Radical Lipid Peroxidation Research Articles

Oxidative stress induced by cadmium in the plasma, erythrocytes and lymphocytes of rats: Attenuation by grape seed proanthocyanidins.

The present study has been designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative damage in rat erythrocytes. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, GSP-treated group (100 mg kg(-1) body weight (BW)), Cd-treated group (cadmium chloride, 5 mg kg(-1) BW), and GSP + Cd-treated group in which GSP was orally pre-administered 90 min before Cd intoxication for 4 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and were processed for various biochemical estimations. The extent of oxidative damage in isolated rat erythrocyte membrane was assessed by measuring lipid peroxidation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic content, calcium ion (Ca(2+))/magnesium ion (Mg(2+))-ATPase and sodium ion (Na(+))/potassium ion (K(+))-ATPase activities, free iron, calcium, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and osmotic fragility. Our results unveiled that Cd intoxication significantly increased the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation markers and decreased the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers in erythrocytes. Conversely, GSP pretreatment significantly prevented the decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and membrane-bound ATPases. GSP also restored the levels of iron, calcium, and H2O2 in Cd-treated rats. Conformational changes in erythrocytes of various groups were also determined using morphological and ultrastructural electron microscopic analysis. The findings of our study clearly revealed that GSP affords superior protection against Cd-induced reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and free radical generation in Cd-treated rats, which presumably reflects the ability of this flavonoid to protect erythrocytes and lymphocytes of rats from the toxic effects of Cd.

Effect of packaging and storage on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of quince candy

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) is a highly nutritious fruit of the sub-Himalyan regions, which has great economic and medicinal potential. Candy was developed from quince, packaged in three different packaging materials viz. polyethylene pouch, laminate, and plastic jar and was analyzed at three storage intervals (0, 60 & 120 days). With laminate showing significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher acceptability among various packages, the overall acceptability of quince candy decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) during storage. Laminate showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) protective effect on the ascorbic acid content of quince candy. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease with storage time. However, laminate showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better retention of these components. The antioxidant properties as analyzed by DPPH radical scavenging activity, FRAP, reducing power, lipid peroxidation, and metal chelating ability decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with storage time and were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better preserved in laminate. It can be concluded that laminate is comparatively better packaging material for candies.

Pasteurization of blackberry juice preserves polyphenol-dependent inhibition for lipid peroxidation and intracellular radicals

Berries are commonly consumed as juice, and juice-processing conditions could affect their bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the effect of thermal treatments on the antioxidant capacity of blackberry juice polyphenols. Pasteurized blackberry juices were prepared at 75°C for 15s (JP75) and 92°C for 10s (JP92). Polyphenol analysis showed that for JP75 and JP92, anthocyanin concentrations decreased significantly, compared to non-pasteurized juice (NPJ), whereas ellagitannins were not significantly affected. The evaluation of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging capacity showed a significant decrease of 26% for JP75 and 27% for JP92, and, for the NO (nitric oxygen) scavenging capacity, the activity was reduced 15% for JP75 and 16% for JP92. There were no significant reductions observed for the peroxidation inhibitory capacity of the pasteurized juices for any of the oxidation substrates tested: liposomes, liver homogenates and erythrocytes. Furthermore, the intracellular antioxidant capacity showed no significant differences due to thermal treatments. The concentration of phenols necessary to scavenge 50% of the radical oxygen species was 204±9μg/mL for NPJ, 219±10μg/mL for JP75 and 220±9μg/mL for JP92. This study revealed that pasteurized blackberry juices maintained their biological properties related to inhibition of peroxidation and their capacity to scavenge intracellular radicals.

High Anti-oxidative and Lipid-lowering Activities of Flavonoid Glycosides-rich Extract from the Leaves of <i>Z</i><i>an</i><i>t</i><i>h</i><i>o</i><i>xyl</i><i>u</i><i>m</i><i> </i><i>b</i><i>u</i><i>n</i><i>geanum </i>in Multi-system

Epidemiological studies observed that <i>Z</i><i>an</i><i>t</i><i>ho</i><i>xy</i><i>l</i><i>u</i><i>m</i><i> </i><i>bung</i><i>e</i><i>anu</i><i>m</i><i> </i>leaf, a popular vegetable in China, could interfere progression of cardiovascular diseases, especially hyperlipidemia. In the work, the pharmacological properties of <i>Z</i><i>.</i><i>bung</i><i>e</i><i>anu</i><i>m </i>leaves extract (ZLE) containing isovitexin, vitexin, hyperoside, rutin, isoquercitrin, foeniculin, trifolin, quercitrin, astragalin, and afzelin were investigated using multi-system such as mice organ tissue, HepG2 cell and apoE-/- mice. ZLE exhibited a stronger activity of scavenging free radicals. ZLE also appeared to inhibit lipid peroxidation of mice organ tissues including the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain and pancreas. ZLE could lower lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells induced by free fatty acids (FFAs, an inducer of lipid peroxidation and free radicals production) in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with fenofibrate, a commercial product popularly used in clinical, the treatment of ZLE in apoE-/- mice had a stronger anti-hyperlipidemia without any detectable histopathological damage. This is the first report that ZLE containing high content of flavonoids with satisfying safety could significantly inhibit the development of hyperlipidemia by preventing the oxidative damage induced by free radicals and lipid peroxidation.

Role of chrysin on expression of insulin signaling molecules.

Background:Currently available drugs are unsuccessful for the treatment of tye-2 diabetes due to their adverseside-effects. Hence, a search for novel drugs, especially ofplant origin, continues. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid, natural component of traditional medicinal herbs, present in honey, propolis and many plant extracts that hasbeen used in traditional medicine around the world to treat numerous ailments.Objective:The present study was aimed to identify the protective role of chrysin on the expression of insulin-signaling molecules in the skeletal muscle of high fat and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic adult male rats.Materials and Methods:The oral effective dose of chrysin (100 mg/kg body weight) was given once a day until the end of the study (30 days post-induction of diabetes) to high fat diet-induced diabetic rats. At the end of the experimental period, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and free radical generation, as well as the levels of insulin signaling molecules and tissue glycogen in the gastrocnemius muscle were assessed.Results:Diabetic rats showed impaired glucose tolerance and impairment in insulin signaling molecules (IR, IRS-1, p-IRS-1Tyr632, p- AktThr308), glucose transporter subtype 4 [GLUT4] proteins and glycogen concentration. Serum insulin, lipid profile, LPO and free radical generation were found to be increased in diabetic control rats. The treatment with chrysin normalized the altered levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, LPO and insulin signaling molecules as well as GLUT4 proteins.Conclusion:Our present findings indicate that chrysin improves glycemic control through activation of insulin signal transduction in the gastrocnemius muscle of high fat and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic male rats.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Lantana radula Swartz and its phenylethanoid glycosides

Many species from the genus Lantana (Verbenaceae) have been used in traditional medicine, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities demonstrated. Lantana radula Swartz has been reported to be rich in phenylethanoid glycosides, which have various biological properties. In order to evaluate the actions of this plant, studies were performed on anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous phase resulting from the fractioning with HP-20SS resin (AP-20SS) of L. radula roots, as well as on antioxidant capacity of its isolated phenylethanoids. Anti-inflammatory activity of the AP-20SS (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis models. Antioxidant activity of the AP-20SS and its phenylethanoid glycosides (1 to 100 μg/ml) was evaluated by quantification of nitric oxide radical generation and lipid peroxidation. The AP-20SS reduced paw edema (100 and 300 mg/kg, p < 0.01) and leukocyte influx (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p < 0.001). Nitric oxide radical generation was also inhibited by the AP-20SS (IC50 value of 31.16 μg/ml). L. radula AP-20SS prevented Fe2+- or Fe2+ plus H2O2-induced lipid peroxidation (IC50 values < 1.00 μg/ml). Raduloside, samioside and isonuomioside A significantly inhibited nitric oxide radicals generation (by approximately 13%) and lipid peroxidation (by 57 to 99%). The results of the present study suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of the AP-20SS may be related, at least in part, to the antioxidant capacity of its phenylethanoids. Key words: Leukocyte influx, lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, paw edema.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of an Extract Rich in Polysaccharides of the Mushroom Polyporus dermoporus.

Polyporus dermoporus mushroom, native to Brazil, is produced under natural conditions in the unexplored reserve of Mata da Estrela-Rio Grande do Norte-RN. These mushrooms were delipidated with chloroform:methanol (2:1 v/v), extracted with water at 100 °C, and fractionated with ethanol (one and three volumes) and then centrifuged. The ethanol precipitation showed a high total sugar level of 64.8% and 1% of protein. This precipitate contained a high glucan level, characterized by chemical methods and by NMR of 13C and 1H and spectroscopy. The 13C NMR spectrum of these mushroom extracts showed the presence of β-glucose by a signal at 103.25 ppm. Studies with these glucans were made to elucidate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This extract of glucans inhibited the lipid peroxidation (42.9%) and superoxide radicals (83.3%) at 67 μg/mL. However, the inhibition of hydroxyl radical by the extract of this mushroom was 96% at 267 μg/mL. The action of this extract on induced pleurisy showed a 92.5% and 68.7% reduction in polymorphonuclears cells and nitric oxide, respectively, at 30 mg/kg. The glucans reduced the croton oil-induced ear edema by 65.6% at 30 mg/kg.

Chemical profile and biological activities of Veronica thymoides subsp. pseudocinerea

Context: In Turkey, Veronica species (Plantaginaceae) have been used as a diuretic and for wound healing in traditional medicine.Objective: To examine the fatty acid and essential oil profiles, the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, and DNA damage effects of Veronica thymoides P.H. Davis subsp. pseudocinerea M.A. Fischer as a potential source of natural active compounds.Materials and methods: GC/MS was used to analyze essential oil and fatty acid obtained from whole plant. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the β-carotene-linoleic acid test system, DPPH-free and ABTS cation radicals scavenging, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays. The anticholinesterase and antimicrobial activities were determined by Ellman and broth macrodillution methods, respectively. The effect of the methanol extract on DNA cleavage was investigated.Results: Hexatriacontene (21.0%) was found to be the main constituent in essential oil, and linoleic acid (25.2%) and palmitic acid (20.6%) in fatty acid. Methanol extract demonstrated the best IC50 values in lipid peroxidation (49.81 ± 0.31 µg/ml) and DPPH-free radical scavenging activity (15.32 ± 0.17 µg/ml). Methanol and water extracts possessed strong ABTS cation radical scavenging activity with IC50 values 9.15 ± 0.28 and 8.90 ± 0.14 µg/ml, respectively. The acetone extract exhibited moderate butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The highest antimicrobial activity was determined in methanol extract against Escherichia coli with 31.25 µg/ml MIC value. Inhibition of methanol extract on plasmid DNA cleavage by OH radicals was found to be 93.32% at 500 µg/ml.Conclusion: The methanol extract having strong antioxidant and DNA damage effects could be investigated phytochemically to find natural active compounds.

The action of peroxyl radicals, powerful deleterious reagents, explains why neither cholesterol nor saturated fatty acids cause atherogenesis and age-related diseases.

Cells respond to alterations in their membrane structure by activating hydrolytic enzymes. Thus, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are liberated. Free PUFAs react with molecular oxygen to give lipid hydroperoxide molecules (LOOHs). In case of severe cell injury, this physiological reaction switches to the generation of lipid peroxide radicals (LOO(·)). These radicals can attack nearly all biomolecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and enzymes, impairing their biological functions. Identical cell responses are triggered by manipulation of food, for example, heating/grilling and particularly homogenization, representing cell injury. Cholesterol as well as diets rich in saturated fat have been postulated to accelerate the risk of atherosclerosis while food rich in unsaturated fatty acids has been claimed to lower this risk. However, the fact is that LOO(·) radicals generated from PUFAs can oxidize cholesterol to toxic cholesterol oxides, simulating a reduction in cholesterol level. In this review it is shown how active LOO(·) radicals interact with biomolecules at a speed transcending usual molecule-molecule reactions by several orders of magnitude. Here, it is explained how functional groups are fundamentally transformed by an attack of LOO(·) with an obliteration of essential biomolecules leading to pathological conditions. A serious reconsideration of the health and diet guidelines is required.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation and in vitro free radical scavenging activity of dried fruiting bodies of Pleurotus eous.

To evaluate the ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of dried fruiting bodies of Pleurotus eous for its anti-platelet activity on human volunteer's blood. And also to analyze the free radical scavenging property of the extracts of P.eous by using various in vitro models. Anti-platelet activity of dried fruiting bodies of P.eous was evaluated by in vitro model using blood platelets. Inhibition of platelet aggregation was monitored after pre-incubation of platelets with the crude extracts of mushroom P.eous. Antioxidant activities of extracts of P.eous were evaluated by different in vitro experiments, namely, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxide radical models. Crude extracts of mushroom P.eous inhibited platelet aggregation dose-dependently which was induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP). At a maximum concentration of 10 mg/mL, methanol extract effected 64.02% inhibition of lipid per-oxidation and 50.12% scavenging effect on superoxide anion radical. Aqueous extract of P.eous have shown 69.43% chelating ability on ferrous ions, 24.27% scavenging effect on hydroxyl radical and 49.57% scavenging effect on DPPH radical at 10 mg/mL. Increasing concentrations of the extract were found to cause progressively decreasing of the intensity of absorbance. Anti-platelet effects could be related in part to the polyphenolic compounds present in the extracts. Antioxidant activity results indicated the free radical scavenging property of the extracts of P.eous which might be due to the high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

Ectopic overexpression of a mungbean vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter gene (VrNHX1) leads to increased salinity stress tolerance in transgenic Vigna unguiculata L. Walp

Salinity is a major threat to sustainable agriculture worldwide. Plant NHX exchangers play an important role in conferring salt tolerance under salinity stress. In this study, a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter gene VrNHX1 (Genbank Accession No. JN656211.1) from mungbean (Vigna radiata) was introduced into cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) by the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot hybridization confirmed the stable integration of VrNHX1 into the cowpea genome. Comparative expression analysis by semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed higher expression of VrNHX1 in transgenic cowpea plants than wild-type. Under salt stress conditions, T2 transgenic 35S:VrNHX1 cowpea lines exhibited higher tolerance to 200 mM NaCl treatment than wild-type. Furthermore, T2 transgenic 35S:VrNHX1 lines maintained a higher K+/Na+ ratio in the aerial parts under salt stress and accumulated higher [Na+] in roots than wild-type. Physiological analysis revealed lower levels of lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and oxygen radical production but higher levels of relative water content and proline, ascorbate and chlorophyll contents in T2 transgenic 35S:VrNHX1 lines.

Protective effect of resveratrol on fluoride induced alteration in protein and nucleic acid metabolism, DNA damage and biogenic amines in rat brain

Fluoride, a well-established environmental carcinogen, has been found to cause various neurodegenerative diseases in human. Sub-acute exposure to fluoride at a dose of 20mg/kgb.w./day for 30 days caused significant alteration in pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant status of brain tissue as reflected by perturbation of reduced glutathione content, increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, nitric oxide and free hydroxyl radical production and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes. Decreased proteolytic and transaminase enzymes’ activities, protein and nucleic acid contents and associated DNA damage were observed in the brain of fluoride intoxicated rats. The neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin level was also significantly altered after fluoride exposure. Protective effect of resveratrol on fluoride-induced metabolic and oxidative dysfunctions was evaluated. Resveratrol was found to inhibit changes in metabolic activities restoring antioxidant status, biogenic amine level and structural organization of the brain. Our findings indicated that resveratrol imparted antioxidative role in ameliorating fluoride-induced metabolic and oxidative stress in different regions of the brain.

The relation of PON1-L55M gene polymorphism and clinical manifestation of Behcet's disease.

Behçet's disease is a multisystem disease characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, relapsing uveitis, mucocutaneous, articular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and vascular manifestations. Paraoxonase is believed to play an important role in protection of LDL and HDL particles from oxidation, in antioxidant effect against lipid peroxidation on cellular membranes, and in anti-inflammatory process. Lipid peroxidation and free oxygen radicals have been thought to play a role in pathogenesis of BD. The association of paraoxonase gene polymorphisms with Behçet's Disease in a group of Turkish patients with clinical manifestations and healthy controls has been investigated. Paraoxonase (PON-1-L55M) gene polymorphism was investigated in 50 Behcet patients and 50 healthy individuals with a PCR/RFLP method. There were significant differences between patients and the control group in allele frequencies of the PON1 L55M polymorphism (p=0.04). Also, when patients were compared with the control group according to clinical manifestations, this statistical significance was getting sharper. Compared with the PON55 L allele, the M allele was associated with greater than 3.5 fold (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-8.9) increased risk of ocular (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.3), 2.4 fold joint and 3.1 fold (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-8.4) central nervous system manifestations of BD. The PON L55M gene polymorphism seemed to play a role in the pathogenesis of BD.

Physio-chemical, mineral composition and antioxidant properties of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extract blended with tropical fruit juices

Different varieties of fruit juices and beverages are available globally and there has been an increased consumption of fruit juices and beverages due to consumer awareness of nutritional and health benefits. Juice extracts are produced from various parts of plants including leaves, fruits a nd flowers. Hibiscus sabdiriffa (Roselle) is one such plant whose flowers are used to prepare juices. The roselle extract has a unique red colour, good flavour, low sugar and high acidic content . The acidity makes the juice sour hence the need for addition of sweetening products. A study was conducted on the formulation of roselle extract -tropical fruit blends aimed at establishing its physiochemical, mineral and antioxidant composition. Dried roselle calyces at a ratio of 1:10 (dried roselle calyces: water ) were extracted at 50 o C for 30 minutes. The roselle extracts were blended at various proportions of fruit (mango, papaya and guava) juices. Physiochemical, mineral composition and antioxidant properties were evaluated in all the roselle fruit juice blends The results for all roselle - fruit blends (80% roselle to 20% roselle) showed that pH ranged between (2.35- 3.32), total soluble solids (5.6- 10.6 o Brix ), titratable acidity (1.28 -1.92 % ), reducing sugars (2.95- 5.55) mg/100g,. Calcium (555.3- 23.4 mg/100g DM ), Magnesium (213.8- 11.5 mg/100g DM ), Phosphorus (39.8- 9.0 mg/100g DM ), Sodium (2.3- 5.47 mg/100g DM ), Zinc (5.85- 0.69 mg/100g DM ), Iron (29.5 -1.36 mg/100g DM ), monomeric anthocyanin (493.5 -118.2 mg cyanidin- 3- glucoside/100g ), vitamin C (40.0- 86.5 mg/100g ), total phenol (54.6- 10.8 mg gallic acid/ 100 g ) and antioxidant activity (1.80- 1.37 mmol/L ). Blending of tropical fruit juices with roselle extract have improved mineral composition and antioxidant properties of fruit juices as roselle is a good source of calcium, magnesium and iron. Antioxidants acts as free radical scavengers inhibit lipid peroxidation and other free radical mediated process, therefore, consumption of roselle -fruit juices with high anthocyanin will protect human body from several diseases attributed to the reactions of free radicals.

Redox status and antioxidant response in professional cyclists during training

The aim of this study was to investigate whether different phases of training affect oxidative stress and antioxidant defences in professional cyclists. Ten professional cyclists, aged 21.8 ± 2.5 years, were enrolled in the study. They were classified into two groups of five athletes each one with similar nutritional intake excepting for the overload of vitamin C (1000 mg day−1) and E (400 mg day−1) supplementation in one of them. The cyclists of both groups performed the same exercise design, consisting of hard, tapering and recovery training periods. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the diet, plasma oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage (8-OHdG) and erythrocyte glutathione disulfide/glutathione ratio (GSSG:GSH−1) were measured. During the intense exercise trainings, the cyclists without vitamin supplements had the TAC of diet significantly lower than the supplemented group. Plasma ORAC, LPO and 8-OHdG were similar in both groups of athletes. Athletes with supplements had a basal LPO:ORAC−1 ratio lower than that without supplements, but this ratio converged to the same level at the end of the training in both groups of cyclists. Both groups of cyclists showed similar changes in GSSG:GSH−1 ratio and in GSSG and GSH levels along the study. The data suggest that well-trained athletes with suitable ultra-endurance training volume and intensity do not require antioxidant vitamin supplements to adapt their endogenous antioxidant defenses to exercise-induced ROS.

Evaluation of bioaccumulation and toxic effects of copper on hepatocellular structure in mice.

The present study was to evaluate the hepatotoxicity effects in mice exposed to copper (Cu) used as dietary supplements for 95 days. Cu-treated mice showed increased body weight, and no toxic symptoms were observed at the beginning, but the tendency gradually changed with progress of experiment. In the liver, beneficial metals [Cu, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo)] were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The content of Cu maintained at the same level during the experiments, but not resulting in the imbalance of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Mo being distributed. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and super oxidation dismutase (SOD) showed significantly improvement during the first 30 days in Cu-supplemented group (P<0.01) but declined rapidly from 30th to 60th days, and later, they stabilized and were not statistically significant compared with control (P>0.05). No statistically significant correlation of ceruloplasmin (CPL) activity was appreciated during the experiment. The histopathological and ultrastructural abnormalities changes were observed in the liver of mice including vacuolar degeneration, necrosis, karyorrhexis, and endolysis. Many hepatocytes showed increased collagenic fibers, appearance of triglyceride droplets, and swollen mitochondria due to oral route of copper, which may lead to lipid peroxidation and free radicals. In conclusion, our study showed that exposure to copper influenced behavioral pattern and body weight, affected several enzymatic activities, and led to the physiological and considerable structural changes in the liver of mice. The public should pay more attention to avoid being exposed to copper.

Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of Seed and Shell Essential Oils Extracted from Abrus precatorius (L).

Essential oils from plants have been proven safe as natural antioxidants, and few are already marketed as digestive enhancers as well as in prevention of several degenerative diseases. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity of seed and shell essential oils of Abrus precatorius (L), a herb used for ethno-medicinal practices in Nigeria. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation. The ability of the oils to act as hydrogen/electrons donor or scavenger of radicals were determined by in-vitro antioxidant assays using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH.) scavenging; 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging; lipid peroxide and nitric oxide radicals scavenging assays. The IC50 of the seed and shell oils (2.10 mg/mL and 1.20 mg/mL respectively) showed that antioxidant activity is higher than that for the standard drugs (3.20 mg/mL and 3.40 mg/mL) for the nitric oxide scavenging assay. The lipid peroxidation radical activity of the oils were similar to vitamin C, weak DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were discovered in comparison to vitamin C and rutin. Generally, in the four antioxidant assays, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the oils and percentage inhibition of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The composition of A. precatorius essential oils reported earlier may account for their antioxidant capacity.

Effect of linezolid on hematological and oxidative parameters in rats

Effect of linezolid is associated with hematocytopenia. A possible relationship between oxidative stress and hematologic toxicity has also been discussed. This present study was performed to determine the effect of oral administration of linezolid on hematological and oxidative parameters in rats. Rats were divided into five groups of 20 each. Drugs were given for a 15-day period. Control rats were vehicle treated. In the second and third groups, linezolid (50 and 125 mg kg(-1)) was given to rats twice a day (100 and 250 mg kg(-1) per day) orally by gavage. The fourth group was given diet supplement that contained 250 mg kg(-1) Vitamin E. The fifth group was given 125 mg kg(-1) linezolid twice a day along with Vitamin E supplement. Blood cell counts (red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet) were measured every 5 days. Enzymatic antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation and free radical production were performed at the end of 15th day. The results showed that linezolid induces a decrease of WBC, RBC and platelet numbers in rat blood and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in rat serum in a dose-dependent manner. While the content of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide was significantly increased in rats serum compared with the control group, Vitamin E supplement could partially reverse the above changes without affecting the control group. The results suggest that linezolid has effect on decreasing hemocyte level in rats, and oxidative stress may be one of the major causative factors. Antioxidant may prove to be a useful therapeutic option in the reversal of hematologic effects induced by linezolid.

Evaluation and optimization of antioxidant potentiality of Chaetomium madrasense AUMC 9376

Abstract Antioxidants have recently become the topic of interest as radical scavengers, which inhibit lipid peroxidation and other free radical mediated processes. Chaetomium madrasense AUMC 9376 was isolated from Cairo soil and evaluated for antioxidant activity by various assays, such as DPPH, reducing power, scavenging activity by ferrous ion, nitric oxide (NO) and total phenolic content. Different physical and chemical conditions of the production medium were optimized for enhancement of antioxidant activity. The results revealed that incubation for 15 days at 25 °C and pH 6 was the most favorable for antioxidant activity. Moreover, both glucose and sodium nitrate were the proper carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively for the highest antioxidant activity. The extraction of the broth culture filtrate with different solvents revealed that ethyl acetate extract possesses the highest antioxidant activity. The obtained results suggest that the experimental fungus has the potentiality as a source of strong natural and safe antioxidants safe for application in the food and cosmetics industries.

Influence of Genista Tinctoria L or Methylparaben on Subchronic Toxicity of Bisphenol A in Rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of an extract of Genista tinctoria L. herba (GT) or methylparaben (MP) on histopathological changes and 2 biomarkers of oxidative stress in rats subchronicly exposed to bisphenol A (BPA). MethodsAdult female Wistar rats were orally exposed for 90 d to BPA (50 mg/kg), BPA+GT (35 mg isoflavones/kg) or BPA+MP (250 mg/kg). Plasma and tissue samples were taken from liver, kidney, thyroid, uterus, ovary, and mammary gland after 30, 60, and 90 d of exposure respectively. Lipid peroxidation and in vivo hydroxyl radical production were evaluated by histological analysis along with malondialdehyde and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid detection. ResultsThe severity of histopathological changes in liver and kidneys was lower after GT treatment than after BPA or BPA+MP treatment. A minimal thyroid receptor antagonist effect was only observed after BPA+MP treatment. The abnormal folliculogenesis increased in a time-dependent manner, and the number of corpus luteum decreased. No significant histological alterations were found in the uterus. The mammary gland displayed specific estrogen stimulation changes at all periods. Both MP and GT revealed antioxidant properties reducing lipid peroxidation and BPA-induced hydroxyl radical generation. ConclusionGT L. extract ameliorates the toxic effects of BPA and is proved to have antioxidant potential and antitoxic effect. MP has antioxidant properties, but has either no effect or exacerbates the BPA-induced histopathological changes.