Oxidative Parameters Research Articles

Red Orange and Lemon Extract Ameliorates the Renal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Ochratoxin A through the Modulation of Nrf2.

The presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in food and feed is a public health concern. OTA intoxication is caused by several mechanisms, one of which consists of the alteration of the antioxidant activity of the cell due to the oxidative stress (OS). In this context, the use of natural antioxidant substances could be a potential biological decontamination method of mitigating the negative outcomes induced by OTA. we aimed to investigate how a red orange and lemon extract (RLE), rich in anthocyanins, would affect OTA-treated rats. The current work sought to clarify the renal protective efficacy of RLE in an OTA-treated rat model (RLE (90 mg/kg b.w.); OTA (0.5 mg/kg b.w.)) by investigating, thorough Western blot analysis, the involvement of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. The OS parameters and inflammatory status were evaluated by spectrophotometry. The inflammatory infiltrates in the kidney were evaluated by immunohistochemical assays. Our findings showed a significant increase in oxidative and inflammatory parameters after OTA exposure, while the OTA + RLE co-treatment counteracted both the inflammatory and OS damage through the modulation of the Nrf2 pathway.

In Vitro Studies of Salt Tolerance at the Physiological and Molecular Levels in Two Cultivars of Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccum Schrank ex Schübl)

This study aimed to investigate salt stress response mechanisms of Turkish emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schrank) under in vitro conditions in terms of certain reference genes such as SOS1 and SERK1 and physiological parameters associated with salt stress. We determined the expression level of SOS1 and SERK1 genes in response to salinity stress and we investigated the changes in the contents of osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugar, and certain oxidative parameters such as H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the callus tissues under different salt concentrations (50, 150, and 200 mM NaCl). The results indicated that the calli of both cultivars decreased SOS1 gene expression in response to the low salt doses. Both cultivars increased SERK1 gene expression in response to the salt doses; with only one difference, Carcioglu has succeeded this in low salt and Durakli in high salt such as 250 mM. The Carcioglu cultivar responded to salt stress better than the Durakli cultivar in terms of increasing proline content. The salt applications generally decreased soluble sugar content in the callus cultures of both cultivars and the decreases were more prominent in the Durakli cultivar. Carcioglu decreased H2O2 and MDA contents at especially 150 mM salt while the Durakli cultivar failed to reduce their contents in any of the salt doses studied. The findings obtained from gene expressions and physiological parameters support each other, it can be suggested that the Carcioglu cultivar has a higher response to salt stress than the Durakli cultivar.

Histological, immunohistochemical and serological investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep

BackgroundSaidi sheep are the most abundant ruminant livestock species in Upper Egypt, especially in the Assiut governorate. Sheep are one of the most abundant animals raised for food in Egypt. They can convert low-quality roughages into meat and milk in addition to producing fiber and hides therefore; great opportunity exists to enhance their reproduction. Saidi breed is poorly known in terms of reproduction. So this work was done to give more information on some hormonal, oxidative, and blood metabolites parameters in addition to histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle. The present study was conducted on 25 healthy Saidi ewes for serum analysis and 10 healthy ewes for histological assessment aged 2 to 5 years and weighted (38.5 ± 2.03 kg).ResultsThe follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep was characterized by the presence of ovarian follicles in different stages of development and atresia in addition to regressed corpus luteum. Interestingly, apoptosis and tissue oxidative markers play a crucial role in follicular and corpus luteum regression. The most prominent features of the follicular phase were the presence of mature antral (Graafian) and preovulatory follicles as well as increased level of some blood metabolites and oxidative markers. Here we give a new schematic sequence of ovarian follicles in Saidi sheep and describing the features of different types. We also clarified that these histological pictures of the ovary was influenced by hormonal, oxidative and blood metabolites factors that characterizes the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep.ConclusionThis work helps to understanding the reproduction in Saidi sheep which assist in improving the reproductive outcome of this breed of sheep. These findings are increasingly important for implementation of a genetic improvement program and utilizing the advanced reproductive techniques as estrous synchronization, artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

Anti-inflammatory, healing and antiophidic potential of Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae): From popular use to pharmaceutical formulation in gel

Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. So, a topical gel containing the hydroethanolic extract of its leaves was developed and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antiophidic properties in mice. First, the chemical profile of different parts of the plant was characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using molecular networking. In the leaf extract, 11 compounds were characterized, with a particular emphasis on the identification of flavonoids. The gel efficiently inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema, as well as acute and chronic croton oil-induced ear edema models, thereby reducing inflammatory and oxidative parameters in inflamed tissues. Besides anti-inflammatory activity, the herbal gel showed significant wound healing activity. The edematogenic, hemorrhagic and dermonecrotic activities induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom were effectively inhibited by the treatment with J. mollissima gel. The association with the herbal gel improved in up to 90% the efficacy of commercial snake antivenom in reduce venom-induced edema. Additionally, while antivenom was not able to inhibit venom-induced dermonecrosis, treatment with herbal gel reduced in 55% the dermonocrotic halo produced. These results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the herbal gel containing J. mollissima extract, which could be a strong candidate for the development of herbal products that can be used to complement the current antivenom therapy against snake venom local toxicity.

Electrocatalytic Degradation of Phenolic Wastewater Using a Zero-Gap Flow-Through Reactor Coupled with a 3D Ti/RuO2-TiO2@Pt Electrode.

In this study, the performance of a zero-gap flow-through reactor with three-dimensional (3D) porous Ti/RuO2-TiO2@Pt anodes was systematically investigated for the electrocatalytic oxidation of phenolic wastewater, considering phenol and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as the target pollutants. The optimum parameters for the electrochemical oxidation of phenol and 4-NP were examined. For phenol degradation, at an initial concentration of 50 mg/L, initial pH of 7, NaCl concentration of 10.0 g/L, current density of 10 mA/cm2, and retention time of 30 min, the degradation efficiency achieved was 95.05%, with an energy consumption of 15.39 kWh/kg; meanwhile, for 4-NP, the degradation efficiency was 98.42% and energy consumption was 19.21 kWh/kg (at an initial concentration of 40 mg/L, initial pH of 3, NaCl concentration of 10.0 g/L, current density of 10 mA/cm2, and retention time of 30 min). The electrocatalytic oxidation of phenol and 4-NP conformed to the pseudo-first-order kinetics model, and the k values were 0.2562 min-1 and 0.1736 min-1, respectively, which are 1.7 and 3.6-times higher than those of a conventional electrolyzer. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to verify the intermediates formed during the degradation of phenol or 4-NP and a possible degradation pathway was provided. The extremely narrow electrode distance and the flow-through configuration of the zero-gap flow-through reactor were thought to be essential for its lower energy consumption and higher mass transfer efficiency. The zero-gap flow-through reactor with a novel 3D porous Ti/RuO2-TiO2@Pt electrode is a superior alternative for the treatment of industrial wastewater.

Physicochemical Characterization of ‘Moroccan Picholine’ Olive (Olea europaea L.) Oil Produced in Southern Morocco Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis

This study focuses on evaluating the characteristics of olive oil produced in the Taroudant province (southern Morocco), making this the first comprehensive study focusing on olive oil from the ‘Moroccan Picholine’ cultivar. Our objective was to elucidate the distinctive qualities of olive oil from this region, providing valuable insights into its potential contributions to the country’s olive oil sector. For this purpose, several quality criteria (free fatty acids, moisture content, saponification value, and iodine value), oxidation indices (peroxide value, specific UV extinction coefficients, and oxidizability value), and purity indices (fatty acids and sterol composition) were evaluated. Our results reveal minor-to-significant variations (p < 0.05) in the quality and oxidation parameters. Specifically, our results indicate diverse ranges for free fatty acids (0.33–3.62 g/100 g), peroxide values (0.85–4.01 mEq O2/kg oil), K232 (1.68 to 2.73), and K270 (0.09–0.34). Furthermore, consistently high levels of oleic acid (55.8 to 73.1%) and β-sitosterol (94.2 to 97%) were observed in the studied samples. These outcomes were confirmed through the use principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Likewise, important correlations were outlined among the studied parameters. Multidimensional analyses not only highlight inherent variations, but also facilitate the classification of the analyzed olive oils into distinct categories. The results suggest that the Taroudant province exhibits favorable conditions for producing high-quality olive oil.

Long-term administration of omeprazole in mice: a study of behavior, inflammatory, and oxidative stress alterations with focus on central nervous system.

Chronic use of omeprazole has been linked to central effects alongside with the global concern of increasing appearance of neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to identifying behavioral, inflammatory, and oxidative stress alterations after long-term administration of omeprazole. C57BL/6 mice were divided in groups: OME and Sham, each received either solutions of omeprazole or vehicle, administered for 28 days by gavage. Results observed in the omeprazole-treated mice: Decrease in the crossing parameter in the open field, no change in the motor performance assessed by rotarod, an immobility time reduction in the forced swimming test, improved percentage of correct alternances in the Ymaze and an exploration time of the novel object reduction in the novel object recognition. Furthermore, a reduced weight gain and hippocampal weight were observed. There was an increase in the cytokine IL1-β levels in both prefrontal cortex (PFC) and serum, whereas TNF-α increased only in the PFC. Nitrite levels increased in the hippocampus (HP) and PFC, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. These findings suggest that omeprazole improves depressive-like behavior and working memory, likely through the increase in nitrite and reduction in MDA levels in PFC and HP, whereas, the impairment of the recognition memory is more likely to be related to the reduced hippocampal weight. The diminished weight gain might be associated with the IL-1β increased levels in the peripheral blood. Altogether, omeprazole showed to have the potential to impact at central level and inflammatory and oxidative parameters might exert a role between it.

Grape seed proanthocyanins protect fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity via the Nrf2 signaling pathway in male rats.

Fluoride is a necessary element for human health, but excessive fluoride intake is found toxic to the liver. Previous studies confirmed that Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) protects against fluoride-induced hepatic injury. However, the mechanism underlying this protective effect remains obscure. To evaluate the protective effect of GSPE against fluoride-induced hepatic injury and explore the possible hepatoprotective role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway to find effective strategies for the treatment and prevention of fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity. This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which GSPE attenuates fluoride-induced hepatotoxicity through a rat drinking water poisoning model. Hepatic injury was determined by serum biochemical parameters, oxidative parameters, HE, and TUNEL analysis. The protein expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins like Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Caspase-3 and the nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) were analyzed by Western blot. Our results showed that GSPE administration reduced fluoride-induced elevated serum ALT and AST and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the liver. In addition, GSPE mitigated fluoride-induced histopathological damage and reduced the liver cell apoptosis rate. Furthermore, GSPE significantly up-regulated the expression and nuclear translocation of the Nrf2 and decreased apoptosis-related proteins like Bax and caspase-3 in the hepatic. Taken together, GSPE exerts protective effects on the oxidative damage and apoptosis of fluoride-induced hepatic injury via the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This study provides a new perspective for the mechanism study and scientific prevention and treatment of liver injury induced by endemic fluorosis.

Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis and Origanum majorana extracts on stability of sunflower oil during storage and repeated heating

Both rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) are abundant in phenolic compounds, exhibiting exceptional antioxidant activity. This study aims to assess the impact of rosemary and marjoram extracts on the stability of sunflower oil during storage and repeated heating. Sunflower oil supplemented with herbal extracts or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA) at a concentration of 200 ​ppm was stored for six months under light and dark conditions at room temperature. Peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (An-V), and total oxidation (TOTOX) value were measured to monitor lipid oxidation progression. A significant difference (P ​< ​0.05) was observed between light and dark storage for all studied samples regarding oxidation parameters. The ethanolic extract of rosemary exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to BHA and other extracts. Furthermore, sunflower oil supplemented with the ethanolic extract of rosemary underwent weekly treatment at 100 ​°C for 30 ​min over four consecutive weeks. Although all oxidation indicators increased during repeated heating, the addition of rosemary and marjoram extracts as well as BHA significantly reduced these indicators. These findings demonstrate that both rosemary extracts and marjoram extracts can serve as natural antioxidants in edible oils.

The effect of different cooking methods on sensory attributes, physicochemical properties, and microbial safety of ostrich meat (Struthio camelus).

The present work aimed to determine the impact of various cooking methods on sensory attributes, microbial safety, and physicochemical characteristics of ostrich meat to specify the best cooking method that guarantees the microbial safety of the meat as well as maintains nutritional values and is highly attractive to consumers. One hundred fresh leg muscles of ostriches were divided into five groups. Different cooking techniques were used for each group, as follows: roasting, boiling, grilling, frying, and microwaving. Each method was examined by evaluating the impact of various cooking methods on sensory attributes, proximate chemical analysis, protein and fat oxidation parameters, microbial load, changes in color, and the shear force of ostrich meat. The oven-roasting and grilling methods are highly recommended and more appealing to consumers since they produce tenderer and juicier meat, cause less cooking loss (CL), and maintain the nutritive value of ostrich meat; however, they have the highest protein and fat oxidation rates. On the other hand, boiling and frying methods revealed good fat oxidation parameters, the highest CL, and preserved nutritional value, but unfortunately, they were not highly preferred by consumers. From a hygienic point of view, grilling and microwave cooking are the methods that ensure the microbiological safety of cooked ostrich meat, as they significantly reduce Enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacterial counts, among other cooking methods. The oven roasting and grilling methods were the most preferable thermal cooking techniques, as they achieved the highest acceptability to consumers and maintained the nutritive values of ostrich meat.

Clinical, Metabolic and Neurohumoral Effects of L-arginine in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease in Combination with Arterial Hypertension

The objective: to analyze the impact of complex therapy using L-arginine, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), L-carnitine, lycopene, plant extracts and folic acid on the functional state of the endothelium, tolerance to physical activity, indicators of oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and clinical status patients with stable angina pectoris of the III functional class (FC) in comorbidity with arterial hypertension (AH) of the II grade, stage 2. Materials and methods. 100 patients with stable angina pectoris III FC and AH II grade, stage 2 aged 55–68 years participated in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients of the 1st group received standard therapy – RAAS blocker, amlodipine, bisoprolol, acetylsalicylic acid and atorvastatin; 50 patients of the 2nd group in addition to standard therapy received a multi-component product of complex action, which includes L-arginine, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), Lcarnitine, lycopene, a number of plant extracts and folic acid, in a dose of 1 sachet per day. At the beginning and at the end of the study endothelial functions were assessed, daily blood pressure (BP) was monitored, physical exercise testing was performed, the weekly number of angina attacks and nitroglycerin tablet taking were recorded, oxidative status parameters were studied, quality of life was assessed, and the results were statistically processed. Results. The use of complex action preparation, which includes L-arginine, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), L-carnitine, lycopene, plant extracts and folic acid, as adjuvant therapy demonstrated a decrease in the level of indicators of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and an increase levels of antioxidant protection parameters. In the patients of the 2nd group a statistically significant positive dynamics of the blood pressure level was found: the median of daily systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased to 131.78 mm (p&lt;0.01). A significant decrease in median daytime and nighttime SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also determined (p&lt;0.01). The use of a multicomponent preparation of complex action led to a significant decreased of total cholesterol (CHL) by 14.5%, TG by 10.37% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 12.5%. There was also an increased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 6.48% (р&lt;0.05 for all indicators). The patients of the 2nd group demonstrated a significant increase in tolerance to physical excesses: an increase in the double product by 21.4% and the total amount of the done work by 78.4% compared to the initial values (р&lt;0.05 for both indicators). After 2 months of treatment the difference between the groups in terms of the decrease in the weekly number of angina attacks was statistically significant (р&lt;0.05). This positive trend was accompanied by a decrease in the median number of nitroglycerin tablets taken per week in the 2nd group from 5.4 to 3.0 (р&lt;0.05). In the patients of the 2nd group after 2 months of observation a statistically significant improvement in quality of life indicators according to the “Seattle Angina Questionnaire” was determined (р&lt;0.05). Conclusions. Although all study participants received identical standard antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy, adjuvant use of a multicomponent complex of L-arginine, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10), L-carnitine, lycopene, plant extracts, and folic acid for 2 months demonstrated a reduction in the impact of oxidative stress with parallel restoration of antioxidant mechanisms, improvement in vascular reactivity in patients and daily control of blood pressure, contributed to the correction of the lipid profile with increased tolerance to physical exercise and, as a result of the above-mentioned effects, had a significant positive impact on the quality of life of patients.

The influence of Nrf2 gene promoter methylation on gene expression and oxidative stress parameters in preeclampsia

Background and aimsPreeclampsia (PE) is a serious medical condition that usually causes high blood pressure and affects multiple organs. Considering the adverse effect of oxidative stress on the process of PE in pregnant women and regarding the role of the Nrf2 gene in placental oxidative pathways, this study was conducted to investigate the DNA methylation status of Nrf2 in PE and healthy pregnant women.Materials and methodsThe present case-control study consisted of 70 PE and 70 healthy pregnant women. Blood and placenta samples were taken from all subjects, and the percentage of the Nrf2 gene methylation in the samples was assessed by the Methyl Light PCR method. Also, the Nrf2 gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) were measured by the colorimetric method.ResultsIn PE women, there was a significant increase in blood pressure, term of pregnancy, and BMI. In addition, there were enhanced Nrf2 DNA methylation percentage in placenta tissue and increased TOS levels in placenta tissue and blood compared to healthy pregnant women (P < 0.05). Also, in the PE group, there was a significant decrease in Nrf2 gene expression and TAC level in placenta tissue compared to the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe Nrf2 gene undergoes epigenetic modifications of DNA hypermethylation in the PE placenta. Decreased expression of this gene and the changes in the level of oxidative parameters (TAC, TOS) confirm it.

Can exposure to lisdexamfetamine dimesylate from juvenile period to peripubertal compromise male reproductive parameters in adult rats?

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a d-amphetamine prodrug used to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. Due to its action mediated by elevated levels of catecholamines, mainly dopamine and noradrenaline, which influence hormonal regulation and directly affect the gonads, this drug may potentially disrupt reproductive performance. This study evaluated the effects of exposure to LDX from the juvenile to peripubertal period (critical stages of development) on systemic and reproductive toxicity parameters in male rats. Male Wistar rats (23 days old) were treated with 0; 5.2; 8.6 or 12.1 mg/kg/day of LDX from post-natal day (PND) 23 to 53, by gavage. LDX treatment led to reduced daily food and water consumption, as well as a decrease in social behaviors. The day of preputial separation remained unaltered, although the treated animals exhibited reduced weight. At PND 54, the treated animals presented signs of systemic toxicity, evidenced by a reduction in body weight gain, increase in the relative weight of the liver, spleen, and seminal gland, reduction in erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, reduced total protein levels, and disruptions in oxidative parameters. In adulthood, there was an increase in immobile sperm, reduced sperm count, morphometric changes in the testis, and altered oxidative parameters, without compromising male sexual behavior and fertility. These findings showed that LDX-treatment during the juvenile and peripubertal periods induced immediate systemic toxicity and adversely influenced reproductive function in adult life, indicating that caution is necessary when prescribing this drug during the peripubertal phase.

Ehrlich ascites carcinoma provokes renal toxicity and DNA injury in mice: Therapeutic impact of chitosan and maitake nanoparticles.

In this study, the impact of chitosan (CS) and maitake (GF) nanoparticles towards the renal toxicity induced by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in vivo model was conducted. Besides benchmark negative control group, EAC model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of 2.5 × 106 cells. Alongside positive control, two groups of EAC-bearing mice received 100 mg/kg of CS and GF nanoparticles/body weight daily for 14 days. The kidney function was conducted by measuring urea, creatinine, ions, (anti)/oxidative parameters and DNA damage. Also, measuring immunoreactivity of P53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and apoptosis protein. The outcomes illustrated notable kidney toxicity, which indicated by elevations in urea, creatinine, oxidative stress, DNA damage and induction of apoptosis. These events were supported by the drastic alteration in kidney structure through histological examination. Administration of CS and GF nanoparticles was able to enhance the antioxidant power, which further reduced oxidative damage, DNA injury, and apoptosis. These results indicated the protective and therapeutic role of biogenic chitosan and maitake nanoparticles against nephrotoxicity.

Vitamin D3 mitigates type 2 diabetes induced by a high carbohydrate-high fat diet in rats: Role of the purinergic system

This study evaluated the effect of vitamin D3 (VIT D3) supplementation on the enzymatic activities and density of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase), ecto-5-nucleotidase (E-5′-NT), adenosine deaminase (ADA), as well as the density of P2 × 7R, P2Y12R, A1R, A2AR receptors, IL-1β, and oxidative parameters in type 2 diabetic rats. Forty male Wistar rats were fed a high carbohydrate-high fat diet (HCHFD) and received an intraperitoneal injection containing a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg). Animals were divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) control/VIT D3 12 µg/kg; 3) diabetic; and 4) diabetic/VIT D3 12 µg/kg. Results show that VIT D3 reduced blood glucose, ATP hydrolysis, ADA activity, P2Y12R density (platelets), as well as ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis and ADA activity (synaptosomes). Moreover, VIT D3 increased insulin levels and AMP hydrolysis (platelets) and improved antioxidant defense. Therefore, we suggest that VIT D3 treatment modulates hyperglycemia-induced changes via purinergic enzymes and receptor expression, consequently attenuating insulin homeostasis dysregulation in the diabetic state.

Does the anesthetic tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) distort oxidative status parameters in tadpoles?

The effect of anesthesia/euthanasia with ethyl 3-aminobenzoate methanesulfonate (MS-222) on the oxidative status of Hyla arborea tadpoles was examined to determine whether the use of the anesthetic can confound the experimental results of the oxidative stress-based investigation. The experiment was conducted on two groups of tadpoles reared at different temperatures to produce differences in antioxidant capacity between the groups. After development at different temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C), the animals were exposed to different concentrations of MS-222 (0, 0.1, 1, and 5 g/L) for 15 min. The higher temperature decreased catalase activity, glutathione and protein carbonyl levels and increased glutathione reductase activity. The glutathione level and glutathione/thiol-related parameters were significantly changed after MS-222 exposure. However, individuals from the different temperature groups responded differently to the tested anesthetic, pointing to the possible influence of the initial levels of antioxidant capacity. The analysis of the interaction between the factors (temperature and MS-222) confirmed that the anesthetic can confound the results regarding the effects of temperature on the oxidative status parameters. The concentration of 0.1 g/L MS-222 had the lowest influence on the alterations in oxidative status and the results of the effect of temperature. A brief review of the current literature on the use of MS-222 in tadpoles made clear the absence of precise information on anesthetic concentration and exposure time. Similar studies should be repeated and extended to other amphibian species and other factors of interest to provide better guidance on tadpole anesthesia/euthanasia for future experiments that consider oxidative status parameters.

New curcumin-loaded nanocapsules as a therapeutic alternative in an amnesia model.

This study aimed to investigate the action of two different formulations of curcumin (Cur)-loaded nanocapsules (Nc) (Eudragit [EUD] and poly (ɛ-caprolactone) [PCL]) in an amnesia mice model. We also investigated the formulations' effects on scopolamine-induced (SCO) depressive- and anxiety-like comorbidities, the cholinergic system, oxidative parameters, and inflammatory markers. Male Swiss mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8): group I (control), group II (Cur PCL Nc 10mg/kg), group III (Cur EUD Nc 10mg/kg), group IV (free Cur 10mg/kg), and group V (SCO). Treatments with Nc or Cur (free) were performed daily or on alternate days. After 30min of treatment, the animals received the SCO and were subjected to behavioral tests 30min later (Barnes maze, open-field, object recognition, elevated plus maze, tail suspension tests, and step-down inhibitory avoidance tasks). The animals were then euthanized and tissue was removed for biochemical assays. Our results demonstrated that Cur treatment (Nc or free) protected against SCO-induced amnesia and depressive-like behavior. The ex vivo assays revealed lower acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and catalase (CAT) activity, reduced thiobarbituric species (TBARS), reactive species (RS), and non-protein thiols (NSPH) levels, and reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression. The treatments did not change hepatic markers in the plasma of mice. After treatments on alternate days, Cur Nc had a more significant effect than the free Cur protocol, implying that Cur may have prolonged action in Nc. This finding supports the concept that it is possible to achieve beneficial effects in nanoformulations, and treatment on alternate days differs from the free Cur protocol regarding anti-amnesic effects in mice.

Fundamentals of Unanticipated Efficiency of Gd2O3-based Catalysts in Oxidative Coupling of Methane.

Improving the selectivity in the oxidative coupling of methane to ethane/ethylene poses a significant challenge for commercialization. The required improvements are hampered by the uncertainties associated with the reaction mechanism due to its complexity. Herein, we report about 90 % selectivity to the target products at 11 % methane conversion over Gd2O3-based catalysts at 700 °C using N2O as the oxidant. Sophisticated kinetic studies have suggested the nature of adsorbed oxygen species and their binding strength as key parameters for undesired methane oxidation to carbon oxides. These descriptors can be controlled by a metal oxide promoter for Gd2O3.

Fundamentals of Unanticipated Efficiency of Gd2O3‐based Catalysts in Oxidative Coupling of Methane

AbstractImproving the selectivity in the oxidative coupling of methane to ethane/ethylene poses a significant challenge for commercialization. The required improvements are hampered by the uncertainties associated with the reaction mechanism due to its complexity. Herein, we report about 90 % selectivity to the target products at 11 % methane conversion over Gd2O3‐based catalysts at 700 °C using N2O as the oxidant. Sophisticated kinetic studies have suggested the nature of adsorbed oxygen species and their binding strength as key parameters for undesired methane oxidation to carbon oxides. These descriptors can be controlled by a metal oxide promoter for Gd2O3.

Sustained Systemic Antioxidative Effects of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation beyond Neurodegeneration: Implications in Therapy in 6-Hydroxydopamine Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is manifested by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and caudoputamen (Cp), leading to the development of motor and non-motor symptoms. The contribution of oxidative stress to the development and progression of PD is increasingly recognized. Experimental models show that strengthening antioxidant defenses and reducing pro-oxidant status may have beneficial effects on disease progression. In this study, the neuroprotective potential of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is investigated in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD model in rats seven days after intoxication which corresponds to the occurrence of first motor symptoms. Two-month-old male Wistar rats were unilaterally injected with 6-OHDA to mimic PD pathology and were subsequently divided into two groups to receive either iTBS or sham stimulation for 21 days. The main oxidative parameters were analyzed in the caudoputamen, substantia nigra pars compacta, and serum. iTBS treatment notably mitigated oxidative stress indicators, simultaneously increasing antioxidative parameters in the caudoputamen and substantia nigra pars compacta well after 6-OHDA-induced neurodegeneration process was over. Serum analysis confirmed the systemic effect of iTBS with a decrease in oxidative markers and an increase in antioxidants. Prolonged iTBS exerts a modulatory effect on oxidative/antioxidant parameters in the 6-OHDA-induced PD model, suggesting a potential neuroprotective benefit, even though at this specific time point 6-OHDA-induced oxidative status was unaltered. These results emphasize the need to further explore the mechanisms of iTBS and argue in favor of considering it as a therapeutic intervention in PD and related neurodegenerative diseases.