Non-enzymatic Antioxidant Molecules Research Articles

The protective effect of apigenin against inorganic arsenic salt-induced toxicity in PC12 cells.

Poisoning by arsenic affects people worldwide, and many human illnesses and health issues, including neurotoxicity, have been linked to chronic exposure to arsenic. When exposed to arsenic, the body produces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which influence a variety of alterations in cellular activity and directly harm molecules through oxidation. Arsenic-induced lesions are improved by antioxidants with the ability to lower ROS levels. Therefore, the current research aimed to assess how well apigenin protected PC12 cells from the toxicity caused by inorganic arsenic salt (iAs). For 24 and 48 h, iAs and/or apigenin were applied to PC12 cells. Then, oxidative stress indicators like malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and ROS in addition to the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules such as catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. Moreover, after exposure to iAs, PC12 was examined for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression to clarify how apigenin manifests its neuroprotection. Furthermore, NF-kB p65 concentration and IL-1B, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression were measured to assess neuroinflammation. Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 levels were measured to investigate apigenin's potential to protect PC12 cells from iAs poisoning. The obtained results revealed that, the cell survival rate in the iAs group was significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the number of viable cells steadily increased after apigenin treatment. Furthermore, the study found that iAs decreased GSH, CAT, and SOD in the PC12 cells while increasing ROS, MDA, and NO levels. In PC12 cells, the capacity of iAs to cause oxidative stress was linked to the induction of neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Interestingly, apigenin pre-treatment of PC12 cells resulted in exceptional protection against iAs-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death. Nrf2 upregulation in PC12 cells may explain the neuroprotection effect of apigenin against iAs toxicity. In conclusion, the obtained results of the present study have clinical significance and indicate that apigenin is a promising candidate for shielding the nervous system from toxic effects caused by arsenic. These findings require further investigation using in vivo experimental models.

In vitro and in situ antifungal properties of a Trichoderma asperelloides SKRU-01 against aflatoxigenic aspergillus species

This research investigates the potential of using the culture filtrates of Trichoderma asperelloides SKRU-01 as a peanut preservative and/or fungicide against two mycotoxin-producing fungi, Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. The study assessed the effectiveness of culture filtrates SKRU-01 compared to two commercial preservatives and chemical fungicides, both in vitro and in peanuts. In addition, the study investigated the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic mechanisms of culture filtrates SKRU-01 against mycotoxin-producing strains. The in vitro results demonstrated that culture filtrates SKRU-01 had a significantly stronger inhibitory effect on the growth and spore germination of the two mycotoxin-producing strains compared to sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, and metalaxyl®, but less inhibition than prochloraz®. The study also explored the mode of action of culture filtrates SKRU-01 and found that it impeded the biosynthesis of ergosterol, indicating its antifungal activity was directed towards the plasma membrane as a potential target site. Furthermore, the culture filtrates SKRU-01 inhibited the biosynthesis of methylglyoxal (AFB1 inducer) in a manner that was dependent on the concentration, which represents a novel mechanism of action against aflatoxins. Additionally, the study observed significant impairment of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense molecules in aflatoxigenic cells, indicating a potential biochemical mechanism of action. The study tested the potential application of the culture filtrates SKRU-01 in eliminating fungal spoilage in peanuts as a model. The results showed that it had a significant effect in preventing both mold density and AFB1 production, compared to commercial preservatives and chemical fungicides. The antiaflatoxigenic property with AFB1 production level was below the public health concern threshold of 20 μg/kg. Overall, the findings suggest that the culture filtrate of T. asperelloides SKRU-01 contained effective biological control agents possessing preservative and fungicidal properties.

Effects of Different Kinds of Fertilizers on the Vegetative Growth, Antioxidative Defense System and Mineral Properties of Sunflower Plants

Long-term use of inorganic fertilizers can increase soil acidity, be harmful to the environment, and leaving bad effects on human health. Organic fertilizer application is one of the safer alternatives with numerous benefits, such as supplying nutrients for plant growth. Sunflower is one of the most important grown oilseed crops in the world. Sunflower plants need a supply of essential nutrients for their optimal growth. As a result, the aim of this research is to explore the effect and mechanism of two organic fertilizers from different sources (sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), compost coupled with biofertilizer (CCB)) and NPK inorganic fertilizer as a control on enzyme activity, physiological traits, and the uptake of mineral contents and heavy metals in sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus L.). Fresh or dry mass (FM, DM), osmolytes and secondary metabolites, photosynthesis pigments, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules were all determined. Both sugarcane bagasse ash and compost coupled with biofertilizer resulted in a high value of fresh and dry mass, plant height, and chlorophyll content. The results revealed that the use of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and compost coupled with biofertilizer increased osmolyte contents (soluble proteins and soluble sugars), antioxidants system enzyme/molecule (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and TGS) and secondary metabolites. However, the highest value of proline, total free amino acids, and phenolic compounds in sunflower plants was determined after NPK fertilizer application. On the contrary, it lowered Na, Na/K ratio, and Cd content. Data showed that organic fertilizers enhanced the accumulation of Cl, PO4, and SO4 content in sunflower plants. Generally, CCB and SBA treatments increased Cu, Zn, and Pb accumulation in sunflower plants. Using organic fertilizers with chemical NPK fertilizer can improve the chemical, physical, and biological soil properties.

Protective effects of Asparagus officinalis (asparagus) against lead toxicity in mice.

One of the most prevalent harmful heavy metals is lead (Pb). It is generally recognized to be harmful to the testicles. Asparagus officinalis has many saponins, flavonoids, and other phenolics with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The effects of A. officinalis (asparagus) aqueous extract (AOAE) on testicular damage caused by lead acetate (PbAc) were investigated in this study. In this way, 20mg/kg PbAc was injected intraperitoneally 2h after mice were administered 400mg/kg AOAE orally for 14days. In the biochemical analysis of testicular tissue, PbAc decreased enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant molecules in testicular tissue, while increasing lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, inflammatory markers [nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1 β), IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)], and apoptotic-related proteins. Additionally, PbAc was discovered to reduce sperm motility and increase the percentage of dead sperm. However, due to its antioxidant qualities, AOAE has been found to reduce oxidative stress, therefore protecting against inflammation and apoptosis. It also allowed the AOAE sperm parameters to restore to their previous values in the control group. According to the findings, AOAE could be a natural substance that could be used to treat Pb-induced testicular toxicity; this protection may be attributed to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. However, this study warrants further works to explore in detail the underlying mechanisms of the alleviating effects of AOAE against Pb-induced toxicity and which of its active ingredients is responsible for this protection.

Metabolic response of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus during the estivation-arousal cycles

Estivation is a widespread survival strategy for dealing with adverse environmental conditions such as high temperature, low oxygen and lack of water or food, which has been reported across multiple vertebrate and invertebrate species. The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an excellent model organism to investigate the adaptive mechanism of estivation in marine invertebrates. In this study, a metabolomics approach based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) was performed to reveal the metabolic response of intestines from adult A. japonicus over the annual estivation-arousal cycle: nonestivation (NA), deep-estivation (DA) and arousal from estivation (AA). A total of 424 metabolites were identified, and among them, 243, 238 and 37 significant differentially metabolites (DMs) were further screened in the comparisons of DA vs. NA, AA vs. DA, and AA vs. NA. Specifically, the levels of metabolites involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle were significantly decreased, while higher amounts of long-chain fatty acids, phospholipids and free amino acids were found in A. japonicus during estivation, implying that sea cucumbers might reorganize metabolic priorities for ATP production by depressing carbohydrate metabolism and promoting lipid and amino acid catabolism. Interestingly, elevated relative carbon flow entry into the pentose phosphate pathway and accumulation of various nonenzymatic antioxidant molecules (e.g., tocotrienols, folic acid, catechin, genistein and resveratrol) were observed in estivating sea cucumbers, which suggested that enhancement of the reactive oxygen species defense system might promote long-term viability in the hypometabolic state in an energy-efficient manner. Thus, this research provides new insights into the adaptation mechanisms of marine invertebrates to estivation at the metabolic level.

Mimosa pudica alleviates streptozotocin-induced diabetes, glycemic stress and glutathione depletion in Wistar Albino Rats

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that progresses to many microvascular complications. The phytoconstituents derived from herbs are thought to be important sources of anti-diabetic drug candidates. Mimosa pudica is one of such traditional herbal medicines having wide usage in treating diabetes mellitus. This study aims to validate the protective role of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of whole plant of Mimosa pudica in streptozotocin induced diabetic wistar albino rats. MethodsThe overnight fasted wistar rats were initially treated with nicotinamide followed by streptozotocin in order to induce type 2 diabetes. After 72 h, the fasting blood glucose analysis was done and animals were further allocated to 5 different groups - Control group (no STZ administration); STZ control (with STZ administration); Group III (M. pudica ethanol extract 400 mg/kg; ME group); Group IV (M. pudica aqueous extract 400 mg/kg; MA); Group V (metformin 200 mg/kg). The treatment drugs were administered once a day for three weeks. The fasting blood glucose on the initial (day 0) and final (21st) day of the experiment was determined. Parameters like plasma insulin and hepato-renal function parameters, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were estimated using standard kits. The animals were then sacrificed and liver tissues were collected for tissue analysis. ResultsSingle-dose streptozotocin (STZ) significantly increased blood glucose level, HbA1c, liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation, whereas repeated administration of extracts of Mimosa pudica significantly indicated a strong protective effect in the treated animals. The cellular pool of reduced glutathione and subsequent reduction in the lipid peroxidation status and improved insulin production are also well-corroborated. The plant extracts have shown statistically significant reduction of oxidative stress thereby showing antioxidant property by restoring the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules to nearly normal levels. ConclusionOverall, the study concludes that the phytoconstituents of M. pudica significantly controls the hyperglycaemic stress and glutathione depletion thereby provide therapeutically efficacious drug molecules for treating diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Silicon- and Phosphate-Solubilizing Pseudomonas alkylphenolica PF9 Alleviate Low Phosphorus Availability Stress in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Low phosphorus (P) availability is a major limiting factor facing current agriculture in several agricultural areas. Many P fertilizers are applied to enhance P availability; however, the major part is likely to lose due to various processes related to P cycle. Silicon (Si) treatment and P-solubilizing bacteria inoculation have been emerged as a promising way to improve plant P nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of Si treatment and Pseudomonas alkylphenolica PF9 strain inoculation on plant growth, P nutrition, acid phosphatase (APase) activity, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant metabolism in the Moroccan alfalfa population Oued Lmalah (OL) under low P availability. Results revealed a significant reduction in dry biomass, plant height, leaf number, and area under low P conditions. P deficiency also altered P nutrition and chlorophyll (Chl) content. However, P-deficient alfalfa plants treated with Si or inoculated with PF9 strain displayed higher plant growth, Chl content, and remarkably the effect was much higher when Si was applied together with PF9 strain. Moreover, the simultaneous application of Si and PF9 strain to the P-deficient alfalfa plants improved APase activity and as a result, P contents in both the shoots and roots. Results also showed that the application of both the Si and PF9 counteracted the low P availability stress-induced oxidative damage by lowering the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), electrolyte leakage, and lipid peroxidation. This seems to be related to the ability of both the Si and PF9 strain to modulate both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules including superoxide dismutase activity, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and proline contents. Our findings suggest that the combined application of Si and P. alkylphenolica PF9 strain could be a promising way for improving growth of alfalfa under low-P availability.

Zincum Metallicum, a homeopathic drug, alleviates Zn-induced toxic effects and promotes plant growth and antioxidant capacity in Lepidium sativum L.

In this study, we investigated the effect of the homeopathic drug Zincum Metallicum (ZM) on zinc (Zn) toxicity in the plant species Lepidium sativum L. We focused on growth parameters, Zn uptake and numerous biochemical parameters. Seedlings were hydroponically subjected during 7days to 0.05, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000µM Zn2+, in the absence or presence of 15ch or 9ch ZM. In the absence of ZM, Zn induced negative effect on growth especially at the dose of 2mM. Zn induced also chlorosis, reduced total chlorophyll and/or carotenoid content and increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Under Zn toxicity (500, 1000 and 1500µM), the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were increased or not significantly affected, while at 2000µM Zn affected the activity of these enzymes. At the highest Zn level (2mM), proline and total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were markedly increased in leaves and roots of L. sativum. Additionally, ZM supply considerably ameliorated the plant growth, photosynthetic pigment contents and increased non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules and enzymatic activities against Zn-induced oxidative stress. Our data suggest that homeopathic properties of ZM may be efficiently involved in the restriction of Zn-induced oxidative damages, by lowering Zn accumulation and translocation in the leaves and roots of Lepidium sativum L.

Oxidative stress and its impact on skin, scalp and hair.

Oxidative stress is an unbalanced condition in which the tissues of the body are not sufficiently able to counteract either exogenous or endogenous sources of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress is strongly associated with ageing, both local and systemic, as well as a wide range of local health conditions. This review focuses on the oxidative stress data known for skin, scalp and hair. This oxidative stress may be the 'currency' by which an unhealthy scalp leads to deleterious consequences to the hair. The ramifications of this scalp oxidative stress to normal hair elongation, retention and replacement are discussed.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Attenuates Pb Acetate-induced Testicular Damage in Rats.

Lead (Pb) remains a common contaminant in the environment in many parts of the world. Pb exposure adversely affects many human organs, including the gonads, via oxidant and inflammatory marker propagation in affected tissues. Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) is a rich source of antioxidants, reported to have robust anti-inflammatory properties. This investigation assessed whether MOE could mitigate testicular damage caused by Pb acetate treatment in rats. Four experimental groups were used: control animals (saline only), MOE (MOE only), PbAc (Pb acetate injection only), and MOE+PbAc. All treatments were administered for two weeks, after which animals were sacrificed, and tissues and serum were examined. To confirm the potential antioxidant effect of MOE, the total polyphenolic (TP) and flavonoid (TF) concentrations were determined. The obtained results revealed that the TP concentration was 17.4 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram MOE dried weight and the TF concentration was 5.6 mg of quercetin equivalents per gram MOE dried weight. Moreover, MOE partially restored levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone and significantly attenuated oxidative stress biomarkers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), compared to levels observed in the PbAc-only group. MOE significantly increased the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione (GSH). Testicular levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were significantly decreased in MOE+PbAc compared to PbAc. MOE also significantly decreased pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase- 3 mRNA and protein levels and increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels. MOE extract was associated with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti- apoptotic activity that ameliorated testicular damage induced by Pb acetate. MOE is proposed as a favorable adjuvant to existing treatments for Pb-induced toxicity.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF MERREMIA BORNEENSIS AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (CCl4)-INDUCED ACUTE LIVER DAMAGE IN RATS: A BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Objective: The pathogenesis of various liver injuries involves oxidative damage. This research was planned to examine the effects of Mereemia borneensis extract on hepatic oxidative damage caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.&#x0D; Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to M. borneensis (125 and 250 mg/kg b. wt.) once daily for 14 d followed by two doses of CCl4 (1.2 ml/kg b. wt.). After 2 w, the rats were sacrificed and hepatoprotective analysis was done.&#x0D; Results: Orally administration of CCl4 enhances serum transaminase (ALT; alanine transaminase and AST; aspartate transaminase), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, lipid peroxidation, reduction in glutathione, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, quinone reductase and glutathione S-transferase. Pretreatment of rats with M. borneensis at 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced levels of ALT, AST, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lipid peroxidation of CCl4 treated rats. Pretreatment with M. borneensis against rats treated with CCl4, hepatic enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules have increased significantly. A decreased histopathological change in the liver is further evidence of the protective effect of M. borneensis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our data suggest that M. borneensis can be a potential hepatoprotective agent in preventing or treating degenerative diseases that involve oxidative stress.

Myristica fragrans essential oil nanoemulsion as novel green preservative against fungal and aflatoxin contamination of food commodities with emphasis on biochemical mode of action and molecular docking of major components

The study reports the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action of chitosan fabricated Myristica fragrans essential oil nanoemulsion (Nm-MFEO) against an aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus (AF LHP R14). Significant inhibition in ergosterol biosynthesis by Nm-MFEO indicated plasma membrane as potential target site of antifungal action. Moreover, Nm-MFEO caused dose dependent inhibition of methylglyoxal (aflatoxin inducer) biosynthesis suggesting novel antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action. Significant impairment in enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and non-enzymatic (oxidized and reduced glutathione and ratio of oxidized and reduced glutathione) anti-oxidative defense molecules in AF LHP R14 cells after treatment with Nm-MFEO suggested biochemical mechanism of action. Nm-MFEO exhibited promising antioxidant activity as determined through DPPH˙ and ABTS˙+ assay with IC50 value 1.20, 0.157 μL/mL, respectively and higher phenolic content (11.87 μg/mg gallic acid). Further, the in silico molecular docking of major components of MFEO viz. myristicin, elemicin and thujanol with aflatoxin producing regulatory genes Ver 1 and Omt A depicted important molecular site of interaction supporting the applicability of MFEO nanoemulsion as plant based green food preservative. The present study is the first report on the effect of chitosan fabricated MFEO nanoemulsion resulting in the inhibition of methylglyoxal, thereby suggesting its future exploitation for the development of aflatoxin resistant food crop varieties through green transgenics.

Why Does the Halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Better Tolerate Ni Toxicity than Brassica juncea: Implication of Antioxidant Defense Systems.

The implication of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative systems in response to Ni was evaluated in the halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum in comparison with the metal tolerant glycophyte species Brassica juncea. Seedlings of both species were hydroponically subjected during 21 days to 0, 25, 50, and 100 µM NiCl2. Growth parameters showed that the halophyte M. crystallinum was more tolerant to Ni than B. juncea. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased to a higher extent in B. juncea than in M. crystallinum. Antioxidant enzymesactivities were differently affected by Ni in both species. Nickel increased shoot superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities in B. juncea, whereas these activities were reduced in M. crystallinum when exposed to metal stress. The root SOD, APX and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities increased upon Ni treatments for both species. The content of non-enzymatic antioxidative molecules such as glutathione, non-protein thiols and proline increased in Ni-treated plants, except for GSH content in the shoot of B. juncea. Based on the oxidative balance, our findings confirm the higher tolerance of the halophyte M. crystallinum to Ni-induced oxidative stress comparatively to B. juncea. We suggest that M. crystallinum is able to overcome the produced ROS using the non-enzymatic system, while Ni-induced oxidative stress was more acute in B. juncea, leading this species to mainly use the enzymatic system to protect against reactive oxygen species.

Hydroxyl radical scavenging of the compatible solute ectoine generates two N-acetimides

Living cells employ various defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species and free radicals. Besides protecting enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase, non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules also play an important role as radical scavengers. Within bacteria the amino acid derivative ectoine (2-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4-carboxylate) is the most abundant compatible solute and stress protectant. Although this compound is already produced commercially for applications as moisturizer and skin-care product, it has been a matter of debate whether ectoine also has radical-scavenging activity. Here we report on its hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in comparison to other compatible solutes and describe the reaction products obtained when ectoine is exposed to hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction. In a sodium salicylate scavenging test system this compatible solute performed as well as mannitol. As a consequence of its reaction with hydroxyl radicals, ectoine was converted into two major products: N-acetimide aspartate and N-acetimide-β-alanine. We propose a reaction mechanism in which the heterocycle of the compatible solute ectoine is cleaved and further oxidized at the C-terminus. The proven radical scavenging ability of ectoine will help to explain observed effects as anti-inflammatory compound in skin, lung and bowel disease.

The potential hepatoprotective effect of royal jelly against cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice is mediated by suppression of oxidative stress and upregulation of Nrf2 expression

This study was aimed at investigating the possible protective mechanism of royal jelly (RJ) against hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2). The study included four groups: the control group received saline (0.9% sodium chloride), CdCl2 group received 6.5 mg/kg CdCl2 for seven days, RJ group received 85 mg/kg standardized RJ containing 6% 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid equivalent to 250 mg crude RJ, and finally, the fourth group received RJ 2 h before CdCl2 injection daily for 7 days. Oxidant/antioxidant markers of liver function estimation and histopathology were determined. The results revealed that RJ significantly ameliorated the hepatotoxic side effects of Cd. Furthermore, RJ inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic tissue injury; normalized enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant molecules; and enhanced nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. Our results provide new insights into the hepatoprotective property of RJ and revealed that RJ prevented hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation by upregulating Nrf2 and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Hence, RJ can be used as a hepatoprotective agent against the toxic effects of CdCl2.

Vitamin C plays protective role against nicotine-induced histological damages on testis in wistar rats

Consumption of nicotine has been increasing day-by-day. Nicotine is consid-ered to cause dangerous effects and these symptoms are mostly seen in youths. Nicotine affects the lungs, the heart, the liver, the reproductive sys-tem and other organs in the body, and it is connected with lung cancer as documented by many researchers. The present study evaluated the protec-tive role of vitamin C against the tissue damages caused by nicotine in the rat testis. Four groups each with 6 rats were prepared G1: Control group re-ceived normal saline. G2: Nicotine group rats received 1.0 mg/kg of nicotine. G3: Vitamin C group rats received (200 mg/kg bw, once/day in water). G4: Vitamin C + Nicotine group animals received 1.0 mg/kg of nicotine and 200 mg/kg of Vitamin C. Administration of nicotine alone witnessed adverse effects and damage to the histopathological attributes of the testis, mostly seminiferous tubules were found deformed and showing basal vacuolation or massive degeneration and loss of germ cells, wide interstitial spaces with vascular congestion. On the other hand, the administration of vitamin C alone or vitamin C + nicotine had no adverse effects and damage were seen on the histological structure of testis tissues. Vitamin C which is a non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules and widely available seems to ameliorate histopathological damages caused by nicotine on the rat testicular tissue.

Modulatory Effects of Berberine Chloride on Lipid Profile, Oxidant Status and Insulin Signaling Molecules in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Berberine chloride (BC) on lipid profile, oxidant status and insulin signaling molecules in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single dose of intraperitoneal administration of STZ (40mg/kg b.w). Diabetic rats were treated with BC (50mg/kgb.w) and glibenclamide (6mg/kgb.w) for 45days. BC treated diabetic rats showed significant (p <0.05) decrease in the levels of TC, TG, phospholipids, LDL, VLDL and lipid peroxidation markers such as LOOH and TBARS. An increase in enzymatic antioxidant (SOD, CAT and GPx), non-enzymatic antioxidant (GSH, vitamin C and E) and insulin signaling molecules expression, like Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), Protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) were found to be significantly raised in BC treated STZ induced diabetic rats. Thus, the results of the current study demonstrated that BC significantly reversed the abnormal levels of lipids, oxidant status and insulin signaling molecules in the diabetic rat model, which may be contributed to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities.

Physiological Significance of Plant Peroxiredoxins and the Structure-Related and Multifunctional Biochemistry of Peroxiredoxin 1.

Sessile plants respond to oxidative stress caused by internal and external stimuli by producing diverse forms of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant molecules. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) in plants, including the Prx1, Prx5, Prx6, and PrxQ isoforms, constitute a family of antioxidant enzymes and play important functions in cells. Each Prx localizes to a specific subcellular compartment and has a distinct function in the control of plant growth, development, cellular metabolism, and various aspects of defense signaling. Recent Advances: Prx1, a typical Prx in plant chloroplasts, has redox-dependent multiple functions. It acts as a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-catalyzing peroxidase, a molecular chaperone, and a biological circadian marker. Prx1 undergoes a functional switching from a peroxidase to a molecular chaperone in response to oxidative stress, concomitant with the structural changes from a low-molecular-weight species to high-molecular-weight complexes mediated by the post-translational modification of its active site Cys residues. The redox status of the protein oscillates diurnally between hyperoxidation and reduction, showing a circadian rhythmic output. These dynamic structural and functional transformations mediate the effect of plant Prx1 on protecting plants from a myriad of harsh environmental stresses. The multifunctional diversity of plant Prxs and their roles in cellular defense signaling depends on their specific interaction partners, which remain largely unidentified. Therefore, the identification of Prx-interacting proteins is necessary to clarify their physiological significance. Since the functional specificity of the four plant Prx isoforms remains unclear, future studies should focus on investigating the physiological importance of each Prx isotype. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 625-639.

Protective Effects of Fragaria ananassa Extract Against Cadmium Chloride-Induced Acute Renal Toxicity in Rats.

For experiments of cadmium toxicity in animal models, cadmium (II) chloride is often used due to its solubility in water and its ability to produce high concentrations of cadmium at the target site. The present study was designed to investigate the potential inhibitory effect of the Fragaria ananassa fruit extract on cadmium (II) chloride-induced renal toxicity in rats. Tested animals were pretreated with the extract of F. ananassa and injected with cadmium (II) chloride (6.5-mg/kg body weight) for 5days. Cadmium (II) chloride significantly increased kidney cadmium concentration, kidney weight, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide production. Plasma uric acid, urea, and creatinine levels also increased significantly, indicative of kidney dysfunction. These effects were accompanied by significantly decreased levels of nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant molecules (i.e., glutathione content and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase). Moreover, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-2, and the antioxidant proteins, superoxide dismutase 2 and glutathione reductase, were downregulated markedly, whereas mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α was upregulated significantly in kidney tissues of cadmium-treated rats. Histology of kidney tissue demonstrated severe, adverse changes that reflected cadmium-induced tissue damage. Pretreatment of rats with the extract of F. ananassa ameliorated all aforementioned cadmium (II) chloride-induced changes. In conclusion, the present study showed acute renal toxicity in rats treated with cadmium (II) chloride. The study also revealed that pretreatment with the extract of F. ananassa could protect the kidney against cadmium (II) chloride-induced acute renal toxicity.

CuO Nanoparticles Inhibited Root Growth from Brassica nigra Seedlings but Induced Root from Stem and Leaf Explants.

Interests associated with nanoparticles (NPs) are budding due to their toxicity to living species. The lethal effect of NPs depends on their nature, size, shape, and concentration. Present investigation reports that CuO NPs badly affected Brassica nigra seed germination and seedling growth parameters. However, variation in antioxidative activities and nonenzymatic oxidants is observed in plantlets. Culturing the leaf and stem explants on MS medium in presence of low concentration of CuO NPs (1-20mgl-1) produces white thin roots with thick root hairs. These roots also show an increase in DPPH radical scavenging activity (up to 80% at 10mgl-1), total antioxidant, and reducing power potential (maximum in presence of 10mgl-1 CuO NPs in the media). Nonenzymatic antioxidative molecules, phenolics and flavonoids, are observed elevated but NPs concentration dependent. We can conclude that CuO NPs can induce rooting from plant explants cultured on appropriate medium. These roots can be explored for the production of active chemical constituents.