lower in group 4 animals as compared with the other ones. The high-fat diet induced protein carbonyl formation. Even though supplementation with HT lowered carbonyls’ concentrations, the effect did not reach statistical significance. Conversely, the action of HT became significant when plasma MDA was measured.HT also increased serum antioxidant capacity, assessed as ORAC of total serum and as conjugated diene formation of copper-oxidized isolated LDL/HDL.Public heath bodies should actively discourage the adoption of obesogenic high-fat diets, but HT as supplement modulates some of their harmful effects.

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidative Effects of Glossogyne tenuifolia in Hamsters Fed an Atherogenic Diet.

Glossogyne tenuifolia (GT) Cassini is a special herbal tea in the Penghu Islands, Taiwan, and has a long history of being used as an antipyretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory remedy in folk medicine among local residents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hot water extracts from GT on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in animals. Five- to 6-week-old male Syrian hamsters were divided into four groups (n = 14) for different treatments, that is: control group (C), high-fat/cholesterol (HF) group, HF diet containing 0.5% (GT0.5) and 1.5% (GT1.5) GT extracts for 4 weeks. Hamsters fed with 0.5% GT powder as well as 1.5% GT powder exhibited reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), conjugated diene of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased serum antioxidant capacity, but 1.5% GT powder was more potent at lowering serum LDL cholesterol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations than 0.5% GT. GT extracts significantly lowered liver triacylglycerol (TG) concentration by diminishing activities of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH). In addition, fecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acids were increased in GT extract groups. In conclusion, GT extracts increase the antioxidative capacity, decrease serum TC, inhibit the activities of FAS and G-6-PDH, and further reduce liver TG accumulation in hamster fed on atherogenic diets.

Effect of chokeberry juice consumption on antioxidant capacity, lipids profile and endothelial function in healthy people: a pilot study

Many studies show that the consumption of juices rich in polyphenols may increase serum antioxidant capacity, improve blood lipid profile, and endothelial function. The relation between the consumption of chokeberry juice and changes in the antioxidant capacity, blood lipid profile, and endothelial function as important indicators in the assessment of cardiovascular risk were determined. The study was conducted on a group of 11 healthy volunteers, who consumed chokeberry juice for three weeks. The research included determination of serum antioxidant capacity, blood lipid profile analysis, and measurements of endothelial function. The 3-week consumption of chokeberry juice significantly increased serum antioxidant capacity, and the best results were observed just after one week of the experiment. However, there was no significant change in the blood lipid profile, except for the persons with a higher level of triglycerides, in whom the consumption of chokeberry juice reduced these compounds to normal values. The endothelial function was normal in all patients and did not significantly change during the study.

Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s primary cause of death and disability, represents a global health problem and involves a great public financial commitment in terms of both inability to work and pharmaceutical costs. CVD is characterized by a cluster of disorders, associated with complex interactions between multiple risk factors. The early identification of high cardiovascular risk subjects is one of the main targets of primary prevention in order to reduce the adverse impact of modifiable factors, from lifestyle changes to pharmacological treatments. The cardioprotective effect of food antioxidants is well known. Indeed, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables results in an increase in serum antioxidant capacity and a decrease in oxidative stress. In contrast, studies on antioxidant supplementation, even those that are numerically significant, have revealed no clear benefit in prevention and therapy of CVD. Both short- and long-term clinical trials have failed to consistently support cardioprotective effects of supplemental antioxidant intake. The aim of this review is to evaluate the antioxidant effects on the main cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes.

Tucum-Do-Cerrado (Bactris setosa Mart.) Consumption Modulates Iron Homeostasis and Prevents Iron-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Liver.

This study investigated the effect of tucum-do-cerrado consumption in the oxidative status of iron-supplemented rats. Four groups of rats were treated: Control (AIN-93G), Tuc (AIN-93G added of tucum-do-cerrado), Fe (AIN-93G iron-enriched), or TucFe (AIN-93G with tucum-do-cerrado and iron-enriched) diet, for 30 days. Iron-enriched diet increased serum, liver, spleen, and intestine iron levels; transferrin saturation; liver lipid oxidation; mRNA levels of hepatic Hamp and Bmp6, and Nrf2 in the intestine. Tucum-do-cerrado consumption reduced spleen lipid and protein oxidation; mRNA levels of hepatic Hamp and Ftl, and increased serum antioxidant capacity and hepatic mRNA levels of Bmp6, Hmox1, Nqo1, and Nrf2. TucFe diet consumption abrogated the liver Hamp iron-induced up-regulation, prevented intestinal iron accumulation; hepatic lipid peroxidation; splenic protein damage, and the increase of catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase activity in some tissues. These results suggest that tucum-do-cerrado protects tissues against oxidative damage, by reducing iron availability in liver and consequently inhibiting liver Hamp expression.

Study of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract containing anthocyanins on fatty streak formation in the renal arteries in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Background:The influence of the supplementation of pomegranate peel extract containing anthocyanins on atherosclerotic plaque formation induced by hypercholesterolemia was investigated in renal arteries in rabbits.Materials and Methods:After the determination of polyphenol and anthocyanin's content of P. granatum peel hydroalcoholic extract, 30 male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. They were fed basic diet, hypercholesterolemic diet and hypercholesterolemic diet along with P. granatum peel extract (polyphenolic content for each rabbit 1 g/kg diet) for 2 month. Blood samples were collected at the begging, middle and end of the study in order to measure lipid concentration and oxidative and antioxidative status variables, and renal arteries were taken for the assessment of atherosclerotic plaques at the end of the study.Results:The results reveal that P. granatum peel extract significantly increases serum antioxidant capacity in the extract recipient group in comparison with hypercholesterolemic control (P < 0.05). No significant differences are observed in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and in mean size of accumulated fatty streaks in renal arteries in the extract treatment group in comparison with hypercholesterolemic control (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that consumption of pomegranate peel extract containing anthocyanins (polyphenol content 1 g/kg diet) despite of a significant increase in serum antioxidant capacity cannot protect the kidneys from hypercholesterolemia-induced damages during the treatment period.

Improved lipid profile and increased serum antioxidant capacity in healthy volunteers after Sambucus ebulus L. fruit infusion consumption

This study aimed to establish the effect of Sambucus ebulus L. (SE) ripe fruit infusion on body weight, blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile and antioxidant markers in healthy volunteers in respect of its possible protective activity against cardiovascular diseases and other oxidative stress-related diseases. The study involved 21 healthy volunteers, aged between 20 and 59, BMI 23.12 ± 1.31, who consumed 200 ml SE infusion/day for a period of 30 d. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention. Significant decrease in triglycerides (14.92%), total cholesterol (15.04%) and LDL-C (24.67%) was established at the end of the study. In addition, HDL-C/LDL-C ratio increased by 42.77%. Improved serum antioxidant capacity and total thiol levels were also established. The results presented in this first human intervention study with SE fruit infusion indicate the potential of the plant to improve lipid profile and serum antioxidant capacity in humans.

Consumption of blueberries with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat breakfast decreases postprandial serum markers of oxidation

We sought to determine whether consumption of blueberries could reduce postprandial oxidation when consumed with a typical high-carbohydrate, low-fat breakfast. Participants (n 14) received each of the three treatments over 3 weeks in a cross-over design. Treatments consisted of a high blueberry dose (75 g), a low blueberry dose (35 g) and a control (ascorbic acid and sugar content matching that of the high blueberry dose). Serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), serum lipoprotein oxidation (LO) and serum ascorbate, urate and glucose were measured at fasting, and at 1, 2 and 3 h after sample consumption. The mean serum ORAC was significantly higher in the 75 g group than in the control group during the first 2 h postprandially, while serum LO lag time showed a significant trend over the 3 h for both blueberry doses. Changes in serum ascorbate, urate and glucose were not significantly different among the groups. To our knowledge, this is the first report that has demonstrated that increased serum antioxidant capacity is not attributable to the fructose or ascorbate content of blueberries. In summary, a practically consumable quantity of blueberries (75 g) can provide statistically significant oxidative protection in vivo after a high-carbohydrate, low-fat breakfast. Though not tested directly, it is likely that the effects are due to phenolic compounds, either directly or indirectly, as they are a major family of compounds in blueberries with potential bioactive activity.