Lipid Peroxidation In Liver Homogenate Research Articles

Impact of highly phospholipid-containing lipid nanocarriers on oral bioavailability and pharmacodynamics performance of genistein

Oxidative stress is a leading cause of different diseases. Genistein is a valuable bioflavonoid possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity but unfortunately, it suffers from low aqueous solubility, extremely poor bioavailability and first pass effect when used in its pure state. The aim of this work was to formulate and characterize genistein-loaded highly phospholipid-containing lipid nanocarriers to improve oral bioavailability and pharmacodynamic performance. Lipid nanocarriers were prepared by the emulsification/sonication technique. The influence of phospholipid percentage (1%–10%) on physicochemical properties, drug release and stability was investigated. The particle size, zeta potential and EE% were in ranges from 211.9 ± 21.6 to 342.3 ± 7.9 nm, −11.6 ± 1.7 to −19.4 ± 3.1 mV and 78.5 ± 4.7% to 92.2 ± 1.9%, respectively. Drug release was less predominant in the case of SLN formulations when compared to corresponding NLC formulations. High phospholipid percentage produced less stable formulations in terms of particle size growth, gelation and heterogeneous particle distributions. DSC, FT-IR and XRD tools revealed that genistein has existed in an amorphous form in NLC4. The bioavailability of NLC4 was approximately 2.6-fold greater than that of conventional suspension. Additionally, lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate and histopathological alterations in liver and kidney sections were particularly improved, providing a promising strategy for oral administration of genistein.

A Long-term Estrogen Deficiency in Ovariectomized Mice is Associated with Disturbances in Fatty Acid Oxidation and Oxidative Stress.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes caused by estrogen deficiency in lipid metabolism. This study encompassed direct measurements of plasma biochemical analyses, liver lipid contents, and assessments of the mitochondrial β-oxidation capacity as well as an evaluation of the liver redox status in an animal model of estrogen deficiency. When compared with control mice, the livers of ovariectomized (OVX) mice presented considerable accretions in their lipid contents, which were accompanied by increased levels of lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates and mitochondria from OVX groups and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. In isolated mitochondria, estrogen deficiency inhibited mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids irrespective of their chain length. The liver mitochondrial and peroxisomal H2O2 generations in OVX mice were increased. Additionally, the activities of all antioxidant enzymes assessed were decreased. These data provide one potential explanation for the increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases observed after menopause.

Hepatoprotective effect of Phytosome Curcumin against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in mice

Curcuma longa, which contains curcumin as a major constituent, has been shown many pharmacological effects, but it is limited using in clinical due to low bioavailability. In this study, we developed a phytosome curcumin formulation and evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of phytosome curcumin on paracetamol induced liver damage in mice. Phytosome curcumin (equivalent to curcumin 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) and curcumin (200 mg/kg body weight) were given by gastrically and toxicity was induced by paracetamol (500 mg/kg) during 7 days. On the final day animals were sacrificed and liver function markers (ALT, AST), hepatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GPx) and lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate were estimated. Our data showed that phytosome has stronger hepatoprotective effect compared to curcumin-free. Administration of phytosome curcumin effectively suppressed paracetamol-induced liver injury evidenced by a reduction of lipid peroxidation level, and elevated enzymatic antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase in mice liver tissue. Our study suggests that phytosome curcumin has strong antioxidant activity and potential hepatoprotective effects.

Anti-Lipid Peroxidation Activities of Three Selected Fruits Juices Against Cadmium Induced Liver Damage In Vitro

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metal. Numerous tissues both in vitro and in vivo suggest that Cd induced lipid peroxidation. The presence of antioxidant can inhbit this process. This present study was designed to determine the effects of mango, papaya, and banana juices on on malondi aldehyde levels (MDA, product of cellular lipid peroxidation) during Cd exposure in vitro. Significant differences was observed between three selected fruits juices and MDA levels and also between concentration of fruits juices and MDA levels. The highest correlation was found between banana juices and MDA levels with IC50 1,12, and followed by papaya and mango juices with IC 50 1,37 and 3,87 respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the three selected fruits juices may exert its protective action against Cd-induced lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate in vitro possibly through its antioxidant mechanism. Key Word Cadmium, Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Activity and Fruits Juices

Cedrus deodara pine needle as a potential source of natural antioxidants: Bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities

In the present study, the bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity of Cedrus deodara pine needle were investigated. A new compound, 3-p-trans-coumaroyl-2-hydroxyquinic acid (1), and seven known compounds were isolated from the 50% methanol extract of C. deodara pine needle and their structures were identified by MS and extensive NMR data analyses. Quantitative analysis of the compounds was performed using HPLC. In DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging capacities and cell-based antioxidant assay using erythrocytes, the extract, 1, protocatechuic acid (2), 2R,3R-dihydromyricetin (5), massonianoside B (7) and myricetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8) showed potent antioxidant activity. Moreover, the extract restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the level of lipid peroxidation of liver homogenates in CCl4-treated mice in the in vivo antioxidant assay. Overall, these results suggest that C. deodara pine needle can be useful as a source of natural antioxidants for nutraceutical and functional food applications.

Antioxidant activity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil and its hepatoprotective potential.

BackgroundNatural antioxidant products are increasingly being used to treat various pathological liver conditions considering the role of oxidative stress in their pathogenesis. Rosemary essential oil has already being used as a preservative in food industry due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, but it was shown to possess additional health benefits. The aim of our study was to evaluate the protective effect of rosemary essential oil on carbon tetrachloride - induced liver injury in rats and to explore whether its mechanism of action is associated with modulation of hepatic oxidative status.MethodsChemical composition of isolated rosemary essential oil was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity was determined in vitro using DPPH assay. Activities of enzyme markers of hepatocellular damage in serum and antioxidant enzymes in the liver homogenates were measured using the kinetic spectrophotometric methods.ResultsIn this research, we identified 29 chemical compounds of the studied rosemary essential oil, and the main constituents were 1,8-cineole (43.77%), camphor (12.53%), and α-pinene (11.51%). Investigated essential oil was found to exert hepatoprotective effects in the doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg by diminishing AST and ALT activities up to 2-fold in serum of rats with carbon tetrachloride - induced acute liver damage. Rosemary essential oil prevented carbon tetrachloride - induced increase of lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates. Furthermore, pre-treatment with studied essential oil during 7 days significantly reversed the activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in liver homogenates, especially in the dose of 10 mg/kg.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that rosemary essential oil, beside exhibiting free radical scavenging activity determined by DPPH assay, mediates its hepatoprotective effects also through activation of physiological defense mechanisms.

Polysulfones of new structural types as perspective antioxidant agents

A series of polysulfones of new structural types on the basis of azanorbornenes, 2,2-diallyl-1,1,3,3-tetraethylguanidiniumchloride and tris(diethylamino)diallylaminophosphonium salts were obtained by free radical polymerization reaction. Their antioxidant properties in lipid peroxidation induced by iron/ascorbate and in erythrocyte hemolysis by H2O2 were evaluated. The polysulfone of 2,2-diallyl-1,1,3,3-tetraethylguanidinium chloride showed protection of erythrocytes against hydrogen peroxide and thermal shock, protected epithelial cells against UV irradiation, was not toxic for erythrocytes, epithelial cells SPEV and 3T3 fibroblasts. The polysulfone of N-benzyl-2-azanorbornene-5 inhibited lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate, did not exhibit cytotoxicity in SPEV and 3T3 cells, protected these against UV irradiation. Both compounds had low bioavailability and may be recommended for further investigations as excipients to be externally applied.

Antioxidant Effect of Roasted Barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i> L.) Grain Extract towards Oxidative Stress <i>in Vitro</i> and <i>in Vivo</i>

The antioxidant activity of extract from roasted barley grain was evaluated by various methods in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that the extract exhibited high antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo, evidenced by its ability to chelate ferrous ions, scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, and prevent lipid peroxidation of liver homogenate. The extract significantly increased the total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in aged mice (P < 0.05). The activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased while levels of malondialodehyde (MDA) and manoamine oxidase (MAO) decreased in both the liver and brain of aged mice treated with the extract compared to the control (untreated mice). The results demonstrate potential antioxidant activities and antiaging effect of roasted barley grain. This provides scientific support for the use of roasted barley grain as an antioxidant against oxidative stress.

NUTRACEUTICALS FROM BEETROOT POMACE EXTRACT WITH ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS

s. PHYTOPHARM 2012 M 38 Obzory po kliniceskoj farmacologii i lekarstvennoj terapii [Reviews of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy] ТОМ 10/2012/2 of il-10 (as immunosupressive cytokine) and il-6 (which takes part in myoproteosis degradation) serum levels can restore immune cells activity. it was correlated with increasing the leukocyte integrins expression. down regulation of serum il-6 and il-10 cytokines in males of CbA inbred mice with high frequency of spontaneous hepatocarcinomas is considered to reduce antitumour antibodies production (which cover tumor cells antigens and diminish immune cells activity) as well as cachexia symptoms. NUTRACEUTICALS FROM BEETROOT POMACE EXTRACT WITH ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS © Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Cebovic Tatjana , Vulic Jelena , Cetkovic Gordana , Djilas Sonja 1 Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia Faculty of Medicine, Clinical centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, Serbia The beetroot pomace (bPE), residue from the juice processing, is promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antitumor properties. The aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activity of bPE and its effect on biochemical parameters of oxidative stress evaluated in liver homogenate of rats. The antioxidant activity of bPE, including reducing power and dPPh free radical scavenging activity were determined spectrophotometrically. The effects of bPE on several biochemical parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated in liver homogenate of rats treated with CCl 4 as a free radical generator: lPx intensity, content of GSh and activities of GSh-Px, GR, Px, XOd and CAT. bPE was able to scavenge dPPh radicals (EC 50 dPPh = 3.4 μg/ml). The reducing power of bPE increased with increasing the concentration. The bPE, combined with a CCl 4 , expressed a clear and dose-dependent suppressive effect against lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate. Simultaneous application of extract and CCl 4 has led to a significant decrease in GSh-Px levels, keeping the GSh content in liver homogenate close to physiological level. Similar impact on GR activity has been observed in liver of the animals. The catalase activity was decreased after treatment with bPE and CCl 4. Similar influence on hepatic Px activity has been also observed. Although CCl 4 does not alter the activity of hepatic XOd certain increase of XOd activity has been measured after addition of bPE. Obtained results demonstrated that the beetroot pomace extract might possess a specific antioxidant potential, suggesting that it might be used not only as a hepatoprotective agent, but as an active agent in treatment of other disorders caused by oxidative stress. VALORISATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND CELL GROWTH ACTIVITIES OF TOMATO WASTE LIPOPHILIC EXTRACTS © Cetkovic Gordana , Savatovic Sladjana , Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Djilas Sonja , Mandic Anamarija , Cetojevic-Simin Dragana 3 Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia Institute for Food Technology in Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Institutski put 4, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia Tomato, fresh and its products, possess a high nutritional value, due to content of different types of antioxidants: carotenoids, polyphenolics, vitamin C and vitamin E. According to the fact that different valuable compounds remained in the waste from tomato juice processing, the aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant and cell growth activities of tomato waste lipophilic extracts (obtained from genotypes — backa and Saint Pierre). The lycopene and β-carotene in tomato waste extracts were identified and quantified by hPlC method by matching their retention times (RT) and on-line ultraviolet (UV) spectra with those of standards. The antioxidant activity of extracts were investigated by measuring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (dPPh) radical scavenging activity by spectrophotometric method. The cell growth activity was measured using the sulforhodamine b colorimetric assay on human cancer hela (cervix epitheloid carcinoma) and MCf7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines. The backa waste extract contained higher st content of lycopene (13.6 ± 0.1 mg/g) and β-carotene (12.0 ± 0.3 mg/g). The extracts were able to scavenge dPPh radical and higher antioxidant activity, expressed as iC 50 dPPh value, was obtained in the case of the backa waste extract

MULTIPHYTOADAPTOGENE IMMUNOMODIFYING EFFECT OF LEUKOCYTE INTEGRINS EXPRESSION REGULATION IN CBA MICE WITH SPONTANEOUS HEPATOMAS

s. PHYTOPHARM 2012 M 38 Obzory po kliniceskoj farmacologii i lekarstvennoj terapii [Reviews of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy] ТОМ 10/2012/2 of il-10 (as immunosupressive cytokine) and il-6 (which takes part in myoproteosis degradation) serum levels can restore immune cells activity. it was correlated with increasing the leukocyte integrins expression. down regulation of serum il-6 and il-10 cytokines in males of CbA inbred mice with high frequency of spontaneous hepatocarcinomas is considered to reduce antitumour antibodies production (which cover tumor cells antigens and diminish immune cells activity) as well as cachexia symptoms. NUTRACEUTICALS FROM BEETROOT POMACE EXTRACT WITH ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS © Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Cebovic Tatjana , Vulic Jelena , Cetkovic Gordana , Djilas Sonja 1 Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia Faculty of Medicine, Clinical centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, Serbia The beetroot pomace (bPE), residue from the juice processing, is promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antitumor properties. The aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activity of bPE and its effect on biochemical parameters of oxidative stress evaluated in liver homogenate of rats. The antioxidant activity of bPE, including reducing power and dPPh free radical scavenging activity were determined spectrophotometrically. The effects of bPE on several biochemical parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated in liver homogenate of rats treated with CCl 4 as a free radical generator: lPx intensity, content of GSh and activities of GSh-Px, GR, Px, XOd and CAT. bPE was able to scavenge dPPh radicals (EC 50 dPPh = 3.4 μg/ml). The reducing power of bPE increased with increasing the concentration. The bPE, combined with a CCl 4 , expressed a clear and dose-dependent suppressive effect against lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate. Simultaneous application of extract and CCl 4 has led to a significant decrease in GSh-Px levels, keeping the GSh content in liver homogenate close to physiological level. Similar impact on GR activity has been observed in liver of the animals. The catalase activity was decreased after treatment with bPE and CCl 4. Similar influence on hepatic Px activity has been also observed. Although CCl 4 does not alter the activity of hepatic XOd certain increase of XOd activity has been measured after addition of bPE. Obtained results demonstrated that the beetroot pomace extract might possess a specific antioxidant potential, suggesting that it might be used not only as a hepatoprotective agent, but as an active agent in treatment of other disorders caused by oxidative stress. VALORISATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND CELL GROWTH ACTIVITIES OF TOMATO WASTE LIPOPHILIC EXTRACTS © Cetkovic Gordana , Savatovic Sladjana , Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Djilas Sonja , Mandic Anamarija , Cetojevic-Simin Dragana 3 Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia Institute for Food Technology in Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Institutski put 4, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia Tomato, fresh and its products, possess a high nutritional value, due to content of different types of antioxidants: carotenoids, polyphenolics, vitamin C and vitamin E. According to the fact that different valuable compounds remained in the waste from tomato juice processing, the aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant and cell growth activities of tomato waste lipophilic extracts (obtained from genotypes — backa and Saint Pierre). The lycopene and β-carotene in tomato waste extracts were identified and quantified by hPlC method by matching their retention times (RT) and on-line ultraviolet (UV) spectra with those of standards. The antioxidant activity of extracts were investigated by measuring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (dPPh) radical scavenging activity by spectrophotometric method. The cell growth activity was measured using the sulforhodamine b colorimetric assay on human cancer hela (cervix epitheloid carcinoma) and MCf7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines. The backa waste extract contained higher st content of lycopene (13.6 ± 0.1 mg/g) and β-carotene (12.0 ± 0.3 mg/g). The extracts were able to scavenge dPPh radical and higher antioxidant activity, expressed as iC 50 dPPh value, was obtained in the case of the backa waste extract

The influence of some triphenylantimony(V) catecholates and o‐amidophenolates on lipid peroxidationin vitro

A number of catecholates (complexes 1–3, 6) and o‐amidophenolates (complexes 4, 5) of triphenylantimony(V) was examined in the process of lipid peroxidation of liver homogenates and sperm of Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedti B.), and human red blood cells. It was shown that the influence of complexes 1–6 on lipid peroxidation process in model systems depends on the nature of redox‐active ligand and varies from weak anti‐ and pro‐oxidant (catecholates 1, 6) to pronounced antioxidant (catecholates and o‐amidophenolates 2–5). It was found that the complexes 2–5 are the more effective inhibitors of lipid peroxidation than standard antioxidant ionol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Effects of combination of thiazolidinediones with melatonin in dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in mice

In type 2 Diabetes, oxidative stress plays an important role in development and aggregation of insulin resistance. In the present study, long term administration of the dexamethasone led to the development of insulin resistance in mice. The effect of thiazolidinediones pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, with melatonin on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance was evaluated in mice. Insulin resistant mice were treated with combination of pioglitazone (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or rosiglitazone (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) with melatonin 10 mg/kg/day p.o. from day 7 to day 22. In the biochemical parameters, the serum glucose, triglyceride levels were significantly lowered (P<0.05) in the combination groups as compared to dexamethasone treated group as well as with individual groups of pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, and melatonin. There was also, significant increased (P<0.05) in the body weight gain in combination treated groups as compared to dexamethasone as well as individual groups. The combination groups proved to be effective in normalizing the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates may be due to antioxidant effects of melatonin and decreased hyperglycemia induced insulin resistance by thiazolidinediones. The glucose uptake in the isolated hemidiaphragm of mice was significantly increased in combination treated groups (PM and RM) than dexamethasone alone treated mice as well as individual (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, melatonin) treated groups probably via increased in expression of GLUT-4 by melatonin and thiazolidinediones as well as increased in insulin sensitivity by thiazolidinediones. Hence, it can be concluded that combination of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, thiazolidinediones, with melatonin may reduces the insulin resistance via decreased in oxidative stress and control on hyperglycemia.

Hepato-protective, antioxidant activities and acute toxicity of a stem bark extract of &lt;i&gt;Erythrina senegalensis&lt;/i&gt; DC.

This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of different stem bark extracts of Erythrina senegalensis prepared with ethanol, and the in vivo hepatoprotective activity and acute toxicity of the best extract. The 2, 4-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) and microsomal lipid peroxidation (MLP) models, and the rat liver slices system were respectively used for the in vitro study. The Methylene chloride/methanol (1:1 v/v) (Emc) and 40% ethanolic (E40) extracts were more efficient in inhibiting MLP and in scavenging DPPH radical. However, E40 was most effective with regards to lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage inhibition from rat liver slices intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The in vivo hepatoprotective activity was evaluated against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The E40 extract (100 mg/Kg) significantly reduced the increase in ALT, AST and lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate, showing that the extract is as protective as silymarin at the same dose. Acute toxicity was evaluated in mice and E40 did not produce any behavioural changes or mortality even at an oral dose of 16 g/kg. The extract was found to contain antioxidant classes of compounds (flavonoids and polyphenols). In conclusion, the E40 extract of E. senegalensis could be an important source of hepatoprotective compounds. Key words: Erythrina senegalensis , stem bark extract, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, carbon tetrachloride.

Protective effect of curcumin on experimentally induced inflammation, hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in rats: Evidence of its antioxidant property

The present study investigates the protective effects of curcumin on experimentally induced inflammation, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity using various animal models with biochemical parameters like serum marker enzymes and antioxidants in target tissues. In addition, liver and cardiac histoarchitecture changes were also studied. Curcumin treatment inhibited carrageenin and albumin induced edema, cotton pellet granuloma formation. The increased relative weight of liver and heart in CCl 4 induced liver injury and isoproterenol induced cardiac necrosis were also reduced by curcumin treatment. Elevated serum marker enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased lipid peroxidation, decreased gluthione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in edematous, granulomatus, liver and heart tissues during inflammation, liver injury and cardiac necrosis, respectively. Curcumin treatment reversed all these above mentioned biochemical changes significantly in all animal models studied. Even histoarchitecture alterations observed in liver injury and cardiac necrosis observed were partially reversed (improved) by curcumin treatments. In in vitro experiments too curcumin inhibited iron catalyzed lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates, scavenged nitric oxide spontaneously generated from nitroprusside and inhibited heat induced hemolysis of rat erythrocytes. The present in vitro and in vivo experimental findings suggest the protective effect of curcumin on experimentally induced inflammation, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity in rats.

The effect of ghee (clarified butter) on serum lipid levels and microsomal lipid peroxidation

Ghee, also known as clarified butter, has been utilized for thousands of years in Ayurveda as a therapeutic agent. In ancient India, ghee was the preferred cooking oil. In the last several decades, ghee has been implicated in the increased prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Asian Indians due to its content of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol and, in heated ghee, cholesterol oxidation products. Our previous research on Sprague-Dawley outbred rats, which serve as a model for the general population, showed no effect of 5 and 10% ghee-supplemented diets on serum cholesterol and triglycerides. However, in Fischer inbred rats, which serve as a model for genetic predisposition to diseases, results of our previous research showed an increase in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels when fed a 10% ghee-supplemented diet. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 10% dietary ghee on microsomal lipid peroxidation, as well as serum lipid levels in Fischer inbred rats to assess the effect of ghee on free radical mediated processes that are implicated in many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease. Results showed that 10% dietary ghee fed for 4 weeks did not have any significant effect on levels of serum total cholesterol, but did increase triglyceride levels in Fischer inbred rats. Ghee at a level of 10% in the diet did not increase liver microsomal lipid peroxidation or liver microsomal lipid peroxide levels. Animal studies have demonstrated many beneficial effects of ghee, including dose-dependent decreases in serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides; decreased liver total cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol esters; and a lower level of nonenzymatic-induced lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate. Similar results were seen with heated (oxidized) ghee which contains cholesterol oxidation products. A preliminary clinical study showed that high doses of medicated ghee decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters in psoriasis patients. A study on a rural population in India revealed a significantly lower prevalence of coronary heart disease in men who consumed higher amounts of ghee. Research on Maharishi Amrit Kalash-4 (MAK-4), an Ayurvedic herbal mixture containing ghee, showed no effect on levels of serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), LDL, or triglycerides in hyperlipidemic patients who ingested MAK-4 for 18 weeks. MAK-4 inhibited the oxidation of LDL in these patients. The data available in the literature do not support a conclusion of harmful effects of the moderate consumption of ghee in the general population. Factors that may be involved in the rise of CAD in Asian Indians include the increased use of vanaspati (vegetable ghee) which contains 40% trans fatty acids, psychosocial stress, insulin resistance, and altered dietary patterns. Research findings in the literature support the beneficial effects of ghee outlined in the ancient Ayurvedic texts and the therapeutic use of ghee for thousands of years in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Low pH does not modulate antioxidant status of diphenyl ditelluride but exacerbates Fe (II)-induced lipid peroxidation in liver preparation

The relationship of acidosis and lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate was studied and the effect of pH on the antioxidant potential of diphenyl ditelluride is reported. Low pH increased the rate of lipid peroxidation both in the absence and presence of Fe (II), while diphenyl ditelluride (DPDT) inhibited the rate of lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner at all studied pH values. However, the change in pH did not alter the antioxidant activity of the compound. This study shows acidosis catalyzed oxidative stress in liver homogenate and the antioxidant potential of diphenyl ditelluride.

Preparation of different molecular weight polysaccharides from Porphyridium cruentum and their antioxidant activities

Hermetical microwave was used to degrade Porphyridium cruentum polysaccharides from 2918 to 256.2, 60.66 and 6.55 kDa. The antioxidant properties of different molecular weight polysaccharides were evaluated by determining the scavenging ability of free radicals, inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates and hemolysis of mouse erythrocytes. Analysis of physicochemical properties confirmed that microwave degradation might not markedly change the chemical components of the polysaccharides. High-molecular-weight polysaccharides from P. cruentum had no obvious antioxidant activity, but low-molecular-weight fragments after degradation exerted an inhibitory effect on oxidative damage. The 6.55-kDa fragment had stronger antioxidant activity than the 60.66 and 256-kDa fragments.

Bitter Melon Protects Against Lipid Peroxidation Caused by Immobilization Stress in Albino Rats

In the present study, protective effects of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract on lipid peroxidation induced by immobilization stress in rats have been assessed. Graded doses of extract (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to rats subjected to immobilization stress for two hours for seven consecutive days. Stress was applied by keeping the rats in a cage where no movement was possible. After seven days, rats were killed by decapitation after ether anesthesia. Blood and liver were collected to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione, and catalase. In vitro effects of M. charantia extract on lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate of normal, control, and rats pretreated with extract were carried out against cumene hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation. Results reveal that in vivo M. charantia inhibited stress-induced lipid peroxidation by increasing the levels of reduced glutathione and activities of catalase. These results were further supported by in vitro results. In vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation was indicated by low levels of thiobarbituric acid in the liver homogenate from pretreated rats and normal rats when incubated with both cumene hydroperoxide and extract. Inhibition was also noted in the homogenate where the rats were pretreated but the mixture contained no extract. Thus this plant provides protection by strengthening the antioxidants like reduced glutathione and catalase. Inclusion of this plant in the daily diet would be beneficial.

Synthesis and antioxidative activity of metalloporphyrins bearing 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol pendants

The novel metalloporphyrins (M=HH, Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) bearing 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol pendants as antioxidant substituents, and a long chain hydrocarbon palmitoyl group have been synthesized. The oxidation of compounds by PbO2 leads to the formation of the corresponding 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxyl radicals studied by EPR. The activity of porphyrins in lipid peroxidation has been examined using (1) in vitro lipid peroxidation induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide in respiring rat liver mitochondria, (2) in vitro lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates of Wistar strain rats, and (3) a model process of peroxidation of (Z)-octadec-9-enic (oleic) acid as a structural fragment of lipids. The activity of these compounds depends dramatically on the nature of metal and might be changed from antioxidative (M=HH, Mn, Cu, Zn) to indifferent (M=Co), and to pro-oxidative one (M=Fe). The anti- or pro-oxidative action of these compounds may be derived from the concurrence between the involvement of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol pendants acting as radical scavengers and redox active metal center promoting oxidation processes. The results of this study suggest that the polytopic compounds combining in one molecule 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol pendants, metalloporphyrin moiety, and a palmitoyl group, are membrane active compounds and might be studied in an effort to find novel pharmaceutical agents.

Protective effect of saponins derived from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the saponins isolated from the root of Platycodi Radix (Changkil saponins: CKS) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicities in mice. Pretreatment with CKS prior to the administration of CCl4 significantly prevented the increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities and hepatic lipid peroxidation formation. In addition, CKS prevented CCl4-induced apoptosis and necrosis, as indicated by a liver histopathologic study and DNA laddering. To determine whether Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway involved in CCl4-induced acute liver injury, Fas and FasL proteins and caspase-3, -8 activities were tested by western blotting and ELISA. CKS markedly decreased CCl4-induced Fas/FasL protein expression levels and in turn attenuated CCl4-induced caspase-3, -8 activities in mouse livers. Additionally, CKS protected the CCl4-induced depletion of hepatic glutathione levels. The effect of CKS on CYP2E1, the major isozyme involved in CCl4 bioactivation, was investigated. Treatment with CKS resulted in a significant decrease in the CYP2E1-dependent hydroxylation of aniline. In addition, CKS exhibited antioxidant effects on FeCl2-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates, and on superoxide radical scavenging activity. These findings suggest that the protective effects of CKS against CCl4-induced acute liver injury possibly involve mechanisms related to its ability to block CYP2El-mediated CCl4 bioactivation and its free radical scavenging effects, and that is also protects against Fas/FasL pathway mediated apoptosis.