Lipid Peroxidation In Kidney Research Articles

Protective effect of atorvastatin on oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats independently their lipid-lowering effects.

In the present study, we investigate the effects of atorvastatin on the lipid profile, oxidative stress, and liver enzyme markers, and its protective activity against diabetic complications, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme activities, were measured 7 weeks after the administration of STZ and atorvastatin. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), non-protein associated sulfhydryl (NP-SH), total sulfhydryl (T-SH), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured to evaluate oxidative stress. Atorvastatin was found to inhibit ALT and AST activities and to reduce FBG levels in rats with STZ-induced diabetes. Moreover, atorvastatin treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation in kidney, heart, and eye tissues (P < 0.001, for all), and resulted in a significant increase in NP-SH levels in brain tissues (P < 0.001). Total NO and nitrate levels increased significantly after atorvastatin treatment (P < 0.01). Our results revealed that atorvastatin has a protective effect against STZ-induced oxidative damage by reducing TBARS levels and increasing NP-SH levels, has a hepatoprotective effect by decreasing ALT and AST activities. It also shows the antihyperglycemic activity by lowering FBG levels.

Olea europaea leaf extract up-regulates Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling and attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rat kidney

Olive leaf extract (OLE) has potential health benefits and protects against cytotoxicity in different organs. However, nothing has yet been reported on its potential to prevent cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the possible protective effect of OLE on CP-induced kidney injury in rats, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling. Rats received 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight OLE for 15 days and a single injection of 150 mg/kg CP at day 16. CP induced kidney injury evidenced by the significantly increased serum creatinine and urea, and histopathological alterations, including glomerular atrophy, interstitial hemorrhage, dilated urinary space and necrosis. CP-induced rats exhibited increased kidney lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and up-regulated NF-κB, Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-3. OLE ameliorated kidney function markers and prevented CP-induced tissue damage. In addition, OLE significantly prevented oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis by enhancing the antioxidant defenses and Bcl-2 expression, and suppressing the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic markers NF-κB, Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-3. OLE up-regulated Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 expression in the kidney of CP-induced rats. In conclusion, OLE has a substantial protective role against CP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by up-regulating the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling, enhancing the antioxidant activity and attenuating inflammation and apoptosis.

Acute and Chronic Antihypertensive Effect of Fractions, Tiliroside and Scopoletin from Malva parviflora.

Hypertension is a disease of high prevalence and morbidity where vascular inflammation and associated oxidative stress (endothelial dysfunction) is the underlying cause of this pathology. We are reporting the antihypertensive activity of extracts and fractions of Malva parviflora in mice with chronic and acute hypertension. Also, the treatments of this plant were able to counteract the kidney inflammation and associated oxidative stress. The chronic hypertension model consisted of administration of angiotensin II (AGII) during 12 weeks, causing a sustained increase in systolic (SBP) or diastolic (DBP) pressure, with values of pharmacological constants of: ED50 = 0.038 mg/kg y Emax = 135 mmHg for SBP and ED50 = 0.046 mg/kg y Emax = 98 mmHg for DBP. The chronic hypertension caused the inflammation and lipid peroxidation in kidneys, measured by of tissue level of cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10 and malondialdehyde, and treatments for M. parviflora were able to modulate these parameters. The chemical fractionation allowed to identify three compounds: oleanolic acid, tiliroside and scopoletin, which were tested in a model of acute hypertension. The pharmacodynamic parameters for SBP were ED50 = 0.01 and 0.12 mg/kg while Emax = 33.22 and 37.74 mmHg for scopoletin and tiliroside, respectively; whereas that for DBP data were ED50 = 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg; with an Emax = 7.00 and 6.24 mmHg, in the same order. M. parviflora, is able to counteract the effect of chronic and acute administration of AGII, on hypertension, but also the inflammatory and oxidative damage in the kidney. The oleanolic acid, scopoletin and tiliroside are the compounds responsible for such activities.

The Alterations of Microvasculature, Tyrosine Phosphorylation, and Lipid Peroxidation in Kidney of Rats Treated with Valproic Acid

The Alterations of Microvasculature, Tyrosine Phosphorylation, and Lipid Peroxidation in Kidney of Rats Treated with Valproic Acid

Curcumin A Potential Antagonist Against Paracetamol Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Paracetamol can cause a life threating renal damage and there is no specific treatment for it. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the nepheroprotective effect of curcumin against paracetamol nephrotoxicity in rats through determination of kidney function parameters, minerals concentration, kidney lipid peroxidation and antioxidants. To achieve this aim, seventy adult male albino rats were divided into equal seven groups as following, Group I served as control,Group II (corn oil treated group), Group III (curcumin200 mg/kg b.wt/orally), Group IV (Curcumin 400 mg/kg b.wt/orally), Group V served as positive control (Paracetamol 500 mg/kg b.wt/orally), Group VI (Curcumin 200 mg/kg b.wt and paracetamol 500 mg/kg b.wt/orally), and Group VII (Curcumin 400 mg/kg b.w and paracetamol 500 mg/kg b.w/orally). At the end of experiment (after 30 days), blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, and histopathological analysis.

Effect of sodium benzoate on liver and kidney lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in mice

Introduction: Sodium benzoate (SB), as a chemical preservative, is used in many kinds of foodstuff. Some studies reported toxicity effects of SB in food products and suggested to limit its usage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of SB on antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of mice. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 animals were divided into four groups: Control group and three treated groups that received 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day of SB, respectively, in drinking water for 4 weeks. The malondialdehyde level, glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities of the liver and kidney were measured and the results of the treated groups were compared with those of the control group (one-way analysis of variance). Results: Results showed that SB caused histological alterations in the liver and kidney tissues. Moreover, SB significantly increased lipid peroxidation and GSH content in the kidney tissues (P < 0.05). Also, CAT activity significantly declined in the kidney (P < 0.05), without changing the SOD activity, but SB did not have any effect on the biochemical parameter of the liver tissue. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that SB caused kidney injury more than liver injury, but as a food preservative, which is consumed for a long period of life, it may cause liver damage additionally. For that reason, the excessive SB intake in the food is disturbing.

Pterostilbene administration improves the recovery potential of extremely low-frequency magnetic field in acute renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: an FTIR spectroscopic study.

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, one of the drastic outcomes of renal failure and organ transplantation, tends to deteriorate over time; therefore, noninvasive therapeutic strategies will avail the progression-free survival of the patients. Magnetic field has been proposed as a noninvasive treatment strategy; however, with recent scientific advances, many controversies have arisen regarding its efficacy. Pterostilbene, a natural analog of resveratrol, was documented to be effective in treatment of I/R injuries. This study aims to assess the acute therapeutic effects of combined extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) and pterostilbene treatment on renal I/R injury. After induction of renal I/R in Wistar rats, treatments of 50 Hz, 1 mT ELF-MF applied alone or in combination with pterostilbene were applied for 5 consecutive days. Kidney homogenates were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. I/R injury resulted in an altered protein and lipid structure with the dominance of longer acyl chains; a slight decrease in lipid, protein, unsaturated lipid, and unsaturated/saturated lipid content; and an increase in membrane fluidity and lipid peroxidation in rat kidneys. Although ELF-MF treatment alone was not sufficient to restore all ischemia-induced alterations, the combined treatment strategy of pterostilbene administration in the presence of ELF-MF was successful and warrants further investigation.

The Protective Role of Lycopene Against Oxidative Damage in the Liver, Heart and Kidney Tissues of Mice Exposed to CoCL2

Heavy metals are harmful to both the environment and human health. One of these heavy metals is cobalt. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lycopene on change of lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and heart of experimentally exposed mice with cobalt (Co). Experimental protocol: For this purpose, 30 Swiss Albino male mice of 3-4 months of age and weight ranging from 45 to 50 g were used. Mice were subdivided in to 3 groups including control, cobalt and cobalt lycopene (combined). The control group mice were given 3 mg/kg/day saline (by intramuscular injection) and 10 mg/kg/day saline (orally) for 30 days in order to achieve equality with administration to the mice in the experimental group). At the end of this process, malondialdehit (MDA), glutathione (GSH), vitamin-E and β -carotene were analyzed in the prepared homogenates. According to findings; Increase in liver MDA levels in cobalt group was significant (p &amp;lt;0.01). Additionally, it was found out that cobalt toxicities increased the level of MDA in the heart most (p&amp;lt;0,001). The level of GSH in the tissue of liver, kidney and heart of the cobalt group were lower than control and combined group (p&amp;lt;0,001). However, the kidney and the liver vitamin E level of the both control and combined group were very lower according to control group (p&amp;lt;0,001), but not important in liver (p&amp;gt;0.05). It was observed that liver and kidney β-carotene level in cobalt group was lower than control and combined group. This decrease is statistically significant in the kidney (p&amp;lt;0.05), but this decrease is statistically insignificant in the liver (p&amp;gt;0.05). As a result, increasing the antioxidant levels of GSH, vitamin E and β-carotene together with lycopene application may play an important role in preventing the negative effects of lycopene on free radicals (MDA, etc.) caused by acute cobalt oxidation

Additive effect of walnut and chokeberry on regulation of antioxidant enzyme gene expression and attenuation of lipid peroxidation in d-galactose-induced aging-mouse model

Studies have highlighted the association between the cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species and aging. The reducing sugar d-galactose causes aging-related changes and oxidative stress. Lipids are the first target of free radicals, and lipid peroxidation is related to aging. Walnut (Juglans regia Chandler) kernel contains antioxidant phenolic compounds, and chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is one of the richest sources of polyphenols, including anthocyanins, among other fruits. Polyphenols from chokeberry exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the additive antioxidative effect of walnut and chokeberry mixture was evaluated by oxidative stress index in d-galactose-induced aging model. Thirty-five Balb/c mice (8 weeks old) were divided into following five groups (n = 7 in each group): normal control (C), d-galactose control (D), d-galactose with chokeberry diet (CH), d-galactose with walnut diet (W), and d-galactose with walnut and chokeberry mixture diet (WCH). In all treatment diets groups, the levels of serum, hepatic, and kidney malonaldehyde were significantly lower than D group and the levels were approaching to control level. Moreover, the kidney malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in WCH group compared with the control group. This study also confirmed the activities of antioxidant enzymes in liver, as the levels of superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased in CH group compared to in W or CH groups. The results of this study supported the additive effect of walnut and chokeberry on increment of antioxidant enzyme gene expression in liver and consequently the attenuation of lipid peroxidation in serum, liver, and kidney in d-galactose-induced aging-mouse model. Further studies are needed to investigate the detailed mechanism underlying the additive antioxidative effects in various tissues.

The effect of different dietary zinc sources on mineral deposition and antioxidant indices in rabbit tissues

&lt;p&gt;The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dietary zinc from inorganic and organic sources on the concentration of Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe in plasma, tissues and faeces of rabbits. Simultaneously, the activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), specific Cu/Zn SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in liver and kidney were also determined. Ninety-six 49-day-old broiler rabbits were allocated to 4 dietary treatments, each replicated 6 times with 4 animals per replicate. For the subsequent 6 wk, the rabbits were fed an identical basal diet (BD) supplemented with an equivalent dose of Zn (100 mg/kg) from different sources. Group 1 (control) received the unsupplemented BD, while the BD for groups 2, 3 and 4 was supplemented with Zn from Zn sulphate, Zn chelate of glycine hydrate (Zn-Gly) and Zn chelate of protein hydrolysate (Zn-Pro), respectively. The intake of dietary Zn sulphate resulted in an increase in Zn plasma concentration (1.85 vs. 1.48 mg/L; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05) compared to the control group. Feeding the diets enriched with Zn increased the deposition of Zn in the liver (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05), irrespective of the Zn source. The addition of Zn-Pro resulted in significantly higher Cu uptake in liver (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05) than in the control and Zn sulphate group (56.0 vs. 35.0 and 36.7 mg/kg dry matter (DM), respectively). Neither Mn nor Fe concentration in plasma and tissues were affected by dietary Zn supplementation, with the exception of Fe deposition in muscle, which was significantly decreased (&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05) in rabbits supplemented with inorganic Zn sulphate compared to control and Zn-Gly group (9.8 vs. 13.3 and 12.2 mg/kg DM, respectively). Intake of organic Zn-Gly significantly increased the activities of total SOD (43.9 vs. 35.9 U/mg protein; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05) and Cu/Zn SOD (31.1 vs. 23.8 U/mg protein; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.01) as well as TAC (37.8 vs. 31.2 μmol/g protein; &lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&amp;lt;0.05) in the kidney when compared to that of the control group. The presented results did not indicate any differences between dietary Zn sources in Zn deposition and measured antioxidant indices in rabbit tissues. Higher dietary Zn intake did not cause any interactions with respect to Mn, Cu and Fe deposition in liver and kidney tissues, but did increase the faecal mineral concentrations. Dietary organic Zn-Gly improved the antioxidant status in rabbit kidney.&lt;/p&gt;

Tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic agent, reduces cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most potent anti-cancer drugs used against different types of cancer. Its use is limited due to its nephrotoxicity. This study is aimed to evaluate the role of a super oxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic agent, tempol, in protection against CP nephrotoxicity in rats. Animals were divided into four groups: Group-1: Normal control group, Group-2: CP group (single dose of CP 6 mg/kg, i.p.), Group-3 and Group-4: Tempol-treated groups (50 mg/kg p.o. and 100 mg/kg p.o. respectively) daily for a week before CP injection and continued for an additional four days after CP injection. Urine and blood samples were collected for the evaluation of kidney function including serum creatinine, BUN, cystatin-c, and creatinine clearance. In addition, western blotting was used to determine urine lipocalin-2 content. Furthermore, kidney tissue was collected for the determination of oxidative stress markers, caspase-3 expression, and histopathological examination. We noticed that both doses of tempol significantly improved kidney function, which was deteriorated by CP injection. Tempol significantly elevated kidney glutathione (GSH) content and SOD activity, and decreased kidney lipid peroxidation and NOx production. Tempol also significantly decreased kidney caspase-3 expression which was elevated by CP toxicity. Thus, we conclude that tempol can protect against CP nephrotoxicity. We noticed that both doses of tempol are effective in ameliorating CP-nephrotoxicity.

Therapeutic efficacy of zingerone against vancomycin-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and aquaporin 1 permeability in rat kidney.

Vancomycin (VCM) is a glycopeptidic broad-spectrum antibiotic against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, though it has some adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity, that limit its usefulness. Zingerone (ZO), a component of dry ginger root, has several pharmacological activities due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of ZO against VCM-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and kidney aquaporin 1 (AQP1) levels in rats. Intraperitoneal administration of VCM (200 mg/kg body weight) for seven days increased kidney lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, including kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). VCM increased serum creatinine and urea levels and induced histopathological changes while causing a decrease in AQP1 protein level. VCM also increased the levels of the inflammatory markers nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), B-cell lymphoma-3(Bcl-3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-33 (IL-33), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, it activated the apoptotic pathway by increasing the expression levels of p53, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cysteine aspartate specific protease-3 (caspase-3) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which is a marker of oxidative DNA damage. Treatment with ZO (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) at both doses prevented nephrotoxicity by ameliorating the histopathological alterations, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative DNA damage and renal AQP1 levels. The findings of the present study suggested that ZO attenuates VCM-induced nephrotoxicity.

Tissue Trace Elements and Lipid Peroxidation in Breeding Female Bank Voles Myodes glareolus

Recent studies have demonstrated that reproduction reduces oxidative damage in various tissues of small mammal females. The present work was designed to determine whether the reduction of oxidative stress in reproductive bank vole females was associated with changes in tissue trace elements (iron, copper, zinc) that play an essential role in the production of reactive oxygen species. Lipid peroxidation (a marker of oxidative stress) and iron concentration in liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscles of reproducing bank vole females that weaned one litter were significantly lower than in non-reproducing females; linear regression analysis confirmed a positive relation between the tissue iron and lipid peroxidation. The concentrations of copper were significantly lower only in skeletal muscles of reproductive females and correlated positively with lipid peroxidation. No changes in tissue zinc were found in breeding females when compared with non-breeding animals. These data indicate that decreases in tissue iron and copper concentrations may be responsible for the reduction of oxidative stress in reproductive bank vole females.

Protective effects of Mentha piperita L. leaf essential oil against CCl4 induced hepatic oxidative damage and renal failure in rats

BackgroundMentha piperita L. is a flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Mentha plants constitute one of the main valuable sources of essential oil used in foods and for medicinal purposes.MethodsThe present study aimed to investigate the composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of Mentha piperita leaf essential oil (MpEO). A single dose of CCl4 was used to induce oxidative stress in rats, which was demonstrated by a significant rise of serum enzyme markers. MpEO was administrated for 7 consecutive days (5, 15, 40 mg/kg body weight) to Wistar rats prior to CCl4 treatment and the effects on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and γ -glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) levels, as well as the liver and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were evaluated. In addition, histopathological examinations of livers and kidneys was performed.ResultsThe in vitro antioxidant activity of MpEO was lower than that of silymarin. Pretreatment of animals with MpEO at a dose of 5 mg/kg did not have a significant effect on ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γGT, urea or creatinine levels in CCl4-induced stress. Whereas pretreatment with MpEO at doses of 15 and 40 mg/kg prior to CCl4, significantly reduced stress parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γGT, urea and creatinine) compared to the CCl4-only group. Moreover, a significant reduction in hepatic and kidney lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and an increase in antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx was also observed after treatment with MpEO (40 mg/kg) compared to CCl4-treated rats. Furthermore, pretreatment with MpEO at 40 mg/kg can also markedly ameliorate the histopathological hepatic and kidney lesions induced by administration of CCl4.ConclusionsWe could demonstrate with this study that MpEO protects liver and kidney from CCl4-induced oxidative stress and thus substantiate the beneficial effects attributed traditionally to this plant.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Brillantasia patula&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Aqueous Leaf Extract Averts Hyperglycermia, Lipid Peroxidation, and Alterations in Hematological Parameters in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The protective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Brillantasia patula against hyperglycermia, lipid peroxidation, and alterations in hematological parameters in diabetic Wistar rats were investigated. The study consisted of six treatment groups, with five animals each, designated as Group-1 (healthy), Group-2 (diabetic control) and Groups 3-6 (diabetic rats treated with 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kgbwt of extract, respectively). Rats were administered their respective doses orally, and daily, for 14 days. Thereafter, the effects on serum glucose levels, liver and kidney functions, lipid peroxidation, free radical scavenger and hematological parameters were analyzed. Blood glucose levels reduced markedly in diabetic rats given the plant extract relative to diabetic control. Both serum creatinine and urea decreased significantly in treated diabetic rats at extract doses of 1000 mg/kgbwt and above. Reductions in serum cholesterol (p<0.05) and triglyceride levels (p<0.05) were also observed. Elevated total serum protein and globulin in diabetic control was decreased in all treated groups. Haematological indices of groups given the extract were noticeably enhanced. Similarly, kidney, heart and liver glutathione (GSH) levels increased significantly in groups treated compared to diabetic control; lipid peroxidation in kidney and heart also decreased significantly in all the treated groups. Liver catalase activity improved. Serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases activities widely lowered in Groups 3 and 4. The study indicates that Brillantaisia patula aqueous leaf extract exhibits potential hypoglycemic effect, prevents lipid peroxidation, boosts haematological parameters, and could protect liver and renal damage associated with diabetes especially at doses of 500 - 1000 mg/kgbwt.

Taxifolin possesses anti-cancer activity on the 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-Induced breast cancer in the sprague dawley rats by remodeling nuclear factor Erythroid 2- Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Heme Oxygenase 1 and anti-oxidant pathways

Background: In mammary cancer, alterations in various gene expressions and signaling pathways occurs due to the secondary effects of oxidative stress that facilitates cancer by causing genomic instability and mutagenic alterations. Several phenolic compounds are active against various malignancies. Taxifolin (TAX) exhibits diverse bioactivity profile that also contributes toward its anticancer efficacy. Objective: The present study has been designed for estimation of the anticancer potential of TAX on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking analysis of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was carried out using Maestro tool to rationalize the activity of TAX based on their binding potential. This was followed by DMBA administration in air pouch to induce mammary cancer in female SD rats (50–55 days old). After 90 days of cancer induction, the chemotherapeutic potential of TAX was evaluated by the administration of TAX at doses 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day. Besides this, the effect of TAX on Keap-1-nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2) pathway associated with HO-1 and NADPH:quinoneoxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expressions and their effect on the anti-oxidative and anti-proliferative activity was also evaluated through immunofluorescence analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and biochemical estimations. Results: TAX revealed protective effect against lipid peroxidation, enzymatic (superoxide dismutase [SOD], manganese-containing SOD, copper- and zinc-containing SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and nonenzymatic (reduced glutathione, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid) anti-oxidative markers in serum, liver, kidney, and breast tissue of both control and experimental groups. The study revealed upregulation of protective Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO1 expressions with consequent suppression in Keap-1 mRNA expression. Conclusion: This study revealed the potency of TAX in the inhibition of mammary carcinogenesis through Nrf-2-Keap-1-HO-1 and antioxidant pathway. Abbreviations used: RT-qPCR: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; ODC: Ornithin decarboxylase; HO-1; Heme oxygenase-1; PAHs: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons; TBARS: Thiobarbituric acid reactive species; NQO1: NADPH:quinoneoxidoreductase 1; Keap-1: Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1; Nrf2: Nuclear factor erythroid 2; SD: Sprague Dawley.

Evaluation of phenolic compounds and lipid-lowering effect of Morus nigra leaves extract.

Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) is a tree known as black mulberry and the leaves are used in folk medicine in the treatment of diabetes, high cholesterol and menopause symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the M. nigra leaves phytochemical profile in different extractions and the hypolipidemic effect of the infusion comparing to the fenofibrate. Morus nigra infusion (MN) showed higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids (83.85 mg/g and 79.96 µg/g, respectively), as well as antioxidant activity (83.85%) than decoction or hydromethanolic extracts. Although, decoction showed the best result for ascorbic acid (4.35 mg/100 g) than hydromethanolic or infusion (2.51 or 2.13 mg/100 g, respectively). The phenolic acids gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic and the flavonoids quercetin, rutin and catechin were found in the M. nigra extracts. Hyperlipidemic rats treated with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of MN decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides and normalized lipoproteins. Furthermore, MN inhibited lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and brain of hyperlipidemic rats. This study provides evidence that M. nigra leaves extracts are rich in polyphenols, mainly chlorogenic acid, which normalized hyperlipidemic disturbance. The results suggest a potential therapeutic effect of the M. nigra leaves infusion on dislipidemic condition and related oxidative stress.

Protective effect of Schisandra chinensis bee pollen extract on liver and kidney injury induced by cisplatin in rats

Cisplatin (CP) has been used to cure numerous forms of cancers effectively in clinics, however, it could induce some toxic effects. Bee pollen is a natural compound, produced by honey bees. It is obtained from collected flower pollen and nectar, mixed with bee saliva. Bee pollen produced from Schisandra chinensis plants is described to exert potent antioxidant effects and to be a free radical scavenger. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of therapeutic treatment with Schisandra chinensis bee pollen extract (SCBPE) on liver and kidney injury induced by CP. The rats were intragastrically administrated with different doses of SCBPE (400mg/kg/day, 800mg/kg/day, 1200mg/kg/day) and vitamin C (400mg/kg/day, positive control group) for 12days, and the liver and kidney injury models were established by single intraperitoneal injection of CP (8mg/kg) at seventh day. The effect of SCBPE on CP toxicity was evaluated by measuring markers of liver and kidney injury in serum, levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in liver and kidney, observing pathological changes of tissue, and quantified expression of NFκB, IL-1β, IL-6, cytochrome C, caspase3, caspase9, p53 and Bax in liver and kidney. Compared with the model group, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the content of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) in serum all decreased in SCBPE high dose group. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver and kidney increased, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) decreased. In addition, the histopathologic aspects showed that the pathological changes of liver and kidney were found in the model group, and SCBPE group reduced to varying degrees. Moreover, the expression of NFκB, IL-1β, IL-6, cytochrome C, caspase3, caspase9, p53 and Bax in liver and kidney decreased. Therefore, SCBPE could reduce the damage of liver and kidney caused by CP by reducing the level of oxidative stress, and improving the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic capacity of the body.

Responses of immune organs after single-dose exposure to phenanthrene in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus): CYP1A induction and oxidative stress

The effect of phenanthrene (Phe) on induction of ethoxyresorufinO-deethylase (EROD) activity and oxidative stress was examined in immune organs of yellowfin seabream Acanthopagrus latus. Fish were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection at 2, 20, or 40 mg kg−1. The Phe concentration in spleen, EROD activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, ascorbic acid (AsA), total glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and protein carbonylation (PC) levels in spleen and head kidney were assessed at one, four, seven, and 14 days post-injection. Dose response relationship was explored for data on day four. Phe concentration reached the highest observed level on day four, showed decline on day seven, and was undetectable at the end of trial. EROD activity in both organs followed the pattern of Phe level in all treated groups. Catalase and SOD activity at low Phe concentrations was significantly higher than controls, while LPO and PC level showed no differences from controls. In contrast, at 20 and 40 mg kg−1, CAT and SOD activity, an indicator of oxidative stress, was significantly lower than in untreated controls, while AsA, GSH, LPO, and PC levels were higher on days 4 and 7. No parameter of any treatment group in either organ tissue showed difference from control values at the end of the experiment. The SOD and CAT activity in both organs exhibited a biphasic (initial stimulatory effect) effect, whereas other parameters showed a monophasic effect in terms of dose-response. Results suggest that Phe induced CYP1A and antioxidant responses in immune organs.

Oxidative imbalance and kidney damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats: activation of extrinsic apoptotic pathways.

In both humans and animals, essential hypertension acts as a risk factor for subclinical kidney damage and precedes renal dysfunction. Several lines of evidence indicate that hypertension and oxidative stress are closely related. The increase in vascular oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiological consequences of hypertension, including kidney disease. Our study examined this issue in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), a reliable model of essential hypertension. We used SHR 20 weeks old when hypertension is stably developed, vascular remodeling started, but kidney function is preserved. We examined plasmatic pro-oxidant and antioxidant status showing a significant alteration in oxidative balance in SHR. As index of oxidative damage, we evaluated lipid peroxidation in kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle, detecting a significant rise in lipid peroxidation levels in all SHR tissues, particularly relevant in kidney. In addition, we analyzed the expression of cytoplasmic antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutatione S-tranferasi P1 (GSTP1). In SHR liver, SOD1 expression slight increased while we have not detected any variation in other tissues. Concerning GSTP1, SHR renal tissues did not display variations in enzyme expression, while in the other tissues, we observed a significant increase in both monomeric and pro-apoptotic dimeric form of the enzyme. By analyzing apoptotic signal, we founded c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in all SHR tissues, but only kidney presented extrinsic apoptotic pathway activation. Our results suggest that, in hypertensive animals with preserved renal function, despite the remarkable oxidative damage of renal tissues, only the extrinsic apoptotic pathway is activated.