Increased SOD Activity Research Articles

SOX21-AS1 modulates neuronal injury of MMP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells via targeting miR-7-5p and inhibiting IRS2

Parkinson’s disease (PD), caused by the decreased number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, is identified as the second most familiar age-dependent neurodegenerative disease to the public. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in the development of PD. In our research, the expression of lncRNA SRY-box transcription factor 21 antisense divergent transcript 1 (SOX21-AS1) was up-regulated in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MMP+)-treated SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, SOX21-AS1 depletion weakened the cell injury induced by MMP+. Moreover, SOX21-AS1 knockdown decreased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, but increased SOD activity. However, SOX21-AS1 up-regulation led to opposite results. Further, SOX21-AS1 could bind with miR-7-5p, whose overexpression relieved MMP+-induced cell injury. Additionally, insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) served as the target gene of miR-7-5p, and its expression was positively modulated by SOX21-AS1. Similarly, IRS2 knockdown also had alleviative effects on cell injury stimulated by MMP+ treatment. In sum up, our study demonstrated a new regulatory network consisted of SOX21-AS1, miR-7-5p and IRS2 in SH-SY5Y cells, supplying with a better comprehension about the pathogenic mechanism of PD.

Platycodin D Inhibits β-Amyloid-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in BV-2 Cells Via Suppressing TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease associated with deposition of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). Platycodin D (PLD), a triterpenesaponin, may possess neuro-protective effect. In the current study, we aimed to explore the effects of PLD on Aβ-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in microglial BV-2 cells. Our study showed that PLD treatment improved cell viability in Aβ-induced BV-2 cells. PLD attenuated Aβ-induced inflammation with deceased production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in Aβ-induced BV-2 cells. PLD also mitigated the oxidative stress in Aβ-induced BV-2 cells, as evidenced by deceased production of ROS and MDA, and increased SOD activity. Furthermore, the increased expression levels of TLR4 and p-p65 and decreased IκBα expression in the Aβ-stimulated BV-2 cells were attenuated by PLD treatment. Overexpression of TLR4 reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of PLD in Aβ-stimulated BV-2 cells. In addition, PLD treatment enhanced the Aβ-stimulated increase in the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 in BV-2 cells. Knockdown of Nrf2 abrogated the anti-oxidative effect of PLD in Aβ-stimulated BV-2 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that PLD protected BV-2 cells from Aβ-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Thus, PLD may be a potential candidate for the treatment of AD.

Effects of salinity on haemolymph osmolality, gill Na+/K+ ATPase and antioxidant enzyme activities in the male mud crab Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796)

ABSTRACT The mud crab Scylla olivacea is a well-known commercially and ecologically important species that inhabits intertidal mangroves. These mud crabs spend juvenile and adult stages in mangroves where they can experience daily fluctuations in salinity. They are almost certainly adapted to deal with salinity challenges. Although S. olivacea has a wide salinity tolerance, there is a lack of studies on its osmoregulatory responses. Antioxidant enzymes play crucial roles to counteract oxidative stress in various tissues of aquatic animals. However, salinity changes affecting antioxidant responses are not well studied in tropical decapod crustaceans. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the osmoregulatory and antioxidant responses of the male S. olivacea when exposed to salinity changes. Haemolymph osmolality, Na+/K+ ATPase and antioxidant enzyme activities in gills were analysed after they were exposed to various salinities. The results showed that S. olivacea is a hyper-hypoosmoregulator. The salinity had greater effects on Na+/K+ ATPase and antioxidant enzyme activities in the posterior gills than the anterior gills. Notably, the modifications of gill SOD activity were detected only in the posterior gills, which function highly in active ion uptake. These findings may imply some associations between osmoregulatory and antioxidant responses during salinity challenges. The increase in gill SOD activities be a response for coping with elevated ROS levels due to high metabolic demands for osmoregulation under salinity stress. Moreover, the crabs exhibited some modified activities of gill CAT in several salinity levels. Overall, the results demonstrated that S. olivacea were well-adapted to the salinity changes based on their osmoregulatory and antioxidant responses. These physiological adaptations may allow these crabs to disperse in some areas of mangroves. The salinity range of 15–25 psu would likely be the recommended optimal range for adult S. olivacea, which may enhance growth and minimize oxidative stress in gills of crabs, especially in aquaculture conditions.

Влияние кадаверина на редокс-гомеостаз корней проростков пшеницы и их устойчивость к повреждающему нагреву

Polyamines are plant metabolites involved in many processes under physiologically normal and stressful conditions. Cadaverine is one of the least studied plant polyamines. The relationship between its physiological effects and the formation of signaling mediators, in particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS), has hardly been specially studied. The aim of this work was to study the possible protective effect of cadaverine on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings under heat stress and its relationship with the formation and detoxification of ROS by antioxidant enzymes. Etiolated seedlings of soft winter wheat variety Doskonala were used in the work. We treated three-day-old seedlings with cadaverine at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 2.5 mM by adding it to the root incubation medium. In some variants of the experiment, we treated seedlings with a hydrogen peroxide scavenger dimethylthiourea (DMTU - 150 μM), a diamine oxidase inhibitor aminogunidine (1 mM) or an inhibitor NADPH oxidase imidazole (10 μM), as well as the indicated inhibitors in combination with cadaverine. The hydrogen peroxide content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined in the roots of seedlings a certain time after treatment with the studied compounds. One day after the treatment of seedlings with cadaverine, ROS antagonists, and a combination of effectors, the seedlings were subjected to damaging heating in a water thermostat (10 min at 45 °C). 24 h after heating, we assessed the content of the products of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the roots and, after 3 days, the survival of seedlings. Incubation in the presence of cadaverine increased the resistance of seedlings to damaging heat (See Fig. 1). The highest relative number of surviving seedlings was observed in the variant with 1 mM cadaverine treatment. Under the effect of cadaverine, the content of hydrogen peroxide in the roots increased (See Fig. 2). We observed a noticeable effect 1-4 h after the start of treatment, with a maximum after 2 h. Treatment of seedlings with a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide DMTU removed the manifestation of the effect of an increase in the content of H2 O2 in the roots caused by the action of cadaverine (See Fig. 3). This effect was also completely eliminated by the diamine oxidase inhibitor aminoguanidine and was almost unchanged in the presence of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor imidazole. The effect of heat stress on seedlings caused an increase in the content of the LPO products in them. Treatment with cadaverine markedly reduced this manifestation of oxidative stress. The antioxidant DMTU and the diamine oxidase inhibitor aminoguanidine largely neutralized the protective effect of cadaverine (See Fig. 4a). At the same time, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor imidazole had almost no effect on the manifestation of the effect of cadaverine on the LPO products content in roots. Under the influence of DMTU and aminoguanidine, but not imidazole, the positive effect of cadaverine on the survival of seedlings after damaging heating was also leveled out (See Fig. 4b). The treatment of seedlings with cadaverine caused a change in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the roots (superoxide dismutase - SOD, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase) (See Fig. 5). DMTU and aminoguanidine neutralized the effect of cadaverine-induced increase in the activity of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase, but had almost no effect on the increase in SOD activity in roots induced by this diamine (See Fig. 6). The NADPH oxidase inhibitor imidazole did not significantly affect the manifestation of the effect of increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes when seedlings are treated with cadaverine. We can conclude that one of the signaling mediators involved in the regulation activity of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase and in the induction of heat resistance of wheat seedlings by exogenous cadaverine is hydrogen peroxide, which is formed during the oxidation of cadaverine by diamine oxidase. At the same time, the modification of SOD activity in the roots of wheat seedlings with cadaverine, apparently, can occur without the participation of ROS.

Tricholoma matsutake-derived peptide WFNNAGP protects against DSS-induced colitis by ameliorating oxidative stress and intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-specific, chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine. The precise etiology and mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of IBD have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms through which the Tricholoma matsutake-derived peptide, WFNNAGP, exerts protective effects on the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model. WFNNAGP significantly attenuated colitis symptoms in mice, including weight loss, diarrhea, shortened colon, bloody stools, and histopathological changes. WFNNAGP significantly ameliorated the DSS-induced oxidative damage, showing scavenging activity against hydroxyl and DPPH radicals (23.67 ± 4.11% and 34.53 ± 2.45%), increased SOD activity (191.48 ± 4.35 U per mg prot), and decreased MDA activity (1.61 ± 0.24 nmol per mg prot). In addition, WFNNAGP improved the inflammatory response by inhibiting MPO and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and protected the barrier function by promoting the expression of occludin and ZO-1 in the colon. Western blotting showed that WFNNAGP reduced the inflammatory response by downregulating NF-κB expression and inhibiting the formation and activation of NLRP3 and caspase-1. Thus, WFNNAGP may reduce colonic inflammation in mice by enhancing oxidative defense systems and barrier function and may be a promising candidate for IBD intervention.

Tolerance to saline and alkaline stress in perennial turfgrass

The understanding of salt-alkali tolerance of each plant variety is required for their utilization and popularization. Perennial ryegrass is an important turfgrass and forage species worldwide. To understand the stress tolerance and physiological mechanisms of the variety Weinasi, we examined the effects on germination, plant growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity of this variety under different salt-alkali stresses. The results suggested that Weinasi had certain adaptability to saline stress equivalent to less than 100 mM NaCl, but high sensitivity to alkaline stress equivalent to 20 mM NaHCO3, expressed on repressed germination rate and inhibited plant growth. The negative effects of alkaline stress on the underground parts were more obvious than those on the aerial parts. This variety could resist salt-alkali stress by increasing SOD activity when growing well, but POD and CAT activities decreased gradually after different salt-alkali treatments. This result could help the guidance of precise utilization in special areas, artificial breeding and variety promotion of perennial ryegrass.

Long-Term Administration of Abacavir and Etravirine Impairs Semen Quality and Alters Redox System and Bone Metabolism in Growing Male Wistar Rats.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is used in HIV-infected patients. Alongside the prolongation of patients' life, adverse side effects associated with long-term therapy are becoming an increasing problem. Therefore, optimizing of HAART is extremely important. The study is aimed at evaluating the toxicity of abacavir and etravirine in monotherapy on the reproductive system, liver, kidneys, and bones in young, sexually mature, male rats. Thirty-six 8-week-old male Wistar rats randomized into three 12-animal groups received either normal saline (control), abacavir 60 mg/kg (AB group), or etravirine 40 mg/kg (ET group) once daily for 16 weeks. Semen morphology, oxide–redox state parameters (MDA, SOD, catalase, GPx, glutathione, GSH/GSSG ratio) in tissue homogenates (testes, liver, kidneys), and serum samples were studied. In bones, microcomputed tomography and a four-point bending test were performed. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, motility, and sperm morphology did not differ significantly in AB or ET groups compared to the control. In the flow cytometry of semen, an increased percentage of cells with denatured DNA was noticed for both tested drugs. However, no significant changes of oxide–redox state in testicular homogenates were found, except of increased SOD activity in the AB-receiving group. Additionally, ET significantly altered catalase and GPx in the liver and SOD activity in kidneys. Abacavir decreased catalase in the liver and GSH levels in kidneys. AB caused significant changes to bone microarchitecture (bone volume fraction, trabecular number, connectivity density, total porosity) and increased Young's modulus. Etravirine had a greater impact on macrometric parameters of bones (tibial index, mid-tibial diameter, femur length). After 4 weeks in the ET group, a lower 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 serum concentration was found. The results showed that abacavir and etravirine disturb oxidative stress. An increase in the percentage of sperms with chromatin damage suggests decreased fertility in rats receiving the studied drugs. Both drugs affected bone formation in growing rats. Additionally, etravirine disturbed vitamin D metabolism.

Effects of drought stress on pigment and protein contents and antioxidant enzyme activities in five varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Drought stress caused the decrease of pigment contents - chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a/b ratio, total chlorophyll content and carotenoids content of leaves of five rice varieties (var. BRRI Dhan-30, BRRI Dhan-32, BRRI Dhan-34, BRRI Dhan-38 and BRRI Dhan-56). Among five rice varieties, BRRI Dhan- 56 showed the least decrease of pigment content under stress. It caused the decrease of protein content of leaves of five rice varieties whereas BRRI Dhan-56 showed the least decrease (3.64%) of protein content under stress. On the other hand, drought stress increased CAT and SOD activities in the leaf of five varieties of rice and BRRI Dhan-56 showed the highest increase of CAT (37.67%) and SOD (94.17%) activity under stress. It may be assumed that higher antioxidant enzymes activities (CAT and SOD) and less reduction of protein content were related to the mechanisms of drought tolerance in rice. It is indicated that BRRI Dhan- 56 may be drought tolerant while BRRI Dhan-30, BRRI Dhan-32, BRRI Dhan-34 and BRRI Dhan-38 were drought sensitive rice varieties. Drought tolerant rice variety is selected based on pigment content, protein content and antioxidant enzymes activities (CAT and SOD).

Oleanolik asidin çekal ligasyon ve punksiyon ile sepsis oluşturulan ratlarda kalp hasarı üzerine etkileri

Bu çalışmada zeytin ağacı (Olea europeae) ağacının yaprağından saflaştırılan oleanolik asidin (OEA) ratlarda çekal ligasyon ve punksiyonla (CLP) indüklenen sepisisin oluşturduğu kalp hasarı üzerine etkileri incelendi. Her gruba eşit olacak şekilde 30 adet Wistar erkek rat sham, sepsis, OEA-150, OEA-300 ve CEFT olarak 5 gruba ayrıldı. Kromatografik metotlarla zeytin yaprağından saflaştırılan oleanolik asit OEA gruplarına 150 ve 300 mg/kg dozlarda oral yolla uygulandı. CEFT grubuna seftriakson 150 mg/kg dozda intraperitoneal yolla uygulandı. Uygulamadan 24 saat sonra ratlardan kan serumu ve kalp dokuları, histopatolojik, immünohistokimyasal ve biyokimyasal analizler için alındı. Yapılan histopatolojik ve immünohistokimyasal incelemede, sepsis grubunun doku tümör nekrozis faktör (TNF)- ve interlökin (IL)-1β ekspresyonlarında artış, myokartta kas liflerinde şiddetli düzeyde hyalin dejenerasyon, Zenker nekrozu ve damarlarda şiddetli düzeyde hiperemi gözlendi. OEA ve seftriakson (CEFT) sitokin ekspresyonlarında ve histopatolojik bulgularda azalma sağladı. Sepsis, doku superoksit dismutaz aktivitesini (SOD) azalttı. Ayrıca lipid peroksidasyonu (LPO) ve glutatyon (GSH) seviyeleri ile doku katalaz (KAT), serum kreatin kinaz (CK-MB) ve serum laktat dehidrojenaz (LDH) aktivitelerini önemli şekilde arttırdı. OEA ve CEFT, SOD aktivitesini önemli derecede arttırırken diğer parametrelerde belirgin düşüşe neden oldu. Bu çalışmadan elde edilen bulgular ışığında oleanolik asidin sepsis sırasında oluşan kalp dokusu hasarının azaltılmasında faydalı olabileceği düşünülmektedir.

Antioxidant Effect of Sepia pharaonis Ink Extract and Ellagic Acid on Oxidative Stress Induced by Cyclophosphamide in male Albino Rats

Objective(s): Present investigations aimed to compare the anticancer and antioxidant activities of Sepia pharaonis ink extract (SIE) and Ellagic acid (EA) to cyclophosphamide (CP). Materials and Methods: Male Wistar Albino rats were grouped into five groups, each with ten rats. Control group (Group I) received (2 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl b.w. i.p.). Group II served as CP group was received (200 mg/kg CP b.w. i.p.). Rats of groups III, IV and V received (200 mg/kg CP b.w. i.p.) and treated with SIE (200 mg/kg b.w.), EA (60 mg/kg) and SIE (200 mg/kg b.w.) + EA (60 mg/kg), respectively. GSH, CAT, SOD, NO, and MDA levels were measured in all groups' liver and renal tissues. Histopathological examinations of the liver and kidney were performed. Results: In the liver and renal tissue homogenate of CP-treated animals, there was a highly significant reduction in GSH, CAT, and SOD, as well as a striking elevation of MDA and NO. In all treated animals with SIE, EA, and SIE+EA, however, there was a substantial decrease in liver and renal MDA and NO levels with a moderate increase in GSH, CAT, and SOD activities. After CP treatment, liver and kidney tissues showed extensive necrosis, but CP+ SIE+ EA treatment revealed regeneration of some hepatocytes and kidney cells. Conclusion: SIE and EA were both successful in reducing oxidative stress caused by CP. The effect and antitumor properties of SIE and EA as antioxidants were supported by histopathological examination in this study.

Molecular hydrogen downregulates acute exhaustive exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage.

Physical exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage may be characterized by increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis which may be beneficial when exercise is regular, but it is rather harmful when exercise is exhaustive and performed acutely by unaccustomed individuals. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic agent, but its action on the deleterious effects of acute exhaustive exercise in muscle damage remain unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that H2 decreases acute exhaustive exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage of sedentary rats. Rats ran to exhaustion on a sealed treadmill inhaling an H2-containing mixture or the control gas. We measured oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, and TBARS), inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and NF-κB phosphorylation), and apoptotic (expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and HSP70) markers. Exercise caused no changes in SOD activity but increased TBARS levels. H2 caused increases in exercise-induced SOD activity and blunted exercise-induced increased TBARS levels. We observed exercise-induced TNF-α and IL-6 surges as well as NF-κB phosphorylation, which were blunted by H2. Exercise increased cleaved caspase-3 expression, and H2 reduced this response. In conclusion, H2 effectively downregulates muscle damage, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis after acute exhaustive exercise performed by an unaccustomed organism.

Investigation of mechanisms involved in seed germination enhancement, enzymatic activity and seedling growth of rice (Oryza Sativa L.) using LPDBD (Ar+Air) plasma

The study investigates the effect of LPDBD (Low Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge) (Ar + Air) plasma on seed germination, seedling growth and antioxidant enzyme activity of rice. Rice seeds were treated with LPDBD (Ar + Air) plasma for 2min, 4min, 6min, 8min and 10min. Seed germination rate, seedling growth, total chlorophyll content, enzymatic activity, total soluble sugar and protein concentration were increased in plants grown from the LPDBD (Ar + Air) plasma treated seeds. It was observed that the sprouting of seeds and the growth of seedlings of rice depends on the feed gases used to generate plasma and plasma processing time. In the case of plantlets germinated from the plasma-treated seeds of rice, the H2O2 level was increased significantly both in leaves and roots for 6min, 8min and 10min treatment respectively. No significant change was observed in Nitric Oxide (NO) concentration in seed, leaf, or root of plants grown from LPDBD (Ar + Air) plasma-treated seeds. The amount of total soluble sugar and protein increased significantly in the case of 2min, 4min, 6min, 8min and 10min seed treatment. Although plants exhibited no significant increase in APX activities, but a significant increase of CAT and SOD activity in the leaf and root was found. This study reveals that LPDBD (Ar + Air) plasma is involved in the elevation of ROS species in leaf and root of rice plants which is tightly regulated by the upregulation of CAT activity that ultimately enhances the seed germination and growth of rice plantlets.

RETRACTED: Inhibited microRNA-218-5p attenuates synovial inflammation and cartilage injury in rats with knee osteoarthritis by promoting sclerostin

In recent decades, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human diseases has been widely studied. This research is designed to explore the effect of miR-218-5p on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression in a rat model with the involvement of sclerostin (SOST). The KOA rat models were constructed by Hulth method, and then were classified into the KOA, miR-218-5p inhibitor, inhibitor negative control (NC), overexpressed (OE)-SOST, OE-NC, miR-218-5p inhibitor + si-SOST, or miR-218-5p inhibitor + si-NC group. The pathological changes of rats' synovial tissues were observed; the apoptosis in rat synovial tissues was assessed; levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2 and COX-2 in serum and synovial tissues, along with SOD and MDA contents in synovial tissues were determined. The morphological changes in cartilage tissues were observed. MMP-13 and Col II expression in cartilage tissues was assessed; expression of β-catenin and Col2A1 in cartilage tissues was assessed. miR-218-5p and SOST expression in rat knee joint tissues was assessed. KOA rats had increased miR-218-5p expression and decreased SOST expression. MiR-218-5p targeted SOST. Rats injected with miR-218-5p inhibitor and OE-SOST had alleviated pathological changes, reduced TUNEL positive cell rate, decreased serum contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, PGE2, COX-2 and MDA, and increased SOD activity in synovial tissues, alleviated pathological changes, enhanced Col II positive rate and reduced MMP-13 positive rate, decreased β-catenin expression and increased Col2A1 expression in cartilage tissues. The miR-218-5p inhibition could attenuate synovial inflammation and cartilage injury in KOA rats by promoting SOST, which may be helpful for KOA treatment.

LINC00052 ameliorates acute kidney injury by sponging miR-532-3p and activating the Wnt signaling pathway.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex renal disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have frequently been associated with AKI. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism(s) of LINC00052 in AKI. We found that LINC00052 expression was significantly decreased in AKI patient serum. In addition, in a hypoxic AKI cell model, LINC00052 expression was strongly elevated. In an I/R-triggered AKI rat model, the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA was strongly elevated. Moreover, we predicted miR-532-3p to be targeted by LINC00052 in AKI. Overexpression of LINC00052 increased hypoxia-induced inhibition of NRK-52E cell proliferation and reversed hypoxia-triggered apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that induction of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was repressed by overexpression of LINC00052. LINC00052 decreased hypoxia-induced ROS and MDA accumulation in vitro and increased SOD activity. Decreased levels of c-myc and cyclin D1 were observed in renal tissues of AKI rats. Lastly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was inactivated in NRK-52E cells experiencing hypoxia, and LINC00052 upregulation reactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by sponging miR-532-3p. Taken together, these results suggest that LINC00052 ameliorates AKI by sponging miR-532-3p and activating Wnt signaling.

The effect of iron and/or zinc diet supplementation and termination of this practice on the antioxidant status of the reproductive tissues and sperm viability in rats

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iron or/and zinc supplementation and termination of this treatment on the antioxidant defence of the male reproductive system and sperm viability in rats. MethodsThe study consisted of 3 stages: I) 4-week adaptation to the diets (C-control or D-iron deficient); II) 4-week iron and/or zinc supplementation (10-times more than in the C diet of iron: CSFe, DSFe; zinc: CSZn, DSZn; or iron and zinc: CSFeZn, DSFeZn; and III) 2-week post-supplementation period (the same diets as during stage I). Parameters of antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity and SOD, GPx, and CAT activiy), oxidative damage (lipid and protein peroxidation), and sperm viability were measured. ResultsSimultaneous iron and zinc supplementation compared to iron supplementation (CSFeZn vs CSFe) increased SOD activity in the testes and decreased the level of malondialdehyde in the epididymis after stage II, and increased the percentage of live sperm after stage III. After discontinuation of the iron and zinc supplementation and a return to the control diet, the following was observed a decrease of SOD activity in the testes and GPx activity in the epididymis, and a increase malondialdehyde concentration in prostates. After stage III, in DSFeZn vs DSFe rats, an increase of SOD and CAT activity in the epididymis was found. ConclusionZinc supplementation simultaneous with iron may protect the male reproductive system against oxidative damage induced by high doses of iron and may have a beneficial effect on sperm viability. The effect of this supplementation was observed even two weeks after the termination of the intervention.

Effect of mineral supplementation on lead bioavailability and toxicity biomarkers in sheep exposed to mining pollution

The chronic exposure of livestock to lead (Pb) pollution in historical mining areas may represent significant and unnecessary costs for farmers and primary producers, in addition to important food safety risks. Here, we evaluate the effect of mineral supplements, in the form of a commercial mineral block (MB), to reduce Pb bioavailability and toxicity in sheep through an experimental approach under real farming conditions in an abandoned mining area. Blood, fecal Pb levels, and soil ingestion, along with different blood and plasma biomarkers were studied. Experiment 1 was carried out with 3-months-old female lambs, n = 54, fenced in two contiguous MB and non-MB-supplemented plots. After 20 days of treatment, blood Pb level was lower in MB-supplemented sheep than in those that were non-MB-supplemented. Experiment 2 was carried out with 2-months-old female lambs, n = 34, fenced in a single plot and MB-supplemented during the first 20 days of experiment. After MB supplementation, blood Pb level in sheep was also reduced by almost half, falling below the threshold of subclinical intoxication, and then increased again after 20 days without MB. Experiment 3 was carried out with adult rams, n = 10, fenced in a single MB-supplemented plot during the first 20 days of experiment. In this case, blood Pb level decreased by day 40. Soil ingestion was not reduced by MB supplementation in any of the experiments. MB supplementation favored antioxidant status by increasing SOD activity and reducing GPX activity and MDA levels. In conclusion, the MB supplementation seemed to reduce Pb bioavailability by increasing its fecal excretion, but renal excretion and bone deposition may also have favored the reduction of blood Pb concentration. Mineral supplements may be a new easy-to-apply and cost-effective way to reduce livestock exposure in Pb polluted sites.

The impact of red grape juice (Vitis labrusca)consumption associated with physical training on oxidative stress, inflammatory and epigenetic modulation in healthy elderly women

The imbalance of epigenetic, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers is associated with the aging physiopathology. Then, the influence of bioactive nutritional compounds and physical training on these biomarkers has been studied, although the combination of both strategies has been not investigated. Therefore, our aim was to verify the effect of the association of physical training with red grape juice (Vitis labrusca) consumption on global histone acetylation H3 and H4 levels, oxidative stress markers and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in peripheral blood of healthy elderly women. This double-blind randomized clinical study consisted of 29 volunteers, aged 59 years and over, divided into three groups: grape juice group (GJG, n = 9); placebo and exercise group (PLEG, n = 10) and grape juice and exercise group (GJEG, n = 10). During 1 month, GJG consumed 400 ml of grape juice per day (integral and conventional), while the PLEG and GJEG groups, besides consuming juice or placebo were submitted to a concurrent physical training protocol (two times per week, 60 min / session). The volunteers were submitted to blood collections before and after the intervention for the biomarkers analysis, e.g. IL-6, histone acetylation H3 and H4, lipid oxidative damage (TBARS), proteins (Carbonyl), non-enzymatic antioxidant defense (Sulfhydryl groups) and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase). There were no statistically significant differences in the global levels of histone acetylation H3 and H4 post intervention compared to the basal period as well and between groups were found. However, PLEG and GJEG showed a remarkable reduction on IL-6 levels after intervention. We also observed an increase in Carbonyl levels, SOD activities and Sulfhydryl levels comparing before and after intervention. Considering the interaction of time and groups, a significant increase in Sulfhydryl levels only in GJG was found. The physical training protocol associated or not with grape juice consumption showed anti-inflammatory effects and an influence in the antioxidant defenses (non enzymatic and enzymatic) in elderly women. However in grape juice group, without exercise, we observed an increase in non enzymatic antioxidant defense, what could be attributed to the polyphenols content. These responses seem not to be involved with histone acetylation status.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles attenuate Cadmium Chloride induced tongue toxicity in adult male albino rats (Histological and Biochemical study)

Introduction: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal naturally present in plant food and unavoidable pollutant for many dental procedures. This metal shares in toxic peroxidation and destruction of macromolecules in different tissues, besides inhibition of DNA repair enzymes. The tongue is one of the vital organs that could be affected by chronic cadmium toxicity, especially the filiform papillae and tongue skeletal muscles due to their high metabolic activity. Aim of work: to study the possible role of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in attenuation of the structural, ultra-structural and biochemical changes in rats' tongues induced by Cadmium chloride. Materials and Methods: sixty adult male Albino rats were divided equally -according to the utilized substance- into three groups; control, Cadmium chloride (CdCl) and (CdCl+ ZnO NPs) groups; every group received the allocated materials for 4 weeks. Samples were processed for light, electron microscopic examinations and biochemical analysis (malondialdehyde; reduced glutathione; catalase; superoxide dismutase; glutathione peroxidase). Results: Cadmium produced various apparent histopathological and biochemical alterations in tongue tissues in the form of filiform papillae with blunted ends, and thick keratin plaques. Epithelial cell layers appeared with vacuolated cytoplasm and dark nuclei. Degenerated muscle fibrils with wide spaces between them and many collagen fibers. Significant decrease of tongue reduced GSH, SOD, GPx and Cat enzymes activity and significant increase in MDA level in Cadmium chloride group as compared to control group. ZnO NPs attenuated these changes and revealed pointed tipped filiform papillae, nearly normal cells and Parallel arrangements of myofibrils. The levels of reduced GSH, SOD, GPx, Cat and MDA were insignificant compared to control group. Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) attenuated the structural and biochemical changes in rats' tongues induced by Cadmium chloride.

Annona senegalensis extract demonstrates anticancer properties in N-diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in male Wistar rats

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and leading cancer around the globe. This study investigated the anticancer properties of extract of Annona senegalensis in N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) - induced hepatocellular carcinoma in male Wistar rats. MethodsRats were simultaneously induced with a combination of 100 mg/kg b.wt of DEN and 0.5 mL/kg of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally once a week for three weeks in a row. Thereafter, animals were treated with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.wt of A. senegalensis extract daily for 21days. Analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was carried out to discover the phytoconstituents contained in the n-hexane extract of A. senegelensis. The levels of liver function parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined via spectrophotometric analysis. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique was used to assess the gene expression patterns of BCL-2, P53, P21, IL-6, FNTA, VEGF, HIF, AFP, XIAP, and EGFR mRNAs. ResultsTreatment of DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma Wistar rats with the extract caused significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the activities of ALT and AST. It also resulted in a reduction of the concentration of MDA and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in SOD and GSH activities. IL-6, BCL-2, VEGF, EGFR, XIAP, FNTA, and P21 mRNAs expressions were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated after treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed that the extract improved the liver architecture. ConclusionA. senegelensis n-hexane extract demonstrates its anticancer properties by improving the liver architecture, increasing the antioxidant defense systems, downregulating the pro-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, angiogenic, alpha-fetoprotein and farnesyl transferase mRNAs expression and hitherto up-regulate the expression of tumor suppressor (P21 and P53) mRNAs.

Resistance of genetically modified wheat plants, containing a double-stranded RNA suppressor of the

Aim. Analysis of physiological and biochemical characteristics and grain productivity traits of transgenic common wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) with a double-stranded RNA suppressor of the proline dehydrogenase gene (pdh) compared to non-transgenic genotypes under conditions of soil drought. Methods. Biochemical assays: spectrophotometric measurements of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX) activity, proline dehydrogenase activity and free L-proline content; biotechnological assays: Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in planta; physiological: morphometric traits and elements of grain productivity; mathematical statistics. Results. The presence of a double-stranded RNA suppressor of the gene pdh in transgenic plants leads not only to a decrease in enzyme activity (on average 2 times compared to the nontransgenic plants), but also to an increase in the content of free L-proline both under optimal conditions and under soil drought (2.6–4.1 times). Under soil moisture defi ciency, transgenic plants with reduced pdh gene activity in terms of yield structure signifi cantly exceeded the corresponding values of grain productivity elements for the non-transformed ones. In terms of the grain weight from the main stem, the biotechnological plants under soil moisture defi ciency exceeded the control plants 1.5–1.6 times, while the number of grains did not differ signifi cantly. The grain productivity of the whole plant in the transformed lines under conditions of soil moisture defi ciency was somewhat inferior to those in the nontransformed plants grown under optimal conditions. Soil drought caused a signifi cant increase in SOD and APX activity (by 40 and 11 %, respectively) in plants of the original variety. On the contrary, the activity of both antioxidant enzymes under drought conditions in transgenic plants decreased: SOD – down to 73–76 %, APX – down to 82–86 %, compared with the variant of 70 % of fi eld capacity. Conclusions. The analysis of physiological and biochemical characteristics, as well as economic and grain productivity elements of transgenic common wheat plants with a double-stranded RNA suppressor of the proline dehydrogenase gene showed their increased tolerance to soil drought, compared with non-transgenic genotypes, which may be associated with higher proline accumulation and an increase in the antioxidant enzymes activity. Under soil moisture defi ciency, transgenic wheat plants with reduced pdh gene activity signifi cantly exceeded the corresponding values of grain productivity elements for non-transformed plants. The analysis of the antioxidant enzymes activity in the chloroplasts of transgenic plants showed that under physiological conditions, the antioxidant system works more actively in comparison with non-transgenic genotypes, which may be a prerequisite for increasing the tolerance of these plants to the infl uence of stressors of various origin. It is likely that the positive relationship between the level of free L-proline and the resistance of transgenic wheat plants to osmotic stress is associated either with the effect of L-proline on the expression of other genes of the stress-strain response of plants, or with the positive effect of the increased content of this amino acid on resistance at the early stages of stress development. It has been suggested that an increase in the antioxidant enzymes activity in biotechnological plants can be caused by the expression of heterologous genes.