Radical Lipid Peroxidation Research Articles

S-Allyl cysteine alleviates inflammation by modulating the expression of NF-κB during chromium (VI)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is a common environmental pollutant. Cr (VI) exposure can lead to severe damage to the liver, but the preventive measures to diminish Cr (VI)-induced hepatotoxicity need further study. S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is a constituent of garlic ( Allium sativum) and has many beneficial effects to humans and rodents. In this study, we intended to analyze the mechanistic role of SAC during Cr (VI)-induced hepatotoxicity. Male Wistar albino rats were induced with 17 mg/kg body weight to damage the liver. The Cr (VI)-induced rats were treated with 100 mg/kg body weight of SAC as an optimum dosage to treat hepatotoxicity. We observed that the levels of oxidants, lipid peroxidation and hydroxyl radical (OH•) were increased, and enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were found to be decreased in Cr (VI)-induced rats. While treated with SAC, the levels of oxidants were decreased and enzymatic antioxidants were significantly ( p < 0.05) increased. Lysosomal enzyme activities were increased in Cr (VI)-induced rats and on treatment with SAC, the activities were significantly decreased. The expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B (p65-NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were increased during induction with Cr (VI). Subsequent administration of SAC to animals showed a decrease in the expressions of NF-κB, TNF-α, and iNOS. Results obtained from this study clearly demonstrated that SAC protects the liver cells from the Cr (VI)-induced free radical damage.

Bactericidal and antioxidant properties of essential oils from the fruits Dennettia tripetala G. Baker

BackgroundThe antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the essential oils (EOs) of unripe and ripe fruits of Dennettia tripetala and their potential for the management of infectious and oxidative-stress diseases were investigated in-vitro in this study.MethodEssential oil obtained from the fruit in Clevenger modified apparatus, was characterized by high resolution GC-MS, while antioxidant and antibacterial properties were tested by spectrophotometric and agar diffusion methods respectively.ResultsThe EO demonstrated strong antibacterial properties when subjected to multi –drug resistant bacterial strains: Enterococcus faecium (ATCC19434), Escherichia coli (ATCC 700728), Staphylococcus aureus (NCINB 50080), Listeria ivanovii (ATCC 19119), Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC13047) and four previously confirmed multi resistant bacterial isolates from our laboratory stock culture. The unripe fruit oil (UFO) demonstrated greater activity than the ripe fruit oil (RFO) against most of the tested bacteria with minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) ranging between 0.05–0.20 mg/mL while that of the ripe fruit oil (RFO) ranged from 0.10–0.20 mg/mL. The IC50 for RFO (0.62 ± 0.12 mg/mL) showed that it has higher antioxidant strength than UFO and vitamin C (0.87 ± 0.23 and 3.39 ± 0.12 mg/mL) but a lower activity compared to β-carotene (0.32 ± 0.22 mg/mL) in scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH•). The EOs also demonstrated strong ability in scavenging three other different radicals (ABTS, lipid peroxide and nitric oxide radicals) in concentration dependant -manner.ConclusionFindings from this study suggest that apart from the local uses of the plant extracts, the EO has strong bioactive compounds, noteworthy antibacterial, antiradical properties and may be good candidates in the search for lead constituents for the synthesis of novel potent antibiotics.

Maternal c-reactive protein and oxidative stress markers as predictors of delivery latency in patients experiencing preterm premature rupture of membranes.

To evaluate the usefulness of maternal serum c-reactive protein (CRP), lipid peroxide, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), to predict the interval between membrane rupture and delivery in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). The present prospective study included patients with singleton pregnancies experiencing PPROM at earlier than 34weeks of pregnancy who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery between August 1, 2010 and July 31, 2013 at Chonnam National University Hospital, Republic of Korea. Patients were categorized based on whether delivery occurred within 3days of PPROM or after. CRP levels, lipid peroxide (using malondialdehyde levels), ORAC, protein carbonyl, and other potential risk factors were compared between the groups. There were 72 patients included. Maternal serum CRP levels, malondialdehyde levels, and Bishop Score were higher in patients who underwent delivery within 3days (all P<0.05); ORAC levels were lower among these patients (P=0.002). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that CRP, malondialdehyde, and ORAC levels were predictive of delivery within 3days after PPROM. Maternal serum CRP, malondialdehyde, and ORAC levels at admission were useful in predicting the latent period in patients with PPROM.

In vitro antioxidative and cholinesterase inhibitory properties of Thunbergia grandiflora leaf extract

AbstractAmong the pathologic hypotheses of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cholinergic deficit and oxidative stress have been implicated as two major hallmarks. Therefore, inhibition of cholinesterase and oxidation are the two promising strategies in the development of a drug for AD. Thunbergia grandiflora leaf extract (TGEx) is used in this research to investigate its anticholinesterase and antioxidant potentials. Anticholinesterase activity was measured by modified Ellman method. Antioxidant potentials were evaluated by the assay of reducing power, radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The Methanolic extract showed strong anticholinesterase effect. Additionally, the extract exhibited pronounced reducing capacity, radical scavenging ability, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effect. The IC50 values of the extract for DPPH and hydroxyl free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation were 10.50 ± 0.68, 24.98 ± 1.39 and 21.84 ± 0.91 μg/ml, respectively. Phytochemical screening of the extract rev...

Superoxide Dismutase-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Prepared by Cold Homogenization Method: Characterization and Permeation Study Through Burned Rat Skin

Background: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), which inhibits lipid peroxidation and scavengers oxygen radicals, is an effective enzyme for treatment of skin ulcer lesion especially due to burns. Superoxide Dismutase is a hydrophilic compound with high molecular weight and low affinity for partitioning into skin. Moreover, another important limitation for its use in medicine is thermal denaturation and inactivation. Objectives: We developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) dispersions for enhancing superoxide dismutase penetration across burned rat skin and enzyme protection against environmental degradation. Methods: Solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared with cold homogenization method because SOD is a thermo sensitive compound. The characteristics of SLNs such as particle size, entrapment efficiency and enzyme release pattern and permeability through burned rat skin were evaluated. Results: Solid lipid nanoparticles showed more than 90% entrapment efficiency and particle size lower than 102 nm. In vitro release study demonstrated SOD burst and sustained release characters in this manner with maximum of 65% of enzyme released after 48 hours. The SOD activity was measured and results indicated that SLN could protect activity of the enzyme. Differential scanning calorimetry of SLNs showed low crystalinity index percentage that is a reason for high entrapment efficiency and burst release character. Conclusions: The results indicated that SOD-loaded in SLN was delivered into deep burned skin layer and induced high enzyme activity through the skin. Low particle size, application of lecithin as surfactant and low crystallinity index (CI) percentage were important factors for increasing SOD penetration through the burned rat skin. Percentage of activity by SLN dispersions through rat skin was 13 folds more than the control.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF POLYPHENOLIC FRACTION FROM RIVEA HYPOCRATERIFORMIS IN PARACETAMOL INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;This study was designed to chemical composition and hepatoprotective effects of a polyphenolic fraction of aerial parts of &lt;em&gt;R. hypocrateriformis &lt;/em&gt;(PPFRH). It was shown to exhibit strong &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; lipid peroxidation and scavenging activity against hydroxyl radical.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The chemical composition of a polyphenolic fraction of &lt;em&gt;R. hypocrateriformis&lt;/em&gt; was analyzed by High-performance liquid chromatography method. Hepatocellular injuries induced by paracetamol were assessed by liver damage in Wistar albino rat; the hepatoprotective effect was evaluated by biochemical parameters in rat serum, antioxidant hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The polyphenolic fraction of aerial parts of &lt;em&gt;R. hypocrateriformis&lt;/em&gt; for lipid peroxidation is significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05). In the hepatoprotective activity of liver enzymes and hepatic necrosis were significantly (p&amp;lt;0.001) closer to paracetamol. The correlation coefficient between the hydroxyl scavenging radical and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be R² = 0.9045 and R² = 0.8876 suggesting the contribution of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of the polyphenolic fraction of aerial parts of &lt;em&gt;R. hypocrateriformis&lt;/em&gt; by 90% and 88% to its radical scavenging activity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The polyphenolic fraction of aerial parts of &lt;em&gt;R. hypocrateriformis&lt;/em&gt; possesses a significant protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol and which may be due to the phenolic and flavonoid components.&lt;/p&gt;

Antioxidative properties of 34 green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables available in Sri Lanka have not been fully exploited, although they are stipulated to be rich sources of natural antioxidant. This study examined the antioxidant properties of thirty four edible green leafy vegetables popular in Sri Lanka. Methanolic extracts of leafy vegetables were analysed for total phenolic, carotene and chlorophyll content, and were evaluated for total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, lipid peroxidation and DPPH radical scavenging assays. The results indicated that these leafy vegetables have remarkable variations in their antioxidant activities. Among the plant materials screened for their antioxidant properties, Sesbania grandiflora, Cassia auriculata, Murraya koenigii Spreng, Passiflora edulis, Gymnema lactiferum and Olax zeylanica showed high carotene content, antioxidant activities and polyphenolics compared to other leaf varieties tested. A good correlation was observed between antioxidant assays and polyphenolics of the leafy vegetables.

Protective Effect of Nitric Oxide on High Temperature Induced Oxidative Stress in Wheat (&lt;i&gt;Triticum aestivum&lt;/i&gt;) Callus Culture

High temperature (HT) stress is a major environmental factor that limits plant growth, metabolism and productivity worldwide. Plant growth and development involve numerous biochemical reactions that are sensitive to temperature. Plants’ responses to HT vary with the degree and duration of HT and the plants’ adaptability. The protective effect of exogenous nitric oxide in alleviating high temperature induced damages of wheat (Triticum aestivum) callus tissues was investigated. Heat treatment (35 and 40 °C) alone or in combination with 0.5 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP; nitric oxide donor) was applied for 72 h to callus tissues cultured on MS medium. Heat stress significantly increased lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical levels, whereas ascorbate and total glutathione contents markedly decreased. In addition, heat stress increased the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes: superoxide distumase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. In contrast, the addition of SNP in the culture media prevented the callus from the heat-induced oxidative damage as indicated by the decrease of MDA, H2O2 and O2.− contents, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant constituents. These results provided support for the hypothesis that the exogenous applications of NO confer tolerance to high temperature stress by reducing the oxidative damage in plants.

Protective Effect of Nitric Oxide on High Temperature Induced Oxidative Stress in Wheat (&lt;i&gt;Triticum aestivum&lt;/i&gt;) Callus Culture

High temperature (HT) stress is a major environmental factor that limits plant growth, metabolism and productivity worldwide. Plant growth and development involve numerous biochemical reactions that are sensitive to temperature. Plants’ responses to HT vary with the degree and duration of HT and the plants’ adaptability. The protective effect of exogenous nitric oxide in alleviating high temperature induced damages of wheat (Triticum aestivum) callus tissues was investigated. Heat treatment (35 and 40 °C) alone or in combination with 0.5 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP; nitric oxide donor) was applied for 72 h to callus tissues cultured on MS medium. Heat stress significantly increased lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical levels, whereas ascorbate and total glutathione contents markedly decreased. In addition, heat stress increased the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes: superoxide distumase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. In contrast, the addition of SNP in the culture media prevented the callus from the heat-induced oxidative damage as indicated by the decrease of MDA, H2O2 and O2.- contents, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant constituents. These results provided support for the hypothesis that the exogenous applications of NO confer tolerance to high temperature stress by reducing the oxidative damage in plants.

Natural or replacer sources of milk in lambs during feeding adaptation: influences on performance, metabolism of protein and lipid and oxidative/antioxidant status.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of milk feeding using milk replacer (MR) or natural ewe's milk (NEM) for Lacaune lambs on performance, protein and lipid metabolism and oxidative/antioxidant status. These parameters were evaluated during the period of feeding adaptation, which corresponded to 12days after ewe's separation. Fifteen lambs were selected and divided into two groups: Group A (n=7) with lambs receiving natural milk; Group B (n=8) with lambs receiving a milk replacer. Liquid food supply, for both groups, was set according to their body weight, given in two daily periods. Feed intake was also obtained by individual body weight and adjusted according leftovers. Blood samples were collected on three different days (0, 6 and 12) to perform the serum analysis of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and urea. Additionally, the oxidative profile was analysed in sera samples through the assessment of TBARS (reactive substances thiobarbituric acid) and ROS (reactive oxygen species) which aims to identify lipid peroxidation and free radical levels, respectively, as well as the antioxidant profile evaluating glutathione S-transferase (GST). There was no statistical difference (p>0.05) between groups on levels of total protein, albumin and globulin. However, cholesterol (day 6), triglycerides (days 6 and 12), urea (day 6) and ALT (day 12) levels differed (p<0.05) between groups. Values of total protein, globulin, ALT and TBARS differed (p<0.05) along the time. The average weight gain and body weight differed (p<0.05) only on day 12, showing that weight gain was higher for lambs fed with NEM. The performance of lambs fed with MR was impaired. Biochemical parameters had a slight variation between groups and along the time, as well as oxidative/antioxidant status did not change in the different liquid diets.

&lt;i&gt;Indigofera tinctoria&lt;/i&gt; Linn (Fabaceae) attenuates cognitive and behavioral deficits in scopolamine-induced amnesic mice

Purpose: To investigate the cognition-enhancing effects of aqueous extract of Indigofera tinctoria Linn (ITE, Fabaceae) in experimental amnesic mice. Methods : Scopolamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce amnesia in mice. The cognitive-enhancing activity of the ITE (5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) was studied by passive avoidance response, elevated plus maze and Y-maze behavioral paradigm in normal and scopolamine-induced amnesic mice. Antioxidant activities were also determined based on the ability of ITE to inhibit lipid peroxide, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Results : Scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits were significantly reversed by ITE (p < 0.001 at 20 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent fashion in all the behavioral paradigms tested. Furthermore, ITE dosedependently scavenged lipid peroxide, superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals with 50 % inhibition concentration (IC 50 ) of 7.28 ± 0.37, 5.25 ± 0.28 and 7.62 ± 0.43 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion : ITE possesses cognitive-enhancing properties in amnesic mice due to its potent antioxidant action. Keywords : Indigofera tinctoria, Scopolamine, Lipid peroxidation, Amnesia, Antioxidant, Cognition

Enhanced drought and salinity tolerance in transgenic mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] overexpressing Arabidopsis group 4 late embryogenesis abundant gene (AtLEA4-1)

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] is one of the most important oilseed crop worldwide, yet relatively mild drought and salinity stress significantly reduce its growth and yield. Expression of LEA (Late Embryogenesis Abundant) proteins was previously shown to alleviate osmotic stress by stabilizing water status, protecting cytosolic structures and cell through increased membrane and protein stability. We overexpressed Arabidopsis group 4 LEA protein AtLEA4-1 in mustard, resulting the transgenic lines to show enhanced drought and salinity tolerance. Southern hybridization showed the copy number of the gene inserted into the transgenics while, qRT PCR determined the transcript level of the overexpressed gene. Leaf senescence assay showed better adaptability of the transgenics to both salt and PEG stress, as revealed by increased chlorophyll content in the transgenic plants when compared to wild type. The transgenic mustard plants showed better survivability under both drought and salinity stress in soil. Physiological analysis revealed lower levels of lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and oxygen radical production but higher levels of relative water content (RWC) in T1 transgenic AtLEA4-1 lines with not so significant increase in proline content. Antioxidative enzyme activities showed better adaptation of transgenic plants to drought stress. Even when the biochemical parameters were analysed as a function of RWC, the transgenic plant tissues showed improved adaptation to drought and salinity stress depicting, the functions of LEA proteins as antioxidant and molecular chaperone exerting equivalent impact as that of hydration buffer towards abiotic stress tolerance.

Influence of processing on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L. variety Narmo)

AbstractFresh apricot pulp and its processed products (bar, chutney, and leather) were analyzed for physicochemical (moisture content, titrable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, and percent reducing sugars) and antioxidant properties (2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power, total phenolics, lipid peroxidation, ferric reducing antioxidant potential, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity). Reducing sugars, TA, and ascorbic acid content were found to be higher in the processed products than the fresh pulp. A significant difference in the antioxidant properties between the fresh apricot pulp and its processed products was observed. The difference in antioxidant properties between the fresh and the processed products may be attributed to the partial degradation of the bioactive compounds by the action of heat during processing. Among the processed products, apricot bar showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Therefore, produ...

Biflavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seed ameliorates hormonal imbalance and testicular oxidative damage by anti-tuberculosis drugs in Wistar rats.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem. The effects of anti-TB drugs on male reproductive system have not been properly evaluated. We investigated the effects of anti-TB drugs on testicular antioxidant indices, sperm characteristics and hormonal levels in rats, and the protective role of kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seed. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups and orally treated with corn oil (control), anti-TB drugs [4-Tabs=isoniazid (5 mg/kg), rifampicin (10 mg/kg), pyrazinamide (15 mg/kg) and ethambutol (15 mg/kg) in combination], anti-TB drugs +KV and KV alone (200 mg/kg). Anti-TB drugs and KV were given three times per week for 8 weeks. In vitro, reducing power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO), diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging effects of KV were examined. KV at 10, 20, 50 and 100 μg/mL showed strong reducing potential and effectively scavenged DPPH and OH radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, KV significantly inhibited LPO in rats' liver homogenate. In vivo, administration of 4-Tabs caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in body weight gain and weight of testis of rats. Body weight gain and weight of testis decreased by 45% and 36%, respectively, in the 4-Tabs-treated rats. Also, 4-Tabs increased testicular lipid peroxidation by 82%, with a concomitant decrease in antioxidant indices. Testicular reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased by 2.2-, 1.9- and 1.6-folds, respectively. Likewise, 4-Tabs markedly decreased sperm count, motility, luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Co-administration of KV with 4-Tabs normalized body weight, enhanced antioxidant system and improved sperm characteristics. Kolaviron protects male reproductive system from oxidative damage by anti-tuberculosis drugs via the antioxidative mechanism.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Feronia Limonia Bark Relevant to the Treatment of Oxidative Stress Mediated Neurodegenerative Disorders

The present study was designed to explore the potent antioxidant of crude methanol extract (CME) of Feronia limonia bark and its four fractions such as petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CLF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous fractions (AQF) in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, caused by oxidative stress. The highest phenolic and flavonoid content were detected in CLF (18.16 µg of gallic acid equivalent/gm of dried sample &160.20 µg of GAE/gm of extract) suggestive for good source of antioxidant. To the best of the knowledge, the compound C-1, Umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin), reported for the first time from this plant source, was isolated & characterized from the chloroform fraction by column chromatography, PTLC and by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HMBC respectively. All the fractions and the compound isolated were investigated for in vitro antioxidant activity by total antioxidant capacity assay, ferric reducing power assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical & hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay. The total antioxidant activity and reducing capacity of CLF & EAF was higher than CME, AQF & PEF. In case of DPPH assay, all the extracts tested exhibited strong and similar free radical scavenging activity (IC50 values 15.8-17.4 µg/ml) compared with the reference standard ascorbic acid(IC50 value 12.6 µg/ml). The AQF had the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 12.5 µg/ml. The isolated compound and seven column fractions (F2 to F8) of CLF also possessed good antioxidant activity. The highest lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity was found from F7 (IC50 value 14 µg/ml) appearing more potent than the standard catechin. Irrefutably, the study revealed that the plant bark inhibits multiple components of the oxidative stress pathway, which is suggestive for using in the effective and safe treatment of neurodegenerative diseases after in vivo effectiveness test is done.

Induced lipid peroxidation in ram sperm: semen profile, DNA fragmentation and antioxidant status.

Action of reactive oxygen species, protamination failures and apoptosis are considered the most important etiologies of sperm DNA fragmentation. This study evaluated the effects of induced lipid peroxidation susceptibility on native semen profile and identified the mechanisms involved in sperm DNA fragmentation and testicular antioxidant defense on Santa Ines ram sperm samples. Semen was collected from 12 adult rams (Ovis aries) performed weekly over a 9-week period. Sperm analysis (motility, mass motility, abnormalities, membrane and acrosome status, mitochondrial potential, DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation and intracellular free radicals production); protamine deficiency; PRM1, TNP1 and TNP2 gene expression; and determination of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activity and immunodetection in seminal plasma were performed. Samples were distributed into four groups according to the sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation after induction with ascorbate and ferrous sulfate (low, medium, high and very high). The results were analyzed by GLM test and post hoc least significant difference. We observed an increase in native GPx activity and CAT immunodetection in groups with high susceptibility to induced lipid peroxidation. We also found an increase in total sperm defects, acrosome and membrane damages in the group with the highest susceptibility to induced lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the low mitochondrial membrane potential, susceptible to chromatin fragmentation and the PRM1 mRNA were increased in the group showing higher susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Ram sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation may compromise sperm quality and interfere with the oxidative homeostasis by oxidative stress, which may be the main cause of chromatin damage in ram sperm.

Effect of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E Supplementation on Testicular Morphology and Serum Testosterone Concentration in Goats Following Scrotal Insulation

Background: Heat directly applied to the testis has been providing information regarding the damage triggering mechanisms on spermatogenesis and possible treatments to prevent testicular changes. Testis submitted to heat-shock have inhibition of the local antioxidant defense mechanisms against lipid peroxidation and free radicals. Vitamin E and Selenium protect biological membranes against free radicals to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation. The current assay evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E on testicular parenchyma and testosterone levels of goats submitted to heat shock by scrotal insulation.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular parameters and serum testosterone concentration was evaluated in goats subjected to scrotal insulation. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 6) to receive either a control diet (CO) or a diet supplemented with selenium and vitamin E (SE). The animals received supplementation for 120 days: 60 days prior to scrotal insulation, 18 days during scrotal insulation and 42 days after scrotal insulation. Orchiectomy was performed on three animals from each group, immediately after the end of scrotal insulation. The remaining animals were neutered at the end of the experimental period (120 days). Testicles were routinely processed and embedded in glycol methacrylate, stained with toluidine blue/1% sodium borate and evaluated qualitative and quantitatively. Serum testosterone concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay at the time of the orchiectomy. Scrotal circumference was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in goats of the SE group (23.0 ± 1.00 cm) than those of the control group (20.0 ± 1.00 cm) at the end of the scrotal insulation period (Day 18). At the end of the experimental period (Day 42 post-scrotal insulation (PSI)), the seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium height were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the SE group than in control. Histological changes associated with testicular degeneration were detected after 18 days of scrotal insulation in the goats of the control group. The animals of SE group had some histological changes of seminiferous tubules but the majority of them had normal association of germ cells. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation did not seem to avoid testicular damage caused by scrotal insulation but accelerated testicular recovery after the removal of insulation. Testosterone serum levels were not changed in the animals submitted to scrotal insulation, with or without dietary supplementation with selenium and vitamin E.Discussion: In the current study, scrotal insulation for 18 days caused testicular degeneration in both groups. However, selenium and vitamin E supplementation were capable of maintaining the scrotal circumference on the 18th day of insulation in the SE group. Previous reports suggested that selenium and vitamin E could protect cell membranes against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. However, the histopathological changes and morphometric data observed in the both groups after 18 days of insulation demonstrated that supplementation with these antioxidants did not prevent the damage caused by heat stress. In turn, at 42 days after the removal of insulation, the tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelium height was greater in animals supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. In addition, the animals that received supplementation had most of seminiferous tubules with cell associations of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Vitamin E and selenium may reduce testicle sensitivity to heat and thereby shorten the spermatogenesis recovery time by 10 to 20 days. Selenium plus vitamin E added to feed was unable to prevent the degeneration of the testicular parenchyma in these animals. Nonetheless, the supplementation with both antioxidants hastened the recovery of spermatogenesis after the thermal injury.

In vitro Antioxidant Activity and Hypolipidemic Effects of an Ethanol Extract of Amaranthus viridis Leaves on Hyperlipidemic Wistar Albino Rats

Amaranthus viridis Linn. (AV), communally known as ‘Slender or Green Amaranth’ in English, is a multinational genus of herbs. Several species of Amaranthus are often considered as weeds, as leaf vegetables, cereals and ornamentals. Traditionally, an infusion of the plant (leaves and roots) is used to treat dysentery and epilepsy in children, purify blood, reduce inflammation, hemorrhoids, reduce labour pain and improve appetite in parts of Africa and India. The present study was designed to evaluate the In vitro antioxidant activity and hypolipidemic effect of an ethanol extract of AV leaves (EEAVL) in Wistar albino rats and mice using experimental models. Acute toxicity (LD50) of EEAVL were studied in mice using standard method. The result showed a LD50 of 353.6 mg/kg of the extract. Fourteen (14) Wistar albino rats of both sexes were divided randomly into seven (7) groups of two animals, each subjected to different treatment for 14 days. Group A was the non-high fat diet control; Group B was the high fat diet-induced control; Group C received 20 mg/kg of Simvastatin, a standard lipid lowering drug; Group D to G received 250 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg, 62.25 mg/kg and 31.13 mg/kg BW respectively of EEAVL of which all were still maintained on their induced diet. At the end of the treatment, the lipid profile and body weight were estimated and compared with the Simvastatin treated control group. The result showed a significant (p 0.05) while HDL-C was increased at the doses studied. EEAVL also caused a decrease in the rate of weight gain. In the in-vitro antioxidant test, there was a concentration dependent increase in the (%) Scavenging activity when compared with the Vitamin C (control) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitric oxide and anti-lipid peroxidation activity of AVL. The results showed no significant difference at higher concentrations when compared to the control. On a comparative basis, the measure of the antioxidant effectiveness of the extract showed better activity in quenching Nitric oxide radical with an IC50 values of 72 mg/ml compared to Lipid peroxidation radicals (78mg/ml) and DPPH radicals (108 mg/ml). The result have shown that Amaranthus viridis L, a traditional folklore medicinal plant has in vitro antioxidant potentials and hypolipidemic effect which may provide therapeutic potentials in the management of Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and their complications which might be caused by free radical generation and hyperlipidemia.

Reactive oxygen species inhibitory diagrams and their usability for the evaluation of antioxidant ability

TThe reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitory diagrams on the abilities of biosubstances to eliminate hydroxyl, superoxide and alkoxyl radicals were introduced and the role of biosubstances against the oxidative stress was discussed using these diagrams. Hydroxyl radical causes the hydrogen abstraction with alkyl compounds and the one-electron oxidation reaction with phenol compounds, and reacts with substances encountered first after the radical is born in the system without any peculiarity. In superoxide radical elimination, the disproportionation reaction becomes important than ordinal radical reaction with stable molecules. The reaction characteristics of alkoxyl radical is slightly different from both hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, which indicates the reaction peculiarity caused by its bulky structure (RO•, R = C(CH3)2-C(+NH2Cl–)NH2). The ROS inhibitory diagrams, especially the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)-1/ids50 diagram, apparently indicate that each biosubstance has favorable free radical to eliminate. These excellent biosubstances in foods and beverages work as exogenous antioxidants in the biosystems for superoxide, hydroxyl and lipid peroxide radicals, and also supplement the role of endogenous antioxidants, L-ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione. As the ROS inhibitory diagrams are based on the eliminating abilities of free radicals produced during oxygen stress, they should respond to the need to search excellent endogenous antioxidants, and be excellent presentations for healthy life.

Antioxidant activity of lichen Cetraria aculeata

The aim of the present study is to investigate the antioxidant properties of the lichen Cetraria aculeata. Antioxidant activity of the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of lichen was tested by different methods including determination of total phenolics content, determination of total antioxidant capacity, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, inhibitory activity towards lipid peroxidation, ferrous ion chelating ability and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extracts of the lichen C. aculeata showed significant antioxidant activity. The methanol extract showed higher values for total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity compared to the ethyl acetate extract, while the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated better results for DPPH radical scavenging, inhibitory activity towards lipid peroxidation, chelating ability and hydroxyl radical scavenging than the methanol extract. This is the first report of the antioxidant properties of Cetraria aculeata growing in Serbia. The results of antioxidant activity indicate the application of this lichen as source of natural antioxidants that could be used as a possible food supplement, in the pharmaceutical industry and in the treatment of various diseases.