Lower Lipid Peroxidation Research Articles

Attenuation of fluoride-induced hepatorenal oxidative stress by ferulic acid in vivo: An approach with in-silico analysis and interaction informatics of ferulic acid

BackgroundChronic fluoride toxicity induces oxidative strain and lipid peroxidation and imparts deleterious effects on human metabolic organs. AimThe present study aimed to expose the defensive impact of ferulic acid against sodium fluoride (NaF) induced hepatorenal dysfunction at the biochemical and antioxidative systems. MethodsIn-vivo. Rats were arbitrarily separated into five groups as control, sodium fluoride-treated (200 ppm kg −1), vitamin C -as a positive control, and FA co-administered groups with 10 mg kg −1 and 20 mg kg −1 body weight for 56 days. In the present investigation, we measured antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lactate dehydrogenase by electrozymographic and spectrophotometric methods. Biochemical assessment of TBARS, conjugated diene, and different serum biomarkers was done for liver and kidney functionality tests.In-silico. An in-silico study was conducted through a molecular docking experiment to evaluate the binding potentiality of FA by employing AutoDock Vina [version 1.5.6] to overcome the abnormality in the activities of catalase, and superoxide dismutase in NaF promoted toxicity of hepatorenal system.In-vitro. An in vitro biochemical experiment was conducted to support the in-silico study. ResultsSuperoxide dismutase and catalase were decreased in the intoxicated rat. Ferulic acid (FA) as an antioxidant remarkably defended the NaF-mediated deterioration of the antioxidative status in the hepatorenal system, lowering lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde, and conjugated diene. Serum biomarkers, ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine increased in the intoxicated group than in control. Ferulic acid significantly neutralized the ill effects of NaF on serum lipid profile. In-silico analysis hypothesized the strong interaction of FA with the active side of catalase and superoxide dismutase that prevented the binding of NaF at the active site of these mentioned enzymes and this was further validated by in-vitro assay. ConclusionHowever, FA modulates free radical generation and protected these metabolic organs against sodium fluoride-induced injury.

The stability of cell structure and antioxidant enzymes are essential for fresh-cut potato browning

In this study, the browning degrees of fresh-cut potatoes of different cultivars were investigated. Fresh-cut potatoes of the ‘Huangjin’ cultivar exhibited a higher browning index and sensory quality deterioration over time compared with ‘Minshu’ potatoes. ‘Huangjin’ exhibited a higher activity of browning-related enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase, tyrosinase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, phospholipase D (PLD), and lipoxygenase (LOX) than ‘Minshu’. Furthermore, ‘Minshu’ exhibited lower H2O2 and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents, lower membrane lipid degradation and peroxidation, and delayed browning, attributable to its low PLD and LOX activities. The ultrastructure of ‘Minshu’ cells remained intact 7 h after cutting, while that of ‘Huangjin’ cells was severely damaged, and ‘Minshu’ cells exhibited more Golgi complexes and black particles than ‘Huangjin’ cells. Moreover, ‘Huangjin’ cells exhibited numerous multivesicular bodies, which were nonexistent in ‘Minshu’ cells. The results show that ‘Minshu’ potatoes feature a lower browning-related enzyme activity than ‘Huangjin’, and a tough cell structure to resist post-cut browning.

Effects of maternal methionine supplementation on the response of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks to heat stress.

This study investigated the hypothesis that methionine supplementation of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) hens can reduce the effects of oxidative stress and improve the performance of the offspring exposed to heat stress during growth. For that, the quail hens were fed with three diets related to the methionine supplementation: methionine-deficient diet (Md); diet supplemented with the recommended methionine level (Met1); and diet supplemented with methionine above the recommended level (Met2). Their chicks were identified, weighed, and housed according to the maternal diet group from 1 to 14 d of age. On 15 d of age, chicks were weighed and divided into two groups: thermoneutral ambient (constant temperature of 23 °C) and intermittent heat stress ambient (daily exposure to 34 °C for 6 h). Methionine-supplemented (Met1 and Met2) hens had higher egg production, better feed conversion ratio, higher hatchability of total and fertile eggs, and offspring with higher body weight. Supplemented (Met1 and Met2) hens showed greater expression of glutathione synthase (GSS) and methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) genes, greater total antioxidant capacity, and lower lipid peroxidation in the liver. The offspring of hens fed the Met2 diet had lower death rate (1 to 14 d), higher weight on 15 d of age, weight gain, and better feed conversion ratio from 1 to 14 d of age. Among chicks reared under heat stress, the progeny of methionine-supplemented hens had higher weight on 35 d, weight gain, expression of GSS, MSRA, and thermal shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes, and total antioxidant capacity in the liver, as well as lower heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. Positive correlations between expression of glutathione peroxidase 7 (GPX7) and MSRA genes in hens and offspring were observed. Our results show that maternal methionine supplementation contributes to offspring development and performance in early stages and that, under conditions of heat stress during growth, chicks from methionine-supplemented hens respond better to hot environmental conditions than chicks from nonsupplemented hens. Supplementation of quail hens diets with methionine promoted activation of different metabolic pathways in offspring subjected to stress conditions.

Improvement of Seed Germination under Salt Stress via Overexpressing Caffeic Acid O-methyltransferase 1 (SlCOMT1) in Solanum lycopersicum L.

Melatonin (MT) is a phytohormone-like substance and is profoundly involved in modulating nearly all aspects of plant development and acclimation to environmental stressors. However, there remain no studies about the effects of MT on tomato seed germination under salt stress. Here we reported that the overexpression of caffeic acid O-methyltransferase 1 (SlCOMT1) significantly increased both MT content and salt tolerance in the germinated seeds of a transgenic tomato relative to wild type (WT) samples. Physiological investigation showed higher amylase activity in the stressed overexpression seeds than WT, leading to the promoted starch decomposition and enhanced soluble sugar content. The stimulated production of osmolytes and enhanced activities of SOD, POD, and CAT, together with the significant reduction in H2O2 and O2·- accumulation, were revealed in the stressed overexpression seeds relative to WT, largely accounting for their lower membrane lipid peroxidation. qPCR assay showed that, upon salt stress, the transcript abundance of hub genes related to germination (SlCYP707A1, SlABA1, SlGA3ox2 and SlGA2ox4) and stress tolerance (SlCDPK1, SlWRKY33 and SlMAPK1) were distinctly altered in the overexpression samples when compared to WT, providing a molecular basis for MT-mediated improvement of seed salt tolerance. Altogether, our observations shed new insights into biological functions of SlCOMT1 and could expand its utilization in genetic improvement of tomato salt tolerance in future.

Pulsed light influences several metabolic routes, delaying ripening and improving the postharvest quality of acerola

• Pulsed light reduced acerola climacteric respiration and delayed ethylene peak. • Pulsed light-treated acerola was firmer and lost less weight. • Pulsed light enhanced polyamines by stimulating synthesis and inhibiting degradation. • Pulsed light increased vitamin C by reducing degradation and improving recycling. This study investigated how pulsed light (PL) postharvest treatment influences acerola ripening physiology and quality, thus physiologically mature acerola ‘Okinawa’ were treated with PL (0.6 J.cm −2 ) and stored for 16 days at 10 °C. Compared to untreated, PL-treated acerola showed a 5% reduction in climacteric respiration with 78.65 mol CO 2 kg −1 h −1 and a one-day delay in ethylene peak of 2.65 µL C 2 H 4 kg −1 h −1 . PL-treated acerola also showed 13% lower weight loss and was 12% firmer probably due to the enhanced antioxidant enzymes that reduced hydrogen peroxide content with lower membrane lipid peroxidation, in addition to inhibition of cell wall hydrolysis. The higher polyamine levels induced by PL may be explained by the greater synthesis, inhibition of degradation, and enhancement of back-conversion reactions. PL treatment would have increased the total vitamin C by 33% as a result of lower degradation and more efficient recycling reactions, while polyphenols would have increased 10% by reducing oxidation and enhancing synthesis. Although the storage period exerted the main influence on ‘Okinawa’ acerola, results indicate that PL delayed ripening and promoted quality as an elicitor of antioxidant metabolism thus representing a hormetic phenomenon. Proposed mode of action of pulsed light (0.6 J.cm −2 ) on the physiology of ‘Okinawa’ acerola.

Pitaya [Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose] effect on glycemia and oxidative stress in aloxan-induced diabetic mice

Pitaya is a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and betalains. Moreover, these compounds has been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of this fruit on glycemia and oxidative stress in aloxan-induced diabetic mice. Thus, considering that In the in vivo assays, the mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 6): (a) healthy group treated with water; (b) diabetic mice treated with metformin at 200 mg/kg body weight diluted in water; (c) untreated diabetic mice; (d) diabetic mice treated with pitaya at 200 mg/kg and (e) diabetic mice treated with pitaya at 400 mg/kg of body weight diluted in water. The results shows that pitaya was able significantly to reduce blood glucose (p < 0.05) (200 mg/kg); significantly reduce cholesterol (200 and 400 mg/kg) and significantly increase HDL-c (400 mg/kg) levels. In the oxidative stress experiment, Malondialdehyde levels in the liver were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with pitaya, when compared to the other groups, suggesting lower lipid peroxidation. The consumption of pitaya reduced the blood glucose and cholesterol and increase the HDL, in addition, the lipid peroxidation - which is common in diabetic patients, was reduced.

Normalization of HPA Axis, Cholinergic Neurotransmission, and Inhibiting Brain Oxidative and Inflammatory Dynamics Are Associated with The Adaptogenic-like Effect of Rutin Against Psychosocial Defeat Stress.

Social defeat stress (SDS) due to changes in biochemical functions has been implicated in the pathogenesis of affective and cognitive disorders. Employing pharmacological approach with adaptogens in the management and treatment of psychosocial stress is increasingly receiving scientific attention. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of rutin, a bioflavonoid with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory functions on neurobehavioral and neuro-biochemical changes in mice exposed to SDS. Groups of mice named the intruder mice received normal saline(10 mL/kg), rutin (5, 10, and 20mg/kg, i.p.), and ginseng (50mg/kg, i.p.) daily for 14days, and then followed by 10min daily SDS (physical/psychological) exposures to aggressor micefrom days 7-14. Investigations consisting of neurobehavioral (locomotion, memory, anxiety, and depression)phenotypes, neuro-biochemical (oxidative, nitrergic, cholinergic, and pro-inflammatory cytokines) levelsin discrete brain regions, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis consistingadrenalweight, corticosterone, and glucoseconcentrations were assessed. Rutin restored the neurobehavioral deficits and reduced the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brains. Adrenal hypertrophy, increased serum glucose and corticosterone levels were significantly attenuated by rutin. SDS-induced release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were also suppressed by rutin in a brain-region-dependent manner. Moreover, SDS-induced oxidative stress characterized by low antioxidants (glutathione, superoxide-dismutase, catalase) and lipid peroxidation and nitrergic stress were reversed by rutin in discrete brain regions. Collectively, our data suggest that rutin possesses an adoptogenic potential in mice exposed to SDS via normalization of HPA, oxidative/nitrergic, and neuroinflammatory inhibitions. Thus, may be adopted in the management of neuropsychiatric syndrome due to psychosocial stress.

The Synergistic Hepatoprotective Activity of Rosemary Essential Oil and Curcumin: The Role of the MEK/ERK Pathway.

Curcumin is a natural product obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a medicinal and aromatic plant that is widely spread in the Mediterranean region. Both Curcumin and rosemary essential oil are natural products of high medicinal and pharmacological significance. The hepatoprotective effect of both natural products is well-established; however, the mechanism of such action is not fully understood. Thus, this study is an attempt to explore the hepatoprotective mechanism of action of these remedies through their effect on MEK and ERK proteins. Furthermore, the effect of rosemary essential oil on the plasma concentration of curcumin has been scrutinized. The major constituents of REO were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by GC/MS and GC/FID, respectively. Curcumin and rosemary essential oil were given to mice in a pre-treatment model, followed by induction of liver injury through a high dose of paracetamol. Serum liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activities, the inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, as well as the MEK and ERK portions, were verified. The plasma levels of curcumin were determined in the presence and absence of rosemary essential oil. The major constituents of REO were 1,8-cineole (51.52%), camphor (10.52%), and α-pinene (8.41%). The results revealed a superior hepatoprotective activity of the combination when compared to each natural product alone, as demonstrated by the lowered liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, mitigated inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, and enhanced antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the combination induced the overexpression of MEK and ERK proteins, providing evidence for the involvement of this cascade in the hepatoprotective activity of such natural products. The administration of rosemary essential oil with curcumin enhanced the curcuminoid plasma level. The co-administration of both curcumin and rosemary essential oil together enhanced both their hepatoprotective activity and the level of curcumin in plasma, indicating a synergistic activity between both natural products.

Ammonium effects on oxidative stress, telomere length, and locomotion across life stages of an anuran from habitats with contrasting land-use histories

Understanding the mechanistic implications behind wildlife responses to global changes is a central topic in eco-evolutionary research. In particular, anthropic pollution is known to impact wild populations across the globe, which may have even stronger consequences for species with complex life cycles. Among vertebrates, amphibians represent a paradigmatic example of metamorphosis, and their characteristics make them highly vulnerable to pollution. Here, we tested for differences in the redox status, telomere length, and locomotor performance across life stages of green frogs (Pelophylax perezi) from agrosystem and natural habitats, both constitutively and in response to an experimental ammonium exposure (10 mg/L). We found that larvae from the agrosystem constitutively showed an enhanced redox status (better antioxidant balance against H2O2, lower lipid peroxidation) but shorter telomeres as compared to larvae from the natural environment. The larval redox response to ammonium was, overall, similar in both habitats. In contrast, after metamorphosis, the redox status of individuals from the natural habitat seemed to cope better with ammonium exposure (denoted by lower lipid peroxidation), and differences between habitats in telomere length were no longer present. Intriguingly, while the swimming performance of larvae did not correlate with individual's physiology, metamorphs with lower glutathione reductase activity and longer telomeres had a better jumping performance. This may suggest that locomotor performance is both traded off with the production of reactive oxygen species and potentiated directly by longer telomeres or indirectly by the mechanisms that buffer their shortening. Overall, our study suggests that contrasting land-use histories can drive divergence in physiological pathways linked to individual health and lifespan. Since this pattern was life-stage dependent, divergent habitat conditions can have contrasting implications across the ontogenetic development of species with complex life cycles.

Potassium application enhances drought tolerance in sesame by mitigating oxidative damage and regulating osmotic adjustment.

Potassium (K) is known for alleviating the negative effects of abiotic stresses on plants. To explore the functions of K in controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant activities, and osmoregulation in sesame under drought stress, a pot experiment was conducted with three K levels (0, 60, and 120kg ha-1, recorded as K0, K1, and K2, respectively) and exposed to well-watered (WW, 75% ± 5% soil relative water content) and drought-stressed (DS, 50% ± 5% soil relative water content) conditions. The results showed that DS stimulated the production of ROS such as increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), leading to lipid peroxidation as characterized by higher malondialdehyde (MDA) and, consequently, resulting in the decline in relative water content (RWC) and photosynthetic pigments as compared with WW plants. These adverse effects were exacerbated when drought stress was prolonged. Concurrently, K application alleviated the magnitude of decline in the RWC, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b, and plants applied with K exhibited superior growth, with the optimal mitigation observed under K2 treatment. Additionally, DS plants treated with K exhibited lower lipid peroxidation, higher antioxidant activities, and increased osmotic solute accumulation in comparison with plants under K deficiency, which suggested that exogenous K application mitigated the oxidative damages and this was more prominent under K2 treatment. Noteworthily, proline and soluble protein, respectively, dominated in the osmotic regulation at 3 and 6 days of drought stress according to the analysis of the quantitative comparison among different osmotically active solutes. Based on the correlation of the aforementioned traits and the analysis of variance on the interaction effects of drought stress and potassium, we propose that superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and MDA could be critical indicators in balancing ROS detoxification and reproduction. In summary, our studies suggest that optimized K application keeps a balance between the production of antioxidants and ROS and simultaneously affects osmoregulation to alleviate the damage from drought stress.

Antioxidant potential of hydrolysate-derived seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) peptide: Protective effects against AAPH-induced oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo

In this study, seahorse peptide (SHP) was isolated from an alcalase-treated hydrolysate from Hippocampus abdominalis and assessed for its antioxidant potential against AAPH-induced oxidative stress damage. AAPH stimulation significantly decreased cell viability and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Vero cells. SHP treatment increased cell viability and remarkably lowered ROS production under AAPH-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, it protected against AAPH-induced apoptotic DNA damage. Western blot analysis demonstrated that SHP treatment remarkably increased the protein expression levels of catalase and SOD in AAPH-induced Vero cells. A zebrafish study revealed that SHP-treated zebrafish embryos resulted in lower cell death, ROS generation, and lipid peroxidation than the AAPH-treated group. These results suggest that SHP is a potent functional antioxidant that could be developed as a natural antioxidant in the food and functional food industries.

Effects of dietary supplementation with a blend of functional oils to fecal microbiota, and inflammatory and oxidative responses, of dogs submitted to a periodontal surgical challenge

We aimed to evaluate the effects of functional oils from copaiba (Copaifera spp.), cashew nut shell (Anacardium occidentale), and pepper species (Schinus molle L. and Capsicum annum L.) on coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and inflammatory and oxidative markers in dogs submitted to periodontal surgery. Two treatments were evaluated: control and test, containing the blend of functional oils (0.1 g/animal/day). The oil blend contained 280 g/kg cashew nut shell (Anacardium ocidentalle) oil, 60 g/kg Capsicum annuum L. and Schinus molle L. pepper species oils, and 60 g/kg copaiba (Copaifera spp.) oil. The treatments were offered for 35 days to 12 adult Beagle dogs, distributed in a completely randomized design (n = 6). On day 30, the dogs were submitted to periodontal surgery. Fecal (days 30 and 35) and blood (days 0, 30, and 35) samples were collected for the evaluation of intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and inflammatory and antioxidant responses in the blood. Dogs of the control group presented a more pronounced reduction in the genera Prevotella and Faecalibacterium after surgery (day 35) than the test group (P < 0.05). Besides, dogs of the control group also presented a greater abundance of Streptococcus on day 35 (P < 0.05). There was an increase in NF-κB concentration in the blood after surgery only in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, dogs fed the oil blend showed lower lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) and a tendency (P = 0.059) to higher glutathione transferase activity. The blend of functional oils does not alter the digestibility of nutrients and may modulate the intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it controls the inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms after the surgical challenge in dogs.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant “MitoQ” improves rooster's cooled sperm quality indicators and reproductive performance

The cell membrane of rooster sperm is sensitive to cold due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are very susceptible to lipid peroxidation. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different concentrations of the mitochondrial-targeting antioxidant “MitoQ” on sperm quality and fertility potential of chilled semen in roosters. Semen samples were collected from 10 roosters, diluted in Lake extender, assigned into 5 groups according to MitoQ concentrations (0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM MitoQ) and stored at 5 °C up to 48 h. Motility, mitochondrial activity, viability, membrane integrity, and lipid peroxidation were assessed at 0, 24, and 48 h of cold storage periods. In addition, the fertility potential was assessed using 24 h-cooled semen samples. Our results showed that extender supplementation with MitoQ had no effect (P > 0.05) on chilled semen samples quality parameters at time 0, while at times 24 and 48 h storage, samples contained 100 nM MitoQ presented higher (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity compared to the other groups. In addition, semen samples containing 10 and 100 nM MitoQ showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) mitochondrial activity and lower (P ≤ 0.05) lipid peroxidation than other groups at 24 and 48 h storage. Fertility rate was higher (P ≤ 0.05) when the hens were artificially inseminated with 24 h-chilled semen samples containing 100 nM MitoQ. In conclusion, supplementing Lake Extender with 100 nM MitoQ could be a helpful strategy to preserve chilled semen quality and fertility potential in the rooster.

Effects of Crocodile Oil (Crocodylus siamensis) on Liver Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 and Glutathione S-Transferase Activities in High-fat DietFed Rats.

Crocodile oil is a highly effective treatment for ailments ranging from skin conditions to cancer. However, the effects of the oil on liver detoxification pathways are not well studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of crocodile oil on the detoxification enzyme activities and the mRNA expressions of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in rats. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 7/group): rats received a standard diet (C), a high-fat diet or HFD (H), and HFD with 1 ml (HCO1) and 3 ml (HCO3) of the oil per kg body weight. Interestingly, the oil yields from this study presented alpha-linolenic acid (0.96%) at similar levels compared with fish oil. The results revealed that HFD significantly increased the activity and relative gene expression of CYP1A2 in the H group (P < 0.05), whereas 3% crocodile oil normalized the enzyme activities compared to the C group. This suggested inhibiting the HFD-induced expression of CYP1A2 mediated by the omega-3 fatty acids found in the oil. Also, crocodile oil supplementation did not reduce the activities of GST. However, the relative gene expression of GSTA1 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the HCO1 and HCO3 groups compared to the H group, which might be attributed to the lower lipid peroxidation that occurred in the liver tissues. Therefore, it could be suggested that using crocodile oil could help in liver detoxification through the CYP1A2 even when offered with a HFD.

Phenylalanine induces mango fruit resistance against chilling injuries during storage at suboptimal temperature

Cold is the best means of prolonging fruit storage. However, tropical fruit are susceptible to cold storage. The mode of action of mango fruit tolerance to suboptimal cold temperature of 7 or 10 °C after postharvest application of 8 mM phenylalanine was investigated using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of mango fruit during suboptimal cold storage. Phenylalanine-treated fruit had less chilling injuries—black spot and pitting electrolyte leakage,—and reduced decay after suboptimal cold storage. Phenylalanine treatment induced genes related to plant–pathogen interactions, plant hormone signal transduction, and the phenylpropanoid pathway, increasing the levels of the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol glycosides and anthocyanins, and antioxidant content. Reduced oxidation led to lower lipid peroxidation, and a reduction in fatty acid-degradation products, e.g., volatile aldehydes. Treatment with phenylalanine, therefore, enhances chilling tolerance of mango fruit through regulation of metabolic and defense-related pathways, maintaining high levels of flavonoids, and antioxidants enzyme activity, and reducing H2O2 content, lipid peroxidation, and volatile aldehydes.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Natural Product 'C-Phycocyanin' in Alleviating Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes via the Inhibition of Glycation Reaction in Rats.

Diabetes is a long-term metabolic disorder characterized by persistently elevated blood sugar levels. Chronic hyperglycemia enhances glucose-protein interactions, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which form irreversible cross-links with a wide variety of macromolecules, and accumulate rapidly in the body tissues. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic properties of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) obtained from Plectonema species against oxidative stress, glycation, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rat. Forty-five days of C-PC administration decreased levels of triglycerides (TGs), blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), liver and kidney function indices, and raised body weight in diabetic rats. C-PC suppressed biochemical glycation markers, as well as serum carboxymethyllysine (CML) and fluorescent AGEs. Additionally, C-PC maintained the redox state by lowering lipid peroxidation and protein-bound carbonyl content (CC), enhancing the activity of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and renal antioxidant enzymes, and preserving retinal and renal histopathological characteristics. Thus, we infer that C-PC possesses antidiabetic and antiglycation effects in diabetic rats. C-PC may also act as an antidiabetic and antiglycation agent in vivo that may reduce the risk of secondary diabetic complications.

Physiological and metabolic responses to aluminum toxicity reveal differing resistance mechanisms to long-term exposure in highbush blueberry cultivars

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major environmental stress that affects the growth and development of plants in acid soils. Plants have developed different mechanisms and strategies of Al resistance based on the biosynthesis of organic compounds and the formation of non-phytotoxic complexes with Al. In this study we use three cultivars traditionally cultivated of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L., ‘Brigitta’, ‘Star’, and ‘Duke’) and two cultivars from the USA (‘Camelia’ and ‘Cargo’) that were recently introduced in southern Chile. Physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated on plants grown at 0 and 200 µM Al in Hoagland solution (pH 4.5) for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. We found that the Al concentration increased in roots and shoots in all cultivars and that the relative growth rate was reduced only in shoots of ‘Star’ plants, an Al-sensitive cultivar. Photosynthetic parameters were reduced under Al treatment only in ‘Star’ and ‘Brigitta’. The concentration of photosynthetic pigments was reduced in ‘Star’, but increased in ‘Cargo’ and ‘Brigitta’ under Al toxicity. ‘Duke’ had a higher concentration of sugars and polyphenols, increased antioxidant activity, and low lipid peroxidation in leaves under Al treatment. The levels of ascorbate (ASC) and dehydroascorbate (DHA) increased in ‘Camellia’ leaves and Duke roots. The ASC/DHA ratio in roots increased in ‘Star’, and ‘Camellia’, but decreased in ‘Duke’ and ‘Brigitta’ leaves in the Al treatment. Cultivars ‘Cargo’ and ‘Brigitta’ increased oxalate exudation from roots under Al-toxicity, whereas ‘Star’ had low oxalate exudation. The results suggest a possible strategy related to internal detoxification via carbohydrates and phenolic compounds to reduce the long term toxic effect of Al in ‘Duke’, ‘Cargo’, and ‘Camellia’ cultivars of V. corymbosum under acidic conditions.

Rhus longipes (Engl.) infusions improve glucose metabolism and mitigate oxidative biomarkers in ferrous sulfate-induced renal injury

Objective: To explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Rhus longipes (R. longipes) leaf and stem bark aqueous infusions. Methods: R. longipes leaf and stem bark infusions were characterized via gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. In vitro antioxidant and carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory activities of R. longipes infusions were determined. Additionally, the modulatory effects of R. longipes infusions on intestinal glucose absorption, muscle glucose uptake, and biomarkers of renal oxidative injury were evaluated. Molecular docking was performed to determine the binding affinities of the identified compounds from the leaf and stem bark infusions on carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocompounds, including palmitoleic acid, octadecanamide, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and L-ascorbic acid. The bark infusion had significantly higher total phenolic contents compared with the leaf infusion, with better DPPH scavenging [IC50: (10.50±1.03) ±g/mL] and ferric reducing [IC50: (9.85±0.32) ±g/mL] activities (P&lt;0.05). Both R. longipes infusions at their highest concentrations significantly increased glucose uptake in yeast suspension and rat psoas muscle with marked suppression of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum (P&lt;0.05). With no cytotoxicity on Vero cells, the infusions lowered lipid peroxidation, increased cellular reduced glutathione concentration, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal homogenate treated with FeSO4. Conclusions: R. longipes shows antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and could be a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetes.

Nano-depletion of morbid spermatozoa up-regulate Ca2+ channel, depolarization of membrane potential and fertility in buffalo

Despite recent advances in technique of spermatozoa cryopreservation, there are still ejaculates present that fail to meet strict quality standard; mainly due to detrimental effect of imbalance of free radicals. The omnipresence of dead/defective spermatozoa in ejaculates of eutherian species is a major source of excessive free radicals. Though sperm-selection techniques, as well as addition of antioxidants addressed the problem to a certain extent, the major source of free radicals in the semen remained, causing much damage. This study attempts to remove dead/damaged spermatozoa using negative fertility-marker. The effect is unraveled by Hypo-osmotic (HOS), and fluorescein-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA) assay, further confirmed by Ca2+-regulating mechanisms and depolarization of sperm membrane potential, reduction in concentration of free radicals and finally by in vitro fertility assay. The study involved functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with silane followed by bio-conjugation with anti-ubiquitin antibodies. The nano-purification of semen using anti-ubiquitin conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) (antibody concentrations 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml) was attempted. The efficiency of nano-purification was 18.1%–43.8% in the study. The results revealed greater (P ≤ 0.05) spermatozoa population with intact plasma membrane, acrosome integrity, high mitochondrial membrane potential and pattern-F (least intracellular Ca2+), evidence of low lipid peroxidation and higher total antioxidant capacity in nano-purified groups. More number of spermatozoa were bound to zona pellucida of matured oocytes from nano-depleted than non-depleted group. The findings demonstrate antibody concentration of 1.0 μg/ml bio-conjugated with IONPs as most efficient in enriching the ejaculate with functional spermatozoa with the highest percentage of zona binding.

Nocturnal Red Light Application Modulated the Fumonisin B1-Induced Changes in Glutathione Transferases of Different Wheat Cultivars

Plant defense responses against Fusarium infection can be controlled by light. In this study, the effects of nocturnal red light were investigated on glutathione transferases (GSTs) in the leaves of the moderate- and high-Fusarium resistant wheat cultivars, GK Ígéret and GK Arató, respectively. GST activity increased in the light phase during the day, while it decreased after midnight. Since GST activity was lowest at midnight, we examined whether red light application at midnight could prevent the night-time drop in enzyme activity. We found that 15-min-long nocturnal red light application was effective to increase GST activity at dawn. The effects of red light pretreatments on GST expression and activity, as well as the oxidative stress induced by fumonisin B1 (FB1), were investigated. FB1 exposure increased GST activity and the expression of GST genes at dawn but nocturnal red light application in combination with the mycotoxin also increased GST activity and the transcript levels of the selected GSTs in the resistant GK Arató. In addition to its effects on GSTs, it was discovered that, depending on the degree of tolerance, nocturnal red light increased the activity of the major antioxidant enzymes at dawn in both of the chosen wheat genotypes. These decreased FB1’s oxidative stress-causing actions, resulting in lower lipid peroxidation and less cell viability loss when exposed to the mycotoxin. Pretreatment with nocturnal red light enhanced the activity of GST and antioxidant enzymes in wheat plant leaves, contributing to FB1 detoxification and reducing oxidative stress.