Oxidative Parameters Research Articles

Boswellic Acid and Betulinic Acid Pre-treatments Can Prevent the Nephrotoxicity Caused by Cyclophosphamide Induction.

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various cancers. However, its clinical use is limited due to severe organ damage, particularly to the kidneys. While several phytochemicals have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for CYP nephrotoxicity, the nephroprotective effects of boswellic acid (BOSW) and betulinic acid (BET) have not yet been investigated. Our study used 42 rats divided into six equal groups. The study included six groups: control, CYP (200 mg/kg), CYP+BOSW20 (20mg/kg), CYP+BOSW40 (40 mg/kg), CYP+BET20 (20 mg/kg), and CYP+BET40 (40 mg/kg). The pre-treatments with BOSW and BET lasted for 14 days, while the application of cyclophosphamide was performed intraperitoneally only on the 4th day of the study. After the experimental protocol, the animals were sacrificed, and their kidney tissues were isolated. Renal function parameters, histological examination, oxidative stress, and inflammation parameters were assessed both biochemically and at the molecular level in kidney tissue. The results showed that oxidative stress and inflammatory response were increased in the kidney tissue of rats treated with CYP, leading to impaired renal histology and function parameters (p < 0.05). Oral administration of both doses of BET and especially high doses of BOSW improved biochemical, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters significantly (p < 0.05). Histological studies also showed the restoration of normal kidney tissue architecture. BOSW and BET have promising biological activity against CYP-induced nephrotoxicity by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant status.

Evaluation of Possible Toxic Effects of Boric Acid in Palourde Clam (Ruditapes decussatus) Through Histological Changes and Oxidative Responses.

The extensive utilization of boric acid, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors, also engenders concerns regarding the toxicity of boron and its derivatives. Particularly, the behavior of boric acid at increasing concentrations in aquatic ecosystems remains poorly understood. In light of these concerns, this study aimed to investigate the toxicity of boric acid in bivalves, which occupy a critical position in the food chain. Specimens of Ruditapes decussatus, which had not been previously exposed to any pollutants and were cultivated under controlled conditions, were subjected to three different concentrations of boric acid (0.05mg/L, 0.5mg/L, and 5mg/L) in vitro for 96h. Following the exposure period, the specimens were assessed for histological changes (the mantle, gill, and digestive gland) and specific oxidative parameters (the gill and digestive gland), including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The research findings indicated that boric acid primarily induced oxidative damage at the applied concentrations and increased antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, although no significant histopathological abnormalities were observed in the examined histological sections, subtle changes were noted. This study evaluated the potential adverse effects of boric acid on bivalves, which are crucial components of the aquatic food chain, utilizing histological and specific physiological parameters following its introduction into aquatic environments. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will contribute to the development of new insights and perspectives regarding the extensive use of boric acid.

Oxidative stress in patients with coronavirus disease and end-stage renal disease: a pilot study

BackgroundOxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant capacity, increases in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or renal impairment. We investigated whether combined COVID-19 and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) would increase oxidative stress levels compared to each disease alone.MethodsOxidative stress was compared among three groups. Two groups comprised patients with COVID-19 referred to the hospital with or without renal impairment (COVID-ESRD group [n = 18]; COVID group [n = 17]). The third group (ESRD group [n = 18]) comprised patients without COVID-19 on maintenance hemodialysis at a hospital.ResultsThe total oxidative stress in the COVID-ESRD group was lower than in the COVID group (p = 0.047). The total antioxidant status was higher in the COVID-ESRD group than in the ESRD (p < 0.001) and COVID (p < 0.001) groups after controlling for covariates. The oxidative stress index was lower in the COVID-ESRD group than in the ESRD (p = 0.001) and COVID (p < 0.001) groups. However, the three oxidative parameters did not differ significantly between the COVID and COVID-ESRD groups.ConclusionsThe role of reactive oxygen species in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 among patients withESRD appears to be non-critical. Therefore, the provision of supplemental antioxidants may not confer a therapeutic advantage, particularly in cases of mild COVID-19 in ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis. Nonetheless, this area merits further research.

Neurotherapeutic effects of quercetin-loaded nanoparticles and Biochanin-A extracted from Trifolium alexandrinum on PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling in the cerebral cortex of male diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a severe metabolic disease that can have significant consequences for cognitive health. Bioflavonoids such as Trifolium alexandrinum (TA), quercetin (Q), and Biochanin-A (BCA) are known to exert a wide range of pharmacological functions including antihyperglycemic activity. This study aimed to investigate the neurotherapeutic effects of quercetin-loaded nanoparticles (Q-LNP) and BCA extracted from TA against diabetes-induced cerebral cortical damage through modulation of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β and AMPK signaling pathways. Adult male Wistar albino rats (N = 25) were randomly assigned to one of five groups: control, diabetics fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with STZ (40 mg/kg), and diabetics treated with Q-LNP (50 mg/kg BW/day), BCA (10 mg/kg BW/day), or TA extract (200 mg/kg BW/day). Treatments were applied by oral gavage once daily for 35 days. Diabetic rats treated with Q-LNP, BCA, and TA extract showed improvement in cognitive performance, cortical oxidative metabolism, antioxidant parameters, and levels of glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. In addition, these treatments improved neurochemical levels, including acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin levels as well acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities. Furthermore, these treatments lowered proinflammatory cytokine production for TNF-α and NF-κB; downregulated the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, APP, and PPAR-γ; and attenuated the expressions of PSEN2, BACE, IR, PI3K, FOXO 1, AKT, AMPK, GSK-3β, and GFAP. The histopathological examinations of the cerebral cortical tissues confirmed the biochemical results. Overall, the present findings suggest the potential therapeutic effects of TA bioflavonoids in modulating diabetes-induced cerebral cortical damage.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF PLASMA-ELECTROLYTICE OXIDATION PARAMETERS ON THE FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF HETEROXIDE COATINGS

The results of a study of the influence of the parameters of plasma-electrolytic oxidation in diphosphate electrolyte solutions of metal platforms made of titanium alloys, as the basis for the formation of heterooxide coatings with photocatalytic activity, on the level of their functional properties are presented. It has been established that heterooxide coatings obtained in PEO modes on titanium alloy platforms, in which zinc and tungsten compounds were incorporated as dopants, demonstrate photocatalytic activity in the processes of azo dye degradation under UV irradiation. An increase in the concentration of oxygen-containing compounds of dopants in electrolyte solutions has a positive effect on their incorporation into the composition of the monoxide matrix of the composite, morphology and catalytic properties of the obtained coatings. Based on the results of determining the morphological features of the structure of the coatings, it was proved that, compared with titanium monoxide, as a material for a photocatalytic platform, heterooxide coatings have a more developed globular surface microstructure, which positively affects the level of their functional performance. A symbatic dependence between the content of incorporated dopants and the specific surface area of coatings, as well as their photocatalytic activity, has been proven. It is noted that the change in the phase structure of the surface layers in the process of plasma-electrolytic formation of the TiO/ZnO-WO3 coating on the surface of the carrier metal causes an increase in the mechanical characteristics of the resulting coatings, in particular, the microhardness almost doubles. The obtained results can become the basis for the creation of functional materials for the catalytic neutralization of natural, synthetic and man-made toxicants, which will lead to the solution of a number of environmental problems both during the war crisis and during the post-war reconstruction of the country.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors alleviated depressive and anxious-like behaviors in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide: Involvement of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation

Depression and anxiety disorders have their pathophysiologies linked to inflammation and oxidative stress. In this context, celecoxib (CLX) and etoricoxib (ETR) inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme expressed by cells involved in the inflammatory process and found in the brain. Studies have been using CLX as a possible drug in the treatment of depression, although its mechanisms at the central nervous system level are not fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of CLX and ETR on behavioral, oxidative, and inflammatory changes induced by systemic exposure to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated in adult male swiss mice. For ten days, the animals received intraperitoneal injections of LPS at 0.5 mg/kg. From the sixth to the tenth day, one hour after LPS exposure, they were treated orally with CLX (15 mg/kg), ETR (10 mg/kg), or fluoxetine (FLU) (20 mg/kg). Twenty-four hours after the last oral administration, the animals underwent evaluation of locomotor activity (open field test), predictive tests for depressive-like behavior (forced swim and tail suspension tests), and anxiolytic-like effect (elevated plus maze and hole board tests). Subsequently, the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum were dissected for the measurement of oxidative and nitrosative parameters (malondialdehyde, nitrite, and glutathione) and quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6). LPS induced depressive and anxious-like behavior, and treatment with CLX or ETR was able to reverse most of the behavioral changes. It was evidenced that nitrosative stress and the degree of lipid peroxidation induced by LPS were reduced in different brain areas after treatment with the drugs, as well as the endogenous defense system against free radicals was strengthened. CLX and ETR also significantly reduced LPS-induced cytokine levels. These data are expected to expand information on the role of inflammation in depression and anxiety and provide insights into possible mechanisms of COX-2 inhibitors in psychiatric disorders with a neurobiological basis in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effects of paradoxical sleep deprivation on oxidative parameters in the serum and brain of mice submitted to the animal model of hyperglycemia

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) on behavioral and oxidative stress parameters in the brain and serum of mice submitted to the animal model of hyperglycemia induced by alloxan, mimicking the main symptom of diabetes mellitus (DM). Adults C57BL/6 male and female mice received an injection of alloxan, and ten days later, the animals were submitted to the PSD for 36 h. The animals' behavioral parameters were evaluated in the open-field test. Oxidative stress parameters [Diacetyldichlorofluorescein (DCF), Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione] were assessed in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and serum. The PSD increased the male and female mice locomotion, but the alloxan's pre-administration prevented the PSD-induced hyperactivity. In addition, the male mice receiving alloxan and submitted to the PSD had elevated latency time in the first quadrant and the number of fecal boli, demonstrating increased anxiety-like behavior. The HPA-axis was hyperactivating in male and female mice pre-administered alloxan and/or PSD-submitted animals. The oxidative stress parameters were also increased in the serum of the animals administered alloxan and/or sleep-deprived mice. Despite alloxan or PSD leading to behavioral or biochemical alterations, the one did not potentiate the other in mice. However, more studies are necessary to identify the link between sleep and hyperglycemia.

Short-term immunotoxicity induced by florpyrauxifen-benzyl herbicide exposure in the spleen of male albino mice.

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl (FPB)is a new arylpicolinate systemic herbicide that has been used to control or suppress the majority of herbicide-resistant biotype weeds in rice. To our knowledge, the impact of FPB on the immune system remains undetected thus far. Hence, this work aimed to address the toxic effects of FPB and the possible related mechanisms on the spleen of exposed mice. Initially, an acute toxicological test was performed to ascertain the median lethal dose (LD50) of FPB for 24 h which was found to be 371.54 mg/kg b.wt. For mechanistic evaluation of FPB toxicity, three sublethal doses (1/20th, 1/10th, and 1/5thLD50) were orally administered to mice for 21 consecutive days. Changes in spleen relative weight, oxidative status, apoptotic and inflammatory markers, histopathological alterations were evaluated. Following the FPB exposure, significant (p < 0.05) decline in spleen index, apoptotic features, histolopathological changes were observed. Additionally, excessive oxidative stress in spleen tissues was monitored by downregulating antioxidant enzymes and upregulating the oxidant parameters. Furthermore, exposure to FPB resulted in notable activation of the NF-қB signaling pathway, accompanied by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (namely, IL-1βand TNF-α)as well as CD3 and CD19 levels have decreased significantly in spleen tissues. Collectively, FPB exposure exhibited apoptosis, oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and inflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner, leading to spleen tissue damage and immunotoxicity. Further studies on FPB is recommended to outstand its hazards on ecosystems.

Response of Macroscopic Coal Oxidation and Pyrolysis Parameters to Different Extractants

ABSTRACT The active structure of coal molecules is one of the key factors affecting the characteristics of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC). By actively stripping or reducing the key active structure of coal molecules, and then studying the influence of different structures on the oxidation characteristics of coal, it is helpful to accurately and efficiently inhibit CSC. Herein, using coal samples from Caojiatan Mine in Shaanxi Province, China, the CSC characteristics of 10 coal groups treated with different solvents and the response of the macroscopic coal oxidation and pyrolysis parameters to each extractant were investigated. The extractant type considerably affected CSC, and the oxidization of coal was most responsive to biomass extraction agents, which had the best weakening effect on CSC. The order of CSC characteristics of extracted coal from strong to weak is AE> YM> CYC> AOT> CYH> EG> MT> TP> THF> CYC + AOT + AE> EG + TP. In general, all extraction reagents in each group have a certain weakening effect on the CSC activity of coal samples. The extraction of aromatic hydrocarbon structures can effectively delay the oxidation of coal. The study provides new insights for the development of CSC mitigation technology and have important practical significance for active prevention and control of CSC risks.

Association of Apelin, Chemerin and Omentin Levels with Oxidative Stress Markers in Non-Diabetic and Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract &#x0D;     Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the etiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, associations of adipokines with oxidative stress biomarkers have yet to be investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the estimation of serum apelin, chemerin, and omentin levels in induced TIDM and their correlations with oxidative stress markers. The study included sixty male albino rats divided into two groups. The first group (n = 30) was diabetic (TIDM induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 40mg/kg STZ). The non-diabetic control group was the second (n: 30). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) test was used to quantify the serum levels of apelin, chemerin, omentin and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Furthermore, blood glucose, lipid profile triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) parameters were evaluated. Rats with induced TIDM had significantly higher serum levels of apelin, chemerin, omentin, malondialdehyde MDA, ADMA, and NO compared to non-diabetics. According to the coefficient of correlation analysis, the results revealed a positive association between apelin and LDL, ALT, and MDA and a negative correlation between apelin and AST: ALT.  In addition, no correlation was found between apelin and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL: HDL TG, TG: HDL, VLDL, AST, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, NO, and ADMA. LDL, ALT, and MDA. Serum chemerin level correlated positively with LD: HDL and ADMA. Also, the plasma level of omentin showed a significant and positive correlation with both TG: HDL and MDA values. In conclusion, the results of this study introduced apelin and chemerin as potential biomarkers for the early detection of diabetes. Elevated serum apelin levels in induced T1DM could provide compensatory action for low insulin levels. While, apelin, chemerin and omentin’s positive correlations with MDA level suggest the potential roles of these adipokines in diabetes-induced complications caused by oxidative stress.

Experimental Study on Low-Temperature-Oxidation Parameters and Simulations of Exothermic Process during Air Injection in Light Oil Reservoirs

Summary The thermal development process for light oil reservoirs using air injection technology is to release heat through low-temperature oxidation (LTO) between the injected air and crude oil and gradually increase the reaction zone’s temperature to displace crude oil. However, existing LTO experimental methods for air injection do not adequately capture the characteristics of LTO and struggle to directly obtain LTO kinetic parameters at low temperatures. In this paper, we used light oil samples from the Huabei Oilfield, China, as the studied objects and proposed innovative methods for obtaining and calculating LTO kinetic parameters. Further, we validated the feasibility of the proposed methods through experimental and numerical simulations. The results indicate that the lower limit temperature at which oxidation parameters can be directly measured through the accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) experiments is 124°C. We matched the calculations from the ARC experiment curve-extension method for kinetic parameters with the results from both the high-pressure thermogravimetric analyzers (HP-TGA) experiment and the ramped thermal oxidizer (RTO) experiment. The fit between these results indicates that three methods are suitable for obtaining LTO parameters and can be used to derive chemical equations for LTO reactions in numerical simulation models. The simulation results from the reservoir scale indicate that, following air injection into the light oil reservoir, the peak temperature at the leading edge of the high-temperature zone reaches 370.9°C. The interaction between crude oil and air remains in the LTO phase, facilitating a sustained thermal accumulation within the reservoir. This study can provide a reference for reservoir development under similar conditions.

Valorization of waste seashells as bioadsorbent for sunflower oil bleaching

AbstractIn this study, the performance of waste seashells (SS) in adsorbing color and oxidation parameters during the bleaching process of sunflower oil was evaluated and compared with that of commercial clay. Seashell activation methods included microwave treatment (900 W for 30 min), acid treatment (7 N H2SO4), and a combination of both. Interestingly, the unactivated SS demonstrated superior adsorption performance compared with the activated SS. SS, which have the ability to eliminate color pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoid, were found to be effective in this regard. However, their effectiveness in reducing the peroxide and p‐anisidine value was not as successful as that of commercial clay. Free acidity content remained constant across all treatments. SS emerged as a cost‐effective alternative adsorbent, promising in preventing environmental pollution. Their use signifies a valuable contribution to sustainability. This study sheds light on SS potential as an eco‐friendly solution in industrial processes, warranting further exploration and application.Practical applicationsBiowaste valorization is a process that involves converting organic waste materials into valuable products, energy, or resources, instead of simply disposing of them in landfills or incinerating them. This approach has gained significance owing to its potential to address environmental, economic, and social challenges. In this respect, this study presents that bioadsorbent obtained from waste SS can be utilized for bleaching of sunflower oil.

Baseline glucocorticoids alone do not predict reproductive success across years, but in interaction with enzymatic antioxidants

AbstractGlucocorticoids are known to adjust organismal functions, such as metabolism, in response to environmental conditions. Therefore, these hormones are thought to play a key role in regulating the metabolically demanding aspects of reproduction, especially in variable environments. However, support for the hypothesis that variation in glucocorticoid concentrations predicts reproductive success is decidedly mixed. Two explanations may account for this discrepancy: (i) Glucocorticoids might not act independently but could interact with other physiological traits, jointly influencing reproduction, and (ii) such an association could become apparent primarily in challenging environments when glucocorticoid concentrations increase. To address these two possibilities, we determined natural variation in circulating baseline glucocorticoid concentrations in parental great tits (Parus major) alongside two physiological systems known to be related with an individual's metabolism: oxidative status parameters (i.e., concentrations of pro‐oxidants, dietary, and enzymatic antioxidants) and body condition. These systems interact with glucocorticoids and can also influence reproductive success. We measured these variables in two breeding seasons that differed in environmental conditions. When accounting for the interaction of baseline glucocorticoids with other physiological traits, we found a positive relationship between baseline glucocorticoids and the number of fledglings in adult great tits. The strength of this relationship was more pronounced for those individuals who also had high concentrations of the enzymatic antioxidant glutathione peroxidase. When studied independently, glucocorticoids were not related to fitness proxies, even in the year with more challenging environmental conditions. Together, our study lend to support the hypothesis that glucocorticoids do not influence fitness alone, but in association with other physiological systems.

Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) juveniles maintained at high temperature and brackish water improve growth, osmoregulation, and antioxidant responses

The study evaluated the interactions between temperature (25 and 28 °C) and salinity (0, 15, and 32 ppt) on the growth performance, plasmatic ions, ATPases activities, and oxidative and antioxidant parameters in different tissues of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) reared for 90 days by a 2 × 3 factorial design. The growth performance and feed conversion ratio were influenced by temperature and interaction between factors, with the best results observed in the combination between 28 °C and 15 ppt. There were effects of temperature and salinity (isolated or in interaction) for plasmatic ions, v-type H+-ATPase (VHA) and Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activities, and oxidative stress responses. Gill VHA (at 32 ppt) and NKA (at 0 and 15 ppt) activities were higher at 25 than at 28 °C. In the kidney, at 28 °C, the VHA (at 15 ppt) and NKA (at 32 ppt) activities were higher than at 25 °C. The VHA and NKA activities in the stomach at 28 °C and 32 ppt were higher than at the other treatments. In the intestine, the lowest activity of VHA at 25 and 28 °C occurred at 0 and 32 ppt, respectively, and the activity of NKA was highest in the interaction of 0 ppt and 25 °C. At 0 ppt, the plasmatic Na+ and Cl− values at both temperatures were decreased, and the plasmatic K+ values at 25 °C were increased. Liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl content values were higher at the combinations of 15 ppt and 25 °C and 32 ppt and 28 °C than at the other interactions. Liver antioxidant responses (glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, non-protein thiols, and superoxide dismutase) were higher at 15 ppt than other salinities at both temperatures. In conclusion, the improved growth, osmoregulation, and antioxidant responses were found to be higher at 28 °C and 15 ppt.

Oral supplementation of Njansan (Ricinodendron heudelotii Bail) and sardine fillets (Sardina pilchardus) oils alleviate high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats by regulating lipid metabolism and stress oxidative parameters

Background: Obesity has become one of the most common metabolic disorders in the world, characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the body. Research into natural compounds to improve obesity has become increasingly important. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the effects of Sardina pilchardus and Ricinodendron heudelotii oils on the management of obesity. Materials and Methods: Njansan (R. heudelotii) oil was extracted by cold pressing using an automatic oil press machine and Sardine fish oil by a cooking method. To evaluate the anti-obesity effect of these oils, six groups of six male Wistar rats were fed different diets: C0 group received a normal diet; HFD was fed a high-fat diet; N1, N2, F1 and F2 followed by a high-fat diet supplemented with njansan and sardine oils at 1 g/kg body weight/day and 2 g/kg body weight/day, respectively. Results: There was an increase in body weight, relative abdominal fat, and liver weight in the HFD group compared to the control group. There was also a decrease in anthropometric parameters such as the Lee index of the HFD group treated with njansan and fish oils, regardless of the concentration. The hyperlipidemic state in the HFD-fed rats was then normalized after treatment with both oils as well as hyperglycemia compared to the control group. Besides, fish and njansan oils attenuated HFD-induced oxidative stress, as indicated by a significant increase CA and superoxide dismutase. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that njansan oils at a low daily dose (1 g/kg body weight) can be helpful in managing obesity and also reduce the risk of developing coronary heart diseases.

Neuroprotective effect of taxifolin against aluminum chloride-induced dementia and pathological alterations in the brain of rats: possible involvement of toll-like receptor 4

Aluminum (Al) overexposure damages various organ systems, especially the nervous system. Regularly administered aluminum chloride (AlCl3) to rats causes dementia and pathophysiological alterations linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Taxifolin’s neuroprotective effects against AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo studies were studied. Taxifolin (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 μM) was tested against AlCl3 (5 mM)-induced neurotoxicity in C6 and SH-SY5Y cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Additionally, neural morphology was examined by confocal microscopy. Additionally, taxifolin’s mode of binding with the co-receptor of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), human myeloid differentiation-2 (hMD-2) was investigated. AlCl3 (25 mg/kg/d, i.p.) was administered to rats for 14 d, and from the eighth day, taxifolin (1, 2, and 5 mg/kg/d, i.p.) was given along with AlCl3. This study assessed memory impairment using the Morris water maze, plus maze, and pole tests. This study also performed measurement of oxidant (malondialdehyde [MDA] and nitrite), antioxidant (reduced glutathione), and inflammatory (myeloperoxidase [MPO] activity, TLR4 expression) parameters in rats’ brain in addition to histopathology. The docking score for taxifolin with hMD-2 was found to be −4.38 kcal/mol. Taxifolin treatment reduced the neurotoxicity brought on by AlCl3 in both C6 and SH-SY5Y cells. Treatment with 10 μM taxifolin restored AlCl3-induced altered cell morphology. AlCl3 administration caused memory loss, oxidative stress, inflammation (increased MPO activity and TLR4 expression), and brain atrophy. Taxifolin treatment significantly improved the AlCl3-induced memory impairment. Taxifolin treatment also mitigated the histopathological and neurochemical consequences of repeated AlCl3 administration in rats. Thus, taxifolin may protect the brain against AD.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: The Influence of the Environmental Context and Analysis of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory and Glycemic Markers in Women Living in Kurdistan Regional Government-Iraq.

Background Internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are still home to a large number of female survivors of the Yazidi genocide carried out in Iraq in 2014 by the Islamic organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Many of these women suffer from a persistent form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can last for many years. On the other hand, little is known about the intricate etiology of PTSD. Objectives In this observational cross-sectional study, the biochemical parameters, including inflammatory and oxidative stress (OXS) markers, were evaluated in two groups: the case group (women with newly diagnosed PTSD) and the control group (apparently healthy women). Furthermore, how the environment impacts the biochemical and OXS parameters of people not diagnosed with PTSD but living in IDP camps was also analyzed. Materials and methods The PTSD group (n=55, age=30.0 years) was made up of women survivors of genocide-related events living in IDP camps in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The studied parameters in the PTSD group have been compared to two healthy control groups: (1) internal control group (n=55, age=28.1 years): healthy women living inside the IDP camps; and (2) external control group (n=55, age=28.3 years): healthy women living outside the IDP camps. The diagnosis of PTSD was conducted using a validated Kurdish version of the PTSD Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (PCL-5) scale. Blood samples were collected to determine the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the concentrations of fasting serum glucose (FSG), C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (CP), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PC), and catalase (CAT) activity. Results Women with PTSD presented increased values of FSG (4.41%, p<0.05), HbA1c (4.74%, p<0.05), and CRP (114.29%, p<0.05), as well as increased levels of 8-OHdG (185.97%, p<0.001), CP (27.08%, p<0.001), MDA (141.97%, p<0.001), and PC (63.01%, p<0.001), besides increased CAT activity (121.5%, p<0.001), when compared with the control groups. A significant reduction of GSH (-20.33%, p<0.05) was observed in PTSD patients as compared to the external control group. In relation to the internal control group, women diagnosed with PTSD presented significantly increased levels of FSG (3.88%, p<0.05), HbA1c (2.83%, p<0.05), CRP (77.97%, p<0.05), and PC (41.3%, p<0.05), as well as increased levels of 8-OHdG (118.84%, p<0.001), CP (22.72%, p<0.001), MDA (90.67%, p<0.001), and CAT activity (55.31%, p<0.001). Healthy individuals residing in IDP camps, compared with external healthy control, presented significantly elevated levels of 8-OHdG (30.68%, p<0.001), MDA (26.91%, p<0.001), PC (15.37%, p<0.001), and CAT activity (42.62%, p<0.001). Conclusion Our findings indicate that PTSD significantly influences glycemic, inflammatory, oxidant, and antioxidant parameters, as evidenced by increased levels of FSG, HbA1C, CRP, PC, MDA, 8-OHdG, and CP, as well as increased CAT activity and a reduced GSH concentration in the PTSD group in comparison to the external control group. Additionally, our results suggest that the environmental context in IDP camps by itself can potentially affect oxidant and antioxidant parameters, as evidenced by the increased concentrations of 8-OHdG, MDA, and PC and increased CAT activity found in individuals not diagnosed with PTSD but living inside the camps.

Could colour and volatile compounds be measurements of oxidation in horse meat?

Predicting and, consequently, controlling oxidative phenomena is a big challenge for meat industry. Since color modifications and volatile compounds synthesis are processes closely linked to the oxidative reactions occurring in meat, oxidation could be measured through colorimetric parameters or some volatile compounds. A Spearman’s correlation analysis of oxidative parameters and enzymatic activity with colorimetric parameters and volatile profile was performed on horse steaks subjected to short (14 days) and long aging time (56 days). In long aging, TBARS were negatively correlated with redness (rs = -0.76, p &lt; 0.001). Some volatile compound families, such as thiols, carboxylic acids, lactones, hydrocarbons and sulphur compounds, were well correlated with enzymatic activity (p &lt; 0.001), contrary to aldehydes, alcohols and ketones. Higher correlation indexes were recorded in short aging, if compared to those found in long aging.

NITRIC OXIDE METABOLISM IN RAT SMALL INTESTINE TISSUES FOLLOWING SURGICAL TRAUMA REPRODUCED IN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

The article investigates the parameters of the nitric oxide (NO) system in the small intestine tissues of rats subjected to surgical trauma within an experimental model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study involved 42 white Wistar rats weighing 210-230 g, divided into 6 groups: Group 1 comprised intact animals, Group 2 included animals with the PTSD induced through single-prolonged stress (SPS), Group 3 consisted of rats subjected to a sham surgical operation, Group 4 comprised animals undergoing laparotomy, Group 5 involved rats undergoing a sham surgical operation following SPS, and Group 6 included animals undergoing laparotomy under modeled SPS. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in small intestine homogenates was assessed using spectrophotometric methods; peroxynitrite formation was determined by analyzing the content of peroxynitrite of alkali and alkaline earth metals. The study has demonstrated the SPS results in evident signs of nitrosative stress in the small intestine tissues of rats: it enhances NOS activity by activating the inducible isoform, reduces the constitutive NOS activity and coupling, and elevates the concentration of peroxynitrites of alkali and alkaline-earth metals. On the 7th day following laparotomy under PTSD modelling, nitrosative stress indicators in the small intestine tissues such as total and inducible NOS activity, as well as peroxynitrite concentrations of alkaline and alkaline-earth metals, significantly surpassed their levels following a single laparotomy under simulated single prolonged stress.

Effect of photo-oxidized Soybean Oil and Palm Olein on some biochemical parameters of Rats

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of sunlight on the quality of soybean oil (SBO) and palm olein (POL) and the consequences of their consumption on some biochemical parameters of rats. SBO and POL were purchased from the local market and divided into five (5) groups of 200 g each and transferred in transparent glass containers. One group served as control and the others exposed to sunlight 8 h/day for 15, 30, 45 and 60 days respectively. Their qualities were tested by measuring the oxidation parameters. Oil samples of days 0, 30 and 60 were administered to sixty male rats aged 28 days and some biochemical parameters evaluated. Results showed significant increase in the peroxide (PV) (8.83–62.63 meq O2 /Kg), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) (3.58–19.99 ppm), acid (AV) (0.27–0.56 % oleic acid) and a decrease in iodine value (IV) (50.45–67.57 g I2 /100 g) in photooxidized oils. Biochemical analysis revealed significant increase in Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (145–194 U/L), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (30–61 U/L), total cholesterol (16–59 mg/dl) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (4–32 mg/dL) and triglycerides (50–83 mg/dl) in rats fed with photo-oxidized oils compared to control groups. Oils should not be exposed to sunlight.