Nonprotein Sulfhydryl Research Articles

Antioxidant and protective effects of spinach (Spinacia oleraceaL.) leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

Spinach, (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a popular vegetable. The hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of spinach (EESO) was studied against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress (OS) and liver injury in rats. Pretreatment of rats with EESO, at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight for 21 consecutive days significantly prevented the CCl4-induced hepatic damage as indicated by the serum marker enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP and GGT) and bilirubin levels. Parallel to these changes, the leaves extract also prevented CCl4-induced OS in rat liver by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (LPO) and restoring the levels of antioxidant non-enzymatic biomarker, such as total protein (TP) and non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) in liver tissue. The biochemical changes were consistent with the histological findings of the liver tissue suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of the leaves extract in a dose-dependent manner, besides, a significant reduction was also observed in pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in mice. The results of spinach extract were comparable to that of silymarin. The protective effect of the EESO against CCl4-induced acute hepatotoxicity could be attributed to the potent antioxidant constituents of the spinach.

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 ...

Gastroprotection of (‐)‐α‐bisabolol on acute gastric mucosal lesions in mice: the possible involved pharmacological mechanisms

(-)-Alpha-Bisabolol is an unsaturated, optically active sesquiterpene alcohol obtained by the direct distillation essential oil from plants such as Vanillosmopsis erythropappa and Matricaria chamomilla. (-)-Alpha-Bisabolol has generated considerable economic interest, since it possesses a delicate floral odor and has been shown to have anti-septic and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the gastroprotective action of (-)-alpha-bisabolol on ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models in mice, and further investigate the pharmacological mechanisms involved in this action. The oral administration of (-)-alpha-bisabolol 100 and 200 mg/kg was able to protect the gastric mucosa from ethanol (0.2 mL/animal p.o.) and indomethacin-induced ulcer (20 mg/kg p.o.). Administration of L-NAME (10 mg/kg i.p.), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg i.p.) or indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o.) was not able to revert the gastroprotection promoted by (-)-alpha-bisabolol 200 mg/kg on the ethanol-induced ulcer. Dosage of gastric reduced glutathione (GSH) levels showed that ethanol and indomethacin reduced the content of non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) groups, while (-)-alpha-bisabolol significantly decreased the reduction of these levels on ulcer-induced mice, but not in mice without ulcer. In conclusion, gastroprotective effect on ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer promoted by (-)-alpha-bisabolol may be associated with an increase of gastric sulfydryl groups bioavailability leading to a reduction of gastric oxidative injury induced by ethanol and indomethacin.

Antiulcer activity of aqueous extract of fruits of Momordica cymbalaria Hook f. in Wistar rats.

Gastric ulcer is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders, which affects approximately 5%-10% of people during their life. The ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inside lining of the stomach (a gastric ulcer) or the small intestine (a duodenal ulcer). Both types of ulcers are also referred to as peptic ulcer disease. The present study was carried out to investigate antiulcer activity of aqueous extract of fruits of Momordica cymbalaria Hook f. Initially the aqueous extract of M. cymbalaria was subjected to acute oral toxicity study according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines, based on which, 500 mg/kg dose of aqueous extract was selected for the study. The animals were pretreated before inducing ulcer. For inducing ulcer in the rats, 80% ethanol was used. Various parameters such as area of gastric lesion, nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) concentration, gastric wall mucus concentration, total acidity and volume of gastric content; and histopathological parameters like hemorrhage, edema, erosion, ulceration were studied in the control group and pretreated groups with aqueous extract of fruits of Momordica cymbalaria (500 mg/kg) and standard drug lanzoprazole (30 mg/kg). Pretreatment with aqueous extract of M. cymbalaria fruits showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the total acidity and ulcer index. Improvements in all histopathological parameters were noticed in the M. cymbalaria-treated group. It also showed significant decrease in gastric lesion and NP-SH and gastric wall mucus concentrations in the M. cymbalaria-treated group. Overall the aqueous extract of M. cymbalaria fruits was shown to possess significant (P < 0.05) antiulcer property in rats. The polyphenols like quercetin reported from the plant may attribute to the antiulcer property of the extract.

Preventive Effects of Chinese Herb Chai-Hu-Gui-Zhi-Tang Extract on Water Immersion Restraint Stress-Induced Acute Gastric Ulceration in Rats

It is well known that maintenance therapy using Chai-hu-gui-zhi-tang (CHGZT), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven to prevent the recurrence of peptic ulcers. However, little is known as to whether or not it has protective effects against acute gastric injury. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of pretreatment with CHGZT extract on the development of water immersion restraint stress-induced acute gastric ulceration in male Wistar rats. The CHGZT extract (50, 250, 500 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) was given to rats before they were exposed to 2 or 4 hr of water immersion restraint stress; they were then were sacrificed immediately after stress exposure. Gastric mucosal lesions were evaluated macroscopically, and the gastric mucosal and hepatic non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) were measured simultaneously. The results indicate that exposure to water immersion restraint stress resulted in the development of acute gastric stress erosions. Pretreatment with CHGZT extract caused a significant reduction of stress lesions and an increase in the gastric mucosal NP-SH and hepatic NP-SH concentrations. We conclude that the anti-ulcer response and extensive antioxidant effect of Chai-hu-gui-zhi-tang may be valuable in prevention of experimental gastric mucosal lesions in rats because it possesses preventive and gastroprotective effects.

Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Protective Effect of 'Rocket'Eruca sativaL. in Rats

The hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of an ethanolic extract of 'Rocket' Eruca sativa L. (EER), on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) was investigated. Wistar albino rats were administered 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight extract orally for 10 consecutive days. Marker enzymes GOT, GPT, ALP, GGT and bilirubin were estimated in serum. Whereas, non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), total protein (TP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in liver tissue as markers for oxidative stress. Histopathological assessment was also done on liver tissue. CCl(4) induced liver poisoning in all treated animals was evident by elevated serum GOT, GPT, ALP, GGT and bilirubin levels. Induction of oxidative stress in the liver tissue by CCl(4) was evidenced by a fall in the levels of NP-SH and TP; and an increased level of MDA concentration. EER administration for 10 days prevented the CCl(4) induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the extract also reduced the pentobarbital-induced prolongation of sleeping time in mice. The ability of rocket extract to protect the liver toxicity in rats was further confirmed by histological findings in the liver tissue. In conclusion, it was observed that Eruca sativa L. extract protects the liver against CCl(4) induced hepatic injury through its potent antioxidant activity in rats.

Vitamin E protects against stress‐induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats more effectively than vitamin C

In this study, we examined the protective effects of vitamin E (VE) against gastric mucosal lesions induced by water immersion restraint stress (WIRS) in rats in comparison with that of vitamin C (VC). The gastric mucosa of rats with 6 h of WIRS showed lesions with bleeding, decrease in nonprotein SH, VC, VE, and adherent mucus concentrations and constitutive nitric oxide synthase activity, and increase in lipid peroxide and NOx (nitrite/nitrate) concentrations and myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities. Either VE (0.05 or 0.5 mmol/kg) or VC (0.5 or 1.5 mmol/kg) was orally administered to rats with 6 h of WIRS just before the onset of the stress. Both doses of pre-administered VE prevented gastric mucosal lesion development and attenuated all these changes in gastric mucosal components and enzymes studied, whereas only the higher dose of pre-administered VC suppressed the changes in all parameters studied. These results indicate that orally administered VE protects against WIRS-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats more effectively than orally administered VC. These results also suggest that the administered VE protects against gastric mucosal lesions in rats with WIRS through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the gastric mucosa in the same way as the administered VC.

Antiulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Encholirium spectabile Mart. ex Schult &amp; Schult f. (Bromeliaceae) in rodents

This study evaluated the antiulcer activity of an ethanolic extract of Encholirium spectabile (ES-EtOH) by using different standard experimental models of induced acute gastric ulceration. ES-EtOH (100 mg/kg p.o) protected the gastric mucosa against ulceration that was induced by absolute ethanol (53%), ethanol/HCl (75%), ibuprofen (52 %) and ischemia/reperfusion (43 %). It also restored catalase activity and non-protein sulfhydryl group concentration in the gastric wall of mice that had been treated with ethanol. The pre-treatment of mice with N-nitro-L-arginine (70 mg/kg i.p.) abolished the protective activity of ES-EtOH, which indicates that prostaglandins, antioxidant compounds and nitric oxide synthase activity are involved in the gastroprotective activity of the extract.

Spices, herbal xenobiotics and the stomach: Friends or foes?

Spices and herbal remedies have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of disorders. It has been experimentally demonstrated that spices, herbs, and their extracts possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, lipid-lowering, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antimutagenic and anticancer activities, besides their gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activities. Despite a number of reports on the toxicity of herbs and spices, they are generally accepted as safer alternatives to conventional therapy against gastric ulcers. To this end, it is also believed, that excessive consumption of spices may favor the pathogenesis of gastric and duodenal ulcer and some studies have substantiated this common perception. Based on various in vivo experiments and clinical studies, on the effects of spices and herbs on gastric ulcers, it has indeed been shown that certain spices do possess remarkable anti-ulcer properties mediated by antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-Helicobacter pylori effects and mechanisms regulated by nitric oxide, prostaglandins, non-protein sulfhydryl molecules and epidermal growth factor expression. Accordingly, their consumption may attenuate and help prevent peptic ulcer disease. In the present review, the beneficial effects of spices and herbal nutritive components on the gastric mucosa are discussed against the paradigm of their deleterious potential.

Oxidative stress in Shaal sheep of different age groups

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiology and/or progression of a number of diseases and aging. In this cross-sectional study, some oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde [MDA] as a lipid peroxidation biomarker, ferric reducing/antioxidant power [FRAP], and total nonprotein SH groups) in plasma samples of Shaal ewes of different age groups were assessed. For all 3 measured parameters, the youngest age group (10-30 months old) had the lowest amounts. Although FRAP levels increased slightly and age dependently, nonprotein SH group content showed a decreasing trend after a peak in the 31-50 months group. The highest MDA concentration was observed in the oldest group. Our results suggest a relation between age and oxidative stress parameters in the early life of Shaal ewes. It also showed an age dependent increase in FRAP levels.

Protective effect of Jasonia montana against ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis in rats

Estrogens, and particularly glucuronides such as ethinylestradiol (EE), have been shown to cause cholestasis in animal studies, by reducing bile acid uptake by hepatocytes. The aim of the present article is to investigate anticholestatic activity of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Jasonia montana against liver cholestasis induced by EE in adult female rats in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Subcutaneous administration of 100 μg/kg b.w. ethinylestradiol to rats induced hepatocellular cholestasis with a significant decrease in serum cholesterol, bile acids and bilirubin levels as well as in hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) activities and hepatic total, protein-bound and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. Also, treatment with EE produced significant increase in serum Pi-glutathione-s-transferase (Pi-GST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) and alpha-glutathione-s-transferase (α-GST) activities as well as serum nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level as compare to control group. Oral administration of the aerial parts of ethanolic extract at a concentration of 150 mg/kg b.w. daily to rats treated with EE for 15 days showed a significant protection against-induced decrease in serum cholesterol, bile acids and bilirubin levels. The treatment also resulted in a significant increase in hepatic SOD, GPx and GR activities as well as hepatic total, protein-bound and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. In addition, the extract could inhibit serum Pi-GST, γ-GT and α-GST activities as well as reduce serum TNF-α, NO and hepatic MDA as compare to ethinylestradiol treated rats. High content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds was found in ethanolic extract, which may be responsible for free radical activity. The results clearly suggest that the aerial parts of J. montana extract may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidant status in ethinylestradiol (EE)-cholestatic model. Thus the extract may have a therapeutic value in drug-induced biliary cholestasis as well as in hormonal therapy.

Triticum aestivum L. cv. Tosunbeye Uygulanan Kurşunun Bazı Fizyolojik Özelliklere Etkisi

In this research, effects of different lead concentrations (0, 10, 100 mg/L), one of toxic metals, applied in hydroponic medium on some physiological characteristics of bread wheat variety Tosunbey were investigated. It was determined by root and shoot lengths measurements that lead stress inhibited growth and development in the wheat. Lead concentrations of root and shoot in the wheat variety were determined to be increased by applied Pb concentration. On the other side lead stress decreased photosynthetic pigment amounts of the wheat leaves. Applied lead reduced protein and phenolic compound amounts of root and shoots of the plant. Although ascorbic acid amount of roots increased in the effect of Pb, decline was determined in shoots. As a result of lead application increases in non-protein SH groups and proline amounts in root and shoots may show their roles in plant response to lead toxicity.

Gastroprotective effect of lupeol on ethanol-induced gastric damage and the underlying mechanism

The effect of lupeol, a natural pentacyclic triterpene on ethanol-induced gastric damage in mice was evaluated. The gastroprotection was assessed by determination of changes in mean gastric lesion area, quantification of mucosal non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH), and characterized using drugs that influence the endogenous prostaglandins, alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, nitric oxide, K(ATP)-channels, and intracellular calcium. Orally administered lupeol (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated the ethanol-induced gastric damage by 39-69%, whereas the positive control N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 300 mg/kg, i.p.) afforded 32% protection. Both lupeol and NAC restored the NP-SH depleted by ethanol but the lupeol effect was only marginal. Lupeol gastroprotection was attenuated by indomethacin and L-NAME, the respective COX and NO-synthase inhibitors and was weakly sensitive to alpha(2)-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine and K(ATP)-channel blocker glibenclamide, but more profoundly to calcium blocker verapamil. These pharmacological effects of lupeol may synergistically contribute to alleviating the ethanol-associated gastric damage, which is multifactorial.

Analysis of genomic dose‐response information on arsenic to inform key events in a mode of action for carcinogenicity

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify information on gene expression changes following exposures to inorganic arsenic compounds. This information was organized by compound, exposure, dose/concentration, species, tissue, and cell type. A concentration-related hierarchy of responses was observed, beginning with changes in gene/protein expression associated with adaptive responses (e.g., preinflammatory responses, delay of apoptosis). Between 0.1 and 10 microM, additional gene/protein expression changes related to oxidative stress, proteotoxicity, inflammation, and proliferative signaling occur along with those related to DNA repair, cell cycle G2/M checkpoint control, and induction of apoptosis. At higher concentrations (10-100 microM), changes in apoptotic genes dominate. Comparisons of primary cell results with those obtained from immortalized or tumor-derived cell lines were also evaluated to determine the extent to which similar responses are observed across cell lines. Although immortalized cells appear to respond similarly to primary cells, caution must be exercised in using gene expression data from tumor-derived cell lines, where inactivation or overexpression of key genes (e.g., p53, Bcl-2) may lead to altered genomic responses. Data from acute in vivo exposures are of limited value for evaluating the dose-response for gene expression, because of the transient, variable, and uncertain nature of tissue exposure in these studies. The available in vitro gene expression data, together with information on the metabolism and protein binding of arsenic compounds, provide evidence of a mode of action for inorganic arsenic carcinogenicity involving interactions with critical proteins, such as those involved in DNA repair, overlaid against a background of chemical stress, including proteotoxicity and depletion of nonprotein sulfhydryls. The inhibition of DNA repair under conditions of toxicity and proliferative pressure may compromise the ability of cells to maintain the integrity of their DNA.

Effect of Lead Toxicity on Aquatic Macrophyte Elodea canadensis Michx.

Effects of Pb accumulation on the contents of chlorophylls (a and b), carotenoid, ascorbic acid (AsA), non-protein SH groups and protein were investigated in aquatic macrophyte Elodea canadensis. Pb accumulation in E. canadensis tissues increased with increasing metal concentrations. The increases at 1, 10 and 100 mg/L Pb are about 12.0, 44.6 and 71.1 times greater than control, respectively. Contents of chlorophylls, carotenoid and protein were adversely affected by Pb accumulation. Induction of non-protein SH groups and AsA showed that Pb accumulation caused oxidative stress. It is also possible that increased non-protein SH groups by Pb accumulation may be due to their role in Pb detoxification.

Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities of Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thoms. in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. f. & Thoms. (Menispermaceae), locally called ‘Padathaali/Padakizhangu’ is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat peptic ulcer. Aim of the study To evaluate the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activity of Cyclea peltata. Materials and methods The ethanolic extract of Cyclea peltata root was used to evaluate its gastric antisecretory and antiulcer effect in the pylorus-ligated rat model and gastric lesions induced by ethanol or ethanol and indomethacin respectively in rats. The levels of gastric wall mucus, non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH), malondialdehyde, protein and catalase activity in the stomach samples of Cyclea peltata treated and control groups of rats were also quantified. Results The ethanolic extract of Cyclea peltata roots showed significant antisecretory activity as evidenced by decreased pepsin secretion, gastric juice volume and acid output in pylorus-ligated rats. Pretreatment with Cyclea peltata extract provided significant protection against the peptic ulceration caused by ethanol administered individually, or in combination with indomethacin. Our studies also revealed that pretreatment with Cyclea peltata significantly increased the gastric protein and catalase concentration of ethanol treated rats. Further, it showed significant gastroprotective effects on the stomach wall of ethanol or ethanol and indomethacin treated rats by decreasing malondialdehyde level, increasing the gastric wall mucus and non-protein sulfhydryl groups. Conclusion The present findings demonstrate that Cyclea peltata ethanolic extract has potent antisecretory and antiulcer effects and justify the traditional/ethnic usage of this herb to treat peptic ulcers and consequent stomach ache.

Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Activities Involved in Resistance Response against Downy Mildew in Opium Poppy

The aim of this study was to observe the lipid peroxidation (LP) of cell membranes and antioxidant systems in response to inoculation of Peronospora arborescens causing downy mildew (DM) in opium poppy. Contents of the LP product, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant glutathione (GSH) were determined in leaves of two opium poppy genotypes, Pps-1 (highly resistant to DM) and Jawahar-16 (highly susceptible to DM) at different time intervals after inoculation (12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h). The provided GSH content corresponded to that of total non-protein sulfhydryl groups. In leaves of Jawahar-16, a significant decrease in concentration of GSH and a persistent increase in concentration of MDA were recorded after inoculation in comparison to leaves of control plants. The continuous decrease in GSH content contributed to damage of cell membranes leading to disease development in Jawahar-16. On the other hand in a resistant genotype (Pps-1), initially at 12 h after inoculation (hai) the level of GSH was found to be high, but a transient and highly significant decrease in content of GSH and increase in content of MDA was observed at 24 hai in comparison to control plants of same genotype and also in comparison to inoculated plants of susceptible genotype (Jawahar-16). These results indicate that generation of GSH and MDA is negatively correlated during the infection process as found in the case of DM-resistant genotype Pps-1 at 24hai, which also suggests an increased need by the host plant for oxidative stress, required for hypersensitive response mediated defense mechanism.

Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli prevents indomethacin-induced gastric damage in rats: role of non-protein sulfhydryl groups and leukocyte adherence

To investigate the role of non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) and leukocyte adhesion in the protective effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli against indomethacin-induced gastropathy. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: saline, LPS, saline + indomethacin and LPS + indomethacin, with six rats in each group. Rats were pretreated with LPS (300 microg/kg, by intravenous) or saline. After 6 h, indomethacin was administered (20 mg/kg, by gavage). Three hours after treatments, rats were killed. Macroscopic gastric damage, gastric NP-SH concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and mesenteric leukocyte adhesion (intravital microscopy) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Newman-Keuls test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. LPS reduced the gastric damage, gastric MPO activity and increased gastric NP-SH concentration in indomethacin-induced gastropathy. LPS alone increased gastric NP-SH when compared to saline. Indomethacin increased leukocyte adhesion when compared to the saline, and LPS reduced indomethacin-induced leukocyte adhesion. In addition, LPS alone did not change leukocyte adhesion, when compared to the saline. LPS protective effect against indomethacin-induced gastropathy is mediated by an increase in the NP-SH and a decrease in leukocyte-endothelial adhesion.

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.

Rocket “Eruca sativa”: A salad herb with potential gastric antiulcer activity

To validate gastric anti-ulcer properties of Rocket "Eruca sativa" on experimentally-induced gastric secretion and ulceration in albino rats. Gastric acid secretion studies were undertaken using pylorus-ligated rats. Gastric lesions in the rats were induced by noxious chemicals including ethanol, strong alkalis, indomethacin and hypothermic restraint stress. The levels of gastric wall mucus (GWM), nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also measured in the glandular stomach of rats following ethanol administration. The gastric tissue was also examined histologically. The extract was used in two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) in all experiments. In pylorus-ligated Shay rats, the ethanolic extract of Rocket "Eruca sativa L." (EER) significantly and dose-dependently reduced the basal gastric acid secretion, titratable acidity and ruminal ulceration. Rocket extract significantly attenuated gastric ulceration induced by necrotizing agents (80% ethanol, 0.2 mol/L NaOH, 25% NaCl), indomethacin and hypothermic restraint stress. The anti-ulcer effect was further confirmed histologically. On the other hand, the extract significantly replenished GWM and NP-SH levels, as well as the MDA level significantly reduced by extract pretreatment. Rocket extract possesses anti-secretory, cytoprotective, and anti-ulcer activities against experimentally-induced gastric lesions. The anti-ulcer effect is possibly through prostaglandin-mediated activity and/or through its anti-secretory and antioxidant properties.