Antioxidant Protective Mechanisms Research Articles

Exploring novel function of Gpx5 antioxidant activity: Assisting epididymal cells secrete functional extracellular vesicles.

Glutathione peroxisomal-5 (Gpx5) promotes the elimination of H2O2 or organic hydrogen peroxide, and plays an important role in the physiological process of resistance to oxidative stress (OS). To directly and better understand the protection of Gpx5 against OS in epididymal cells and sperm, we studied its mechanism of antioxidant protection from multiple aspects. To more directly investigate the role of Gpx5 in combating oxidative damage, we started with epididymal tissue morphology and Gpx5 expression profiles in combination with the mouse epididymal epithelial cell line PC1 (proximal caput 1) expressing recombinant Gpx5. The Gpx5 is highly expressed in adult male epididymal caput, and its protein signal can be detected in the sperm of the whole epididymis. Gpx5 has been shown to alleviate OS damage induced by 3-Nitropropionic Acid (3-NPA), including enhancing antioxidant activity, reducing mitochondrial damage, and suppressing cell apoptosis. Gpx5 reduces OS damage in PC1 and maintains the well-functioning extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by PC1, and the additional epididymal EVs play a role in the response of sperm to OS damage, including reducing plasma membrane oxidation and death, and increasing sperm motility and sperm-egg binding ability. Our study suggests that GPX5 plays an important role as an antioxidant in the antioxidant processes of epididymal cells and sperm, including plasma membrane oxidation, mitochondrial oxidation, apoptosis, sperm motility, and sperm-egg binding ability.

Alone or Combined Effect of Seaweed and Humic Acid Applications on Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under Salinity Stress

Organic fertilisers and biostimulants play a very important role in the germination, seedling stage, yield and quality of plants. Seaweed and humic acid are organic substances known for their positive effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of humic acid, seaweed extract and their combined applications against salt stress in oilseed rape at the seedling development stage. The effects of foliar application of seaweed extract (SW1, SW2, SW3) (0, 10, 20 mL), humic acid (HA1, HA2, HA3) (0, 10, 20 mL) and SW + HA (SW1 + HA1, SW2 + HA2, SW3 + HA3) (0, 10(5 + 5 mL L− 1 SW + HA), 20 mL L− 1 (10 + 10 mL L− 1 SW + HA)) on resistance to salt concentrations (S1, S2, S3) (0, 50, 100 mM) in oilseed rape cultivar (Elvis) under greenhouse conditions. In this study, seedling length (SL), root length (RL), total chlorophyll (Total Chl), carotenoids (Crt), electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total phenolic compounds (TPC), relative water content (RWC) and proline (Pro) parameters were examined. Both applications played a significant role in reducing the negative effects of salt stress on all parameters studied. The combined application of SW + HA resulted in a remarkable increase in SL, RL TPC, SOD and RWC. In particular, the SW3 + HA3 dose played a more effective role in the antioxidant protective mechanism against stress. According to the PCA analysis, the studied parameters could be divided into 3 different groups. It was concluded that SW and HA can be evaluated as an effective natural, eco-friendly material that can be used to increase the resistance of plants to salt stress. In conclusion, in this study all applications are compared with each other, it has been determined that SW + HA is more effective application in reducing the effects of salt stress than others.

Effect of octreotide on oxidative stress in the erythrocyte and kidney tissue in adriamycin-induced experimental nephrotic syndrome model.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the reasons of end-stage kidney disease, and elucidating the pathogenesis and offer new treatment options is important. Oxidative stress might trigger pathogenesis systemically or isolated in the kidneys. Octreotide (OCT) has beneficial antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate the source of oxidative stress and the effect of OCT on experimental NS model. Twenty-four non-uremic Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Control group, 2 mL saline intramuscular (im); NS group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg intravenous (iv); NS treatment group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg (iv) and OCT 200 mcg/kg (im) were administered at baseline (Day 0). At the end of 21 days, creatinine and protein levels were measured in 24-hour urine samples. Erythrocyte and renal catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured. Renal histology was also evaluated. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups in terms of CAT and TBARS in erythrocytes. Renal CAT level was lowest in NS group, and significantly lower than the control group. In treatment group, CAT level significantly increased compared with NS group. In terms of renal histology, tubular and interstitial evaluations were similar in all groups. Glomerular score was significantly higher in NS group compared with control group and it was significantly decreased in treatment group compared to NS group. Oxidative stress in NS might be due to the decrease in antioxidant protection mechanism in kidney. Octreotide improves antioxidant levels and histology in renal tissue and might be a treatment option.

Антиоксидантные эффекты синтетического аналога тиронамина при экспериментальной ишемии головного мозга

The oxidative stress associated with ischemic stroke is a major factor damaging the nervous tissue. Thyroid hormones have a significant effect on the body’s redox status, however, the impact of their derivatives, thyronamines, considered as potential neuroprotectors, on the characteristics of lipid peroxidation (LP) is not clearly understood. The study was aimed to assess the impact of the Т0АМ thyronamine synthetic analogue on the main LP indicators in the model of acute cerebral ischemia. Permanent ligation of the right common carotid artery was performed to simulate acute cerebral ischemia in white rats. The animals were divided into two groups: the control group receiving no treatment and the experimental group, to which the Т0АМ thyronamine synthetic analogue was intraperitoneally administrated (75 mg/kg of the rat’s body weight). After 24 h the rat was decapitated, and the cerebral cortex tissue was extracted for biochemical analysis. The following LP indicators were determined by spectrophotometry: malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx). When administering the Т0АМ thyronamine synthetic analogue, a significant (2-fold) decrease in MDA levels was observed in the ischemic hemisphere (р = 0.022), along with the 2.49-fold increase in the GPx activity in the brain tissue (р = 0.004) of the intact hemisphere and the 2.65-fold increase in its activity (р = 0.021) in the ischemic hemisphere, as well as the 1.23-fold increase in SOD activity in the ischemic hemisphere (р = 0.042). The Т0АМ thyronamine synthetic analogue has a great potential in terms of activation of the antioxidant protection mechanisms in the cerebral cortex of white laboratory rats under conditions of acute hemispheric ischemia.

Disclosing a metabolic signature of cisplatin resistance in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells by NMR metabolomics

This work compared the metabolic profile of a parental MDA-MB-231 cisplatin-sensitive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line with that of a derived cisplatin-resistant line, to characterize inherent metabolic adaptations to resistance, as a means for marker and new TNBC therapies discovery. Supported by cytotoxic, microscopic and biochemical characterization of both lines, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics was employed to characterize cell polar extracts for the two cell lines, as a function of time (0, 24 and 48 h), and identify statistically relevant differences both between sensitive and resistant cells and their time course behavior. Biochemical results revealed a slight increase in activation of the NF-κB pathway and a marked decrease of the ERK signaling pathway in resistant cells. This was accompanied by lower glycolytic and glutaminolytic activities, possibly linked to glutamine being required to increase stemness capacity and, hence, higher survival to cisplatin. The TCA cycle dynamics seemed to be time-dependent, with an apparent activation at 48 h preferentially supported by anaplerotic aromatic amino acids, leucine and lysine. A distinct behavior of leucine, compared to the other branched-chain-amino-acids, suggested the importance of the recognized relationship between leucine and in mTOR-mediated autophagy to increase resistance. Suggested markers of MDA-MB-231 TNBC cisplatin-resistance included higher phosphocreatine/creatine ratios, hypotaurine/taurine–mediated antioxidant protective mechanisms, a generalized marked depletion in nucleotides/nucleosides, and a distinctive pattern of choline compounds. Although the putative hypotheses generated here require biological demonstration, they pave the way to the use of metabolites as markers of cisplatin-resistance in TNBC and as guidance to develop therapies.

Phenolic Antioxidant Protection in the Initial Growth of Cryptocarya alba: Two Different Responses against Two Invasive Fabaceae.

The allelophatic effect of the invasive Fabaceae, Ulex europaeus and Teline monspessulana, on the production of phenolic compounds in C. alba seedlings was investigated. It was expected that the oxidative stress caused by the allelochemicals released by both invaders would induce a differential response in the production of phenolic compounds in C. alba seedlings. These antioxidant mechanisms guaranteed C. alba plants' survival, even to the detriment of their initial growth. Cryptocarya alba seedlings were irrigated with T. monspessulana (TE) and U. europaeus (UE) extracts and water as a control. After eight months, morphometric variables were evaluated, and leaves were collected for histochemical analysis. The methanol extracts from treatments and control leaves were used for anthocyanin, phenol, and antioxidant activity quantifications. Both invasive species induced an inhibitory effect on the morphometric variables. Teline monspessulana induced leaf damage and increased the anthocyanin content by 4.9-fold, but did not affect the phenol content. Ulex europaeus induces root damage and a decrease in phenol content, but does not affect the anthocyanin content. Both Fabaceae extracts affected the profile and polyphenol concentration and consequently decreased the antioxidant capacity of C. alba leaves at low extract concentrations. Phenols, lignin, and ROS accumulate on C. alba leaves, but the histochemical reactions were less intense under UE. Although C. alba develops different antioxidant protection mechanisms against stress induced by UE and TE, its survival is guaranteed, even to the detriment of its initial growth.

The Effects of Rhizophagus irregularis Inoculation on Transcriptome of Medicago lupulina Leaves at Early Vegetative and Flowering Stages of Plant Development.

The study is aimed at revealing the effects of Rhizophagus irregularis inoculation on the transcriptome of Medicago lupulina leaves at the early (second leaf formation) and later (flowering) stages of plant development. A pot experiment was conducted under conditions of low phosphorus (P) level in the substrate. M. lupulina plants were characterized by high mycorrhizal growth response and mycorrhization parameters. Library sequencing was performed on the Illumina HiseqXTen platform. Significant changes in the expression of 4863 (padj < 0.01) genes from 34049 functionally annotated genes were shown by Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE-Seq). GO enrichment analysis using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed, and 244 functional GO groups were identified, including genes contributing to the development of effective AM symbiosis. The Mercator online tool was used to assign functional classes of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The early stage was characterized by the presence of six functional classes that included only upregulated GO groups, such as genes of carbohydrate metabolism, cellular respiration, nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, protein biosynthesis, and solute transport. At the later stage (flowering), the number of stimulated GO groups was reduced to photosynthesis and protein biosynthesis. All DEGs of the GO:0016036 group were downregulated because AM plants had higher resistance to phosphate starvation. For the first time, the upregulation of genes encoding thioredoxin in AM plant leaves was shown. It was supposed to reduce ROS level and thus, consequently, enhance the mechanisms of antioxidant protection in M. lupulina plants under conditions of low phosphorus level. Taken together, the obtained results indicate genes that are the most important for the effective symbiosis with M. lupulina and might be engaged in other plant species.

The Effects of Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency on the Growth, Physiology, and Nutrient Uptake Characteristics of Walnut Trees

This study explored the response characteristics and adaptation mechanisms of walnut saplings under calcium and magnesium deficiency. Using walnut saplings as the research subjects, and three treatment groups were established for pot experiments: no deficiency (control, CK), calcium deficiency (–Ca), and magnesium deficiency (–Mg). The development, physiological attributes, and mineral composition of walnut seedlings were assessed, with an analysis focusing on how deficiencies in calcium and magnesium impact these elements. Compared to the findings in the CK group, walnut plant height, ground diameter, leaf area, root length, root area, number of root tips, and biomass were significantly decreased in the –Ca and –Mg groups. However, the proportions of the root surface area attributable to level I and II roots were significantly increased in the –Ca and –Mg groups, whereas that attributable to level V roots was significantly decreased. The root-to-shoot ratio was significantly increased in both groups. Peroxidase (POD), proline (Pro), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in walnuts significantly increased under calcium deficiency (p&lt;0.05), Moreover, when there is a deficiency in magnesium, there is a notable escalation in the activities of SOD, POD, and catalase, as well as a marked rise in the levels of Pro, MDA, and soluble sugars. Calcium and magnesium deficiency significantly altered mineral content of walnuts. Calcium deficiency inhibited the absorption of N, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn, but promoted that of P, K, and Mg. Magnesium deficiency inhibited the absorption of N, P, K, Mg, and Fe, whereas it has no effect on other minerals. Long-term calcium and magnesium deficiency significantly affected the growth of walnut saplings, with magnesium deficiency having strong effects. However, saplings adjusted to mineral deficiency by enhancing the absorption capacity of their roots. Simultaneously, They stimulated the antioxidant protection mechanisms, modulating the activity of enzymes that combat oxidation, and altering the levels of free Pro and soluble sugars within cells to eliminate free radicals generated due to stress. This, in turn, alleviates the harm caused by lipid peroxidation and bolsters resistance to adverse stress.

Elucidation of the antioxidant status in response to non-surgical periodontal therapy and post Vitamin E supplementation in patients with chronic periodontitis-a randomised controlled trial

Chronic Periodontitis is an infectious disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth along with the liberation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that has deleterious effects on the periodontal tissues. This accumulated ROS is eliminated by various protective antioxidant mechanisms like Superoxide dismutase (SOD). In our study, we evaluated the cumulative effect of scaling and root planing on the levels of SOD in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with and without Vitamin E supplementation. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 46 patients including 12 systemically healthy individuals with clinically healthy periodontium who served as controls (Group I), 17 patients with CP supplemented without Vitamin E (Group II) and 17 patients with CP supplemented with Vitamin E (Group III). The clinical parameters and biochemical parameters (GCF- SOD) levels were measured at baseline. All the patients were treated with (SRP) followed by an evaluation of the clinical and biochemical parameters after 6 weeks. Results: Results showed that all the clinical parameters improved after SRP in Group III and Group II, with Group III showing a higher reduction, Patients in Group III showed a greater reduction in the levels of SOD in GCF, 6 weeks post SRP when compared to Group II patients Conclusion: SRP reduced superoxide dismutase levels in the GCF of chronic periodontitis patients with significant reduction appreciated in Group III patients who recieved Vitamin E supplementation. Key Words: Antioxidant, Chronic Periodontitis, Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF), Reactive oxygen species, Superoxide dismutase, Tocopherols, Vitamin, Vitamin E supplementation

The Supplementation of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (Chayote) Promotes Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Protection in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

The aim was to determine the effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (chayote) on gene expression related to antioxidant protection mechanisms and the inflammatory process in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 46 older adults diagnosed with MetS: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 20); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 26). The clinical, biochemical, anthropometric parameters and SOD, GPx, and CAT enzyme activity, alongside total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), and mRNA expression of SOD, GPx, CAT, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Nrf2, NFkB p50, and NFkB p65, were measured at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. A statistically significant decrease was observed in TOS (baseline, 28.9 ± 3.6 vs. post, 23.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.01) and OSI (baseline, 24.1 ± 3.8 vs. post, 17.7 ± 4), as well as an increase in IL-6 (baseline, 10.7 ± 1.1 vs. post, 12.3 ± 2, p = 0.03), SOD activity (baseline, 167.1 ± 11.9 vs. post, 180.6 ± 7.6, p < 0.05), CAT activity (baseline, 1.0 ± 0.2 vs. post, 1.3 ± 0.2, p < 0.01), and TAS (baseline, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs. post, 1.4 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) in the EG compared to the PG. Regarding the expression of Nrf2, SOD, and IL-6, the EG showed a significant increase vs. basal levels (47%, 44%, and 43%, respectively). Our findings suggest that Sechium edule supplementation promotes the antioxidant response and decreases oxidative stress via Nrf2.

Assessment of the Serum Paraoxonase1 Level and Its Relation to Total Oxidant Status and Disease Activity in Vitiligo Patients

Abstract Background Vitiligo is characterized by white macules and patches, whose size increases over time, due to the loss of melanocytes.It can appear at any time, and it significantly impairs the patients’ quality-of-life. Vitiligo is a multifactorial disorder due to genetic and environmental factors. One of the important hypotheses in the pathogenesis of vitiligo is the oxidative stress hypothesis, which is based on the reality of the formation of some toxic metabolites throughout pigment biosynthesis. Human paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a Ca2+ dependent esterase synthesized in the liver. Reduced serum PON1 activity has been reported to be associated with some diseases under oxidative stress and inflammation conditions. Aim of the Work The aim of the work was to evaluate the serum level of paraoxonase1 in patients with vitiligo and its relation to total oxidant status and disease activity in vitiligous patients. Patients and Methods This is a case control study which included 48 vitiligo patients and 48 ageand sex-matched controls. The patients recruited from the Outpatient Dermatology Clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals during the period from August 2020 till March 2021. Serum level of paraoxonase1 (PON1) and total oxidant status (TOS) where assessed by ELISA technique. Results We observed a statistically significant higher oxidative stress reflected by the high serum TOS levels among the vitiligo compared to controls. This finding supports the aforementioned hypothesis and it also came in accordance with the observations of high oxidative stress state in vitiligo patients which was repeatedly reported in many studies. Furthermore, we also reported the significant inverse relation between PON1 levels and the oxidative stress reflected by the serum TOS levels in vitiligo patients. This reflected the reduced protective antioxidant mechanisms in vitiligo patient making them more vulnerable to oxidative stress Conclusion Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The finding of a PON1 decrease in vitiligo patients emphasises the underlying hypothesis in the progression of the disease, and it can highlight the effect of free radicals and leading oxidative damage in vitiligo disease. However, further, larger studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Rhizobacteria Increase the Adaptation Potential of Potato Microclones under Aeroponic Conditions.

Adaptation ex vitro is strongly stressful for microplants. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) help to increase the adaptation potential of microplants transplanted from test tubes into the natural environment. We investigated the mechanisms of antioxidant protection of PGPR-inoculated potato microclones adapting to ex vitro growth in an aeroponic system. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Nevsky) microplants were inoculated in vitro with the bacteria Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 and Ochrobactrum cytisi IPA7.2. On days 1 and 7 of plant growth ex vitro, catalase and peroxidase activities in the leaves of inoculated plants were 1.5-fold higher than they were in non-inoculated plants. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase was reduced in both in vitro and ex vitro treatments, and this reduction was accompanied by a decrease in the leaf content of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. As a result, inoculation contributed to the regulation of the plant pro/antioxidant system, lowering the oxidative stress and leading to better plant survival ex vitro. This was evidenced by the higher values of measured morphological and physiological variables of the inoculated plants, as compared with the values in the control treatment. Thus, we have shown some PGPR-mediated mechanisms of potato plant protection from adverse environmental factors under aeroponic conditions.

A single exercise exertion initiates antioxidant and vascular-protective mechanisms in patients with heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research). Background Increased systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction at rest are observed in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Regular (endurance) exercise training can alleviate both. On the other hand, cardiorespiratory exercise testing (CPET) exerts a physical challenge thereby initiating the acute activation of the immune system and several metabolic pathways. Aim To characterize the differences and similarities acute inflammatory and metabolic activation in response to an acute exercise challenge, and their resolution after 2 hours of rest in patients with HFrEF as compared to controls. Methods Participants with HFrEF (n = 16) as well as age and sex matched controls (CON, n = 13) were investigated at baseline (T1), immediately after CPET (T2), and after 2 hours of resting post-CPET (T3). Clinical and physiological parameters, leukocyte profile, plasma cytokines and metabolites were assessed along with inflammatory and metabolic parameters at all three time points. Results and Discussion Cardiovascular risk profile as well as leukocyte, cytokine and metabolic parameters at T1 was similar in CON and HFrEF. Immediately after CPET, lactate, natural killer (NK) and NK-T cell blood counts, among others, were significantly increased in both groups. In HFrEF specifically, platelet aggregates with NK cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and "classical" CD14++CD16-monocytes as well as phosphatidylcholines and triglycerides were increased. After 2h of rest post-CPET, almost all altered parameters returned to baseline in CON. In HFrEF, blood counts and morphological markers of inflammatory effector cell types, including CD8+ T cells and neutrophils remained elevated. Blood levels of inflammatory cytokines were associated to elevated levels of various phosphatidycholines in HFrEF, but not in CON, potentially pointing towards a link to cell death. Blood levels of methionine sulfoxide-to-methionine, declined at T3 versus T1 in both groups, potentially indicating activation of anti-oxidant methionine sulfoxide reductases. In addition, trigonelline, an inhibitor of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) synthesis from choline was elevated by CPET in both groups and this increase correlated inversely with TMAO-to-choline ratio. This might indicate a so far unexplored exercise-induced vascular-protective mechanism by limiting the pro-atherogenic effects of TMAO. Conclusion CPET induced a complex acute immuno-metabolic response, whose restitution to baseline levels differed between HFrEF and healthy controls. Despite longer persistence of pro-inflammatory and metabolic mediators present in the circulation after the end of an acute exercise session, novel anti-oxidant and vascular protective mechanisms of exercise have been identified and appear to be still active in patients with HFrEF.

Heavy Metals and Cardiovascular Disease on Wetlands

Heavy metals are metal elements with a relatively high density compared to water. One area that is vulnerable to heavy metal pollution is the wetland environment. In South Kalimantan, an alkaline land area, pollution is mainly caused by mining activities, especially coal mining and oil palm plantation activities. The presence of heavy metals in the sediments of the Martapura River in South Kalimantan, which have passed the threshold for sediment contamination, includes Mn, Fe and Hg. The potential link between chronic heavy metal exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has several implications. Although the cardiovascular system is not usually viewed as the main target of heavy metal toxicity, imbalances in antioxidant protection mechanisms lead to oxidative stress in cells as a major effect of heavy metal exposure. Heavy metals can cause oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Heavy metals are associated with an increase in systemic inflammation. They can lead to impaired immune function and accumulation of immune complexes, causing CVD, including the uncontrolled release of inflammatory cytokines, kidney damage, and central nervous system stimulation. However, some research results are contradictory and say no relationship exists between heavy metals, such as mercury, and cardiovascular disease. The presence of heavy metals is still a health risk in wetlands. Metal content that crosses this threshold can be a cause or a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The effects of heavy metal content, such as mercury, on health, especially cardiovascular disease, are still not fully understood, requiring further investigation and research.

Influence of Increased Radiation Background on Antioxidative Responses of Helianthus tuberosus L.

As a result of the accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, significant territories were exposed to ionizing radiation. Some isotopes, such as 137Cs, are capable of making a significant impact on living organisms in the long-term perspective. The generation of reactive oxygen species is one mechanism by which ionizing radiation affects living organisms, initiating mechanisms of antioxidant protection. In this article, the effect of increased ionizing radiation on the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants and the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes of Helianthus tuberosum L. was studied. This plant is widely distributed in Europe and characterized by high adaptability to abiotic factors. We found that the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, such as catalase and peroxidase, weakly correlated with radiation exposure. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase, on the contrary, is strongly positively correlated with radiation exposure. The samples growing on the territory with constant low exposure to ionizing radiation were also characterized by an increased concentration of ascorbic acid and water-soluble phenolic compounds compared to the controls. This study may be useful for understanding the mechanisms underlying the adaptive reactions of plants under prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation.

Clinical aspects of the use of erdosteine in respiratory diseases

Erdosteine is a drug based on thiol and used at the beginning only as a mucolytic. The main indication for it is the treatment of acute and chronic lung diseases, accompanied by difficult sputum discharge. The therapeutic effect of erdosteine is due to the action of thiol metabolites, which, in addition to mucoactive, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Experimental studies have shown that this drug reduces the degree of damage to lung tissue caused by oxidative stress, primarily by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species. It increases the concentration of IgA in the respiratory mucosa, thereby reducing the damaging effect of tobacco smoke on endothelial and macrophage cells. In the RESTORE clinical study, which studied the effect of erdosteine on the frequency of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it was demonstrated that it significantly reduces the risk, frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations, regardless of patients taking inhaled corticosteroids and eosinophil levels. Recent experimental studies have shown that erdosteine also has the ability to slow the progression rate of fibrosis in pulmonary tissue. It has been shown to inhibit the development of bleomycin-induced fibrosis. The authors of the study suggested that this effect may be related to the suppression of neutrophil migration metabolite erastheine, the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and, in general, the regulation of antioxidant protection mechanisms Data obtained in recent studies also open up new possibilities for the use of erdosteine in patients with bronchial asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, significantly expanding the indications for its use.

Increased activity of the pro/antioxidant system of potato microplants by rhizospheric bacterias in aeroponics conditions

The improvement of plants in in vitro culture is an obligatory stage of potato seed production. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria contribute to an increase in plant resistance to stress factors, including at the stage of adaptation of microplants to ex vitro conditions. The purpose of this investigation was to study the mechanisms of antioxidant protection of potato microclones during inoculation with rhizobacteria in the process of their adaptation to ex vitro conditions in an aeroponic installation. In experiments, microplants of potato Nevsky and Condor cultivars inoculated in vitro with rhizobacteria Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 and Ochrobactrum cytisi IPA7 were used. In the process of adaptation in aeroponics conditions, microplants were analyzed for morphometric and biochemical parameters for 21 days. It was found that the bacterization of microplants contributed to the regulation of the pro/antioxidant system, leading to a decrease in oxidative stress and better and faster survival of plants ex vitro.

Changes in peroxide and antioxidant status during gestation in sows predisposed to postpartum diseases

Industrial pig farms involve intensive use of sows with high genetic potential to produce the highest possible number of viable piglets. Developing against the background of an imbalance of peroxide reactions and antioxidant protection, oxidative stress is the cause of postpartum diseases in sows, which lead to a decrease or cessation of milk secretion, high morbidity and death of newborn piglets. The aim of the work was to study different levels of metabolic status in pregnant sows in the norm and in the event of postpartum endometritis in them. The article presents the studies on the indicators of the antioxidant defense system, nitric oxide and endogenous intoxication in sows during gestation. The study included sows of 3-4 farrowings. The sows were included after farrowing, on the basis of a clinical examination, were divided into two groups: clinically healthy and with signs of postpartum endometritis. On day 38-40 of gestation, the state of physiological oxidative stress was established in sows of both groups. On days 78-81 of gestation, they noted a decrease in the accumulation of proteolysis products and activation of the enzymatic and nonenzymatic components of the antioxidant system. At the same time, in sows with endometritis, compared with healthy animals, an increased content of malondialdehyde, medium molecular weight peptides and medium-weight molecules, reduced activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins A, E, and C were revealed in all periods of the study. They also had a high level of stable nitrogen metabolites involved in the development of oxidative stress and in the mechanisms of antioxidant protection.

Homeostaza redoks sistema, oksidativni stres i antioksidativni sistem u zdravlju i bolesti - mogućnost modulacije antioksidansima

Redox imbalance occurs when the factors of oxidative stress, known as prooxidants, outweigh the mechanisms of antioxidant protection. In a healthy state, homeostatic mechanisms ensure the balanced production of free radicals and a complete series of antioxidants responsible for their safe removal. The generation of free radicals is a part of physiological processes in a healthy organism, some of which act as specific signaling molecules, and their presence and activity are necessary in these processes. In various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, rheumatic diseases, systemic lupus, and skin diseases, the generation of free radicals overwhelms the protective mechanisms, leading to the development of "oxidative stress" that damages cells and tissues. To prevent the harmful effects of free radicals within cells, there exists a system of enzymatic antioxidant protection composed of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutaredoxin, reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and thioredoxin (TRX). The examples of non-enzymatic antioxidants are: antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and E, dihydrolypoic acid, metallothioneins, ceruloplasmin, coenzyme Q 10, urea, creatinine, etc. Redox balance is influenced by the circadian rhythm and external factors that constitute the "exposome", including dietary habits and lifestyle. Antioxidant supplementation has become increasingly popular for maintaining optimal body function. However, it is important to note that some antioxidants can exhibit prooxidant activity, emphasizing the need for controlled use. The relationship between the redox status of the body and the action of antioxidants enables the development of multidisciplinary research that connects biochemistry, molecular biology, nutritional science, natural product chemistry, and clinical practice.

Ispitivanje nutritivnog potencijala različitih genotipova lanika - mineralni sastav i bioaktivna jedinjenja

Camelina sativa is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is characterized as an annual oilseed plant with a short growth cycle. Its seeds offer rich nutritional value comparable with other feed and food sources due to the presence of high-quality oils, protein, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds. Our study investigated mineral profile and bioactive compound contents among two different camelina genotypes. The evaluated camelina genotypes NS Zlatka and NS Slatka were developed in Serbia. The bioactive compound investigation included total phenolic and flavonoid contents, chlorophyll a and b, and total carotenoid contents. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the DPPH-scavenging capacity of camelina seed extracts. The results demonstrate differences in mineral content between the two genotypes, with variations in sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and phosphorus levels. Both genotypes exhibit notable mineral profiles, with particularly high levels of potassium (1007.76-1047.74 mg/100 g) and magnesium (224.09-227.45 mg/100 g), which makes them potentially valuable for both animal feed and human nutrition. Furthermore, analysis reveals substantial levels of total phenolic (8.13-8.16 mg GAE/g DM) and flavonoid (5.91-6.41 mg QE/g DM) compounds in both genotypes, indicating their suitability for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Chlorophyll content analysis demonstrates significant differences between the two genotypes, particularly in chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b levels. These variations suggest differences in photosynthetic capacity and seed maturity. Total carotenoid content remains consistent between the genotypes at levels from 16.43 to 17.91 µg b-CE/g DM, implying similar antioxidant protection mechanisms. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the biochemical properties of two camelina genotypes, indicating their potential applications in agriculture and human nutrition.