Serum Malondialdehyde Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of the sperm parameters, oxidative stress, and histopathological effects of vitamin B12 in preventing Helicobacter pylori-induced testicular toxicity: An experimental study.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes sterility by affecting the reproductive system. Vitamin B12 improves sperm quantity and function. Vitamin B12 protection against H. pylori adverse effects was investigated. 40 C57 male mice (6 wk) were randomly assigned to 4 equal groups (n = 10) including, group 1 (control without any intervention), group 2 (H), 3 (HP), and 4 (HB) received 1 109 colony forming unit (CFU) of H. pylori, 1 109 CFU of H. pylori+phosphate buffered saline, 1 109 CFU of H. pylori+50 g/kg vitamin B intraperitoneally, respectively. In the induction groups, the H. pylori was orogasterically injected 3 times with 1 cc phosphate buffered saline throughout the day. Then testicular metrics, sperm motility, viability, quantity, and shape, plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity were measured. Also, testicular-tissue changes were examined using Johnson scores, tubular differentiation index, and spermatogenesis index. Vitamin B12, homocysteine, and testosterone serum levels were examined. The results showed a significantly lower Johnson score, tubular differentiation index, and spermatogenesis index, and serum level of testosterone and homocysteine as well as a higher MDA level in the H and HP groups than the HB group (p 0.05). In contrast, the highest superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activity and total antioxidant capacity as well as the lowest serum level of MDA were found in the HB group compared to other groups (p 0.05). Vitamin B increased antioxidant enzyme activity, enhanced sperm parameters, and decreased injury to testicular tissue. It can be used as a potent antioxidant in reducing testicular damage induced by H. pylori.

Serum Malondialdehyde level as a Predictor of Failure of Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in the NICUs

Serum Malondialdehyde level as a Predictor of Failure of Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in the NICUs

Mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ modulation of Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and ameliorate atherosclerosis in ApoE~(-/-) mice

The intervention effect of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E gene knockout(ApoE)~(-/-) mice was observed based on the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway to explore the potential mechanism of AS-Ⅳ in improving ferroptosis in atherosclerotic mice. This study established an atherosclerosis mouse model by feeding them a high-fat diet. After modeling for 8 weeks, ApoE~(-/-) mice were randomly divided into the model group, AS-Ⅳ group, AS-Ⅳ+Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) group, and ferrostatin-1(Fer-1) group. Additionally, a blank control group was also established. Corresponding drugs were administered via intraperitoneal injection, with the control group receiving an equivalent amount of normal saline injection as the model group. After the experiment, serum biochemical levels were measured using an automatic blood lipid analyzer, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in aortic sinus tissues, colorimetric methods were used to detect levels of ferrous ion(Fe~(2+)), malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in mouse serum, immunofluorescence was used to observe the expressions of ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1) and ferritin light chain(FTL) proteins in the aortic sinus of mice, Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 in mouse aortic tissues, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe ultrastructural changes in aortic tissues. RESULTS:: showed that compared to the control group, the model group of mice had significantly increased calcification and plaque deposition areas in the aortic sinus, increased mitochondrial membrane density, decreased or disappeared mitochondrial cristae, elevated levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), Fe~(2+), and MDA, decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), SOD, and GSH, and significant inhibition of Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4 proteins, as well as iron storage proteins FTH1 and FTL expressions in the aorta. Compared to the model group, AS-Ⅳ treatment resulted in decreased serum TC, TG, LDL-C, Fe~(2+), and MDA levels, increased HDL-C, SOD, and GSH levels, increased expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 proteins, and iron storage proteins FTH1 and FTL, and significant improvement in aortic tissue morphology. Compared to the AS-Ⅳ group, the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 could reverse the therapeutic effect of AS-Ⅳ on atherosclerosis mice. These findings suggest that AS-Ⅳ can inhibit ferroptosis and improve atherosclerosis in ApoE~(-/-) mice, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Estimation of antioxidant enzymes in hemodialysis patients

Background Oxidative stress in hemodialysis (HD) is a critical concern in the management of patients. HD, a life-sustaining renal replacement therapy, exposes individuals to various factors that promote the production of harmful reactive oxygen species within the body. These reactive oxygen species, including free radicals, can overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative stress. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxides (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with dyslipidemia in HD patients and compare them with control groups. Patients and methods The case–control study was conducted on 75 patients undergoing HD and 75 age-matched healthy controls. Oxidative stress markers include CAT, SOD, GPx, and MDA. Serum electrolytes including potassium ion (K+), phosphate (PO4), calcium (Ca+), urea, and creatinine (Cr) were measured for each group. Results Our results show a significant difference between patients and the control group in each of the oxidative stress markers, which are CAT, GPx, and SOD, showing a decrease that is statistically significant in patients in comparison to the controls. The level of MDA shows an increase that is statistically significant in patients in comparison to the controls. Serum electrolyte levels, which are K+, PO4, urea, and Cr, show a statistically significant increase in patients in comparison to the controls. Ca+ shows a decrease that is statistically significant in patients in comparison to the controls. Conclusions From the results, we could conclude that oxidative stress plays a role in HD patients and can affect the management of end-stage renal failure patients.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iraqi Patients

Abstract Background: This study evaluated the oxidative—antioxidative status of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and to establish the data alteration among the patients and the control. Objectives: To determine serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), serum uric acid (UA), and catalase enzyme as a markers of oxidative stress in the patients suffering from CL. Materials and Methods: A total of 46 patients with CL (22 males and 24 females) aged between 5 and 60 years were subjected to investigations. Out of the total sample, 42 healthy persons (28 males and 14 females) functioned as control group, patients who received anti-leishmaniasis treatment locally or systemically for their cutaneous lesions and also patients with chronic history of medical disease or drug history for systemic or dermatological diseases were not included in this study. Results: For comparative evaluation of oxidative stress markers between patients and control; there were a significant increase in lipid peroxidation marker; serum MDA and non-enzymatic antioxidant marker—serum UA in the patient group in comparison to the control group, with non-significant decrease in enzymatic antioxidant—serum catalase enzyme in patients as compared with control groups. There is negative significant relationship for decrease of catalase enzyme for patients with CL above age of 15 years. The study of the patients with CL that is, associated with secondary bacterial infection shows a significant decrease in serum catalase enzyme when compared with control group. Conclusions: 1. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the importance of serum MDA as an early biochemical indicator of peroxidative damage resulting from CL. 2. Increased serum UA, and decrease in serum catalase enzyme provided a free radical scavenger’s action.

The preventive effects of diosmin alone or combined with irinotecan on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in rats.

Colorectal cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide, has a high mortality rate. Thus, our research aims to examine the preventive effects of diosmin (DIO) alone and in conjunction with the anti-cancer drug irinotecan (camptothecin-11, CPT-11), on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer (CC) in male Wistar rats. Fifty adult male Wistar rats were categorized into five groups. Group I (Normal) received saline 0.9 orally % as a vehicle once a week for 14 weeks. Group II (DMH) received DMH (20 mg/kg/week) orally dissolved in 0.9% saline for 14 weeks and 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) every other day for the final 10 weeks. Group III (DMH+DIO) received DMH orally for 14 weeks and DIO (10 mg/kg, suspended in 1% CMC) every other day for the final 10 weeks. Group IV (DMH+CPT-11) received DMH orally for 14 weeks and intraperitoneal injection of CPT-11 (3 mg/kg) twice a week for the final 10 weeks. Group V (DMH+DIO+CPT-11) orally received DMH for 14 weeks and both DIO and CPT-11. All treated groups showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in their elevated serum malondialdehyde levels and significant amelioration (p<0.05) of their lowered activities of colon glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as serum glutathione level (GSH). In addition, simultaneous treatment with DIO and CPT-11 led to a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the elevated serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in rats administered with DMH, as well as a reduction in the colon expression levels of the inflammatory mediator (NF-κB), cell proliferator protein (Ki-67), and proapoptotic protein (p53). These findings suggest DIO, CPT-11, and their combination have anticarcinogenic effects against DMH-induced CC by suppressing oxidative stress, simulating the antioxidant defense system, attenuating the inflammatory effects, and reducing cell proliferation.

Serum Total Bilirubin and Oxidative Stress Status in Diabetic Retinopathy – A Hospital-Based Observational Study

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common microvascular complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). As an antioxidant, the serum total bilirubin is associated with vaso-occlusive disorders. Oxidative stress parameters such as Erythrocyte Glutathione (GSH) as an antioxidant and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidant are critical in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. This study aimed to explore the possibilities of the endogenous protective role of serum total bilirubin on the retinal vasculature in DR patients by estimating and correlating the levels of serum total bilirubin, GSH, and MDA in DR cases. In this hospital-based case-control study, 288 participants were selected from R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar, divided into three groups with 96 subjects per group. Group I: Controls, Group II: T2DM, and Group III: DR subjects. The fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, liver function test, and lipid profiles were estimated by standard methods. Oxidative stress parameters viz, GSH and MDA were assayed by chromogen 5,5'- di thiobis 2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) methods, respectively. The prevalence of DR was significantly lower among subjects with the highest bilirubin quartile than those with the lowest. There was a significant mean difference with p&lt;0.001 between the groups for total bilirubin, FBS, HbA1c, GGT, TC, TG, LDL, GSH, and MDA. A Negative correlation of serum total bilirubin with FBS (r = - 0.375), HbA1c (r = -0.351), and MDA(r=-0.323), and a positive correlation with GSH (r = 0.335) was observed in DR group with a significant p-value. T2DM subjects with higher levels of bilirubin within biological reference intervals were less likely to develop retinopathy. The severity of DR was inversely proportional to the total bilirubin levels. Therefore, serum total bilirubin levels could be a biomarker to predict the risk of developing retinopathy in people with T2DM.

Trigonelline as an anticonvulsant agent: mechanistic insights into NMDA receptor expression and oxidative stress balance

Glutamatergic neurotransmission and oxidative stress are involved in the pathophysiology of seizures. Some anticonvulsants exert their effects through modulation of these pathways. Trigonelline (TRG) has been shown to possess various pharmacological effects like neuroprotection. Therefore, this study was performed to determine TRG’s anticonvulsant effects, focusing on its potential effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, a type of glutamate receptor, and oxidative stress state in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in PTZ-induced seizure in mice. Seventy-two male mice were randomly divided into nine groups. The groups included mice that received normal saline, TRG at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, diazepam, NMDA (an agonist), ketamine (an antagonist), the effective dose of TRG with NMDA, as well as sub-effective dose of TRG with ketamine, respectively. All agents were administrated intraperitoneally 60 min before induction of seizures by PTZ. Latency to seizure, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and PFC were measured. Furthermore, the gene expression of NR2A and NR2B, subunits of NMDA receptors, was measured in the PFC. TRG administration increased the latency to seizure onset and enhanced TAC while reducing MDA levels in both the PFC and serum. TRG also decreased the gene expression of NR2B in the PFC. Unexpectedly, the findings revealed that the concurrent administration of ketamine amplified, whereas NMDA mitigated, the impact of TRG on latency to seizure. Furthermore, NMDA diminished the positive effects of TRG on antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress, while ketamine amplified these beneficial effects, indicating a complex interaction between TRG and NMDA receptor modulation. In the gene expression of NMDA receptors, results showed that ketamine significantly decreased the gene expression of NR2B when co-administrated with a sub-effective dose of TRG. It was found that, at least partially, the anticonvulsant effect of TRG in PTZ-induced seizures in male mice was mediated by the attenuation of glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as the reduction of oxidative stress.

Telomere length and mortality in lean MAFLD: the other face of metabolic adaptation.

Healthy weight (lean) patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) have a more favorable metabolic and histological profile in cross-sectional studies compared with their non-lean counterparts. Paradoxically, they also have higher overall mortality. The underpinning pathophysiology of this paradox is not understood. Telomere attrition is associated with increased mortality in various diseases. We investigated the role of telomere length in the pathogenesis of lean MAFLD in cohorts with biopsy-proven MAFLD (n = 303). We measured serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and hepatic 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) expression (reactive oxygen species (ROS) markers), growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and tested the effect of H2O2 on telomere length and activity in hepatocyte cell lines. The association between leukocyte telomere length and mortality was examined. Telomere length was significantly lower in patients with lean MAFLD (p < 0.001). They also demonstrated an increase in ROS levels and decreases in GDF-15. H2O2 induced telomere shortening and reducing telomere activity in hepatocyte cell lines. We subsequently confirmed that telomere length shortening at baseline is associated with increased hazards of all-cause mortality; the deleterious effect was more profound in lean people. Differences in telomere length in part explain the increased mortality of lean compared to non-lean patients with MAFLD. The effect is in part mediated through ROS activation and provide opportunities for therapy.

Synergistic Effect of Maternal Micronutrient Supplementation on ORFV DNA Vaccine Immune Response in a Pregnant Model.

Contagious ecthyma is a contagious zoonotic disease caused by the Orf virus that can infect farm animals and humans, but no vaccine is available for pregnant mothers. Excessive oxidative stress during pregnancy can suppress the vaccine immune response in pregnant mothers; hence, maternal micronutrient supplementation could effectively improve the immune response, health, and oxidative status during pregnancy. In this study, we employed an 8-week-old pregnant rat model to receive a single intramuscular dose of 200µg of ORF DNA vaccine with or without vitamin E and selenium supplementation to evaluate their effect on immune responses (specific IgG and IgG isotypes), oxidative stress, liver enzymes, and blood glucose levels in maternal-neonatal serum and milk secretions. Additionally, antioxidant-related gene expressions were analyzed in the maternal placenta and pups' liver. The results showed that supplementation of vitamin E and selenium with ORF DNA vaccination increased the production of specific antibody and IgG isotypes (IgG1 and IgG2a) and reduced the oxidative stress in neonatal-maternal serum and milk compared to both the control group and those vaccinated without supplementation (p < 0.05). Notably, the ORF DNA vaccine did not cause oxidative stress and hepatic damage. However, combined supplementation of vitamin E and selenium with DNA vaccination significantly decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and improved the antioxidant-related enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and selenoprotein P (SELP) in the maternal placenta and liver of pups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal supplementation of vitamin E and selenium enhanced the immune responses of the ORF DNA vaccine by mitigating oxidative stress in pregnant rats and could thus be a promising strategy for better health outcomes for both mothers and neonates.

The protective effect of biotin supplementation and swimming training on cognitive impairment and mental symptoms in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease: A behavioral, biochemical, and histological study

Vitamin B (Vit B) plays a regulatory role in cognitive memory and learning. We examined the biochemical and behavioral effects of biotin supplementation (BS) and swimming training (ST) on Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia, in male rats. Sixty rats were randomly assigned to six groups: control, sham (receiving phosphate-buffered saline), AD (receiving a single injection of Aβ into the lateral ventricle), ST (for 28 days and before Aβ injection), and BS (receiving BS through oral gavage for 28 days before Aβ injection). The treatments were continued until the end of the behavioral tests. Learning and memory functions were investigated through the Morris water maze (MWM) and depression and anxiety-like behaviors were tested by elevated plus-maze (EPM) and forced swimming tests. In addition, oxidative stress biomarkers, such as total thiol groups (TTG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were assessed and histological studies were performed using brain tissues. In the AD group, Aβ increased the distance traveled and escape latency in the MWM, but co-administration of BS and ST attenuated the results of the MWM, EPM, and FST tests. Furthermore, BS decreased the litigious biochemical effects of Aβ by enhancing the levels of TTG, in addition to reducing serum MDA levels. The use of BS as a potent antioxidant improved Aβ-induced memory impairment. It attenuated oxidative stress biomarkers in the brain (number of Aβ plaques) and serum of AD rats. We provide evidence for the use of BS in neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD, to elucidate the possible mechanisms.

Evaluation of folliculogenesis and oxidative stress parameters in type 1 diabetes mellitus women with different glycemic profiles.

Despite enormous advances in diabetes treatment, women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) still experience delayed menarche, menstrual irregularities, fewer pregnancies, and a higher rate of stillbirths compared to women without the disease. Due to the fact that type 1 DM occurs at a young age, the preservation of reproductive health is one of the most important goals of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different glycemic profiles and changes in the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and ovarian follicular apparatus in reproductive-age patients with type 1 DM. We examined 50 reproductive-age (19-38 years) women with type 1 DM with a disease duration of at least ten years. Carbohydrate metabolism was assessed with the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration measurement. CGM was performed using the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system (Abbott Diabetes Care, Witney, UK). In each patient, malondialdehyde level, catalase activity and 3-nitrotyrosine level in the blood serum were determined. To assess the ovarian function, we measured the ovarian volume, the antral follicle count, and the serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. All patients were divided into four groups (glucotypes) based on the CGM results. Group 1 included type 1 DM patients with satisfactory compensation of carbohydrate metabolism; group 2 consisted of patients with frequent hypoglycemic conditions and pathological glucose variability; group 3 included individuals with prolonged hyperglycemic conditions and maximum HbA1c levels; and group 4 comprised patients with the glycemic profile characterized by all the presented types of dysglycemia (intermittent glycemia). We revealed a negative correlation between serum catalase activity and time of hypoglycemic conditions in patients with type 1 DM based on the CGM results (rs = -0.47, p < 0.01). In group 4 (intermittent glycemia), patients demonstrated the lowest serum catalase activity and increased serum 3-nitrotyrosine level, while in group 3, women with chronic hyperglycemia (HbA1c 8.4 [8.1; 9.9]%; 68 [65; 85] mmol/mol) had a moderate change in antioxidant defense and oxidative stress parameters. Correlation analysis of ovarian volume, the antral follicle count, and the serum anti-Müllerian hormone level in type 1 DM women with different glycemic profiles established a negative relationship (rs = -0.82, p < 0.05) between the antral follicle count and glucose variability in group 1, a positive relationship (rs = 0.68, p < 0.05) between ovarian volume and glucose variability in group 2, and a positive relationship (rs = 0.88, p < 0.05) between ovarian volume and time of hypoglycemic conditions, which, according to the CGM results, amounted to a critical value of 57.5 [40.0; 82.0]%. The data obtained indicate the relationship between the ovarian volume, serum anti-Müllerian hormone level, the antral follicle count and oxidative stress parameters not only in patients with hyperglycemia, but also in those with hypoglycemic conditions, as well as with pathological glucose variability.

The ameliorative effect of methanol extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) leaves on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Plants are a rich source of antioxidants that are produced naturally. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of the plant Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) in the attenuation of paracetamol (PCM) hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-four male albino Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were divided into four groups, with six rats each. Group 1 served as the control group, receiving just distilled water. Groups 2 and 3 received orally 250 mg/kg bwt/day PCM and 300 mg/kg bwt/day methanol extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) leaves for two weeks, respectively. For group 4, the Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) leaf extract was pre-administered for 1 week before receiving 300 mg/kg bwt/day Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) leaves extract and 250 mg/kg bwt/day PCM for 2 weeks. As a marker of liver damage, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. Liver tissue reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and catalase activities were utilized to determine antioxidant state, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was employed as a lipid peroxidation indicator. When compared to the control group, the activities of serum AST, ALT, SOD, and MDA levels were considerably (p < 0.05) higher in the PCM group, although GSH level and GST and catalase activities were significantly lower. In comparison to the PCM group, co-administration of PCM with Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) extract decreased serum AST and ALT activities. This study shows that the leaf extracts of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) protects Wistar rats’ livers from PCM-induced oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes.

Optimizing growth and antioxidant function in heat-stressed broilers with vitamin C and betaine supplementation.

This study investigates the potential of vitamin C (VC) and/or betaine (Bet) to enhance growth performance, regulate serum metabolism, and bolster antioxidant function aiming to mitigate the impact of heat stress (HS) on broilers. Two hundred Ross 308 broilers at 28 days of age were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group, housed at 24 ± 1℃, was fed a basal diet. High-temperature treatment groups, housed at 32 ± 1℃, received a basal diet with 0 (HS group), 250mg/kg VC (HSVC group), 1000mg/kg Bet (HSBe group), and 250mg/kg VC + 1000mg/kg Bet (HSVCBe group). On day 42, assessments were made on growth performance, muscle quality, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant function. Results revealed that HS significantly lowered (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI), the degree of redness (a*) in muscles, and serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) level. It also reduced (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG), and serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level, while increasing (P < 0.05) shear force, serum direct bilirubin (D-BIL), uric acid (UA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared with the control group. Dietary supplementation of VC and Bet, either alone or in combination, significantly decreased shear force and serum UA level, while increasing ADG and serum T-AOC, T-SOD level compared with the HS group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of VC and/or Bet to the diet proves effective in enhancing the growth performance of HS-exposed broilers through the positive regulation of serum chemical metabolism and the alleviation of oxidative damage.

Effect of Heartfulness Meditation on Oxidative Stress and Mindfulness in Healthy Participants.

Mental health issues are a major cause of poor life outcomes. Heartfulness (HFN) meditation is recommended for stress management and daily awareness. Although studies have shown that HFN can improve burnout and well-being, the biological mechanism underlying oxidative stress markers in a healthy human is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HFN meditation benefits mindfulness responses and also to examine the impact of HFN meditation on oxidative stress in healthy individuals. This prospective study involved 60 healthy individuals aged 18-24, divided into experimental and control groups, and implemented an HFN meditation intervention over 12 weeks. Both groups' serum malondialdehyde and serum nitrate levels were examined before and after the intervention. Additionally, psychometric evaluations concerning mindfulness and experiential avoidance were conducted utilizing scales such as the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Experiential Avoidance (EA). Following a three-month intervention period, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the experimental group did not show a significant increase, whereas in the control group, there was a significant increase (p < 0.000). Conversely, serum nitrate levels in the experimental group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05). Additionally, psychological stress decreased, as indicated by various questionnaire tools such as MAAS, FFMQ, SCS, and EA, with mindfulness showing an increase. However, a decrease in EA was seen. Heartfulness meditation has a positive impact on both mindfulness and oxidative stress. This suggests that consistent, long-term participation in HFN meditation could enhance mental health and foster overall well-being.

Potential effects of Sargassum kjellmanianum as a dietary supplement on the growth performance, immunity response, antioxidant status, and ammonia resistance of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of seaweed Sargassum kjellmanianum (SK) as a dietary supplement on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunology, antioxidants, and ammonia stress resistance of yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Four diets containing 0 % SK (control), 2.5 % SK, 5 % SK, and 10 % SK were fed to fish for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to ammonia for 72 h and their mortality was recorded. Compared with the control group, the growth performance was significantly increased in the 2.5 % and 5 % SK groups (P < 0.05). Serum albumin levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05), meanwhile serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in fish fed with 2.5 % and 5 % SK (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the serum AST and ALT activities were significantly increased in the 10 % SK group (P < 0.05). Additionally, serum lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and complement 4 levels were all significantly increased in all SK groups than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were significantly increased in the 2.5 % and 5 % SK groups with relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Notably, the cumulative mortality rate was significantly higher (46.67 %) in the control fish than those fed the SK diets (35–38.33 %) (P < 0.05). Taken together, the results indicated that adding SK to the diet of yellow catfish can enhance growth performance, stimulate immune responses, improve antioxidant status, and increase resistance to ammonia stress. It is recommended to use concentrations between 2.5 % and 5.0 % in present study.

Effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on performance, biological responses, and thermal stress resilience in heat-stressed fattening lambs across varying temperature-humidity index conditions: Implications for climate change

Heat stress poses a significant challenge to sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions, impacting growth performance, health, and physiological responses. While sheep have innate mechanisms to manage heat stress, prolonged exposure impairs their performance and health. This study evaluated the influence of varying doses of Curcumin Nano-Micelle (CNM) on heat-stressed fattening lambs in northeastern Iran over three months, examining the relationship between CNM doses and growth performance, feeding behavior, physiological responses, immune function, and antioxidant status. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs were included in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) CTRL: No dietary inclusion of CNM, (control group); 2) T20: Dietary inclusion of 20 mg of CNM per head per day; 3) T40: Dietary inclusion of 40 mg of CNM per head per day; and 4) T80: Dietary inclusion of 80 mg of CNM per head per day. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with 20 and 40 mg of CNM significantly improved live body weight, weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment. Regression analysis demonstrated quadratic models between growth performance parameters and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), indicating a correlation between CNM doses and the animals' responses to heat stress. Regarding eating behavior, CNM doses of 40 and 80 mg/day significantly reduced eating time while increasing ruminating time. Blood analysis indicated significant reductions in glucose levels across all treatments, with T40 significantly reducing both cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, CNM supplementation decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, indicating enhanced antioxidant status. Physiological responses were influenced by CNM, notably reducing rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), while pulse rate (PR) increased across various time intervals, particularly in the T80 group. This study demonstrates that CNM supplementation can enhance performance, physiological responses, and antioxidant status in heat-stressed fattening lambs, highlighting its potential to mitigate heat stress effects in sheep farming.

Centella asiatica ameliorates AlCl3 and D-galactose induced nephrotoxicity in rats via modulation of oxidative stress.

Nephrotoxicity is a condition caused by toxic effects of medications and poisons resulting in the rapid decline of kidney function. Centella asiatica is a medicinal herb with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory characteristics that is used to treat a variety of ailments. The present study intends to explore the ability of Centella asiatica in preventing AlCl3 and D-Galactose-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. In this study 30 male albino Wistar rats were induced with nephrotoxicity using AlCl3 and D-galactose, and oral administration of Centella asiatica extract (100, 200, and 300mg/kg/day) was administered for 70 days. The kidneys were extracted after treatment and levels of oxidative and antioxidative enzymes, serum creatinine, and serum albumin were measured. The kidney's histopathological changes were studied. Administration of Centella asiatica extract significantly increased serum albumin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels in kidney homogenates while suppressing serum creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and attenuating histopathological changes associated with nephrotoxicity. Centella asiatica extract lowered serum creatinine and oxidative stress levels in a drug-induced nephrotoxicity rat model, while simultaneously increasing serum albumin levels, as evidenced by mitigation of histological changes and normalisation of biomarkers of oxidative stress in the kidney.

Fermented Astragalus Powder, a New Potential Feed Additive for Broilers to Improve the Growth Performance and Health.

A total of 320 1-day-old broilers were randomly divided into five groups. The control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the FAP4, FAP2, and FAP1 groups were provided with the basal diet supplemented with 4%, 2%, and 1% fermented Astragalus powder, respectively. The unfermented Astragalus powder (UAP2) group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 2% UAP. Each group contained eight replicates of eight chicks each. The results revealed that the final BW and ADG in the FAP 1 and FAP2 were higher than those in the UAP2 and CON groups, while reducing F/G from day 14 to day 42. On day 42, the thymus index in the UAP and FAP groups as well as the bursa index in the FAP4 group showed significant increases compared to those in the CON group. Supplementation with 2% FAP elevated serum IgA levels in broilers on day 28 and day 42, and it also increased serum IgG levels on day 42. Furthermore, supplementation with 2% FAP elevated serum albumin (ALB) levels in broilers, while supplementation with 4% FAP increased serum (glucose) GLU levels in broilers on day 28. The serum biochemical parameters and pathological observation of the liver and kidney in the groups did not show any adverse effects on broilers' health. In addition, the serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level significantly increased in the FAP4 and FAP2 groups on day 28, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in both serum and liver tissue decreased in the FAP2 group on day 28 and day 42. Compared to the CON group, 2% FAP and 2% UAP supplementation reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroides and supplementation with 2% FAP increased the relative abundance of Alistipes on day 42. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of FAP can enhance the growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity and regulate microflora in broilers, of which 2% FAP is more effective. It indicates FAP exhibits significant application potential as a promising feed additive for broilers.

Hydrogen-rich water alleviates constipation by attenuating oxidative stress through the sirtuin1/nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway.

Constipation, a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder, induces a significant burden on the quality of patients' life and is associated with substantial healthcare expenditures. Therefore, identifying efficient therapeutic modalities for constipation is of paramount importance. Oxidative stress is a pivotal contributor to colonic dysmotility and is the underlying pathology responsible for constipation symptoms. Consequently, we postulate that hydrogen therapy, an emerging and promising intervention, can serve as a safe and efficacious treatment for constipation. To determine whether hydrogen-rich water (HRW) alleviates constipation and its potential mechanism. Constipation models were established by orally loperamide to Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats freely consumed HRW, and were recorded their 24 h total stool weight, fecal water content, and charcoal propulsion rate. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Serum non-targeted metabolomic analysis, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels were determined. Colonic tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff, reactive oxygen species (ROS) immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry for cell growth factor receptor kit (c-kit), PGP 9.5, sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis were conducted to determine the expression level of SIRT1, Nrf2 and HO-1. A rescue experiment was conducted by intraperitoneally injecting the SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, into constipated rats. NCM460 cells were induced with H2O2 and treated with the metabolites to evaluate ROS and SIRT1 expression. HRW alleviated constipation symptoms by improving the total amount of stool over 24 h, fecal water content, charcoal propulsion rate, thickness of the intestinal mucus layer, c-kit expression, and the number of intestinal neurons. HRW modulated intestinal microbiota imbalance and abnormalities in serum metabolism. HRW could also reduce intestinal oxidative stress through the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. This regulatory effect on oxidative stress was confirmed via an intraperitoneal injection of a SIRT1 inhibitor to constipated rats. The serum metabolites, β-leucine (β-Leu) and traumatic acid, were also found to attenuate H2O2-induced oxidative stress in NCM460 cells by up-regulating SIRT1. HRW attenuates constipation-associated intestinal oxidative stress via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, modulating gut microbiota and serum metabolites. β-Leu and traumatic acid are potential metabolites that upregulate SIRT1 expression and reduce oxidative stress.