Lipid Peroxidation In Rats Research Articles

Effect of nitrogen fertiliser on the rate of lipid peroxidation of different maize hybrids in a long-term multifactorial experiment

AbstractThe presented research aimed to confirm that the differences in the lipid peroxidation of three maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with different genotypes and maturity are due to different nitrogen levels, which was observed based on the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) measured in the leaves at the main phenological stages of plants. The experiments were performed in a multi-factorial long term fertilisation field trial. In the study, phosphorus and potassium were constantly provided at the optimal level for the plants. The phosphorus and potassium fertilisation were applied in autumn. However, N levels varied from 0 to 300 kg ha−1. Sampling was done at different growth stages 5 times during the growing season (4 leaves, 6 leaves, 8 leaves, 14 leaves, silking). The 300 kg ha−1 N (dose 3) resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA level), but not a statistically significant difference between the control (dose 1) and the 120 kg ha−1 (dose 2) N doses. The H1 hybrid had the lowest level of lipid peroxidation at the first sampling date. High volume nitrogen fertilisation (dose 3: 300 kg ha−1) increased lipid peroxidation in the hybrids. Averaging the values obtained for the same hybrid at the different sampling times, the medium (dose 2) 120 kg ha−1 N treatment had no significant effect on the lipid peroxidation of the hybrids compared to the values of the control plants. Based on the lipid peroxidation response of the hybrids to N treatment, the exact N dose inflection point can be determined to make the fertiliser utilisation of plants more efficient. Based on our results, we found that inadequate, low (120 kg ha−1) or high (300 kg ha−1) nitrogen fertilisation could affect the MDA levels of plants, thereby affecting the functioning of the lipid peroxidation mechanism.

Effects of salicylic acid, zinc and glycine betaine on morpho-physiological growth and yield of maize under drought stress

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses that negatively affect the maize (Zea mays L.) growth and production throughout the world. Foliar applications of plant growth regulators, micronutrients or osmoprotectants for stimulating drought-tolerance in plants have been intensively reported. A controlled pot experiment was conducted to study the relative efficacy of salicylic acid (SA), zinc (Zn), and glycine betaine (GB) foliar applications on morphology, chlorophyll contents, relative water content (RWC), gas-exchange attributes, activities of antioxidant enzymes, accumulations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osmolytes, and yield attributes of maize plants exposed to two soil water conditions (85% field capacity: well-watered, 50% field capacity: drought stress) during critical growth stages. Drought stress significantly reduced the morphological parameters, yield and its components, RWC, chlorophyll contents, and gas-exchange parameters except for intercellular CO2 concentration, compared with well water conditions. However, the foliar applications considerably enhanced all the above parameters under drought. Drought stress significantly (p < 0.05) increased the hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion contents, and enhanced the lipid peroxidation rate measured in terms of malonaldehyde (MDA) content. However, ROS and MDA contents were substantially decreased by foliar applications under drought stress. Antioxidant enzymes activity, proline content, and the soluble sugar were increased by foliar treatments under both well-watered and drought-stressed conditions. Overall, the application of GB was the most effective among all compounds to enhance the drought tolerance in maize through reduced levels of ROS, increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and higher accumulation of osmolytes contents.

Biochemical effects of deferasirox and deferasirox-loaded nanomicellesin iron-intoxicated rats

Deferasirox (DFX) was formulated into oil-in-water microemulsions in the presence of pluronicto improve its oral bioavailability. The size of the DFX-loadedmicroemulsions system measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) was about 9 nm. The anti-proliferative and anti-lipid peroxidation effects of DFX and DFX-loaded microemulsions were assessed on Human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Our in vitro results showed that HUVEC cells are more susceptible to free DFX as compared to DFX-loaded microemulsions. Although both free and encapsulated DFX attenuated FeCl3-induced lipid peroxidation, after 6 and 12 h treatment, DFX-loaded microemulsions did not appear a better ameliorator than DFX. To compare the in vivo efficacy of free DFX and DFX-loaded microemulsions in iron- intoxicated rats, the animals were orally administered with 25 mg/kg DFX, or 25 mg/kg DFX microemulsions, respectively. In vivo gavage handling of free DFX significantly increased serum biochemical parameters. There was also a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in rats who received free DFX compared to those in the control rats. Treatment with DFX-loaded microemulsions restored the elevated levels of serum AST, ALT, and creatinine levels and also reduced liver MDA content. Histopathological analysis of renal and hepatic tissues was in line with the biochemical results. In conclusion, DFX-loaded microemulsions induce less toxicity than free DFX and appear a more desirable and safer drug carrier in combating the iron-overload complications. Theoretical simulations are performed to get better insight regarding interactions between DFX and surfactant F127.

Effects of Different Nitrogen Forms and Exogenous Application of Putrescine on Heat Stress of Cauliflower: Photosynthetic Gas Exchange, Mineral Concentration and Lipid Peroxidation.

This study examines the effect of the exogenous application of polyamine putrescine together with the application of different ratios of nitrate/ammonium (NO3−/NH4+), on the physiology of cauliflower subjected to heat stress. The 50:50 NO3−/NH4+ ratio was the best ratio against heat stress. As a result of the joint application of these compounds, a higher photosynthetic rate, a higher accumulation of both photosynthesis-related compounds and pigments, total proteins, and a change in the status of nutrients were obtained. Particularly, the decrease in content of calcium, chloride and sulphate in plants under heat stress is ameliorated by the ammonium effect. Additionally, it is important to highlight that cauliflower waste contains a higher content of mineral nutrients than floret cauliflower. These effects were more marked in young leaves. Furthermore, a synergistic effect for coping with heat stress between the polyamine and the nutritional treatment was observed. For this, both the application of putrescine and the feeding of plants with a 50:50 NO3−/NH4+ ratio before heat stress is proposed for the first time as an agricultural practice for increasing the thermotolerance of cauliflower cv Moonshine. On the other hand, due to the lower lipid peroxidation rate obtained in cauliflower leaves, these plants could be used for health purposes as ointments or other nutraceutical products, making the cultivation of this kind of cruciferous more sustainable.

Potency of spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on arsenic-induced lipid peroxidation in rat

Objective:Natural substances found in dietary sources and medicinal plants have attracted considerable attention in recent years as chemopreventive agents. Spirulina is a blue-green alga that possesses chemopreventive properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of spirulina on rats with inorganic arsenic (As) [sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)]-induced lipid peroxidation.Materials and Methods:120 rats were randomly assigned to 10 groups and designated T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9. One group was kept as a control (T0) that received no treatment. The seven groups received 3.0 mg of NaAsO2/kg body weight in drinking water and were given spirulina ad libitum. T1 was treated with NaAsO2 but not with spirulina. Two groups of rats (T2 and T3), on the other hand, were treated with spirulina without receiving any As (NaAsO2). T2 received agro-based spirulina (Ab-Sp; grown in 1.5% soybean meal media and harvested on day 12 of seed inoculation) at 2.0 gm/kg feed, whereas T3 received commercially available spirulina (Com-Sp) at 2.0 gm/kg feed. T4, T5, and T6 were concurrently treated with Ab-Sp at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm/kg of feed. On the other hand, T7, T8, and T9 induced by NaAsO2 were concurrently treated with Com-Sp at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm/kg feed. All groups received treatment for 90 days.Results:The efficacy of both spirulina in preventing lipid peroxidation caused by As was determined quantitatively by measuring the rats’ serum malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicated that As supplementation increased serum MDA levels, whereas both types of spirulina significantly decreased them. The highest dose of Ab-Sp (2.0 gm/kg feed) was found to be the most effective in preventing lipid peroxidation in rats treated with inorganic As.Conclusion:Ab-Sp could be a natural, cost-effective, and safe measure to mitigate As toxicity.

Spirulina platensis extract addition to semen extender enhances cryotolerance and fertilizing potentials of buffalo bull spermatozoa.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis extract (SPE) addition to the freezing extender on freezability, lipid peroxidation, ultrastructure alterations and fertilizing potentials of frozen-thawed buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen samples were collected with artificial vagina from five adult fertile bulls and diluted with Tris-base extender containing SPE (1, 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) or without SPE (control). Diluted semen was cooled to 4 °C throughout one hour and frozen in 0.25 mL straws: prior to being stored in liquid nitrogen. Cryopresreved spermatozoa were assessed for post-thawing sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, ultrastructure changes, antioxidant activities, lipid peroxidation and fertility rate. The current results clearly indicated that adding 10μg/mL SPE to the freezing extender significantly improved (P< 0.05) post-thawing motility and decrease the percentage of acrosomal damage (51.67±6.02% and 16.33±1.46%, respectively) compared with the control (28.33±4.41% and 26.33±1.77%, respectively). Moreover, addition of 10 μg/mL SPE to the semen extender significantly diminished (P< 0.05) MDA concentration (10.66±2.40 nmol/109) compared with the control (22.66±4.26 nmol/109). Therefore, the present results revealed that addition of 10μgl/mL SPE to the freezing extender might improve semen quality and reduce cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Leaf stage as a defoliation criterion for the production of high-vigour annual ryegrass seeds

Previous research demonstrated that the interval between defoliation treatments based on the leaf stage is a promising tool for the management of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) pasture. The use of this tool, which is based on the physiological status of the plant, could also benefit the seed production. We assessed the effects of the time of defoliation based on leaf stage on seed yield and quality of annual ryegrass cut to three residual stubble heights (RSH) (50%, 25% and 0% of plant height pre-defoliation) and a second defoliation applied to certain treatments based on the leaf stage of the plant regrowth (two or three leaves per tiller). Higher defoliation intensities (lower RSH) increased the amount of harvested forage to 4.0 t DM ha–1. Moderate defoliation (50%) undertaken at the 3-leaf stage combined with intense defoliation (25% and 0%) at the 2-leaf stage resulted in the highest seed yields (1.8 t ha–1). However, lower RSH reduced mean seed weight and physiological seed quality, which was also associated with lower seed starch and protein content. Accelerated ageing (AA) tests were used to compare seed vigour between treatments. A second defoliation at the 3-leaf stage plus intense defoliation (RSH 0%) resulted in seed lots with a high rate of lipid peroxidation after the AA test, followed by lower catalase activity, germination, and seedling growth. The combination of a second defoliation at the 3-leaf stage and the retention of higher RSH (50%) promoted a greater proportion of leaf blades in the stubble, with a strong positive correlation with seed production and vigour. Antioxidant enzyme activity after the AA test is an important marker of annual ryegrass seed quality.

The Effect of Herniarin on Spatial Working Memory, Pain Threshold, and Oxidative Stress in Ischemic Hypoperfusion Model in Rats

Background: Ischemia causes severe neuronal damage and induces oxidative stress, memory impairment, and reduces pain threshold. Herniarin is a powerful antioxidant. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of herniarin on memory, pain, and oxidative stress in an ischemia model in male rats. Materials &amp; Methods: In this study, 50 male rats were divided into 5 groups of control, sham, ischemic, and two other ischemic groups, which received herniarin at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg by gavage for 14 days. Behavioral tests were performed by shuttle box, and Y-maze and pain tests were performed by Tail-Flick test. Then, the rats’ brains were extracted to evaluate lipid peroxidation and measure the levels of thiol and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) in the hippocampus and striatum tissues. The results were expressed as Mean±SEM and then analyzed using suitable statistical methods of ANOVA and least significant difference post-hoc test in SPSS V. 20. Results: Herniarin significantly increased the avoidance memory, spatial memory, and pain thresholds of ischemic rats at different concentrations (P&lt;0.001). Besides, the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol in the ischemic group increased significantly in comparison to the control group (P&lt;0.001). Also, in the ischemic group, GPX (P&lt;0.001) significantly decreased. Decreased MDA (P&lt;0.001) and thiol (P&lt;0.001) and increased GPX levels were observed with herniarin administration (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: According to this study’s results, herniarin can remove free radicals and oxidant substances from the brain. Thus, it improves memory and pain thresholds in the brain hypoperfusion ischemia model.

Sperm Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidants Activities as Predictors of Pregnancy Outcomes after Density Gradient Centrifugation in Medical Assistance Procreation

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC) effectiveness in spermatozoa selection by analyzing the oxidative stress profile and in pregnancy prediction outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).&#x0D; Study Design: This was a prospective study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, laboratory of Physiopathology Molecular Genetic and Biotechnology. Ain Chock Faculty of Sciences, Hassan II University, Casablanca. And Anfa Fertility Center Private Clinic of in vitro fertilization and Endoscopic Surgery, Casablanca.&#x0D; Methodology: We included 101 men patients subdivided into three groups. Group A with normal sperm parameters and a positive pregnancy; Group B with normal sperm parameters and a negative pregnancy; Group C with abnormal sperm parameters and a negative pregnancy. After DGC, lipid peroxidation (MDA) level, as well as the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT), were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: Patients with normal and abnormal sperm parameters showed that MDA level, and antioxidant enzymes activities increased significantly from the pellet, to 80 %, and from 80% to 40% fractions. In addition, lipid peroxidation and enzymes activities levels were significantly lower in patients with positive pregnancy than in patients with negative pregnancy and especially those with abnormal spermatic parameters.&#x0D; Conclusion: The DGC would select sperm not only motile and viable but with less oxidative stress. Moreover, the rate of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities could differentiate between patients with normal and abnormal spermatic parameters and between patients with positive and negative pregnancy outcome.

Investigation of Ustilago maydis Infection on Some Physiological Parameters and Phenotypic Traits of Maize

One of the most dangerous diseases of corn is Ustilago maydis DC. Corda, which damages the maize yield every year. It is difficult to protect against the corn smut infection because the efficiency of fungicide treatment is inadequate. The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of corn smut infection on some physiological and morphological parameters of maize (Zea mays L. cv. Armagnac). Furthermore, the aim of this research was to examine the possible compensation effects of gibberellin (GA3) and ethylene (as ethrel) separately, and in combination on the corn smut infection. The plants were grown in a greenhouse, they were infected and treated in the five leaf phenological phase with two ml of sporidium suspension (10,000 sporidium/ml), injected into the stem. At the same time, one ml of gibberellin, ethylene and the combination of the two hormones were injected. The relative chlorophyll content, stem diameter and plant height were measured in the fourth and fifth leaves of plants, 7, 11 and 14 days after the infection (DAI). The photosynthetic pigments were determined from the fourth leaf, and the rate of lipid peroxidation was measured from the fifth leaves, 14 DAI. The corn smut infection significantly reduced the relative-chlorophyll content 14 DAI compared to the control. The gibberellin reduced the harmful effects of the pathogen. No significant difference was recorded in case of stem diameter. The infected plants were shorter than the control plants when treated with ethylene. The effect of corn smut infection was more pronounced in the terms of photosynthetic pigments and the rate of lipid peroxidation. Ethylene treatment increased while gibberellin treatment reduced the impact of the infection. In this research, the corn smut infection and hormone treatments had larger impact on measured physiological parameters than on morphological parameters.

Effects of olive leaf extract prepared in water on streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rats

Bu çalışmada, Streptozotosin'in (STZ) neden olduğu diyabetik ratlarda su içinde hazırlanan zeytin yaprağı özütünün (OLE) antidiyabetik ve antioksidatif etkilerinin araştırması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmamızda Atatürk Üniversitesi Tıbbi Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi (ATADEM)’den temin edilen ve ağırlıkları 200-215 g arasında değişen toplam 25 adet Albino Wistar erkek rat kullanıldı. Ratlar Kontrol, 0.5 g kg-1 OLE, 40 mg kg-1 STZ, 0.25 g kg-1 OLE + STZ ve 0.5 g kg-1 OLE + STZ olmak üzere beş gruba ayrıldı. 14 günlük OLE uygulama sonrası ratların karaciğer dokuları süperoksit dismutaz (SOD), glutatyon peroksidaz (GPx), glutatyon S-transferaz (GST) aktivitelerinin ve malondialdehit (MDA) seviyelerinin belirlenmesi için alındı. Kan örnekleri ise alanin transaminaz (ALT), aspartat transaminaz (AST) ve alkalen fosfataz (ALP) biyokimyasal parametrelerinin ve ek olarak glikoz seviyelerinin belirlenmesi için alındı. İstatistiksel analizler SPSS 20.0 yazılım programı kullanılarak ANOVA testi ile belirlendi. STZ ile birlikte OLE’nin iki farklı dozda oral yoldan verilmesinden sonra, diyabetik grup ile karşılaştırıldığında OLE’nin her iki doz grubunda ALP, ALT ve AST düzeylerinde önemli düşüşler gözlenmiştir (p&amp;lt;0.001). Ayrıca, sadece STZ verilen gruba kıyasla, STZ ile birlikte OLE uygulanan gruplarda SOD, GPx ve GST aktivitelerinde anlamlı bir artışla birlikte MDA, ALT, AST ve ALP düzeylerinde istatiksel olarak anlamlı düşüşler görülmüştür (p&amp;lt;0.001). Ancak OLE’nin 0.5 g kg-1 dozu 0.25 g kg-1 dozuna kıyasla daha etkili olmuştur. Sonuç olarak, elde edilen in-vivo veriler, suda hazırlanan OLE'nin oksidatif stresin kısıtlanması ve antioksidan aktivitelerin güçlendirilmesi sayesinde bir anti-diyabetik etkiye sahip olabileceğini göstermiştir.

Interaction of liver arginase and L-arginine-NO system in the processes of detoxification, lipid peroxidation and the formation of the thyroid status in rats with chronic ethanol intoxication

A sufficient number of facts testifying the importance of liver arginase and nitrogen monoxide in the life processes in the normal and pathological conditions have been accumulated to date. The aim of the study was to determine the significance of the relationship and interaction of liver arginase and L-arginine-NO system in the processes of detoxification, lipid peroxidation and the formation of the thyroid status in rats with chronic ethanol intoxication. In rat experiments using the modern physiological, biochemical research methods and a pharmacological approach, it was found that chronic ethanol intoxication leads to a decrease in the liver arginase activity and the triiodothyronine concentration. At the same time, the increase in the level of “average molecules”, NO3 – /NO2 –, the content of lipid peroxidation products in the plasma, as well as the increase in the blood toxicity degree, the activity of alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase and the narcotic sleep duration were observed. Hyperthyroid rats demonstrated the increased liver arginase activity, the processes of detoxification, lipid peroxidation and body temperature while rats with the experimental hypothyroidism showed the opposite results. The liver arginase depression caused by the injection of Nω-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine (Nor-NOHA), or L-valine into the body prevents the body temperature increase and the development of characteristic changes in the detoxification and lipid peroxidation processes acted upon by exogenous triiodothyronine. Under the conditions of the liver arginase inhibition by Nor-NOHA or L-valine, the ethanol action is accompanied by a more significant inhibition of the liver detoxification function and an increase of NO3 – /NO2 – levels in blood plasma. The preliminary injection of an NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester inhibitor of NO-synthase into the animal’s body weakensthe toxic ethanol effect on the liver, as well asthe development of characteristic changes in the liver arginase activity, in the processes of detoxification and lipid peroxidation in rats with chronic ethanol intoxication. Apparently, the activity of liver arginase and L-arginine-NO system determines the severity of detoxification, lipid peroxidation processes and the formation of the thyroid status in the conditions of chronic alcoholization, which is important in the ethanol intoxication pathogenesis.

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract as a Redox Modulator: Alleviating Endotoxin-Triggered Oxidative Stress in Primary Cultured Rat Hepatocytes.

Bioactive compounds such as benzoquinone derivates presented in fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) have several positive effects on overall health status of humans and animals alike. Since available data regarding the antioxidant activity of FWGE are limited, the aim of our study was to investigate its effects on the cellular redox homeostasis applying primary hepatocyte cell cultures of rat origin. Cultures were challenged to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment for 2 or 8 hours to trigger inflammatory response. Further, culture media were concomitantly supplemented with or without FWGE (Immunovet®, 0.1% and 1%). In order to monitor the metabolic activity of the cell cultures, CCK-8 test was applied, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using Amplex Red method. Malondialdehyde concentration of culture media as a specific marker of lipid peroxidation and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in cell lysates were also determined to monitor the redox status of the cultures. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that FWGE did not show cytotoxic effects in any applied concentration in cell cultures. Furthermore, FWGE efficiently decreased cellular ROS production and lipid peroxidation rate in case of LPS-induced inflammatory response. However, without LPS treatment, higher concentration of FWGE increased the rate of both ROS and malondialdehyde synthesis. This observation may refer to the prooxidant activity of high dose FWGE, which is an important beneficial effect regarding tumor cells. However, in case of noninflamed hepatocytes, considering the results of glutathione peroxidase activity, the application of the product did not result in severe oxidative distress. In accordance with the abovementioned findings, FWGE as a redox modulator, applied in the appropriate concentration, can serve as a promising candidate in the supplementary therapy of patients suffering from various inflammatory diseases, decreasing the free radical generation, thus avoiding the occurrence of cytotoxic effects.

Effect of exogenously-applied abscisic acid, putrescine and hydrogen peroxide on drought tolerance of barley

The objective of this study was to identify the effect of abscisic acid (ABA), putrescine (Put) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) foliar pre-treatment on drought tolerance of barley. Despite water limitation, ABA-sprayed plants preserved increased water content, photosynthetic efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII) and CO2 assimilation rate (Pn) compared to untreated stressed plants. The ABA-treated plants presented also the lowest rate of lipid peroxidation (MDA), lowered the rate of PSII primary acceptor reduction (1 – qP) and increased the yield of regulated energy dissipation (NPQ) with higher accumulation of PGRL1 (PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION LIKE1) protein. These plants preserved a similar level of photochemical efficiency and the rate of electron transport of PSII (ETRII) to the well-watered samples. The significantly less pronounced response was observed in Put-sprayed samples under drought. Additionally, the combined effects of drought and H2O2 application increased the 1 – qP and quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation in PSII (ΦNO) and reduced the accumulation of Rubisco activase (RCA). In conclusion, ABA foliar application allowed to balance water retention and preserve antioxidant capacity resulting in efficient photosynthesis and the restricted risk of oxidative damage under drought. Neither hydrogen peroxide nor putrescine has been able to ameliorate drought stress as effectively as ABA.

Oxidative status and spermatozoa kinetics of rooster semen in citrus juice-based diluent.

Poultry spermatozoa are prone to oxidative damage and adversely affect their fertility. Bioactive constituents of citrus fruit confer antioxidant enrichment on its juice and are candidates to combat oxidative load in poultry semen. Computer-assisted semen analyser and oxidative status were used to evaluate the potency of two tropical citrus varieties (sweet orange and tangerine) as natural diluents for rooster semen. Fresh and ripe sweet orange and tangerine fruits were obtained and processed into juices using a standard protocol and included in dextrose saline at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% as semen diluent. Semen pool from 30 breeder roosters of 35-40weeks of age was allotted randomly in triplicates to the different fruit juice-dextrose at 1:2 dilution rate and evaluated for 5h at room temperature. Diluted semen, according to treatments, was evaluated for sperm kinetics using a computer-assisted sperm analyser, and seminal plasma was assayed for lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant activity. The result obtained shows that tangerine and sweet orange juice inclusion significantly (p < 0.05) enhance progressive spermatozoa motility and semen kinetics compared favourably with undiluted semen. The diluents had a proportionate increase in antioxidant activity with juice inclusion at 0h and the antioxidant activity of 40%, 50% and 60% fruit juice-based diluents was higher than undiluted semen at 5h. There was a reduced lipid peroxidation in juice inclusive diluents and increase lipid peroxidation rate in undiluted semen and 0% juice inclusion. In conclusion, tangerine and sweet orange juice inhibit lipid peroxidation in rooster semen and enhance progressive spermatozoa motility and maintain rooster semen kinetics.

The effects of seed priming with sodium hydrosulphide on drought tolerance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in germination and early growth

AbstractSunflower seeds (hybrid Luka) were primed with water (hydropriming) or sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) solutions (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM NaHS) and subsequently dried to initial moisture content. Unprimed (control) and primed seeds were germinated in a growth chamber on paper towels moistened with water or polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 solutions (2.5, 5.0 and 10%), mimicking different drought stress levels. To evaluate the response of the primed seeds to drought in the germination stage, the germination energy (GE), germination rate (SG), seedling fresh mass (SW), hydrogen peroxide and free proline content (PRO), as well as lipid peroxidation rate (malondialdehyde; MDA) were established. The results show strong effects of the imposed drought stress and the metabolic response to oxidative stress through lower germinability and proline accumulation in seedlings. NaHS priming showed some positive effects on seed germination depending on stress level and the concentration of NaHS. Sunflower seeds were also germinated in pots filled with soil, at optimal (70% of field water capacity [FWC 70%]) and drought conditions (FWC 30%), in natural outdoors conditions. When plantlets developed the first pair of leaves, the number of plants (emergence rate [ER]), shoot mass (SM) and leaves mass (LM) were determined, as well as the total activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR). There was a significant influence of an interaction between drought stress and priming, whereas drought stress inhibited plant emergence and early growth (SW and LW), and strong antioxidative enzymatic response to drought stress was clearly established in the leaves. Although seed priming showed some influence on enzyme activities, it was mostly related to seed hydropriming effects, while NaHS seed priming was less effective, influencing only DHAR. Altogether, the results imply that sunflower seed priming with NaHS may not have a prolonged impact on the antioxidative defence mechanism based on CAT and ascorbate/glutathione cycle during sunflower early growth in drought conditions.

In vitro Inhibitory Effects of Cyperus esculentus L. (Tiger Nut) Tubers on some Enzymes Associated with Neurodegeneration and Iron- Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Rats’ Brain Tissue Homogenate

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of Cyperus esculentus L. (raw and processed) tubers on Iron (Fe2+) induced lipid peroxidation and key enzymes linked with neurodegeneration in vitro. Ten grams of tiger nut tubers was weighed and added to 100 mL of distilled water (1:10 w/v), left for 24 h, filtered, centrifuged to obtain a clear supernatant and lyophilized. Activities of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), butyryl cholinesterase (BChE), Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation as well as antioxidants status as indicated by 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging ability and Fe chelation were evaluated. Raw tiger nut extracts inhibited activities of AChE and BChE in the brain tissue of rats (0 – 11.54 mg /mL) with EC50 = 3.599 mg /mL and 2.71 ± 0.01 mg /mL respectively, and increased antioxidant activity when compared with the processed tuber. Inhibition on these enzymes as well as prevention of Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation may be the possible mechanism of action by which tiger nut prevents neurodegeneration.

The Influence of Soil Acidity on the Physiological Responses of Two Bread Wheat Cultivars.

The recent study was conducted to examine the influence of acidic soil on the activities of ascorbate (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD), proline, protein as well as malon-dialdehyde (MDA) content, in two commercial spring wheat cultivars (PAN3497 and SST806) at different growth stages (tillering and grain filling). A cultivar effect was significant only for MDA content, while the treatment effect was highly significant for proline, protein, and MDA. The sampling time effect was significant for most characteristics. MDA, antioxidative capacity, as well as protein content increased with maturity. At grain filling, MDA and proline contents were significantly higher at pH 5 than pH 6 and 7 for both cultivars, with the highest content in SST806. Similarly, SST806 had significantly higher APX and POD when growing at pH 5. There were no significant differences in protein content at grain filling between either genotype or treatments affected by low pH. This study showed that growth stage and soil pH influence the rate of lipid peroxidation as well as the antioxidative capacity of wheat, with a larger effect at grain filling, at pH 5. Although SST806 had higher proline, POD, and APX content than PAN3497 at this growth stage, this coincided with a very high MDA content. This shows that the high antioxidative capacity observed here, was not associated with a reduction of lipid peroxidation under low soil pH. Further research should, therefore, be done to establish the role of the induced antioxidant system in association with growth and yield in wheat.

Melatonin and Selenium Regulate Growth and Oxidative Status of Saussurea orgaadayi In Vitro Cell Cultures Derived from Different Explants

Effects of 0.1 pM melatonin, 1.0 nM sodium selenite ( $${\text{SeO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ ), and the combined application of these agents on morphogenesis and metabolism of two callus cell lines of Saussurea orgaadayi (Khanm.) Krasnob. were examined. Phenotypic distinctions were revealed for cell cultures obtained from different explants, namely, hypocotyls and cotyledons. The number and dimensions of large-sized cells were higher in the hypocotyl-derived cell culture (HCC) than in the cotyledonary cell culture (CCC). The relation between the growth of two callus cultures and specific traits of their metabolism was noted. The actively growing HCC differed from CCC by a higher content of proline (2.5-fold increase) and ecdysterone-like compound (2.3-fold rise), an increased rate of lipid peroxidation (twofold), and by a lower content of flavonoids. Accordingly, the CCC line exhibited a threefold higher level of flavonoids compared to HCC and a lower content of other compounds. In both cell lines treated with exogenous melatonin, the growth index calculated on a fresh weight basis was increased throughout 20 days after subculture, whereas the presence of $${\text{SeO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ elevated the growth index on the 20th–25th days in the CCC line and did not affect the growth index in the HCC line. The combined treatment with melatonin and $${\text{SeO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ raised the growth index starting from the 15th day; the stimulatory influence was larger in the HCC than in the CCC line. Melatonin and $${\text{SeO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ had a regulatory action on the cellular antioxidant system. Melatonin retarded lipid peroxidation and elevated proline content in both lines. The influence of $${\text{SeO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ was less effective than that of melatonin. Under combined action of both factors, changes in lipid peroxidation in CCC were smaller than under the action of melatonin alone, whereas changes in the proline content were enhanced. The effect of the combined treatment on lipid peroxidation and proline content in HCC did not differ from the effects exerted by melatonin alone. Melatonin and $${\text{SeO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ were hypothesized to differentially affect the cell culture respiration as a source of reactive oxygen species.

Protective effects of honey and bee venom against lipopolysaccharide and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rats.

In the present study, the protective effects of honey and bee venom (BV) either independently or in combination against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatoxicity, lipid peroxidation, and hematological alterations in male albino rats were investigated. In addition, histopathological alterations of hepatic tissues induced by LPS/CCL4 were recorded. Sixty-four of male albino rats of average weight 120-150g were included in this study. Rats were divided into eight equal groups of eight. The obtained results demonstrated that treatment with LPS/CCl4 caused an increase in the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, which was accompanied by changes in the hepatic function biomarkers that characterized by the increased levels of transaminases (AST, ALT). The results showed oxidative stress as assigned by the increase in lipid peroxide. Meantime detraction in the antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase was observed. Interruptions in biochemical parameters accompanied by disturbances in hematological parameters and liver histopathology were resulted due to exposure to LPS/CCl4. This study showed the use of honey and BV provided a protective effect on hepatotoxicity induced by LPS/CCl4. This might have been occurred through the reduction of hepatic transaminases and the "Alpha-fetoprotein" in serum and the equilibration of the antioxidation system, thereby, inhibiting the reactive oxygen species accumulation. Honey and BV administration reestablish disturbed hematological parameters and liver histopathology persuaded by LPS/CCl4. More interesting, we demonstrated that using a combination of the honey and BV showed promising enhancement in their protective effects over the use of just one of the two reagents.