Nonprotein Sulfhydryl Content Research Articles

Daphnetin Ameliorates Corticosterone-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior and Oxidative Stress in Mice Via Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor/Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathway

We have investigated the effect of daphnetin on depressive-like behavior and oxidative stress caused by corticosterone in mice. To this end, we have analyzed the effect of corticosterone alone and combination of corticosterone and daphnetin on three behavioral indices of depressive-like behavior - sucrose consumption rate, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test as well as biochemical markers of oxidative stress - malondialdehyde, nitrite, protein carbonyl, nonprotein sulfhydryl and glutathione contents as well as hippocampal cell apoptosis. The results support the conclusion that daphnetin diminished corticosterone induced depressive like behavior and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids Increase Cd Accumulation in Sunflowers through Increasing Cd Bioavailability and Reducing Cd Toxicity to Plants

The use of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) for the phytoremediation of heavy metals has become a promising technique. We chose five kinds of organic acids (oxalic acid (OA), acetic acid (AA), tartaric acid (TA), malic acid (MA), and citric acid (CA)) with six application rates (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mmol/kg) and planted sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) in Cd-polluted soil to study the efficiency of the phytoremediation of Cd and the degree of Cd toxicity to plants. Treatment with no acid application served as the control (CK). We analyzed the plant height dry matter and the Cd and nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPT) contents in the soil and plant tissues. OA, AA, TA, MA, and CA increased plant heights by 17.6–47.40%, 21.25–39.17%, 12.5–35.52, 5.10–30.50%, and 16.15–49.17%, respectively; shoot biomass of the sunflowers was increased except with MA. NPT decreased under LMWOA application, which, in the roots, increased with the increase in root Cd under LMWOA treatment; however, there was no obvious relationship in the stems and leaves. The composition of Cd in the soil changed significantly under the LMWOA treatments compared to the CK, and the changes in carbonate Cd and Fe-Mn oxide Cd were the most prominent. The plant Cd accumulation of OA, AA, TA, MA, and CA increased by 43.31%, 55.25%, 48.69%, 0.52%, and 32.94%, respectively, and the increase in root Cd content and shoot dry matter quality promoted the increase in Cd accumulation. The LMWOAs were more likely to affect the phytoremediation of Cd by changing total P (TP) rather than total N (TN).

The gastroprotective effect of the foxtail millet and adlay processing product against stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) and adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf.) seeds have substantial benefits possesses remarkable edible and nutritive values, and ease of processing and food manufacturing. They have nutraceutical properties in the form of antioxidants which prevent deterioration of human health and have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for many diseases. The present study is designed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of foxtail millet and adlay processing product (APP) diet on water immersion restraint stress (WIRS) induced ulceration in rats. We examined the effects of intake of AIN-93G diet containing either foxtail millet (10, 20 and 40%, 4 weeks) or APP (15 and 30%, 5 weeks) on macroscopic ulcer index (UI), plasma calcium level, lipid peroxidation products (estimated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS), non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH), digestive enzyme activities, and histopathology were determined. The results showed that pretreatment with millet and adlay diets significantly prevented the gastric mucosal lesion development. In addition, ulcerated rats showed depletion of NPSH levels whereas treatment with millet and adlay reverted this decline in stress-induced rats. Histological studies confirmed the results. The finding suggests that millet and adlay diets promote ulcer protection by the decrease in ulcer index, TBARS values and increase NPSH concentrations. Millet and adlay diets retain the advantage of being a natural product which may protect the gastric mucosa against ulceration.

P-Chloro-diphenyl diselenide attenuates plasma lipid profile changes and hepatotoxicity induced by nonionic surfactant tyloxapol in rats

Tyloxapol is a nonionic surfactant oligomer inductor of dyslipidemia, which in turn is a risk factor for liver damage. Selenium-based compounds have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for treating different experimental disorders. This study investigated the effects of p-chloro-diphenyl diselenide (p-ClPhSe)2 on toxicity induced by Tyloxapol in rats. Plasma lipid profile, hepatic functionality and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in adult male Wistar rats treated with (p-ClPhSe)2 (10 mg/kg; oral administration by gavage) for seven days and exposed to a single Tyloxapol injection (400 mg/kg; intraperitoneal route) 30 min after the last (p-ClPhSe)2 treatment. Tyloxapol exposure increased the plasma levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, non-HDL-cholesterol and the calculated cardiac risk index (CRI). The plasma activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST, liver function markers) were increased in rats exposed to Tyloxapol, which demonstrates a hepatic lipotoxicity. In the liver, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was enhanced and the non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels were decreased by Tyloxapol. The data revealed that repeated treatment with (p-ClPhSe)2 reduced plasma lipid alterations and hepatotoxicity induced by Tyloxapol. Although (p-ClPhSe)2 did not reduce ROS levels increased by Tyloxapol, it increased NPSH content in the liver. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a positive relationship between the levels of hepatic NPSH and plasma HDL. HDL is known by eliciting antioxidant activity; therefore, the improvement in HDL function could be suggested as a therapeutic target. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the protective effects of (p-ClPhSe)2 on the hepatic lipotoxicity induced by Tyloxapol in rats.

English

Dyslipidaemia is characterised by enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and increased oxidative stress, which may affect liver, kidney and heart function. It is considered as a critical risk factor for cardiovascular and liver diseases. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of vanadium chloride on the oxidative stress state of liver, kidney and heart functions along with electrolyte balance during treatment of dyslipidemia using simvastatin in an animal model.  Rats were assigned to 1 of 5 groups: group 1, control group; group 2, received high fat diet (HFD); group 3, received HFD and 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) simvastatin; group 4, received HFD and 15 mg/kg BW vanadium chloride and group 5, received HFD, simvastatin and vanadium chloride. Drugs were administered orally by gavage for the last week of the experimental period. HFD was found to elicit a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in non-protein sulfhydryls and significant increases (P ≤ 0.05) in hepatic and cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, urea, uric acid, calcium, sodium and potassium. Oral administration of vanadium chloride did not synergize simvastatin to ameliorate the negative effects of HFD, instead it worsens the negative effect of the HFD. Vanadium chloride administration decreased the concentration of non-protein sulfhydryls and increased MDA concentration in liver and heart tissues. It also caused further increase in the serum concentration of all measured serum parameters. These data proved that the vanadium concentration used in this study is not safe or efficient in ameliorating the oxidative stress or in improving kidney or heart functions in dyslipidemic rats. Key words: Vanadium, simvastatin, oxidative stress, kidney, rats. &nbsp

Chronic Treatment with Paraquat Induces Brain Injury, Changes in Antioxidant Defenses System, and Modulates Behavioral Functions in Zebrafish.

Paraquat (PQ) administration consists in a chemical model that mimics phenotypes observed in Parkinson's disease (PD), due to its ability to induce changes in dopaminergic system and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the actions of PQ in behavioral functions of adult zebrafish and its influence on oxidative stress biomarkers in brain samples. PQ (20mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally with six injections for 16days (one injection every 3days). PQ-treated group showed a significant decrease in the time spent in the bottom section and a shorter latency to enter the top area in the novel tank test. Moreover, PQ-exposed fish showed a significant decrease in the number and duration of risk assessment episodes in the light-dark test, as well as an increase in the agonistic behavior in the mirror-induced aggression (MIA) test. PQ induced brain damage by decreasing mitochondrial viability. Concerning the antioxidant defense system, PQ increased catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, as well as the non-protein sulfhydryl content (NPSH), but did not change ROS formation and decreased lipid peroxidation. We demonstrate, for the first time, that PQ induces an increase in aggressive behavior, alters non-motor patterns associated to defensive behaviors, and changes redox parameters in zebrafish brain. Overall, our findings may serve as useful tools to investigate the interaction between behavioral and neurochemical impairments triggered by PQ administration in zebrafish.

GC-MS Analysis: In Vivo Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oil of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. Growing in Saudi Arabia.

Liver disease is a worldwide problem. It represents one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in humans. Achillea biebersteinii is used as herbal remedy for various ailments including liver diseases. But the scientific basis for its medicinal use remains unknown. Thus, this research was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of A. biebersteinii essential oil (ABEO) (0.2 mL/kg) in the amelioration of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rodent model. Moreover, the chemical content of the oil was investigated using GC and GC-MS. The following biochemical parameters were evaluated: serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. Furthermore, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), and total protein (TP) contents in liver tissue were estimated. 44 components (92.0%) of the total oil have been identified by GC-MS analysis where α-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The high serum enzymatic (GOT, GPT, GGT, and ALP) and bilirubin concentrations as well as the level of MDA, NP-SH, and TP contents in liver tissues were significantly reinstated towards normalization by the ABEO. Histopathological study further confirmed these findings. In addition, ABEO showed mild antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays.

Gastroprotective Effects of Glutinous Rice Extract against Ethanol-, Indomethacin-, and Stress-induced Ulcers in Rats.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an orally administered aqueous extract of glutinous rice (GRE) to protect against acute gastric mucosal lesions induced by ethanol, indomethacin, and water immersion restraint stress in rats and to characterize the active substances responsible for the protection. GRE was shown to dose-dependently prevent the gastric lesions induced by the above ulcerogenic treatments at doses of 30 to 300 mg/kg. GRE treatment increased the gastric mucin content and partially blocked the ethanol-induced depletion of the gastric mucus layer. Also, it increased the nonprotein sulfhydryl concentration in the gastric mucosa. The gastroprotective action of GRE was markedly enhanced by co-treatment with 4-8 mg/kg tea extracts. The activity of GRE was completely lost by heat treatment at 80℃ for 3 min or treatment with 0.01% pepsin at 37℃ for 1 h. Protein extraction studies indicated that prolamins are involved in the gastroprotective activity of GRE. Our results suggest that glutinous rice proteins are useful for the prevention and treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcer.

Gastroprotective effect of desmosdumotin C isolated from Mitrella kentii against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal hemorrhage in rats: possible involvement of glutathione, heat-shock protein-70, sulfhydryl compounds, nitric oxide, and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity.

BackgroundMitrella kentii (M. kentii) (Bl.) Miq, is a tree-climbing liana that belongs to the family Annonaceae. The plant is rich with isoquinoline alkaloids, terpenylated dihydrochalcones and benzoic acids and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of this study is to assess the gastroprotective effects of desmosdumotin C (DES), a new isolated bioactive compound from M. kentii, on gastric ulcer models in rats.MethodsDES was isolated from the bark of M. kentii. Experimental rats were orally pretreated with 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of the isolated compound and were subsequently subjected to absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer. Gross evaluation, mucus content, gastric acidity and histological gastric lesions were assessed in vivo. The effects of DES on the anti-oxidant system, non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) content, nitric oxide (NO)level, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity, bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein expression and Helicabacter pylori (H pylori) were also investigated.ResultsDES pre-treatment at the administered doses significantly attenuated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer; this was observed by decreased gastric ulcer area, reduced or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration compared to the ulcer control group. It was found that DES maintained glutathione (GSH) level, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increased NP-SH content and NO level and inhibited COX-2 activity. The compound up regulated heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) and down regulated Bax protein expression in the ulcerated tissue. DES showed interesting anti-H pylori effects. The efficacy of DES was accomplished safely without any signs of toxicity.ConclusionsThe current study reveals that DES demonstrated gastroprotective effects which could be attributed to its antioxidant effect, activation of HSP-70 protein, intervention with COX-2 inflammatory pathway and potent anti H pylori effect.

English

The present study was carried out to evaluate the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities of 'Cinnamon' Cinnamomum zeylanicum in rats. The aqueous suspension of cinnamon (250 and 500 mg/kg) has been screened using pylorus ligation (Shay) rat model, necrotizing agents and indomethacin-induced ulceration in rats. Histopathological assessment was done on gastric tissue of rats. Gastric wall mucus and nonprotein-sulfhydryl contents were also estimated. Cinnamon suspension pretreatment decreased the basal gastric acid secretion volume and rumenal ulceration in pylorus ligated rats. The suspension effectively inhibited gastric hemorrhagic lesions induced by 80% ethanol, 0.2 M sodium hydroxide, and 25% sodium chloride. The cinnamon suspension also showed antiulcer activity against indomethacin. Pretreatment with cinnamon suspension offered a dose-dependent protection against various histological indices. Treatment of rats with cinnamon replenished the ethanol-induced decreased levels of gastric wall mucus and nonprotein-sulfhydryl concentrations. The gastroprotection of cinnamon observed in the present study is attributed to its effect through inhibition of basal gastric secretion (attenuation of aggressive factors) and stimulation mucus secretion (potentiation of defensive factors); and increase in nonprotein-sulfhydryl concentration probably due to prostaglandin-inducing abilities mediated through its antioxidant property.   Key words: Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, gastric secretion, antiulcer, histopathological changes.

Edible Oils for Liver Protection: Hepatoprotective Potentiality of Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil against Chemical‐Induced Hepatitis in Rats

In the present study, in vitro antioxidant, antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed oil (Ben oil; BO) was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) induced lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage in rats. The oil at 0.2 and 0.4 mL/rat was administered orally for 21 consecutive days. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic (GOT, GPT, ALP, GGT) and bilirubin levels were significantly restored towards normalization by the oil. There was a significant elevation in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), and total protein (TP) contents in the liver tissue. The results obtained indicated that BO possesses potent hepatoprotective action against CCl(4) -induced hepatic damage by lowering liver marker enzymes, MDA concentration, and elevating NP-SH and TP levels in liver tissue. The biochemical observations were supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver. The results of this study showed that treatment with Ben oil or silymarin (as a reference) appears to enhance the recovery from hepatic damage induced by CCl(4) . The pentobarbital induced narcolepsy prolongation in mice was retarded by the Ben oil. Acute toxicity test in mice showed no morbidity or mortality. In vitro DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene-linolic acid assay tests of the BO exhibited a moderate antioxidant activity in both tests used. The possible mechanism(s) of the liver protective activity of Ben oil activity may be due to free radical scavenging potential caused by the presence of antioxidant component(s) in the oil. Consequently, BO can be used as a therapeutic regime in treatment of some hepatic disorders.

Effects of L-2-oxоthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid on the lung antioxidant defense system in an asthma mouse model

We aim ed to study the effect of a glutathione precursor, L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTCA), on the lung antioxidant defense system in an animal asthma model. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 24 female C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into 4 treatment groups: group 1 - control group; group 2 - injected with ovalbumin (OVA) and given an OVA inhalant; group 3 - treated with OTCA and phosphate-buffered saline inhalant; and group 4 -injected with OVA and OTCA and given an OVA inhalant. Under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia the animals were killed by exsanguination 48 h after the last inhalation to obtain a lung homogenate. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GP) and the content of nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) groups in lung homogenate were investigated. Results: OVA decreased the activities of SOD (P = 0.007), CAT (P = 0.004), and GP (P = 0.05) and the NPSH content (P = 0.0008) in the lung homogenate compared with the control animals. Treatment with OVA and OTCA (group 4) resulted in a significant increase in the activities of CAT (P = 0.01) and GP (P = 0.05) and the NPSH content (P = 0.002) compared to the OVA group (group 2). Conclusion: OTCA (160 mg/kg) restored the activities of basic enzymes in the lung antioxidant defense system in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model 48 h after the last nebulization.

In Vitroandin VivoAntioxidant Activity of Alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) on Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxicated Rats

The present study was conducted to determine whether lyophilized aqueous extract of alfalfa, or Medicago sativa L. could exert antioxidant activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and liver injury in rats. The hepatoprotective activity of alfalfa extract was determined by assessing the levels of serum transaminases, ALP, bilirubin and lipid profile. Further, the effect of the test substance on malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation; antioxidant liver enzyme non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH); and total protein (TP) were also studied. Serum transaminase, ALP, bilirubin level, lipid profile and liver MDA were significantly elevated and the antioxidant status in liver NP-SH and TP contents were declined in animals treated with CCl (4) alone. Pretreatment with alfalfa and silymarin for three weeks prior to the administration of CCl (4) significantly prevented the increase in the serum levels of hepatic marker, LDL, VLDL levels enzymes and reduced oxidative stress indicated by elevated NP-SH and TP concentration. The histopathological examination of the livers also showed that the alfalfa extract reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl (4). The in vitro antioxidant assessment of alfalfa extract on DPPH and carotene-linoleic assays demonstrated a moderate antioxidant potential. Results suggest that the alfalfa extract possesses hepatoprotective and antioxidative stress properties possibly through its antioxidant phytochemical constituents and substantiates its use in various liver disorders as a hepatoprotector.

Ameliorative Effect of Grewia tenax (Forssk) Fiori Fruit Extract on CCl4–Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The ethanol extract of Grewia tenax (GTE) fruit was tested for possible efficacy against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. GTE at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg were administered orally to CCl(4)-treated rats. Acute toxicity test and sleeping time determination were done with mice. The results showed that oral administration of GTE for 3 wk to rats significantly reduced the CCl(4)-induced elevated levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. Moreover, it was found that the treatment with GTE significantly elevated the hemoglobin level in serum and increased the nonprotein sulfhydryl and total protein contents in the liver tissue, and a significant diminution was observed in the CCl(4)-induced elevated levels of malondialdehyde in the liver tissue. The biochemical findings were supported by an evaluation with liver histopathology. Pentobarbital-induced prolongation of narcolepsy in mice was shortened significantly by the extract. The observed hepatoprotective effect is believed to occur due to antioxidant properties of the contents of G. tenax extract, which may provide a new drug to be used for fighting liver diseases and it validates its folkloric use in anemic and other conditions.

Gastric ulcer protective activity ofHibiscus sabdariffa:An experimental, biochemical and histological study

Abstract Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) is a vegetable known to possess various therapeutic properties. We evaluated the anti-ulcerogenic property of ethanolic extract of dried calyces (EEHS) in different ulcer models in Wistar albino rats. The extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, orally has a significant effect in cold restraint stress, pylorus ligation, necrotizing agents (80% ethanol, 0.2 M NaOH and 25% NaCl) and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models. The extract showed an ability to significantly protect against gastric mucosal injury in all models used. Furthermore, EEHS has significantly decreased the basal gastric acid secretion, as well as significantly increased gastric wall mucus secretion (GWM) and non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) concentrations in gastric tissue. Whereas, the extract significantly reduced the ethanol-induced elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat stomach. These pharmacological and biochemical findings were further supported by the histological assessment ...

Swimming training prevents pentylenetetrazol‐induced inhibition of Na+, K+‐ATPase activity, seizures, and oxidative stress

In the present study we decided to investigate whether physical exercise protects against the electrographic, oxidative, and neurochemical alterations induced by subthreshold to severe convulsive doses of pentyltetrazole (PTZ). The effect of swimming training (6 weeks) on convulsive behavior induced by PTZ (30, 45, and 60 mg/kg, i.p.) was measured and different electrographic electroencephalography (EEG) frequencies obtained from freely moving rats. After EEG recordings, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPS), protein carbonyl, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, and glutamate uptake were measured in the cerebral cortex of rats. We showed that physical training increased latency and attenuated the duration of generalized seizures induced by administration of PTZ (45 mg/kg). EEG recordings showed that physical exercise decreased the spike amplitude after PTZ administration (all doses). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that protection of physical training against PTZ-induced seizures strongly correlated with NPS content, Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, and glutamate-uptake maintenance. Physical training also increased SOD activity, NPS content, attenuated ROS generation per se, and was effective against inhibition of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity induced by a subthreshold convulsive dose of PTZ (30 mg/kg). In addition, physical training protected against 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) oxidation, TBARS and protein carbonyl increase, decrease of NPS content, inhibition of SOD and catalase, and inhibition glutamate uptake induced by PTZ. These data suggest that effective protection of selected targets for free radical damage, such as Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, elicited by physical training protects against the increase of neuronal excitability and oxidative damage induced by PTZ.

Space radiation‐induced inhibition of neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and memory impairment in mice: ameliorative potential of the melatonin metabolite, AFMK

Evaluation of potential health effects from high energy charged particle radiation exposure during long duration space travel is important for the future of manned missions. Cognitive health of an organism is considered to be maintained by the capacity of hippocampal precursors to proliferate and differentiate. Environmental stressors including irradiation have been shown to inhibit neurogenesis and are associated with the onset of cognitive impairments. The present study reports on the protective effects of N(1)-acetyl-N(2)-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK), a melatonin metabolite, against high energy charged particle radiation-induced oxidative damage to the brain. We observed that radiation exposure (2.0 Gy of 500 MeV/nucleon (56)Fe beams, a ground-based model of space radiation) impaired the spatial memory of mice at later intervals without affecting the motor activities. AFMK pretreatment significantly ameliorated these neurobehavioral ailments. Radiation-induced changes in the population of immature and proliferating neurons in the dentate gyrus were localized using anti-doublecortin (Dcx) and anti-Ki-67 expression. AFMK pretreatment significantly inhibited the loss of Dcx and Ki-67 positive cells. Moreover, AFMK pretreatment ameliorated the radiation-induced augmentation of protein carbonyls and 4-hydroxyalkenal + malondialdehyde (MDA + HAE) in the brain and maintained the total antioxidant capacity of plasma and nonprotein sulfhydryl contents in brain.

Antioxidant responses of Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta) after exposure to hydrogen peroxide

The effects of H2O2 were evaluated in the estuarine worm Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta, Nereididae) collected at the Patos Lagoon estuary (Southern Brazil) and maintained in the laboratory under controlled salinity (10 psu diluted seawater) and temperature (20°C). The worms were exposed to H2O2 (10 and 50 µM) for 4, 7, and 10 days and the following variables were determined: oxygen consumption, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase activity in both the supernatant and pellet fractions of whole body homogenates. The concentrations of non-protein sulfhydryl and lipid peroxides (LPO) were also measured. The oxygen consumption response was biphasic, decreasing after 4 days and increasing after 7 and 10 days of exposure to 50 µM H2O2 (P < 0.05). At the same H2O2 concentration, CAT activity was lower (P < 0.05) in the pellet fraction of worms exposed for 10 days compared to control. Non-protein sulfhydryl concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity were not affected by H2O2 exposure. After 10 days, LPO levels were higher (P < 0.05) in worms exposed to 50 µM H2O2 compared to control. The reduction in the antioxidant defense was paralleled by oxidative stress as indicated by higher LPO values (441% compared to control). The reduction of CAT activity in the pellet fraction may be related to protein oxidation. These results, taken together with previous findings, suggest that the worms were not able to cope with this H2O2 concentration.

Antioxidant responses of Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta) after exposure to hydrogen peroxide

The effects of H2O2 were evaluated in the estuarine worm Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta, Nereididae) collected at the Patos Lagoon estuary (Southern Brazil) and maintained in the laboratory under controlled salinity (10 psu diluted seawater) and temperature (20 degrees C). The worms were exposed to H2O2 (10 and 50 microM) for 4, 7, and 10 days and the following variables were determined: oxygen consumption, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase activity in both the supernatant and pellet fractions of whole body homogenates. The concentrations of non-protein sulfhydryl and lipid peroxides (LPO) were also measured. The oxygen consumption response was biphasic, decreasing after 4 days and increasing after 7 and 10 days of exposure to 50 microM H2O2 (P < 0.05). At the same H2O2 concentration, CAT activity was lower (P < 0.05) in the pellet fraction of worms exposed for 10 days compared to control. Non-protein sulfhydryl concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity were not affected by H2O2 exposure. After 10 days, LPO levels were higher (P < 0.05) in worms exposed to 50 microM H2O2 compared to control. The reduction in the antioxidant defense was paralleled by oxidative stress as indicated by higher LPO values (441% compared to control). The reduction of CAT activity in the pellet fraction may be related to protein oxidation. These results, taken together with previous findings, suggest that the worms were not able to cope with this H2O2 concentration.

Nigella sativa seeds: Folklore treatment in modern day medicine

<i>Nigella sativa</i> seeds: Folklore treatment in modern day medicine