Levels Of Antioxidant Enzymes Research Articles

Remedial Effects of Cydonia oblonga Miller (quince) Extract and Powder on Enhancing the Anemia and Levels of Antioxidant Enzymes in the Blood Serum of Rats

Remedial Effects of Cydonia oblonga Miller (quince) Extract and Powder on Enhancing the Anemia and Levels of Antioxidant Enzymes in the Blood Serum of Rats

Antioxidant defense of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: Association with disease severity.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing, chronic cutaneous inflammatory disease with onset, in general, in early childhood. Chronic skin inflammation is associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense, results in tissue inflammation due to the upregulation of genes that encode inflammatory cytokines. This condition plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. To compare the antioxidant defense in children and adolescents with AD with that of healthy individuals and to verify the association of antioxidant defense with disease severity and nutritional status. Cross-sectional study that evaluated 48 children and adolescents with AD and 25 controls for nutritional assessment (body mass index z score [BMIZ] and height for age z score [HAZ]) and levels of vitamins A, C, E, and D, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 33 (IL-33). There was no significant difference in the comparison between AD and control groups for serum levels of vitamins (A, D, C, and E), copper, and antioxidant enzymes. Serum zinc levels were higher in the AD group (β = 24.20; 95% CI 13.95-34.91; P < 0.001) even after adjusting the BMIZ, HAZ, gender, IL-33, and CRP. Children and adolescents with moderate or severe AD compared to mild AD (SCORAD - 36.7±17.4 vs 11.8 ± 3.9; P < 0.001) had lower values of the vitamin E/total lipid ratio (3.68 [0.29;12.63] vs 5.92 [3.27;17.37]; P = 0.013). Children and adolescents with AD had higher concentrations OF elevated levels of zinc compared to controls, a fact not observed for other biomarkers of antioxidant defense. AD in moderate or severe forms presented lower concentrations of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant fat soluble.

Stilbenes-enriched peanut sprouts alleviated physical fatigue via regulating interactions of nutrients-microbiota-metabolites revealed by multi-omics analysis.

In this study, the antifatigue effect and mechanism of peanut sprouts were explored. BALB/c mice divided into three groups (control, dark and UV-C) were respectively supplemented with a normal diet, peanut sprouts (dark germination) added diet and stilbenes-enriched peanut sprouts (UV-C radiated germination) added diet. Results showed that swimming time and levels of blood glucose and antioxidant enzymes significantly increased, while contents of triglyceride and malondialdehyde notably decreased by peanut sprout supplementation. Besides, combined analysis of gut microbiota gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics of fecal metabolites revealed that peanut sprout supplementation up-regulated abundances and metabolic transformations of Catenibacillus, Odoribacter, Prevotellaceae-UCG-001 and Butyricicoccus while it down-regulated the abundance of Parabacteroides. Consequently, contents of sebacic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, heptanoic acid, pimelic acid, aminoadipic acid and mono-phenolics notably increased, which were markedly correlated with the antifatigue effect. Compared with the dark group, the swimming time, glutathione peroxidase activity, methylmalonylcarnitine content and abundances of Butyricicoccus, Catenibacillus and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 were higher in the UV-C group, while opposite results were obtained for the levels of triglyceride, malondialdehyde, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, 10Z-heptadecenoic acid and palmitelaidic acid. Overall, peanut sprout supplementation could alleviate fatigue by modulating gut microbiota composition to promote fatty acid oxidation and lysine and stilbene catabolism to increase energy supply and regulate redox balance. UV-C-radiated peanut sprout supplementation could alleviate fatigue more effectively by up-regulating abundances of Butyricicoccus, Catenibacillus and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 to promote long-chain fatty acid oxidation and catabolism of flavonoids and stilbenes efficiently.

The protective effect of Thai rice bran on N-acetyl-ρ-aminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Background and purpose: N-acetyl-ρ-aminophen (APAP) is a widely used medication with analgesic and antipyretic characteristics. High paracetamol doses can damage the liver. Thai-pigmented rice may treat numerous liver disorders due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glutathione-restoring capabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic components in three Thai rice bran extracts and their antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in an animal model. Experimental approach: Fifty male mice were randomly assigned to the control and APAP studies. Each study was divided into 5 groups (n = 5) treated with distilled water, Hom Mali, Hang-Ngok, and Hom Nil (HN) rice compared with N-acetylcysteine with/without 60 mg/kg/day of APAP orally once a day for two weeks. Blood and liver sampling were collected for analysis. Findings/Results: HN rice bran exhibited higher contents of total phenolic, total flavonoid, total anthocyanin, ferric-reducing antioxidant, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activities than Hom Mali and Hang-Ngok. Anthocyanin was merely detected in HN. Following APAP administration, mice exhibited significant increases in hepatic enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)), and malondialdehyde (MDA), but lower levels of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione profiles. Amongst the three cultivars, HN rice was the only compound that decreased MDA, ALT, AST, TNF-α, and IL-6 while increasing antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase that was very close to that of N-acetylcysteine groups. Conclusion and implications: Given the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, HN has the potential to be used as a health supplement.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia activation and ameliorates neuroinflammation-mediated behavioral deficits in mice

Objective: To investigate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare extract against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation in vitro as well as cognitive behavioral deficits in mice. Methods: LPS-activated BV-2 cell viability was measured using MTT assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied using DCF-DA assay. The antioxidative enzymes and pro-inflammatory mediators were analyzed using respective ELISA kits and Western blotting. For in vivo testing, LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was given daily for five days in male Swiss albino mice to produce chronic neuroinflammation. Cognitive and behavioral tests were performed using open-field, passive avoidance, and rotarod experiments in LPS-induced mice. Results: Foeniculum vulgare extract (25, 50 and 100 μg/mL) significantly attenuated the LPS-activated increase in nitric oxide (NO), ROS, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible NO synthase, IL-6, and TNF-alpha (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, LPS-induced oxidative stress and reduced antioxidative enzyme levels were significantly improved by Foeniculum vulgare extract (P &lt; 0.05). The extract also regulated the NF-κB/MAPK signaling in BV-2 cells. In an in vivo study, Foeniculum vulgare extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) markedly mitigated the LPS-induced cognitive and locomotor impairments in mice. The fingerprinting analysis showed distinctive peaks with rutin, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and anethole as identifiable compounds. Conclusions: Foeniculum vulgare extract can ameliorate LPS-stimulated neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells and improve cognitive and locomotor performance in LPS-administered mice.

Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats.

This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, β-carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.

Preclinical Evaluation of Nerolidol’s Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Potential

Background: Due to the potential negative effects of artificial food additives on health and the recent surge in consumer awareness of the issue, natural goods are becoming more and more popular in diets. Objective: The main objective of the current study is the evaluation of the protective effect and antioxidant role of Nerolidol against alloxan-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Method: The present experiment was designed as Group I (control), Group II (Alloxan monohydrate, 120 mg/kg i.p), Group III (Ascorbic acid 250 mg/kg p.o), Group IV (Nerolidol 100 mg/kg p.o), Group V (Nerolidol 200 mg/kg p.o), Group VI (Nerolidol 300 mg/kg p.o). Alloxan was given to all groups excluding control group in order to induce hepatorenal toxicity. The groups III, IV, V and VI received the Standard Ascorbic acid and Nerolidol after 72 hrs. of alloxan administration for consecutive 14 days. The protective roles and antioxidant activity of Nerolidol against Alloxan induced oxidative stress and hepatorenal toxicity were evaluated by histopathological changes, measuring hepatic and renal damage biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) parameters in the liver and kidney tissues of rats. Result and Conclusion: The biochemical analysis showed a decrease in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH enzymes, total protein, creatinine, bilirubin, and urea in group III and test groups compared to that of group II. Nerolidol also restored the Alloxan-induced MDA and antioxidant enzyme level to control. Hepatorenal protection of Nerolidol was confirmed by almost normal histological findings in test groups.

Evaluation of Testicular Function and Structural Changes of Wistar Rats Following Antiretroviral Exposure: Protective Role of Cyperus Esculentus.

Long-term antiretroviral drug toxicity may exacerbate the impact of HAART-Cyperus esculentus (C. esculentus) interactions on testicular function in HIV-infected individuals. This study examined the ability of C. esculentus plants to treat testicular dysfunction, which is thought to be a probable side effect of antiretroviral toxicity. Adult Wistar male rats weighing 90-110 g were divided into six groups and administered the prescribed treatments. In addition to testicular histology and stereological parameters, testosterone levels, follicle-stimulating hormone levels, antioxidant markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione levels were also evaluated. The adverse consequences of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) include considerable loss of germ cells, enlargement of the tubular lumen, widening of interstitial gaps, and severe hypocellularity. Compared to the other treatment groups, MDA levels dramatically increased, whereas GSH and antioxidant enzyme (SOD) levels significantly decreased. Testicular architecture was largely conserved after treatment with C. esculentus, with a notable increase in the cellular densities of germinal and interstitial cells and a notable decrease in the tubular lumen. Vacuolation, architectural malformations, and hypoplastic changes were reduced. Significant improvements were also observed in C. esculentus in terms of elevated antioxidant SOD and GSH levels and decreased MDA levels. C. esculentus reduced architectural distortions and testicular dysfunction caused by HAART, and improved testicular morphology. Further exploration of these pathways is required.

Brain antioxidant status and gene expressions of nicotinic and dopamine receptors are improved by black seed oil administration in cigarette smoke or nicotine vapour-exposed rats.

Smoking is associated with dysregulation of the antioxidant system and addiction. This study sought to ascertain the effect of Nigella Sativa (NS) oil on the antioxidant system, nicotine/tobacco addiction as well as the expressions of α4β2 nicotinic (nAChR) and dopamine type-2 (DRD2) receptors in selected brain regions of the rat. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups comprising of vehicle-treated control, NS oil only, Smoke only, Smoke + NS oil, Nicotine only and Nicotine + NS oil. Animals were passively exposed to cigarette smoke or nicotine vapour for 12 weeks, however, NS oil treatment commenced from 9th-12th week of the experimental duration. Nicotine vapour and cigarette smoke-induced increase in cotinine level were significantly ameliorated by NS treatment. Cigarette smoke or nicotine vapour exposure significantly (p<0.05) decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes while increasing malondialdehyde level in the brain homogenates of the rats. Administration of NS oil significantly (p<0.05) reversed the reduced antioxidant level. Cigarette-smoke also significantly increased α4-nAChR expression in the frontal cortex and olfactory bulb compared to control. Nicotine vapour significantly increased DRD2 expression only in the olfactory cortex. NS oil administration reduced both the cigarette-smoke-induced increase in α4-nAChR and nicotine vapour-induced increase in DRD2 gene expression only in the olfactory cortex. Findings from this study suggest that NS oil improves brain antioxidant status while ameliorating nicotine vapour and cigarette smoke addiction through down-regulation of α4-nAChR and DRD2 gene expressions in discrete brain regions in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOnps) from Piper betel leaf extract: spectral characterization and its application on plant growth parameters in maize, fenugreek and red gram

ABSTRACT Zinc oxide nano-particles (ZnONPs) were synthesized by the aqueous extract of the betel leaf and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD analysis, Zeta potential and SEM studies. The ZnONPs had spherical to irregular shapes ranging from 45.8 to 68 nm with a zeta potential of −22.2 mV. The biogenic ZnONPs are used for plant growth properties in maize and fenugreek. The ZnONPs had more than two to three-fold increase in the plant root, height and yield in the plants. Further, the ZnONPs had no significant changes in levels of antioxidant enzymes in the treated plants but slightly reduced the biofertilizers in the plant rhizospheres and no significant changes in the nodulation of Rhizobium spp. Therefore, the biogenic ZnONPs synthesized exhibited excellent nano-fertilizers in non-nitrogen fixing (maize) and nitrogen-fixing plants (Fenugreek and Red Gram) with multiple modes of fertilization in soil and plants.

Phyllanthus emblica L. polysaccharides ameliorate colitis via microbiota modulation and dual inhibition of the RAGE/NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways in rats

Pharmacological treatments for colitis have limited efficacy and side effects. Plant polysaccharides improve colitis by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the specific benefits of Phyllanthus emblica L. polysaccharides (PEPs) in colitis remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the physical characteristics and health advantages of PEP in rats subjected to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) treatment. The results showed that PEP (1.226 × 103 kDa) was an α-acidic pyran heteropolysaccharide rich in galactose and galacturonic acid. Prefeeding rats with PEP significantly decreased the levels of NO, MDA, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), apoptosis, and the activities of mucinase and β-glucuronidase. These changes were accompanied by increases in the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx) in colitis rats. Mechanistically, PEP suppressed the abundance of inflammatory-related bacteria (Bacteroides, Intestinimonas, and Parabacteroides) while promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Romboutsia, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Lactobacillus), along with an increase in SCFA secretion. SCFAs may engage with the GPR43 receptor and inhibit downstream HDAC3, consequently downregulating the activation of the RAGE/NF-κB and MAPK pathways. In conclusion, PEP demonstrated preventive effects through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota modulation properties, thereby ameliorating TNBS-induced colitis in rats.

Chemoprevention of DMH Induced Colon Carcinogenesis by Combination Administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Calcium and Moringa oleifera Leaves Extract

Colon cancer has become one of the most prevalent and deadliest type of cancer in the globe in recent years. In order to prevent colon cancer triggered by DMH (1,2-dimethyl hydrazine hydrochloride), this study was to investigate the potential chemopreventive effects of calcium citrate, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into 10 different groups and received subcutaneous injections of DMH (30 mg/kg) for 8 weeks of duration. Treatment groups were served for 4 weeks, 5-Flurouracil (20 mg/kg) was dosed with two intraperitoneal injections in a week and. L. acidophilus (1 × 109 cfu/kg p.o.), calcium citrate (2 mg/kg p.o.) and hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) were used for daily. All animals were killed after the completion of treatment, and colonic tissues were assessed for biochemical and histopathological parameters. DMH treatment-induced cellular and systemic oxidative stress results in depletion of cellular antioxidant enzyme levels with an alteration in hematological counts. The colonic tissues had a loose histoarchitecture with severe cellular infiltration, edema in the epithelium, and a moderate nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, goblet cells. Combination treatments of L. acidophilus (LA), Calcium citrate (CC), and hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves (ME) showed positive improvements in antioxidant enzyme levels, hematology count, and colonic tissue histoarchitecture. From outcomes of the present work concluded that a combination treatment of L. acidophilus, calcium citrate and a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves showed chemo-preventive effects against colon cancer triggered by DMH.

ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF CALLUS CULTURE AND NATIVE PLANTS OF POTATO UNDER VIRAL INFECTION CONDITIONS

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a vital tuberous crop consumed around the globe following rice, wheat, and maize. The biotic factors, such as fungi, viruses, bacteria, and viroid infections, significantly impact the potato plant's metabolism, altering its physiological, biochemical, and intermolecular reactions to these stress factors. To investigate the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes (AOEs) in the oxidative stress of potato plants and assess their resistance levels to viral infections, callus culture is often employed as a primary model. This study examines the activity profiles of AOEs, specifically peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in two entities – potato callus tissue and native plants – under potato virus X (PVX) virus infection conditions. The research results demonstrate distinct AOE profiles in callus tissues and leaves of infected potato plants. The POD activity in callus tissue is over 50% higher on the 3 dpi compared to plant leaves. The dynamics of increased AOE activity follow a pattern, peaking on the 3 dpi and declining by the 7 dpi. CAT activity remains consistent until the 7 dpi across all five studied varieties. SOD activity as the primary enzyme in hydrogen peroxide deactivation, increases by 16-42% post infection. The AOE activity exhibits a consistent pattern during PVX virus infection in callus and leaf tissues, with the preinfection activity level being over 100 units/gram dry weight lower in callus tissue than in leaf tissue. Moreover, the nature of increased activity differs between the two entities.

Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin, a Bioactive Compound of Turmeric, in Prevention of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes through the Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

This study evaluates the anti-diabetic potential and underlying mechanisms of curcumin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, negative control (diabetic group), diabetic group receiving glibenclamide (positive control group), and curcumin plus STZ (treatment group). The anti-diabetic activities of curcumin were examined at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight through physiological, biochemical, and histopathological analysis. Compared to the normal control group rats, elevated levels of glucose, creatinine, urea, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) and low levels of insulin were found in the negative control rats. Curcumin treatment showed a significant decrease in these parameters and an increase in insulin level as compared to negative control rats. In negative control rats, a reduced level of antioxidant enzymes and an increased level of lipid peroxidation and inflammatory marker levels were noticed. Oral administration of curcumin significantly ameliorated such changes. From histopathological findings, it was noted that diabetic rats showed changes in the kidney tissue architecture, including the infiltration of inflammatory cells, congestion, and fibrosis, while oral administration of curcumin significantly reduced these changes. Expression of IL-6 and TNF-α protein was high in diabetic rats as compared to the curcumin treatment groups. Hence, based on biochemical and histopathological findings, this study delivers a scientific suggestion that curcumin could be a suitable remedy in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Sesamin mitigates lead-induced behavioral deficits in male rats: The role of oxidative stress

Lead (Pb) is a well-known toxic pollutant that has negative effects on behavioral functions. Sesamin, a phytonutrient of the lignan class, has shown neuroprotective effects in various neurological disorder models. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the putative protective effects of sesamin against Pb-induced behavioral deficits and to identify the role of oxidative stress in male rats. The rats were exposed to 500 ppm of Pb acetate in their drinking water and simultaneously treated orally with sesamin at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for eight consecutive weeks. Standard behavioral paradigms were used to assess the behavioral functions of the animals during the eighth week of the study. Subsequently, oxidative stress factors were evaluated in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampal regions of the rats. The results of this study showed that Pb exposure triggered anxiety-/depression-like behaviors and impaired object recognition memory, but locomotor activity was indistinguishable from the normal control rats. These behavioral deficiencies were associated with suppressed enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels, and enhanced lipid peroxidation in the investigated brain regions. Notably, correlations were detected between behavioral deficits and oxidative stress generation in the Pb-exposed rats. Interestingly, sesamin treatment mitigated anxio-depressive-like behaviors, ameliorated object recognition memory impairment, and modulated oxidative-antioxidative status in the rats exposed to Pb. The results suggest that the anti-oxidative properties of sesamin may be one of the underlying mechanisms behind its beneficial effect in ameliorating behavioral deficits associated with Pb exposure.

Comprehensive study of the hormonal, enzymatic and osmoregulatory response to drought in Prunus species

Nowadays, climate change is creating new challenges all over the planet and altering the availability of water resources. Agriculture is one of the most affected sectors, as water is a fundamental requirement for the sustainability of agriculture and future demands. Recurrent drought periods have pushed breeding programs to develop and select genotypes tolerant to water stress. Understanding the mechanisms involved in drought response is essential in facilitating the selection of such genotypes. In this study, we have characterized the levels of enzymatic antioxidants, the soluble sugars content (osmotic response) and the hormone profile of four genotypes of the genus Prunus (P. webbi, P. elaeagnifolia, P. dulcis var. ‘Garrigues’, and P. persica var. ‘Montclar’) and one P. dulcis x P. persica hybrid (‘GF677’) subjected to three different water irrigation conditions (control, drought and recovery). Results show that P. webbi and P. elaeagnifolia, and, to a lesser extent, the cultivar ‘Garrigues’, seem to be the most tolerant to water stress. Drought and recovery treatments led to a differential response in terms of the levels of enzymatic antioxidants depending on the genotype. Elevated levels of the osmotic regulators glucose and fructose and a parallel decrease in sucrose were also observed. Finally, a fine-tuned regulation of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and cytokinins (trans-zeatin, tZ, and isopentenyl adenine, iP) took place in P. webbi, P. elaeagnifolia and ‘Garrigues’. In summary, deciphering the tolerance response to water stress of these almond genotypes together with proper breeding efforts could contribute to the development of new drought-tolerant almond cultivars and rootstocks. In this sense, we strongly suggest the use of more unexplored wild almond species in breeding programs to increase diversity and improve environmental stress tolerance-related traits.

Overexpression of PavbHLH28 from Prunus avium enhances tolerance to cold stress in transgenic Arabidopsis

BackgroundThe basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family is one of plants’ largest transcription factor families. It plays an important role in regulating plant growth and abiotic stress response.ResultsIn this study, we determined that the PavbHLH28 gene participated in cold resistance. The PavbHLH28 gene was located in the nucleus and could be induced by low temperature. Under the treatment of ABA, PEG, and GA3, the transcript level of PavbHLH28 was affected. At low temperature, overexpression of the PavbHLH28 gene enhanced the cold resistance of plants with higher proline content, lower electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Compared with the WT plants, the transgenic plants accumulated fewer reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activity and expression levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased. The expression of proline synthesis enzyme genes was up-regulated, and the transcripts levels of degradation genes were significantly down-regulated. The transcripts abundance of the cold stressed-related genes in the C-repeat binding factor (CBF) pathway was not significantly different between WT plants and transgenic plants after cold stress. Moreover, the PavbHLH28 could directly bind to the POD2 gene promoter and promote its gene expression.ConclusionsOverall, PavbHLH28 enhanced the cold resistance of transgenic plants through a CBF-independent pathway, which may be partly related to ROS scavenging.

Physiological and histopathological effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on the filter-feeding fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Excessive use of plastics in daily life is causing plastic pollution in aquatic environment and threatening the aquatic life. Therefore, research on the plastic pollution in aquatic environment is crucial to understand its impact and develop effective solution for safeguarding aquatic life and ecosystem. The current study investigated the effects of water borne polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on hemato-immunological indices, serum metabolic enzymes, gills, and liver antioxidant parameters, plasma cortisol level and histopathological changes in liver and gill tissues of the widely distributed fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. The fingerlings of H. molitrix were exposed to different concentrations (T1–0.5, T2–1.0, and T3–2.0 mg/L) of PS-NPs respectively for 15 days consecutively. Our results indicated the dose dependent negative effects of PS-NPs on the physiology and histopathology of H. molitrix. Immuno-hematological indices showed significant increase in WBCs count, phagocytic activity, and lysozyme activity, while decreased RBC count, Hct%, Hb level, total proteins, IgM, and respiratory burst activity were observed. The levels of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT and POD showed the decreasing trends while metabolic enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH), LPO, ROS activities and relative expressions of SOD1, CAT, HIF1-α and HSP-70 genes increased with increased concentrations of PS-NPs. Moreover, blood glucose and cortisol levels also showed significant increasing trends with dose dependent manner. Histopathological examination indicated moderate to severe changes in the gills and liver tissues of the group treated with 2.0 mg/L of PS-NPs. Overall, the results showed the deleterious effects of PS-NPs on physiology, immunity, metabolism, and gene expressions of H. molitrix. It is concluded that particulate plastic pollution has deleterious effects on filter feeding fish, which might affect human health through food chain and particulate chemical toxicity.

Garlic essential oil confers shielding against nephrotoxicity elicited by lead nitrate in Swiss albino mice

Lead is an immensely poisonous metal that can infiltrate the human body through various natural processes and human activities, therefore it possesses a significant risk to human health. Garlic (Allium sativum), a widely recognized medicinal plant, is employed to diminish a diverse array of health issues. While investigating the potential curative properties of the garlic essential oil (GEO) derived from fresh garlic bulbs, researchers explored its impact on the mice renal tissue subjected to lead nitrate. In the present research work, a sum of 36 healthy male Swiss albino mice were randomized into one control group (I) and five treatment groups: lead nitrate (II a), lead nitrate + low dose of GEO (II b), lead nitrate + high dose of GEO (II c), lead nitrate + silymarin (II d) and lead nitrate + vehicle olive oil (II e). Lead nitrate exposure resulted in elevated levels of alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes, thus contributing to the oxidative stress and adversely affected the normal structure of renal tissues. Conversely, treatment with garlic essential oil (GEO) resulted in upsurge in these antioxidant levels and depletion in ALT, AST, and LPO levels. The findings support the notion that a higher dosage of garlic essential oil is more effective in mitigating lead nitrate-induced nephrotoxicity than a lower dosage. Consequently, garlic essential oil holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for alleviating nephrotoxicity induced by lead nitrate exposure.

Hepatoprotective actions of melatonin by mainly modulating oxidative status and apoptosis rate in lipopolysaccharide-induced liver damage

Aim One of the serious complications of sepsis is liver damage and liver failure. This study aimed to evaluate the protective and therapeutic potential of melatonin in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis. Main methods Female Spraque–Dawley rats received single a dose of 7.5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide in saline to create a 24-h sepsis model. One of the other groups received melatonin at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day beginning 1 week before sepsis induction to the end of the experiment. The melatonin group received the same doses of melatonin for the same duration but not lipopolysaccharide. The vehicle group received the same doses of saline, the vehicle of melatonin, for the same duration. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, the rats were decapitated. By appropriate histochemical, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular techniques, anti-necrotic, anti-apoptotic, anti-necroptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of melatonin were assessed. Key findings Lipopolysaccharide has disrupted liver functions by inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, necrotic, apoptotic, and necroptotic cell death, thus disrupting liver functions. Melatonin was found to be beneficial in terms of inhibiting the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and tissue oxidant levels, stimulating tissue antioxidant enzyme levels, and restoring hepatocyte functions. Significance Melatonin, at those doses and duration, was found to be hepatoprotective by mainly modulating oxidative status and apoptosis rate, however, failed to significantly reduce histopathological damage. We suggest that longer-term melatonin administration may produce anti-inflammatory and anti-necrotic effects as well.