Liver Catalase Activity Research Articles

The protective effect of Nigella Sativa oil extract against neurotoxicity induced by Valproic acid

Nigella sativa (NS), commonly known as black cumin, has been used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally the seeds and its oil are used in several diseases. The greatest part of the remedial properties of this plant is due to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ) which is a major active chemical component of the essential oil. The current study performed to evaluate the effect of Nigella sativa Oil (NSO) extract on the neurotoxic and hepatotoxic potentials from Valproic acid (VPA) administration. Also we summarize recent findings emphasizing the role of main neurotoxic and hepatotoxic markers and oxidative stress in study’s case. Neurotoxicity was induced by VPA at dose of (500 mg/kg b.wt) by gastric intubation daily for 30 day. These rats received NSO extract was given orally at dose of (0.5 ml/kg b.wt) daily for 30 days after VPA administration. The current results revealed that NSO extract treatment ameliorated significantly the elevated levels of the neurotoxic and hepatotoxic biomarkers which elevated as a result to VPA administration. Moreover, NSO extract treatment ameliorated the non-enzymatic antioxidant, brain and liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) concentration and the enzymatic antioxidant, brain and liver catalase(CAT) activity.

Acacia nilotica leaf improves insulin resistance and hyperglycemia associated acute hepatic injury and nephrotoxicity by improving systemic antioxidant status in diabetic mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAcacia nilotica (L.) Delile is used as a traditional anti-diabetic remedy in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria and is mentioned in Ayurveda as well. AimThe objective of the study was to evaluate the ethnomedicinal claim of A. nilotica leaf (ANL) extract for its efficiency in ameliorating diabetic complications. Materials and methodsANL was orally administrated (50 and 200mg/kg) to alloxanized mice (blood glucose > 200mg/dL) for 20d. Parameters of glucose metabolism, hepatotoxicity, hyperlipidemia and nephrotoxicity were measured with emphasis on elevated oxidative stress. ANL was chemically characterized using GC-MS. Further, docking studies were employed to predict molecular interactions. ResultsANL lowered (65%, P< 0.001) systemic glucose load in diabetic mice, which was otherwise 398% higher than control. ANL lowered (35%) insulin resistance, without any significant effect on insulin sensitivity (P> 0.05). Anti-hyperglycemic properties of ANL was further supported by lowering of HbA1c (34%; P< 0.001) and improved glucose utilization (OGTT). Overall diabetic complications were mitigated as reflected by lowered hepatic (ALT, AST) and renal (creatinine, BUN) injury markers and normalization of dyslipidemia. Elevated systemic oxidative stress was lowered by increased catalase and peroxidase activities in liver, kidney and skeletal muscle, resulting in 32% decrease of serum MDA levels. Apart from high phenolic and flavonoid content, tocopherol, catechol and β-sitosterol, identified in ANL, demonstrated substantial binding affinity with Nrf2 protein (5FNQ) reflecting possible crosstalk with intracellular antioxidant defense pathways. ConclusionThe present study revealed the potentials of A. nilotica to alleviate diabetes-related systemic complications by limiting oxidative stress which justified the ethnopharmacological antidiabetic claim.

The effects of hydraulic calcium silicate containing endodontic materials on oxidative stress in erythrocytes and liver

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydraulic calcium silicate endodontic cements, MTA Angelus, MTA Fillapex, and Theracal LC, on erythrocyte and liver oxidative stress parameters of rats. Methods Right upper incisor of each rat was extracted and polyethylene tubes containing the dental cements, or left empty for the control group, were inserted into the extraction socket. Blood and liver samples of each animal were obtained after 7, 30, or 60 days. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were determined by spectrophotometry. Results Erythrocyte and liver TBARS levels, and CAT and SOD enzymatic activities were significantly increased in dental cement applied groups compared with controls on day 7. The highest erythrocyte and liver TBARS concentrations were observed in the MTA Angelus group on day 7 of exposure. On day 30, erythrocyte CAT activity remained markedly high, but the other parameters returned to almost normal levels. On day 60, all parameters were similar between the control and the experimental groups. Conclusions This is the first study to show that TBARS levels and antioxidant enzyme activities are transiently increased as a result of dental cement application.

The Effect of Thyme Essential Oil (Thymus Vulgaris) Added to Quail Diets on Performance, Some Blood Parameters, and the Antioxidative Metabolism of the Serum and Liver Tissues

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the effect of diets containing different levels of thyme essential oil (TEO) on performance, some serum parameters and the antioxidative metabolism of the serum and liver tissues in quails. A total number of 200 sixteen-days-old Japanese quails ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) were used in the study. The animals were divided into 4 groups; the control group was fed only basal diet but groups TEO1, TEO2 and TEO3 had thyme essential oil of 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg, respectively, added to their diets. Body weight and daily weight gain increased with higher levels of thyme essential oil in the feed, yet a statistically significant increase was detected in only group TEO3 (p<0.05). Furthermore, in all of the groups that were fed on TEO, feed intake was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). In the groups that received thyme essential oil, serum creatinine and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were low, whereas serum magnesium levels were high (p<0.05). Thyme essential oil significantly increased in liver catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and serum CAT and GSH-Px activities, and significantly reduced both liver and serum lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde=MDA) levels (p<0.01). In result, while thyme essential oil partially affected the performance and serum parameters, it had a marked effect on the antioxidant metabolism.

Hepatoprotective effect of parthenolide in rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Context: The active ingredients of traditional medical herbs have been the focus of scientific interests.Objective: This study was designed to explore the mechanisms of actions of parthenolide on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Materials and methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks with or without an intraperitoneal injection of parthenolide to develop NAFLD. Liver triacylglycerol (TG), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARs), total thiol groups and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) levels as well as liver ALT, AST and catalase activities were determined. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR was performed to obtain hepatic gene expression levels of TNF-α, CYP2E1 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).Results: HFD caused a significant weight gain and increased liver TG content as well as alteration in ALT and AST activities, which were attenuated after administration of parthenoide (p < .05). Weakened liver antioxidant system (TAC, total thiol groups and catalase activity) and increased oxidative stress markers (TBARs and TOS) were mainly ameliorated by parthenolide treatment (p < .05). Increased hepatic TNF-α, NF-κB and CYP2E1 at the both gene expression and protein levels were found associated with necroinflammatory changes in histopathological observations and were abrogated almost completely after parthenolide treatment. Oxidative and inflammatory changes observed in HFD fed rats were indicative of NAFLD, which were suppressed with parthenolide treatment.Conclusions: Based on these results, parthenolide might be a candidate agent for preventing NAFLD due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative potency.

Protective effects of melatonin on long-term administration of fluoxetine in rats

The degree and consequence of tissue injury are highly regarded during long-term exposure to selective antidepressant fluoxetine. Melatonin has been shown to palliate different lesions by scavenging free radicals, but its role in the reduction of the fluoxetine-induced injuries has been little known.Thirty-six mature male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. The experimental rats were included as following; 24mg/kg/bw fluoxetine for 4 weeks; 1mg/kg/bw melatonin for 4 weeks; fluoxetine+1-week melatonin, fluoxetine+2-week melatonin and fluoxetine+4-week melatonin. In the current experiment, we investigated weight gain, hematological and biochemical parameters, pathological injuries and oxidative status.We noted the positive effect of melatonin in weight loss of fluoxetine-treated rats (p<0.05). The significant reduction of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities in blood, liver, and kidneys and changes in serum total antioxidant capacity caused by fluoxetine were reversed by melatonin (p<0.05). Melatonin reduced the increased lipid peroxidation and transaminase activity in rats received fluoxetine (p<0.05). We also showed the potency of fluoxetine in inducing leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and hypochromic and macrocytic anemia which was blunted by melatonin. Both RBCs and platelets indices were also corrected. Rats received melatonin in combination with fluoxetine showed a reduction in the severity of degeneration and inflammatory changes in different tissues, brain, heart, liver, lungs, testes and kidneys as compared to the fluoxetine group.Therefore, melatonin fundamentally reversed the side effects of fluoxetine in the rat model which is comparable to human medicine.

The para isomer of dinitrobenzene disrupts redox homeostasis in liver and kidney of male wistar rats

BackgroundPara-Dinitrobenzene (p-DNB) is one of the isomers of dinitrobenzene which have been detected as environmental toxicants. Skin irritation and organ toxicities are likely for industrial workers exposed to p-DNB. This study evaluated the effect of sub-chronic exposure of rats to p-DNB on cellular redox balance, hepatic and renal integrity. MethodsForty eight male Wistar rats weighing 160–180g were administered 50, 75, 1000 and 2000mg/kg b.wt (body weight) of p-DNB or an equivalent volume of vehicle (control) orally and topically for 14 days. After the period of treatment, the activities of kidney and liver catalase (CAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as extent of renal and hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined. Serum ALP activity and plasma urea concentration were also evaluated. ResultsCompared with control animals, p-DNB -administered rats showed decrease in the body and relative kidney and liver weights as well as increased renal and hepatic hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels accompanied by decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. However, p-DNB caused a significant increase in plasma urea concentration and serum, liver and kidney ALP activities relative to control. In addition, p-DNB caused periportal infiltration, severe macro vesicular steatosis and hepatic necrosis in the liver. ConclusionsOur findings show that sub-chronic oral and sub-dermal administration of p-DNB may produce hepato-nephrotoxicity through oxidative stress.

Beer with the pine needles extract addition toxic effect research

Topicality. Alcohol is one of the risk factors for many diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus and others. Common world ways in solving this problem in recent years has improved the preparatory technology quality of alcohol and their composition optimization, leading to lessening the negative alcohol effects on the body.Aim. To investigate the beer toxicological aspects and assess the feasibility of creating a new brewing technology with the addition of an aqueous pine needles extract, which partly replaced by hops.Material and methods. Beer prepared on the classical recipe with the addition of pine extract (600 ml/dl). The influence of beer with the pine needle extract addition on prooxidant-antioxidant status of the animals liver comparing with the beer produced by the classical recipe.Results and discussion. The animals were given the beer examples produced by classical technology at a dose of 15 g/kg for a period of 14 days significantly increased the content of oxidative markers in the liver homogenate (GC 20.4 %, TBA-reagents – 51.6 %) compared to animals that received placebo and reduced activity catalase – by 40.9 %. Biomarkers in liver homogenate of animals treated beer with an pine needles extract were within the physiological norm. Under the influence of prednisolone (50 mg/kg) dien conjugates content in the liver of animals treated with classical technologies beer by 23.8 % more than in animals that under conditions of oxidative stress used purified water. The content of TBA-reagents over 13.7 %, glutathione content less than 25.0 % compared to the placebo group. In animals treated with beer extract of pine needles all anti-oxidative markers of liver catalase activity are significantly differed from that of animals that used purified water. In animals treated with the classic beer technology under normobaric hypoxia model was likely reduce the average lifetime to 313.1 s in terms of lack of oxygen compared to animals treated with purified water. In animals administrated with beer extract of pine needles average lifetime remained intact at figures and had no probable deviations.Conclusions. According to biochemical markers research of anti-oxidative system in liver homogenate of animals, beer with pine needles extract, due to its antioxidative properties, minimizes the negative alcohol impact on the liverthat manifested in less oxidative stress. Beer with pine needles extract does not potentiate the adverse effects of alcohol in acute hypoxic condition and does not reduce the average lifetime of the animal, as opposed to the usual beer. A beer“Emerald” with an extract of pine needles, due to its antioxidant properties, may be an alternative to modern alcoholic beverages and significantly reduce the toxic effects of alcohol.

Cypermethrin induced stress and changes in growth of freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus

Bioassays were conducted with technical grade and commercial formulation of cypermethrin using freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus as the test fish. The technical grade cypermethrin contained 92% active ingredient (a.i.) and the commercial formulation was an emulsified concentrate (EC) containing 10% a.i. (10% EC). Based on the actual concentration in water (2 h), the commercial formulation was found to be more acutely toxic to O. niloticus (96-h LC50 = 4.85 μg/L) than the technical grade cypermethrin (96-h LC50 = 9.74 μg/L). Exposure to sub-lethal concentrations (1.25, 2.5 μg/L) of commercial cypermethrin for 96 h produced stress on the fish, which was evident from the reduction of hepatic glycogen, reduction in the activities of alkaline phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase in liver and elevation of plasma glucose level and activities of hepatic acid phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Exposure to these concentrations of cypermethrin for 14–28 days produced anaemia in fish. Long-term exposure (90 days) of the fish to these concentrations reduced the growth and deposition of protein and lipid in the body of fish as compared to control.It is concluded from this study that even minute concentration (1.25 μg/L) of cypermethrin (10% EC) in water can produce stress on fish. Long term exposure to such concentration of cypermethrin may also affect growth of the fish.

Seasonal and ontogenetic changes modulate oxygen consumption and antioxidant defenses in the cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus (Pisces, Trichiuridae)

Several oxidative stress markers and liver oxygen consumption were measured in different tissues of the marine fish Trichiurus lepturus in late summer and late winter, as well as in juveniles and adult females. Oxygen consumption in liver, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in liver, red cells, lens and roe, vitamin E, ubiquinol10, β-carotene in liver, red cells, and roe, as well as contents of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipoperoxidation (TBARS) in red cells were evaluated. Regarding ontogeny, compared to adult fish, juveniles showed significant higher SOD activity in liver and lens, as well as higher liver contents of vitamin E. In contrast, adult females showed higher contents of vitamin E in roe, ubiquinol10 in liver and roe, and higher GSH levels in red cells, while the other markers remained unchanged. Regarding seasonal changes, no differences were detected in adult females for liver CAT and ubiquinol10, CAT in roe, vitamin E in roe and in red cells, liver and red cell ubiquinol10, and in GSH in red cells. However, and coinciding with the spawning period of late summer, liver oxygen consumption, SOD and CAT activity and ubiquinol10 contents in roe and SOD activity in red cells, and red cell TBARS contents were higher compared to late winter. These temporal antioxidant adjustments of Trichiurus lepturus seem to be parallel to the higher oxygen consumption typical of juvenile forms and also to the intense spawning and foraging activities of adult females in late summer.

СУПЕРОКСИДДИСМУТАЗНА, КАТАЛАЗНА Й ЗАГАЛЬНА АНТИОКСИДАНТНА АКТИВНОСТІ КРОВІ ТА ПЕЧІНКИ ЩУРІВ ЗА ДІЇ ГЛУТАМАТУ НАТРІЮ

СУПЕРОКСИДДИСМУТАЗНА, КАТАЛАЗНА Й ЗАГАЛЬНА АНТИОКСИДАНТНА АКТИВНОСТІ КРОВІ ТА ПЕЧІНКИ ЩУРІВ ЗА ДІЇ ГЛУТАМАТУ НАТРІЮ

Dietary vegetable oil suppressed non-specific immunity and liver antioxidant capacity but induced inflammatory response in Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus)

High percentage of dietary vegetable oil (VO) induced negative effects on immunity in numerous fish species. The present study was conducted to investigate whether VO could exert anti-immunological effects by regulating non-specific immunity, liver antioxidant capacity and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling in Japanese sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus). Three iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipid diets were formulated by replacing 0% (FO, the control), 50% (FV) and 100% (VO) of fish oil with vegetable oil. Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of fish for 10 weeks. Results showed that the alternative complement pathway (ACP) activity and the disease resistance were significantly lower in fish fed VO diets compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathion peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) significantly decreased in fish fed VO diets (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, significantly low level of liver SOD1 and CAT mRNA, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) of both mRNA and protein were observed in fish fed VO diets when compared with fish fed FO diets (P < 0.05). However, the transcription level of TNFα and IL1β was significantly higher in the liver of fish fed VO diets, which might be attributed to the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway since the protein expression of p65, one of the key members of NF-κB family, was significantly increased (P < 0.05). These results suggested that dietary VO could lower the ACP activity, disease resistance and liver antioxidant capacity, but it could also exacerbate inflammatory response by activating NF-κB signaling pathway in Japanese sea bass.

Aqueous extract of Dennettia tripetala ameliorates liver and kidney damage caused by multiple exposures to carbon tetrachloride

BackgroundDennettia tripetala is a medicinal plant with in vitro antioxidant activities. It is capable of protecting the liver and kidney of rats from damage when administered prior to a single exposure of carbon tetrachloride. The aim of this study was to document the possible ameliorative effect of the aqueous extract of Dennettia tripetala fruits on rats subjected to multiple exposures of carbon tetrachloride.MethodsCarbon tetrachloride was administered orally to male albino rats of Wistar strain four times over a 2 week period. The aqueous extract of Dennettia tripetala fruits was administered daily for 7 days starting on the 8th day after carbon tetrachloride administration had commenced.ResultsCarbon tetrachloride caused increases in serum ALT, AST and ALP, serum total cholesterol, serum LDL-cholesterol, liver total cholesterol and triglyceride, serum total protein, globulin, urea, creatinine as well as liver and kidney malondialdehyde levels. Carbon tetrachloride also caused significant reductions in serum HDL-cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum albumin:globulin ratio as well as liver and kidney SOD and catalase activities. The plant extract was able to restore the biochemical parameters to levels comparable to those of the control group in all instances. Further evidence in support of these results was derived from histopathological analysis.ConclusionTaken together, the results of this study show that the aqueous extract of Dennettia tripetala fruits is able to ameliorate liver and kidney damage caused by multiple exposures to carbon tetrachloride probably via an antioxidant-dependent mechanism.

An evaluation of heat on protein oxidation of soy protein isolate or soy protein isolate mixed with soybean oil in vitro and its consequences on redox status of broilers at early age.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate effects of heat treatment and soybean oil inclusion on protein oxidation of soy protein isolate (SPI) and of oxidized protein on redox status of broilers at an early age.MethodsSPI mixed with soybean oil (SPIO) heated at 100°C for 8 h was used to evaluate protein oxidation of SPI. A total of two hundred and sixteen 1-day-old Arbor Acres chicks were divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates of 12 birds, receiving basal diet (CON), heat-oxidized SPI diet (HSPI) or mixture of SPI and 2% soybean oil diet (HSPIO) for 21 d, respectively.ResultsIncreased protein carbonyl, decreased protein sulfhydryl of SPI were observed as heating time increased in all treatments (p<0.05). Addition of 2% soybean oil increased protein carbonyl of SPI at 8 h heating (p<0.05). Dietary HSPI and HSPIO decreased the average daily gain of broilers as compared with the CON (p<0.05). Broilers fed HSPI and HSPIO exhibited decreased glutathione (GSH) in serum, catalase activity and total sulfhydryl in liver and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl in serum, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in liver and protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa as compared with that of the CON (p<0.05). Additionally, broilers receiving HSPIO showed decreased glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) in serum, GSH and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity in liver, GSH-Px activity in duodenal mucosa, GSH-Px activity and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity in jejunal mucosa and increased AOPPs in serum, MDA and protein carbonyl in liver, MDA and AOPPs in jejunal mucosa (p<0.05).ConclusionProtein oxidation of SPI can be induced by heat and soybean oil and oxidized protein resulted in redox imbalance in broilers at an early age.

Polyphenols from Wine Lees as a Novel Functional Bioactive Compound in the Protection Against Oxidative Stress and Hyperlipidaemia.

The study examines the potential of wine industry by-product, the lees, as a rich mixture of natural polyphenols, and its physiological potential to reduce postprandial metabolic and oxidative stress caused by a cholesterol-rich diet in in vivo model. Chemical analysis of wine lees showed that their total solid content was 94.2%. Wine lees contained total phenols, total nonflavonoids and total flavonoids expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry mass: 2316.6±37.9, 1332.5±51.1 and 984.1±28.2, respectively. The content of total anthocyanins expressed in mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents per 100 g of dry mass was 383.1±21.6. Antioxidant capacity of wine lees determined by the DPPH and FRAP methods and expressed in mM of Trolox equivalents per 100 g was 259.8±1.8 and 45.7±1.05, respectively. The experiment lasted 60 days using C57BL/6 mice divided in four groups: group 1 was fed normal diet and used as control, group 2 was fed normal diet with added wine lees, group 3 was fed high-cholesterol diet (HCD), i.e. normal diet with the addition of sunflower oil, and group 4 was fed HCD with wine lees. HCD increased serum total cholesterol (TC) by 2.3-fold, triacylglycerol (TAG) by 1.5-fold, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 3.5-fold and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) by 50%, and reduced liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 50%, catalase (CAT) by 30% and glutathione (GSH) by 17.5% compared to control. Conversely, treatment with HCD and wine lees reduced TC and LDL up to 1.4 times more than with HCD only, with depletion of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and restoration of SOD and CAT activities in liver, approximating values of the control. HDL levels were unaffected in any group. Serum transaminase activity showed no hepatotoxic properties in the treatment with lees alone. In the proposed model, wine lees as a rich polyphenol source could be a basis for functional food products without alcohol.

Influence of high inorganic selenium and manganese diets for fattening pigs on oxidative stability and pork quality parameters

Data are scarce regarding combined high Se and Mn supplementation in livestock diets, however, as Se and Mn are functionally related as cofactors of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), respectively, beneficial synergistic effects on oxidative stability of tissues may result. This experiment evaluated the effect of an oversupply of Se and Mn within European legal limits compared with recommendations on performance, oxidative stability of the organism and meat quality in a randomised complete block design. A total of 60 crossbred gilts were fed maize–barley–soya bean meal diets formulated in a 2×2 factorial approach with inorganic Se (0.2 v. 0.5 mg/kg Se dry matter (DM)) or inorganic Mn (20 v. 150 mg/kg Mn DM) from 31 to 116 kg BW. Se supplementation reduced feed intake, whereas high Mn diets impaired average daily gain (P<0.05). Qualitative carcass characteristics were impaired by Se and Mn predominantly in the semimembranosus muscle. Activity of GPx in liver was increased by high Se diets (P<0.05). Mn supplementation increased catalase (CAT) activity in liver, GPx in plasma and total antioxidative capacity (TAC) in muscle, whereas it decreased CAT activity in plasma (P<0.05). Cu/Zn-SOD in muscle showed higher activity in high-Se-low-Mn diets but lower activity when both high Se and Mn were combined (Se×Mn P<0.05). Mn supplementation increased Mn concentration in longissimus thoracis et lumborum, but simultaneously reduced Se concentration (P<0.05). Upon retail display, Mn increased lipid oxidation more pronouncedly (higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; P<0.05) than Se (P<0.10). Despite some positive effects (Mn increased TAC, Se increased GPx, Se and Mn increased tenderness), no synergistic effects of high Se and Mn diets or an overall beneficial impact on meat quality, especially during storage, could be observed. Including the negative effects on performance, feeding Se and Mn up to the maximum legal level cannot be recommended.

Assessment of Biochemical and Histopathological Effects of Crude Venom of Cone Snail &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conus flavidus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; on &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;albino&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Mice

The genus <i>Conus</i> is equipped with a unique venomous mixture of conopeptides which secreted for predation and defense purposes. This work is aiming to explore and determine the effect of the crude venom of <i>Conus flavidus</i>, a worm-hunting cone snail inhabiting the Red Sea, on the oxidant/ antioxidant system in mice using some oxidative stress biomarker assays. In addition to assess its histopathological effects on some treated organs. The LC₅₀ were detected for the crude venom using the hemolytic assay (16.7 mg/ml) and male albino mice were injected intraperitoneally with ½ LC₅₀ (8.3 mg/kg B.Wt). Biochemically, after 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours of injection the results revealed significant inhibition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in blood and liver in almost all time intervals comparing with control one. However, it showed elevation in lipid peroxide content (LPC), protein carbonyl content (PCC), nitric oxide level (NO) reduced glutathione content (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) contents of both blood and liver in almost all time intervals. Histopathologicaly, liver and heart were dissected after 1, 3 and 7 days of injection. The treated liver showed vacuolar degeneration, karyolosis and pyknosis, mild blood sinusoidal congestion and centrilobular necrosis. The treated heart illustrated degenerated myofibrils, pyknosis, edema, blood vessel congestion, loss of striation normal construction and fascicular pattern in the myocardium. These results revealed that <i>C. flavidus</i> crude venom has distinct effects upon the oxidant/antioxidant cellular system and degenerative pathological effects in some tissues of treated animals, proving that this venom may contain bioactive peptides, which could be purified and used for further pharmacological and drug discovery investigations in the future.

Pre-Exposure to &lt;i&gt;Dennettia tripetala&lt;/i&gt; Ethanolic Fruit Extract Prevents Biochemical Alterations in Rats Subsequently Exposed to a Single Dose of Carbon Tetrachloride

Dennettia tripetala(DT) is consumed in West Africa as a spice. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating cough, fever and other ailments. Its fruits have been shown to possess phytochemicals with proven antioxidant capabilities. DT roots elicitin vitroantioxidant capabilities similar to that of ascorbic acid. In this study, we evaluated the potency of the ethanol extract of DT fruits in preventing liver damage induced by a single oral administration of Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Thirty female Wistar albino rats were randomized into six groups of five animals each: Group A served as control, Groups B-D were given increasing doses (250, 500 and 1000mg/kg b.w respectively) of DT extract for 14 days by gavage; on day 15, they were given CCl4(3ml/kg bw) by gavage. Group E was given the highest dose of DT for 14 days without CCl4while Group F was given only CCl4on day 15. Administration of CCl4resulted in liver and kidney injury detected as significant increases in plasma ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities as well as plasma total protein, urea, creatinine, plasma and liver triglyceride and cholesterol as well as liver and kidney malondialdehyde concentrations. CCl4also caused a reduction in liver and kidney SOD and catalase activities as well as plasma albumin concentration. Pre-treatment withDennettiatripetalahowever, significantly prevented damage to the liver and kidney. Under the conditions of this study,Dennettia tripetalashows potential in preventing liver and kidney damage and has no noticeable side effects.

Nigella sativa seed reduced galectin-3 level and liver fibrosis in thioacetamide-induced liver injury in rats

Background/aim Fibrosis represents the final common pathway of chronic tissue injury. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an important regulator of fibrosis that links chronic inflammation to fibrogenesis. We investigated the effect of Nigella sativa seed (black seed), a common hepatoprotective natural remedy, on Gal-3 level and progression of liver fibrosis in thioacetamide (TA)-induced liver injury in rats. Materials and methods Forty male Wistar rats were used in this study and were divided into four groups of 10 rats each. Group I served as control, groups from II to IV were intoxicated by TA (200 mg/kg body weight); meanwhile group III was treated with silymarin (50 mg/kg body weight) and group IV was treated with black seed (50 mg/kg body weight). Gal-3, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), some antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined in the liver tissue homogenate. Moreover, serum liver function parameters, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and plasma glucose were determined. Quantitative measurement of fibrotic areas was achieved using computerized image analysis system. Results TA administration caused significant elevations in the levels of liver Gal-3, TGF-β1, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and plasma glucose levels. Meanwhile, significant decreases were recorded in the level of liver total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, and serum levels of total protein and albumin. Histopathological observation showed severe damage in the liver and presence of fibrotic areas. Treatment with silymarin and black seed resulted in decreasing levels of liver Gal-3 and TGF-β1 and marked improvement in liver functions, as well as reducing the fibrotic areas in the liver. Gal-3 exhibited positive correlation with TGF-β1, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, while it negatively correlated with total antioxidant capacity and catalase. Conclusion Black seed reduced liver Gal-3 level and ameliorated fibrogenesis in liver due to TA administration.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC17 ameliorates type-2 diabetes by improving gut function, oxidative stress and inflammation in high-fat-diet fed and streptozotocintreated rats.

Restoration of dysbiosed gut microbiota through probiotic may have profound effect on type 2 diabetes. In the present study, rats were fed high fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks and injected with low dose streptozotocin to induce type 2 diabetes. Diabetic rats were then fed Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC 17 and L. rhamnosus GG with HFD for six weeks. L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 improved oral glucose tolerance test, biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, glycosylated haemoglobin, free fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in blood and liver), bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in cecum, expression of glucagon like peptide-1 producing genes in cecum, and adiponection in epididymal fat, while decreased propionate proportions (%) in caecum, and expression of tumour necrosis factor-α and interlukin-6 in epididymal fat of diabetic rats as compared to diabetes control group. These findings offered a base for the use of L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 for the improvement and early treatment of type 2 diabetes.