Levels Of Antioxidant Enzymes Research Articles

Systemic Oxidative Stress Parameters in Skin Cancer Patients and Patients with Benign Lesions

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the capacity of a biological system to eliminate these reactive substances. Systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in plasma, serum, urine, or red blood cells have been found to be elevated in many diseases, including skin cancer. UV radiation (UVR) induces damage to biomolecules that enter the bloodstream, reinforcing systemic oxidative stress. On the other hand, pre-existing systemic oxidative stress does not supply the skin with the adequate micronutrients and antioxidant resources to ameliorate the skin’s antioxidant defense against UVR. In both scenarios, skin cancer patients are exposed to oxidative conditions. In the case of warts, oxidation is linked to chronic inflammation, while impaired cutaneous antioxidant defense could ineffectively deal with possible oxidative stimuli from viral agents, such as HPV. Therefore, the aim of our study is to evaluate the existing data on systemic oxidative stress in skin diseases such as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), basal-cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma as well as benign lesions such as actinic keratosis (AK), sebaceous keratosis (SK), and warts. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with NMSC, melanoma, AK, and warts (both genital and non-genital) are subjected to severe oxidative stress, indicated by disturbed antioxidant enzyme levels, accumulated oxidized proteins and lipid products, and, to a lesser extent, lower concentrations of micronutrients. Interestingly, medical history of NMSC or melanoma as well as stage of skin cancer and treatment approach were found to affect systemic oxidative stress parameters. In the case of warts (both genital and non-genital), high oxidative stress levels were also detected, and they were found to be aligned with their recalcitrant character.

Corrigendum: Effects of 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chroman-4-one on serum levels of antioxidant enzymes in hyperlipidemic rats

-

Glutathione-dependent redox homeostasis is critical for chlorothalonil detoxification in tomato leaves

Glutathione plays a critical role in plant growth, development and response to stress. It is a major cellular antioxidant and is involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics in many organisms, including plants. However, the role of glutathione-dependent redox homeostasis and associated molecular mechanisms regulating the antioxidant system and pesticide metabolism remains unclear. In this study, endogenous glutathione levels were manipulated by pharmacological treatments with glutathione synthesis inhibitors and oxidized glutathione. The application of oxidized glutathione enriched the cellular oxidation state, reduced the activity and transcript levels of antioxidant enzymes, upregulated the expression level of nitric oxide and Ca2+ related genes and the content, and increased the residue of chlorothalonil in tomato leaves. Further experiments confirmed that glutathione-induced redox homeostasis is critical for the reduction of pesticide residues. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that miRNA156 and miRNA169 that target transcription factor SQUAMOSA-Promoter Binding Proteins (SBP) and NUCLEAR FACTOR Y (NFY) potentially participate in glutathione-mediated pesticide degradation in tomato plants. Our study provides important clues for further dissection of pesticide degradation mechanisms via miRNAs in plants.

Acute neuro-biochemical changes induced by nitrogen-tungsten co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Nitrogen-tungsten co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (W-N-doped TiO2 NPs) are employed for the photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. However, the potential impact of these nanoparticles on the central nervous system remains a subject of concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs on neurophysiological and biochemical parameters of healthy rat brains, including behavioral monitoring, electroencephalogram analysis, and oxidative stress markers quantification. Intraperitoneal administration of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs to rats revealed abnormal brain electrical activity and an altered sense of balance in the treated rats. The ability of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs to cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in the brain leads to oxidative stress damage, supported by the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite concentration, and malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, exposure to W-N-doped TiO2 NPs significantly reduced the antioxidant enzyme levels, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase, impacting a significant decrease in dopamine and acetylcholinesterase within the rat neural tissue. Furthermore, the inflammatory biomarker tumor necrosis factor-alpha and 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine significantly increased in response to W-N-doped TiO2 NPs. The findings revealed the adverse effects of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs on the electrical activity of rat brains and the altered concentration of various neuro-biomarkers, highlighting their potential neurotoxicity.

Fenpropathrin Induces Oxidative Stress, Inhibits Cholinesterase, and Causes Genotoxicity in <i>Pethia conchonius</i> (Hamilton, 1822)

Pesticide contamination in water bodies is a serious threat to aquatic organisms. Among the new generation pesticides, synthetic pyrethroids enter the aquatic environment from agricultural runoff and are more persistent in aquatic environment. In this study, we investigated the effect of fenpropathrin, a type II pyrethroid, on Pethia conchonius. The median lethal concentration for commercial formulation of fenpropathrin (Danitol®) was determined to be 2.43 μg/L. Based on the median lethal concentration, the fish were exposed to 1/5th (0.486 μg/L) and 1/10th (0.243 μg/L) of median lethal concentrations for 30 days. After the exposure period, antioxidant enzymes status (superoxide dismutase and catalase), oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione) in brain, liver, and kidney, cholinesterase enzyme activity in brain and muscles, and incidences of micronucleus were evaluated. In the treatment groups, alteration in antioxidant enzyme levels were observed in brain, liver, and kidney. Lipid peroxidation, which is indicative of oxidative stress, was observed but did not show much variation. Reduced glutathione was also altered. Cholinesterase activity was significantly different in the brain tissues between control and treatment groups; however, no significant difference was observed between the cholinesterase activities of muscles in control and treatment groups. Micronucleus incidence in treatment groups was higher than that in the control. Our study indicates that fenpropathrin altered the antioxidative enzyme status, inhibited cholinesterase activity in brain, and exhibited potential genotoxic effects in the fish Pethia conchonius.

Moslosooflavone protects against brain injury induced by hypobaric hypoxic via suppressing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, energy metabolism disorder, and apoptosis.

To investigate the protect effect of moslosooflavone against brain injury induced by hypobaric hypoxia (HH) in mice. Protective effects of moslosooflavone in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, energy metabolism disorder, and apoptosis were studied in HH-induced brain damage mice. The pathological morphology in the cortex of mice was determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The related protein expressions were detected by western blot. Moslosooflavone improved HH-induced brain histopathological changes, reduced the contents of ROS and MDA, and elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes and GSH in HH-exposed brains of mice. Moslosooflavone also markedly enhanced the ATPase activities and PK, ATP contents, while reducing LDH activity and the LD, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 contents HH-exposed brains of mice. In addition, moslosooflavone notably decreased the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 dramatically increasing the expression of Bcl-2, Nrf2, and HO‑1 in HH-exposed brains of mice. Our current studies indicate that moslosooflavone protects HH-induced brain injury possibly through alleviating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, maintaining the balance of energy metabolism, and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Effect of Pimpinella tirupatiensis Extract on Brain Free Radical Toxicity in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Pimpinella tirupatiensis on oxidative stress markers in different regions of the brain (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and Pons medulla) in rats with diabetes. Diabetes was induced in wistar rats by injecting them with STZ (40 mg/kg). The rats were then administered Pimpinella tirupatiensis aqueous extract (750 mg/kg / b.w. /day) and glibenclamide (Glb) (20 mg/ kg / b.w. /day) orally for 30 days. After 4 weeks of high blood sugar, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was measured in both the diabetic and control groups. Diabetes can worsen nerve damage and cause oxidative damage due to high blood sugar levels. The diabetic rats displayed a significant decrease in levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase) and reduced glutathione. However, when ginger was administered orally, it enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the diabetic rats. This suggests that Pimpinella tirupatiensis has a protective effect on the brain by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in diabetic rats. Furthermore, it has a neuroprotective effect by enhancing the brain's antioxidant defense mechanisms and thereby attenuating the progression of hyperglycemia and some complications caused by diabetes in the rat brain.

Estimation of postmortem interval using histological and oxidative biomarkers in human bone marrow.

In forensic medicine, estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is of great importance for the timeline and the reconstruction of the events surrounding death. Bone marrow (BM) is one of the largest organs in the body, with good resistance to autolysis and contamination. Therefore, the present study aims to correlate different postmortem intervals and bone marrow antioxidant enzyme levels using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, detection of the changes in the histological structure of human bone marrow in relation to the time passed since death. BM samples from 20 forensic autopsy cadavers were obtained from cases referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine in the Ministry of Justice, Dakahlia Governorate, processed for histopathological examination as well as estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GRX) using ELISA. Results of ELISA analysis showed a significant decrease in the level of antioxidant enzymes with increasing PMI; regarding histopathological examination, from 6 to > 18h PMI, the changes in morphology after death were gradual, progressive, and regular, indicating great value in PMI determination. Also, 18h of PMI showed loss of cellular details, absence of fat cells, and necrosis of BM with the nucleus dispersed as eosinophilic debris. Estimation of antioxidant enzymes level in human bone marrow using ELISA and detection of the changes in the histological structure of human bone marrow in relation to time passed since the death, either separately or in combination, can be used to estimate PMI accurately.

Cannabidiol protects the liver from α-Amanitin-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress through the regulation of Nrf2

α-Amanitin, the primary lethal toxin of Amanita, specifically targets the liver, causing oxidative stress, hepatocyte apoptosis, and irreversible liver damage. As little as 0.1 mg/kg of α-amanitin can be lethal for humans, and there is currently no effective antidote for α-amanitin poisoning. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive natural compound derived from Cannabis sativa that exhibits a wide range of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. It may play a protective role in preventing liver damage induced by α-amanitin. To investigate the potential protective effects of cannabidiol on α-amanitin-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress, we established α-amanitin exposure models using C57BL/6J mice and L-02 cells in vitro. Our results showed that α-amanitin exposure led to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage in both mouse hepatocytes and L-02 cells, resulting in the death of mice. We also found that cannabidiol upregulated the level of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes, alleviating apoptosis, and oxidative stress in mouse hepatocytes and L-02 cells and increasing the survival rate of mice. Our findings suggest that cannabidiol has hepatoprotective effects through the regulation of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes and may be a potential therapeutic drug for Amanita poisoning.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine Attenuates Haloperidol-Induced TD-like Behavioral and Neurochemical Alteration in Experimental Rats.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder that displays unusual involuntary movement along with orofacial dysfunction. It is predominantly associated with the long-term use of antipsychotic medications, particularly typical or first-generation antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis are major pathophysiological mechanisms of TD. The BCG vaccine has been reported to suppress inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and exert neuroprotection via several mechanisms. Our study aimed to confirm the neuroprotective effect of the BCG vaccine against haloperidol-induced TD-like symptoms in rats. The rats were given haloperidol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 days after 1 h single administration of the BCG vaccine (2 × 107 cfu). Various behavioral parameters for orofacial dyskinesia and locomotor activity were assessed on the 14th and 21st days after haloperidol injection. On the 22nd day, all rats were euthanized, and the striatum was isolated to estimate the biochemical, apoptotic, inflammatory, and neurotransmitter levels. The administration of the BCG vaccine reversed orofacial dyskinesia and improved motor function in regard to haloperidol-induced TD-like symptoms in rats. The BCG vaccine also enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH) and reduced prooxidants (MDA, nitrite) and pro-apoptotic markers (Cas-3, Cas-6, Cas-9) in rat brains. Besides this, BCG treatment also restored the neurotransmitter (DA, NE, 5-HT) levels and decreased the levels of HVA in the striatum. The study findings suggest that the BCG vaccine has antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and neuromodulatory properties that could be relevant in the management of TD.

Characterization and utilization of multi-trait plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from arid soils of western Rajasthan for enhancing drought resilience in an arid legume

In the study, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) indigenous to arid western Rajasthan were isolated and screened for plant growth promoting (PGP) capabilities. Ten isolates showing multiple PGP activities were identified as Pseudomonas sp. G6-3, Staphylococcus sp. G6-4, Bacillus badius G8-6, Agrobacterium sp. G8-7, Bacillus pseudomycoides G10-1, Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis G11-4, Bacillus paralicheniformis G11-5, Bacillus subtilis G12-3, Stenotrophomonas pavanii G12-4, and Solibacillus isronensis G21-9. Physiological profiling of these isolates demonstrated them to be tolerant to drought (25% PEG-6000), high temperature (40 °C), alkalinity (pH 10.0), and salinity (4.5% NaCl). These PGPR significantly improved clusterbean seedling characteristics in moisture stress-induced hydroponic flask cultures and pots. PGPR inoculation of clusterbean in drought-induced pots significantly enhanced the plant dry weight by 15–33%, plant water potential by 5–8%, and the relative water content of leaves by 4–16%. There was also a significant reduction in the levels of anti-oxidant enzymes and proline in plant tissues under drought conditions, which indicated lower levels of stress experienced by the treated plants. These were translated into yield enhancements by 13–15% under rainfed conditions. The study demonstrates the ability of stress tolerant PGPR from arid western Rajasthan in enhancing drought resilience of arid legumes besides promoting their growth, and their potential utility in sustainable arid agriculture systems.

Effects of terbuthylazine on myocardial oxidative stress and ferroptosis via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in broilers

Terbuthylazine (TBA) is one of the most commonly used and effective herbicides. However, due to its affinity for soil organic matter and water solubility, TBA can lead to biological health concerns. This study exposed broilers to TBA (0 mg/kg bw, 0.4 mg/kg bw, 4 mg/kg bw) for 28 days. The results showed significant pathological damage in broiler myocardial tissue, such as widening of the interstitial space, rupture of muscle fibers, and deposition of myocardial collagen fibers. In addition, Under the 0.4 mg/kg bw TBA exposure, myocardial oxidative stress was observed in broilers, which was accompanied by the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the increased protein and mRNA levels of NQO1, NOX2 and SOD2 antioxidant enzymes. However, Nrf2/HO-1 protein and mRNA levels were reversed at 4 mg/kg bw TBA exposure. Meanwhile, the Nrf2/HO-1 mediated antioxidant defense was impaired. In contrast with the low dose, the protein and gene expression levels of NQO1, NOX2, and SOD2 were reduced in 4 mg/kg bw TBA group. The expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was significantly downregulated at both protein and mRNA levels. Beyond that, ACSL4 expression was significantly up-regulated, and the protein result was consistent with the mRNA expression, demonstrating the occurrence of ferroptosis. In general, TBA exposure activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, resulting in ferroptosis. This study links ferroptosis to the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, providing new insights into the potential role of TBA in myocardial toxicity.

Tamarix articulata extract offers protection against toxicity induced by beauty products in Hs27 human skin fibroblasts.

The current study evaluates the cytotoxicity, mode of cell death and chemical analysis of selected beauty products and evaluation of the protective effect of Tamarix articulata (TA) extract against toxicity induced by beauty products in skin fibroblasts (Hs27). MTT and Crystal violet (CV) assays were used to determine the dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of beauty products against Hs27 fibroblasts. DNA fragmentation assay and annexin-V staining were conducted to determine the mode of cell killing induced by evaluated beauty products. Quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme levels were used to evaluate the oxidative stress. Chemical analysis and heavy metals were evaluated to determine beauty products. Pre-treatment with TA extract for different time points followed by time-dependent exposure with beauty products to assess the protective effect of TA extract in Hs27 cells was analyzed by MTT and CV assays. Owing to the presence of various harmful heavy metals such as arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in beauty products, our results revealed that all beauty products induce significant cytotoxicity over time (1, 4 h) in a dose-dependent (125, 250, 500 μg/mL) manner. DNA fragmentation assay, quantification of apoptosis by annexin-V staining, determination of ROS and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH-Px and SOD) revealed that the induced cytotoxicity was caused by oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. However, pre-incubation with a safe dose (50 μg/mL) of TA for different times (24, 48 h) followed by exposure to various doses (62.5, 125, 250, 500 μg/mL) of beauty products for different times (1, 4 h) revealed significant (*p≤0.05, **p≤0.01) protection against beauty product-mediated cytotoxicity. The effect was more pronounced for 1 h exposure to beauty products compared to 4 h. Our study demonstrates that the due to the presence of heavy metals in synthetic beauty products exhibit marked toxicity to skin fibroblasts due to oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. However, the presence of abundant bioactive polyphenols with promising antiscavenging activity in TA extracts significantly nullifies cytotoxicity promoted by examined beauty products in skin fibroblasts (Hs27).

Nano-Silicon Triggers Rapid Transcriptomic Reprogramming and Biochemical Defenses in Brassica napus Challenged with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum poses a significant threat to global agriculture, leading to substantial economic losses. To explore innovative integrated pest management strategies and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, this study examined the impact of nano-silicon on enhancing resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica napus. Bacteriostatic assays revealed that nano-silicon effectively inhibited the mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in a dose-dependent manner. Field trials corroborated the utility of nano-silicon as a fertilizer, substantially bolstering resistance in the Brassica napus cultivar Xiangyou 420. Specifically, the disease index was reduced by 39-52% across three distinct geographical locations when compared to untreated controls. This heightened resistance was attributed to nano-silicon's role in promoting the accumulation of essential elements such as silicon (Si), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca), while concurrently reducing sodium (Na) absorption. Furthermore, nano-silicon was found to elevate the levels of soluble sugars and lignin, while reducing cellulose content in both leaves and stems. It also enhanced the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 22,546 differentially expressed genes in Si-treated Brassica napus post-Sclerotinia inoculation, with the most pronounced transcriptional changes observed one day post-inoculation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified a module comprising 45 hub genes that are implicated in signaling, transcriptional regulation, metabolism, and defense mechanisms. In summary, nano-silicon confers resistance to Brassica napus against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by modulating biochemical defenses, enhancing antioxidative activities, and rapidly reprogramming key resistance-associated genes. These findings contribute to our mechanistic understanding of Si-mediated resistance against necrotrophic fungi and offer valuable insights for the development of stem-rot-resistant Brassica napus cultivars.

Role of parthenolide in paclitaxel-induced oxidative stress injury and impaired reproductive function in rat testicular tissue

The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) causes testicular toxicity due to oxidative stress. Parthenolide (PTL), the active ingredient of the Tanacetum parthenium plant, is used to treat inflammation, dizziness, and spasms. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of PTL on PTX-induced testicular toxicity in rats and its role in reproductive function. To this end, 6 groups were formed: control, PTX, sham, T1, T2, and T3. After testicular toxicity was induced in rats with 8 mg/kg PTX, the rats were treated with 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg PTL for 14 days. GSH and MDA levels were measured in rat testicular tissue after the last dose of PTL was administered. To determine the damage caused by PTX to testicular tissue by detecting 8-OHdG and iNOS, sections were prepared and examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Furthermore, the gene expressions and enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GR were investigated in all groups. After PTL treatment, MDA, 8-OHdG, and iNOS levels decreased while GSH levels increased in testicular tissue. Increased levels of antioxidant genes and enzymes also reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, the expression levels of the Dazl, Ddx4, and Amh genes, which are involved in gametogenesis and sperm production, decreased in case of toxicity and increased with PTL treatment. The data from this study show that PTL may have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of testicular damage by eliminating the oxidative stress-induced damage caused by PTX in testicular tissue, providing an effective approach to alleviating testicular toxicity, and playing an important role in reproduction/sperm production, especially at a dose of 4 mg/kg.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and biochar as bioeffectors and bioalleviators of drought stress in faba bean (Vicia faba L.).

Plants are subjected to a variety of abiotic stressors, including drought stress, that are fatal to their growth and ability to produce under natural conditions. Therefore, the present study was intended to investigate the drought tolerance potential of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants under the co-application of biochar and rhizobacteria, Cellulomonas pakistanensis (National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP)11) and Sphingobacterium pakistanensis (NCCP246). The experiment was initiated by sowing the inoculated seeds with the aforementioned rhizobacterial strains in earthen pots filled with 3kg of sand-mixed soil and 5% biochar. The morphology of biochar was observed with highly porous nature, along with the detection of various essential elements. The biochemical and physiological data showed that phenolic compounds and osmolytes were adversely affected by the induction of drought stress. However, the application of biochar and rhizobacteria boosted the level of flavonoids on average by 52.03%, total phenols by 50.67%, soluble sugar by 82.85%, proline by 76.81%, glycine betaine by 107.25%, and total protein contents by 89.18% in all co-treatments of biochar and rhizobacteria. In addition, stress indicator compounds, including malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and H2O2, were remarkably alleviated by 54.21% and 47.03%, respectively. Similarly, the amplitude of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase was also enhanced by 63.80%, 80.95%, 37.87%, and 58.20%, respectively, in all co-treatments of rhizobacteria and biochar. Conclusively, biochar and rhizobacteria have a magnificent role in enhancing the drought tolerance potential of crop plants by boosting the physio-biochemical traits and enhancing the level of antioxidant enzymes.

An Experimental Study on The Oxidative Status and Inflammatory Levels of A Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced by Letrozole and A New High-Fat Diet.

Although there are numerous animal models of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), they often fail to accurately replicate the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes associated with PCOS. The objective of this study is to assess oxidative status and inflammatory levels in a rat model of PCOS subjected to a new high-fat diet (HFD) in combination with letrozole. In this experimental study, mature, six-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=20) were divided into four groups: control (standard diet); letrozole (letrozole plus a standard diet); HFD; and letrozole+HFD. After 16 weeks, the rats underwent vaginal smear analysis, measurement of hormonal and lipid profiles, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Ovarian tissue morphology, oxidative parameters, and inflammatory status were evaluated. The experimental groups exhibited anoestrus profiles in the vaginal smears and abnormal ovarian morphology, which was not observed in the control group. Steroid hormone levels were significantly higher in the letrozole+HFD group compared to the other groups (P=0.00). The experimental groups also showed abnormal glucose levels and lipid metabolism. The relative expression levels of inflammatory genes were significantly elevated in the experimental groups compared to the control group (P=0.00), and the letrozole+HFD group exhibited the highest expression level (P=0.00). The HFD, letrozole, and letrozole+HFD groups demonstrated significantly increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while the levels of enzymatic antioxidants were significantly reduced compared to the control group (P=0.00). The combination of a new HFD and letrozole treatment induces inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) in a rat model of PCOS. This model accurately exhibits abnormal metabolic phenotypes and disruptions in hormonal profiles associated with PCOS.

Grewia asiatica fruit extract-based kalari cheese for enhanced storage stability and functional value

The study aimed to develop a functional cheese using Grewia asiatica fruit extract as a novel additive and demonstrated its functional value in oxidative-stress-induced [single dose of CCl4 (1 mL/kg) given intraperitoneally] male Wistar rats. The kalari cheese was developed using buffalo milk containing different levels of the fruit extract (0.0, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 %) and an optimum level of 0.7 % was found sensorily. The products (0.0 and 0.7 %) were stored in a refrigerator for 4 weeks and evaluated for storage quality. The extract improved the lipid (TBARS and free-fatty acids) and microbial (total plate and psychrophilic counts) stability and sensory quality of the cheese. The extract-enriched cheese-based diet ameliorated the impact of oxidative stress in the rats during a 4-week feeding trial and significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) and body weight whereas significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of liver marker enzymes (ALT and AST), lipid peroxidation, and relative liver and spleen weights compared to the control. The extract improved the lipid and microbial stability of the cheese and the cheese-based diet ameliorated the effect of oxidative stress in rats, indicating the functional value of the developed product.

Adipo-myokine Irisin, a Promising Antioxidant against Nicotine Induced Oxidative Stress in BALB/c mice.

To determine the role of r-irisin in attenuating nicotine-induced oxidative stress by estimating serum oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes in BALB/c mice. This 18 month experimental study was carried out at Foundation University Islamabad and National Institute of Health starting in 2020. Thirty healthy BALB/c mice were divided into three groups. Group-I (control group) received normal saline 1ml/kg body weight intra-peritoneally daily for 28 days. Experimental group, Group-II received nicotine 2mg/kg body weight intra-peritoneally, for 28 days to induce oxidative stress. Experimental Group-III was given r-irisin 0.5 μg/g body weight/day via tail vein injection, for the last 14 days in addition to intraperitoneal nicotine for 28 days. On 29th day, intra-cardiac blood samples were taken for estimation of serum antioxidant enzymes [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Reduced Glutathione (GSH) and Catalases (CAT)], and Thiobarbituric Acid-Reactive Substances (TBARS) levels as lipid peroxidation marker using ELISA. SPSS version 24 was used for statistical analysis. Significant difference in parameters across groups was calculated using one way ANOVA. P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Group-II showed statistically significant increase in serum lipid peroxidation marker (TBARS) levels (p<0.001) and reduction in serum anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH) levels (p< 0.001) as compared to Group-I. In Group-III, with co administration of r-irisin, significant improvement in antioxidant enzymes levels and reduction in TBARS levels was observed (p< 0.001) as compared to Group-II. Irisin ameliorates nicotine induced oxidative stress by improving serum anti-oxidant enzyme levels and reducing serum lipid peroxidation marker.

A Technical Report on the Potential Effects of Heat Stress on Antioxidant Enzymes Activities, Performance and Small Intestinal Morphology in Broiler Chickens Administered Probiotic and Ascorbic Acid during the Hot Summer Season.

Oxidative stress negatively affects the welfare of broiler chickens leading to poor productivity and even death. This study examined the negative effect of heat stress on antioxidant enzyme activities, small intestinal morphology and performance in broiler chickens administered probiotic and ascorbic acid during the hot summer season, under otherwise controlled conditions. The study made use of 56 broiler chickens; which were divided into control; probiotic (1 g/kg); ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg) and probiotic + ascorbic acid (1 g/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively). All administrations were given via feed from D1 to D35 of this study. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were highly significant (p < 0.0001) in the treatment groups compared to the control. Performance indicators (water intake and body weight gain) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the probiotic and probiotic + ascorbic acid group. The height of duodenal, jejunal and ileal villi, and goblet cell counts of broiler chickens were significantly different in the treatment groups. In conclusion, the study showed that heat stress negatively affects the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, performance and the morphology of small intestinal epithelium, while the antioxidants were efficacious in ameliorating these adverse effects.