Serum Malondialdehyde Levels Research Articles

Effect of encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract on growth, protein digestibility and health of broilers

The study investigated the effect of encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract on performance, protein digestibility, and health of broilers. A total of 200 Cobb broiler chicks were divided into five treatments with four repetitions, including T0 (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), T2 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), T3 (basal diet + 600 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), and T4 (basal diet + 800 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract). Sample collection was conducted on day 35 of age. Results showed that increased encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract levels in feed linearly increased (P<0.05) body weight, body weight gain, intestinal lactic acid bacteria counts, protein digestibility and serum superoxide dismutase levels, while linearly decreasing (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio, intestinal Escherichia coli counts, small intestinal pH values and serum malondialdehyde levels. In conclusion, encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract improved growth performance, protein digestibility intestinal health and antioxidant status of broilers. The encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract at a level of 600 mg/kg exerted the best performance and health of broilers.

Biochemical perturbations associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens:Is oxidative stress implicated?

The aim of this study was to investigate some biochemical and tissue changes associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens (LHs), and the complicities of oxidative stress (OS). Fifty LHs were assigned to two groups of 25 LHs infected with S. gallinarum (109 cfu*mL-1 of S. gallinarum) and 25 uninfected controls. Biochemical assays and histopathology were carried out following standard procedures. There was a significant loss of body weight, drop in egg production, as well as 28% mortality in the infected group. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as serum total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher, whereas serum albumin levels were significantly lower in infected LHs. There were inflammatory, degenerative and necrotic changes observed in the affected organs. Considering the significant elevation in MDA levels coupled with elevated SOD activity in the infected LHs, OS may play a significant role in the pathology of fowl typhoid and may suggest a possible treatment of infected layers with antioxidants.

Diacerein ameliorates amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis via targeting the TGFβ1/α-SMA/Smad3 pathway.

This study is aimed at investigating the possible protective effect of diacerein (DIA) against AMD-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Rats were classified into 4 groups: a normal group that received distilled water, control group that received AMD (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days to induce pulmonary fibrosis, and 2 treatment groups that received diacerein, in 2 dose levels (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., respectively) in addition to AMD (100 mg/kg, p.o.), for 21 days. Lung function test was assessed using a spirometer; serum and tissue were collected. Biochemical, real-time PCR, histopathological, and immunohistopathological analyses were carried out. AMD reduced tidal volume (TV), peripheral expiratory rate (PER), forced vital capacity (FVC), serum reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, Beclin, and LCII, while it elevated transform growth factor (TGF-β1) gene expression, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad3, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT3), and p62 lung content. Also, AMD elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 protein expression. DIA elevated TV, PER, FVC, serum GSH level, Beclin, and LCII, while it reduced TGF-β1 gene expression, serum MDA level, α-SMA, Smad3, p-STAT-3, and p62 lung content. Moreover, DIA reduced TNF-α and caspase-3 protein expression. DIA attenuated AMD-induced pulmonary fibrosis via alleviating the TGF1/α-SMA/Smad3 pathway, reducing STAT-3 activation, and combating oxidative stress and inflammation in addition to promoting autophagy and abrogating apoptosis.

Efficacy of multimodal analgesia based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Objective: To explore the effect of multimodal analgesia based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (LRG) for gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Clinical data of 128 patients undergoing LRG for GC, admitted to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from March 2021 to March 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 66 patients received a multimodal analgesic management based on ERAS (ERAS group), and 62 patients were treated with conventional mode of analgesia (control group). Pain levels, rehabilitation status, as well as inflammatory factors and stress response indicators before and after surgery were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative pain and recovery in the ERAS group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After the surgery, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in both groups increased compared to before the surgery, but were significantly lower in the ERAS group compared to the control group (P<0.05). After the surgery, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and xanthine oxidase (XOD) levels in both groups increased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels decreased compared to preoperative levels. The observed postoperative levels of serum MDA and XOD were significantly lower in the ERAS group, while the postoperative SOD levels were higher compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Patients undergoing LRG for GC can benefit from a multimodal pain management plan based on ERAS to reduce postoperative pain, alleviate inflammation, stress responses, and shorten the postoperative recovery process. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10088 How to cite this: Xu L, Yao L, Qin J, Xu H. Efficacy of multimodal analgesia based on the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2190-2195. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10088 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The effect of aqueous extracts and isolation proteinous compound from clove buds on serumglucose, triglyceride , glutathione and malnodialdehyde levels in alloxan induced diabetic mice

This study was included preparing acold aqueous extract of clove buds The study also comprised the isolation and studying the proteinous compound,which was seperated using gel filtration technique and determined approximately molecular weight of this isolated compound(6799) dalton . The aim of the study demonstrate effects of the crude aqueous, non proteinous extract, proteinous precipitate and proteinous compound on serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, also glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney tissues in diabetic mice-induced alloxan.Extracts were administerated interaperitioneally. The results were indicated that the crude aqueous, non proteinous extract, proteinous precipitate and proteinous compound which were caused asignificant decrease in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and malondialdehyde level in liver and kidney tissues, while aproteinous precipitate don’t show asignificant decrease in serum cholesterol level but all extracts don’t show asignificant changes in serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level in alloxan induced diabetic mice, on other wise all extracts showed asignificant increase in glutathione level in liver and kidney tissues except non proteinous extract and proteinous precipitate which were caused asignificant increase in glutathione level in liver tissue only.

Immunological, Antioxidant, Growth Responses, and Disease Resistance of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, with Feeding Diets Supplemented with Lactobacillus salivarius and Lutein

Abstract The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) ATCC 11741 and lutein (LU) on immunological, antioxidant, and growth responses, and resistance against Yersinia ruckeri infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). There were seven experimental diets containing un-supplemented diet (CTL), L. salivarius at 1 × 106 (LS6) and 1 × 108 (LS8) CFU/g, lutein at 50 (LU50) and 150 (LU150) mg/kg, L. salivarius at 1 × 106 CFU/g plus lutein at 50 g/kg (LS6+LU50), and L. salivarius at 1 × 108 CFU/g plus lutein at 150 g/kg (LS8+LU150). These diets were provided to the fish (N= 735; 14.0±0.38 g). After 60 days of feeding, all experimental treatments exhibited significantly higher growth performance, compared to the CTL treatment. The intestinal protease activity and the intestinal lactic acid bacteria population in the probiotic-treated fish were significantly higher than in the CTL fish. The intestinal lipase activity was only higher in the LS6+LU50 treatment, compared to the CTL treatment. Compared to the CTL treatment, the intestinal total bacterial count, and serum superoxide dismutase significantly increased in the LS6+LU50 and LS8+LU150 treatments. The serum catalase significantly increased in LU150, LS6+LU50, and LS8+LU150 treatments, and serum glutathione peroxidase significantly increased in the lutein-treated fish. All experimental treatments, particularly LS6+LU50 and LS8+LU150, had significantly lower serum malondialdehyde levels, compared to the CTL treatment. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase in LU50, LS6+LU50, and LS8+LU150 treatments were significantly lower than the CTL. All experimental treatments showed significantly higher serum lysozyme (LYZ), complement, blood respiratory burst activity (RB), and skin mucus alkaline phosphatase (ALP), compared to the CTL treatment. The highest serum LYZ, C4, total immunoglobulin (Ig), blood RB activity, and skin mucus peroxidase, ALP, and Ig were observed in the LS6+LU50 and LS8+LU150 treatments. All the experimental treatments, especially LS6+LU50, exhibited significantly lower mortality after the bacterial challenge compared to the CTL. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1 × 106 CFU/g L. salivarius and 50 mg/kg lutein can maximally improve growth performance, digestive enzymes, antioxidant parameters, immune responses, intestinal lactic acid bacteria, and resistance against yersiniosis in rainbow trout.

The possible effects of chronic administration of amiodarone hydrochloride on the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats: histological and biochemical study

ABSTRACT Amiodarone hydrochloride is an antiarrhythmic agent that is widely prescribed. However, it has serious side effects that approximately affect the whole body organs. In our study, we aimed to assess the possible effects of chronic administration of two different doses of amiodarone hydrochloride on the oxidative and inflammatory parameters as well as the histological morphology and ultrastructure of the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats. Forty rats were divided into four groups; Control group 1: each rat did not receive any drugs at all. Control group 2: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose, orally and daily for 4 weeks. Low dose amiodarone group: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose contained 3.6 mg amiodarone, orally and daily for 4 weeks. High dose amiodarone group: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose contained 7.2 mg amiodarone, orally and daily for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for measuring serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Testes specimens were examined to assess the morphological changes and the level of expression of caspase-3 apoptotic marker. The results indicated that; amiodarone hydrochloride could induce a dose-dependent toxicity, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular degeneration, deposition of collagen and enhanced apoptosis in the seminiferous tubules.

Association of Serum Malondialdehyde Levels with Lipid Profile and Liver Function in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a naturally occurring organic compound produced as a byproduct of lipid peroxidation. It serves as one of the most widely recognized biomarkers for oxidative stress. Elevated levels of MDA have been observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), suggesting its involvement in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. In this study, we analyzed MDA levels within a well-characterized and extensive cohort of IBD patients. Our objective was to investigate the association between MDA levels and disease characteristics in this population. This is a cross-sectional study that encompassed 197 patients with IBD. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to study the relationship between disease characteristics and circulating MDA. MDA was significantly associated with male sex in IBD patients but not with other demographic characteristics or classic cardiovascular risk factors. Regarding disease features such as phenotype or activity indices, their relationship with MDA was scarce. Several lipid profile molecules showed a significant association with MDA levels after multivariable analysis. Similarly, the liver fibrosis-4 index and hepatic elastography values were significantly related to higher MDA levels after adjusting for covariates. In conclusion, the sources of elevated MDA in IBD are primarily linked to lipid profile abnormalities and liver disease.

A Comparative Analysis of Two Agonist Muscle Superset Training Variations on Muscle Damage and Oxidative Stress Markers in Resistance-Trained Men

Background: Evidence suggests that heavy resistance activities can damage muscle cell membranes by increasing free radical production. However, the specific type of resistance activity and the adaptations made by resistance-trained men can influence oxidative stress indicators and muscle damage. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the acute impact of two agonist muscle superset resistance training protocols on malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) in resistance-trained men. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted. Ten resistance-trained men (age: 24.25 ± 4.92 years; height: 175.12 ± 19.6 cm; weight: 74.75 ± 8.44 kg) participated in one of two superset agonist muscle resistance training protocols (post-exhaustion supersets and pre-exhaustion supersets). Subjects performed three sets of ten repetitions at an intensity of 80% of their 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Blood samples were taken immediately before and 24 hours after each session, and serum levels of MDA, CK, LDH, TAC, and CAT were evaluated. Results: Both types of superset resistance training significantly increased MDA, CK, LDH, TAC, and CAT levels, with no significant difference in the effects on MDA, CK, and LDH. However, a significant difference was observed between the two training protocols in terms of TAC and CAT, with post-exhaustion supersets showing a greater increase in these antioxidant indices. Conclusions: A single session of both protocols can induce oxidative stress and muscle damage in resistance-trained men. Additionally, post-exhaustion superset training of agonist muscles may have a greater impact on enhancing antioxidant capacity.

Dietary biogenic selenium nanoparticles improve growth and immune-antioxidant indices without inducing inflammatory responses in Nile tilapia

The present study evaluated the use of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), using the microalgae Pediastrum boryanum as a diet additive in aquaculture to improve the growth performance, health, and immune response of Nile tilapia. Nile tilapia were fed different concentrations of green SeNPs (79.26 nm) as follows: 0, 0.75, and 1.5 mg/kg of SeNPs for 8 weeks. Following the trial, growth performance, biochemical indices, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokine-related genes, and tissue histological examinations were performed. The study showed that SeNPs significantly improved (P < 0.05) growth performance and innate immune parameters (P < 0.001, IgM, and lysozyme) at both supplemented doses compared with the control. The protein profile and liver function enzymes were normal compared with those in the control group (P > 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels were not significantly changed, while reduced glutathione and catalase were significantly enhanced (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) in the SeNPs 1.5 mg/kg compared to the control group. No inflammatory response was detected upon SeNP supplementation, as indicated by the absence of changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. The earlier assays’ results were histopathologically evidenced, where hepatic and splenic tissue architectures in SeNPs groups did not reveal any deviation from the control group. Our findings indicate that green selenium nanoparticles can potentially improve the growth and immunological response of Nile tilapia, offering opportunities for incorporating health benefits into functional foods and nutraceuticals, which corresponds to the increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable dietary supplements.

Estimation of Serum Malondialdehyde (a Marker of Oxidative Stress) as a Predictive Biomarker for the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Cardiovascular Outcomes.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is influenced by oxidative stress, which is a critical yet often overlooked factor in disease progression. While traditional biomarkers such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure are commonly used, they do not fully capture oxidative damage. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a byproduct of lipid peroxidation, offers additional insights into oxidative stress and CAD severity. Unlike conventional markers, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which primarily reflects lipid levels, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which indicates inflammation, MDA directly measures oxidative damage. This makes MDA a potentially valuable complement to these traditional biomarkers, providing a more nuanced understanding of CAD risk. Despite its potential, the role of MDA in clinical assessments remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating MDA's effectiveness as a complementary biomarker, enhancing the assessment of CAD risk and progression beyond what is provided by existing markers. Objective This study aims to assess serum MDA levels in relation to CAD severity to explore its potential as a non-invasive biomarker for disease progression and cardiovascular outcomes. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Mardan Medical Complex Teaching Hospital, Pakistan, from June 2023 to May 2024. Patients were divided into different groups with varying severity of CAD. The one-way ANOVA was used to assess differences among groups, and Pearson's correlation coefficient explored relationships between MDA and all study variables. Simple linear regression analyzed associations between MDA levels, patient groups, and other variables, controlling for covariates. MDA's potential as a predictive biomarker was assessed through ROC curve analysis, with statistical significance set at a p-value < 0.05. Results A total of 133 patients were included in the study, categorized based on CAD severity into mild (n=71), moderate (n=39), and severe (n=23) groups. Serum MDA levels significantly increased with the severity of CAD. Specifically, MDA levels were 116.61 ± 41.95in the mild group, 253.45 ± 180.29in the moderate group, and peaked at 459.91 ± 149.80in the severe group. The differences in MDA levels among these groups were statistically significant (p < 0.01), supporting the association between higher MDA levels and increased CAD severity. Factors such as BMI, heart rate, blood pressure, and smoking status also significantly influenced MDA levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy of MDA for assessing CAD severity, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.81 for moderate and 0.94 for severe CAD. Comorbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus were associated with elevated MDA levels. Conclusion Elevated serum MDA serves as a reliable, non-invasive biomarker for predicting CAD severity, with potential applications in clinical risk assessment and management strategies. By identifying patients with elevated oxidative stress early, clinicians can implement timely interventions, potentially slowing disease progression and improving outcomes.

Oxidative Stress in Depression: A Case-control Study of Serum MDA Levels and Lipid Levels in Patients With Depression in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Introduction: Numerous theories have been proposed to substantiate the etiopathogenesis of depression. Recently, the hypothesis involving the oxidative stress (OS) pathway has been explored. Hence, potential markers are also being investigated for their role in depression. We aimed to assess the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum lipid levels in individuals with depression and controls and explore associated factors. Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire, complete with a mandatory consent form and a reliable, validated scale, namely the Hamilton Depression scale (HAM-D), was used. The method of sampling was purposive, with 100 depression cases in the psychiatry outpatient being included and 50 age-matched, gender-matched controls. Blood was collected from both groups to evaluate serum MDA and serum Lipid levels. Appropriate statistics using SPSS 20 were administered. Results: Our study had a female preponderance in cases, with 38% having major depressive disorder (MDD), 50% of whom showed suicidal ideas, and 10% had a prior history of deliberate self-harm. Mean HAM-D scores were higher in cases than controls, 18.57 ± 6.02, and mean MDA levels were higher in cases, 2.5 ± 1.02 mmol/L. HDL levels were lower in depression cases compared to controls, 38.34 ± 7.442. An inverse correlation was seen between mean serum MDA levels and HDL levels in depression cases. A significant relationship was observed between the parameters of depression and serum MDA levels. Conclusion: Significantly elevated mean serum MDA levels were observed in depression cases, along with significantly lowered mean HDL values compared to controls. We found a positive correlation between serum MDA levels and the severity, recurrence, and suicidality of depression. An inverse relation was observed between serum MDA values and mean HDL levels in depression. This emphasizes the need for clinical vigilance in employing these biomarkers not merely for assessment but also for HDL as a preventive measure in depression.

The effect of vitamin C on the recovery of activity and survival of autografted ovaries through inhibition of oxidation and inflammation

Ovarian tissue autografting is a valuable clinical option to help restore fertility in women with cancer. However, many follicles are lost due to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, which depletes follicles after grafting. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C, an antioxidant with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, on improving the structure and function of autografted ovaries in mice. Thirty-six female NMRI mice (4–5 weeks old) were divided into three groups of 12: control (no grafting), autograft + vitamin C (50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally), and autograft + saline (100 µl/day/animal, intraperitoneally). After the ovarian autografting and before the start of the experiment, each group was further divided into 7-day and 28-day subgroups. Seven days after ovary autografting, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and inflammatory factors were measured. On day 28, ovarian histology, DNA fragmentation, and estradiol and progesterone levels were assessed. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test, with significance set at p<0.05. In the autograft + vitamin C group, there were significant increases in the mean total volume of the ovary, cortex (p<0.05), medulla, number of follicles, and levels of IL-10, progesterone, estradiol, and TAC (p<0.001), compared to the autograft group. Conversely, the rate of apoptosis and serum levels of MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α were notably reduced in the autograft + vitamin C group (p<0.001). These results suggest that vitamin C can significantly enhance the recovery of autografted ovaries through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Ginkgo Biloba Bioactive Phytochemicals against Age-Related Diseases: Evidence from a Stepwise, High-Throughput Research Platform.

The seeds of ginkgo biloba L (GB) have been widely used worldwide. This study investigated the bioefficacies of whole GB seed powder (WGP) retaining the full nutrients of ginkgo against aging, atherosclerosis, and fatigue. The experimental results indicated that WGP lowered brain monoamine oxidase and serum malondialdehyde levels, enhanced thymus/spleen indexes, and improved learning ability, and delayed aging in senescent mice. WGP regulated lipid levels and prevented atherosclerosis by reducing triglycerides, lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decreasing the atherosclerosis index. WGP improved exercise performance by reducing blood lactate accumulation and extending exhaustive swimming and climbing times, improved energy storage by increasing muscle/liver glycogen levels, and relieved physical fatigue. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 270 potential targets of WGP that play roles in cellular pathways related to inflammation inhibition, metabolism regulation, and anti-cellular senescence, etc. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified 10 hub genes, including FOS, ESR1, MAPK8, and SP1 targets. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the bioactive compounds of WGP bound well to the targets. This study suggests that WGP exerts prominent health-promoting effects through multiple components, targets, and pathways.

Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant status in finishing pigs

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a natural polyphenolic compound, which plays an important role in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of GSPE supplementation on the cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant status of finishing pigs. In longissimus dorse (LD) muscle, the data showed that GSPE significantly decreased the contents of total cholesterol (T-CHO) and triglyceride (TG), and decreased the mRNA expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) and Fatty acid synthase (FAS), while increased the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1b (CPT1b), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). GSPE also reduced the enzyme activities of HMG-CoAR and FAS, and meanwhile amplified the activity of CPT1b in LD muscle of finishing pigs. Furthermore, dietary GSPE supplementation increased the serum catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), serum and liver total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, while reduced serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level in finishing pigs. In the liver, Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2) mRNA levels were increased by GSPE. In conclusion, this study showed that GSPE might be an effective dietary supplement for improving cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant status in finishing pigs.

Stereological and biochemical effects of thymoquinone on ovarian tissue toxicity induced by silver nanoparticles in NMRI mice: An experimental study.

The toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been proven in the female reproductive system. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural antioxidant and bioactive component of Nigella sativa. We evaluated the efficacy of TQ on ovarian tissue following toxicity induced by AgNPs in female mice. 24 female NMRI mice (5-6 wk, an average weight of 33 gr) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6/each): control, AgNPs (500 mg/kg, gavage), TQ (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection), and TQ+AgNPs. Mice were treated every day for 35 days. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were measured. The optical disector and stereological techniques were utilized to estimate the follicular count, their volume at different developmental stages, and the structure of ovarian tissue. In the AgNPs group, the serum concentrations of TAC (p = 0.01), luteinizing hormone (p 0.001), follicle-stimulating hormone, the volume of corpus luteum (p 0.001), and the number of follicles decreased significantly compared to the control group. Nevertheless, AgNPs significantly increased the MDA level. In the TQ+AgNPs group compared to the AgNPs group, a significant decrease in MDA level (p 0.001) and a significant improvement in TAC (p = 0.03), and hormonal levels, the number of primary, preantral, and antral follicles (p = 0.04), and the volume of corpus luteum (p = 0.01) were observed. TQ improved the number of follicles by reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in AgNPs-damaged ovarian tissue.

Effect of ferric citrate on hippocampal iron accumulation and widespread molecular alterations associated with cognitive disorder in an ovariectomized mice model.

Nowadays, the prevalence of cognitive impairment in women has gradually increased, especially in postmenopausal women. There were few studies on the mechanistic effects of iron exposure on neurotoxicity in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of iron accumulation on cognitive ability in ovariectomized mice and its possible mechanism and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention of cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Female C57BL/6N ovariectomized model mice were induced with ferric citrate (FAC). The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, sham, ovariectomized (Ovx), Ovx + 50 mg/kg FAC (Ovx + l), and Ovx + 100 mg/kg FAC (Ovx + h). The impact of motor and cognitive function was verified by a series of behavioral tests. The levels of serum iron parameters, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase were measured. The ultrastructure of mice hippocampal microglia was imaged by transmission electron microscopy. The differential expression of hippocampal proteins was analyzed by Tandem Mass Tag labeling. Movement and cognitive function in Ovx + l/Ovx + h mice were significantly decreased compared to control and Sham mice. Then, iron exposure caused histopathological changes in the hippocampus of mice. In addition, proteomic analysis revealed that 29/27/41 proteins were differentially expressed in the hippocampus when compared by Ovx vs. Sham, Ovx + l vs. Ovx, as well as Ovx + h vs. Ovx + l groups, respectively. Moreover, transferrin receptor protein (TFR1) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) protein expression were significantly increased in the iron accumulation mice model with ovariectomy. Iron exposure could cause histopathological damage in the hippocampus of ovariectomised mice and, by altering hippocampal proteomics, particularly the expression of hippocampal iron metabolism-related proteins, could further influence cognitive impairment in ovariectomized mice.

Effect of Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) Extract on the TXNIP/NLRP3 Pathway in Insomniac Rats

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, SZS) extract on insomnia induced by p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) in rats and its influence on the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/nucleotide-binding domain Leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway, and to preliminarily explore the mechanism by which SZS extract improves insomnia. Methods Fifty male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were used, with 8 rats in the blank group and 42 rats in the modeling group. The modeling group was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PCPA at a dose of 500 mg·kg−1 for six consecutive days, with daily cage exchange. After 6 days, 40 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into five groups: the model group (equal volume of distilled water), the positive group (0.75 mg·kg−1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose SZS extract groups (1.5, 3, and 6 g·kg−1, respectively), with 8 rats in each group. Treatments were administered for seven consecutive days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the rat cerebral cortex. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method was used to determine malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the hydroxylamine method was used to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. The 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method was used to measure total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in the cerebral cortex. Pathological changes in the cerebral cortex were observed, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a Caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD), and cysteine–aspartate-specific protease 1 (Caspase-1) in the cerebral cortex. Results Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged sleep latency (p &lt; 0.001) and a significantly shortened sleep duration (p &lt; 0.001). There were no changes in serum MDA and SOD levels. MDA levels in the cerebral cortex were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.001), while SOD and TAOC levels were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.001). The 5-HT level was increased (p &lt; 0.05), and the GABA level was significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.001). SZS extract improved these conditions to varying degrees. Light microscopy showed no significant changes in cortical neurons but transmission electron microscopy revealed intact mitochondrial structures in the blank group, while the model group showed swollen and unclear mitochondria with reduced organelles. After 7 days of treatment, these conditions improved in the SZS extract groups. Compared with the blank group, the expressions of the four proteins in the model group were increased, and the expressions of these proteins were decreased in the SZS extract groups compared with the model group. Conclusion SZS extract may exert an antioxidant effect to treat insomnia by downregulating the expression of TXNIP/NLRP3 proteins and regulating oxidative stress levels in the cerebral cortex.

Comparison of Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Endothelial Function Among Vegetarians and Non-vegetarians of Vijayapura, India: A Pilot Study.

The known impact of diet on the pathophysiology of various chronic diseases and the current dietary transition in the country make it essential to assess the influence of dietary patterns specific to this region on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial functions. This study compared oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial functions among vegetarians and non-vegetarians in Vijayapura, Karnataka, India. The present cross-sectional comparative study involved apparently healthy vegetarians (n=35) and non-vegetarians (n=35) aged 20-40. The anthropometric measurements like height (cm) and weight (kg) were recorded, and the BMI was calculated. The physiological parameters like systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum nitric oxide (NO) were estimated as markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function, respectively. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistics version 20.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). The average age of vegetarians and non-vegetarians was 25.22 ± 7.63 years and 25.60 ± 5.64 years, respectively. Anthropometric and physiological parameters were comparable between the two groups. However, there was a trend for higher mean body weight among non-vegetarians (53.94± 6.73 vs. 57.22±7.18) with a marginal non-statistically significant p-value (p=0.052). Vegetarians showed significantly higher serum MDA levels than non-vegetarians (2.14 (0.93-2.91) vs. 0.64 (0.35-1.32); p=0.000), while hs-CRP (vegetarians - 0.01 (0.005-0.034) vs. non-vegetarians - 0.03 (0.01-0.04); p=0.18) and serum NO levels (vegetarians - 6.72 (5.46-8.39) vs. non-vegetarians - 5.43 (2.87-9.16); p=0.215) were similar in both groups. The results were intriguing and contrasting, as serum MDA is remarkably higher among vegetarians than non-vegetarians, pointing toward greater oxidative stress among the former and possibly indicating a dietary imbalance among vegetarians, which needs further exploration.

Potentials of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation resulting from cancer inducement with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Oxidative stress is the outcome of an imbalance between systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a biological systems ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates in order to repair the resulting damage. This imbalance causes toxic effects through production of peroxides and free radicals. This study evaluated the potentials of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation resulting from cancer inducement with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) using female Swiss virgin Albino rats of 7–8 weeks old. The plants were extracted with ethanol and assayed for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFk-β) to indicate inflammatory responses; malondialdehyde, superoxide dismuthase, catalase and glutathione as indicators of oxidative stress.. All assays were done using standard methods. Phytocompounds in Zingiber officinale were: alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids and terpenoids while those in Allium sativum were alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and glycosides. The actual lethal doses (LD50) of Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum and combination of the two were 8,660, 4,472, and 5,477 mg/kg body weight respectively. Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ethanol extracts either as mono-therapy or in combination decreased the serum levels of malondialdehyde, and increased superoxide dismuthase, catalase and glutathione. They also decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor kappa B significantly (p˂0.05) when compared with control group. These were most remarkable in group 8. In conclusion, Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum ameliorated the oxidative stress and inflammation responses most remarkably when given at the proportion of ZO:AS = 6:4 (318:212 mg/kg body weight).