Stress Parameters Research Articles

The Impact of Feeding Non-defatted Silkworm Pupae Meal on Haemato-biochemical and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Crossbred Cattle Calves

Background: The expenses on feed alone accounts around 55-60% to the total rearing cost of ruminants. In present time where the cost of feed is very high, it is very difficult to minimize the cost of production. Among feed ingredients, animal protein is quite expensive, thus, it is the need of the hour to unearth different unconventional feed resources to supply the nutrients to livestock and also for the profitability and sustainability of livestock sector. Among various important unconventional animal protein sources, silkworm pupae meal is one among them. The current study aimed to assess the effect of feeding non-defatted silkworm pupae meal on health status of crossbred calves. Methods: Fifteen crossbred, female calves (30-40 days old, 35.21±2.72 kg body weight) were selected and equally distributed in a random manner to three treatments viz., control (CON), treatment-1 (TRT-25) and treatment-2 (TRT-50). In CON group, fish meal was added as an ingredient in concentrate mixture @10%, while in the treatments TRT-25 and TRT-50, fish meal was replaced with SWPM at the levels of 25% and 50%, respectively. A 90-days feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of feeding SWPM on health status of calves. Result: The haemato-biochemical parameters viz., Hb, PCV, RBC’s, WBC’s, blood glucose, ALT, AST, BUN, serum creatinine and A:G ratio revealed non-significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between the treatment groups, while the values of total protein, albumin and globulin showed significant difference (p≤0.05) between the treatment groups. The results of oxidative stress parameters viz., SOD, GPx, Catalase and MDA revealed non-significant differences (p greater than 0.05) between treatment groups. Hence, the study concluded that inclusion of SWPM upto 50% level in the calf starter ration had no adverse effect on the health status of crossbred calves.

Investigation of the Effects of Light, Darkness, and Dim Light on Rat Brain Tissue: A Biochemical and Histological Study.

This study evaluates acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity levels, oxidative stress parameters, histopathological findings, and serum melatonin levels in rat brain tissue. 32 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Light, Dark, Dim light (n = 8 each group). After a 30 day experiment, brain tissues were collected to measure AChE, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and conduct histopathological analyses. Serum melatonin levels were also measured. In this study, we observed a significant increase in MDA levels in dim light, dark, and light groups. AChE and α-GST enzyme activity levels were significantly decreased in the dark group compared with the other groups. Additionally, there was a statistical difference in melatonin levels between the light and dark groups. In the light microscope examination of the sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin from the dark group brain tissue, mild perineuronal edema was observed in all areas. Our study is the first to compare the effects of three groups on the brain: continuous light, continuous darkness, and dim light at night. Additionally, it is the only study to examine the effects of light exposure differences on the brain AChE levels.

Beneficial Effect of Fenofibrate in Combination with Silymarin on Parameters of Hereditary Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Disorders in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia has serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nephropathy, and others. Fenofibrate is an effective hypolipidemic drug, but its benefits for ameliorating disorders associated with hypertriglyceridemia failed to be proven in clinical trials. Methods: To search for possible causes of this situation and possibilities of their favorable influence, we tested the effect of FF monotherapy and the combination of fenofibrate with silymarin on metabolic disorders in a unique model of hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats (HHTg). Results: Fenofibrate treatment (100 mg/kg BW/day for four weeks) significantly decreased serum levels of triglyceride, (−77%) and free fatty acids (−29%), the hepatic accumulation of triglycerides, and the expression of genes encoding transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism (Srebf2, Nr1h4. Rxrα, and Slco1a1). In contrast, the hypertriglyceridemia-induced ectopic storage of lipids in muscles, the heart, and kidneys reduced glucose utilization in muscles and was not affected. In addition, fenofibrate reduced the activity of the antioxidant system, including Nrf2 expression (−35%) and increased lipoperoxidation in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the kidneys and heart. Adding silymarin (micronized form, 600 mg/kg BW/day) to fenofibrate therapy increased the synthesis of glycogen in muscles, (+36%) and reduced hyperinsulinemia (−34%). In the liver, it increased the activity of the antioxidant system, including PON-1 activity and Nrf2 expression, and reduced the formation of lipoperoxides. The beneficial effect of combination therapy on the parameters of oxidative stress and lipoperoxidation was also observed, to a lesser extent, in the heart and kidneys. Conclusions: Our results suggest the potential beneficial use of the combination of FF with SLM in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced metabolic disorders.

Salutogenic Effects of Greenspace Exposure: An Integrated Biopsychological Perspective on Stress Regulation, Mental and Physical Health in the Urban Population

Abstract Globally, urbanization is associated with increased risk for physical and mental diseases. Among other factors, urban stressors (e.g. air pollution) are linked to these increased health risks (e.g. chronic respiratory diseases, depression). Emerging evidence indicates substantial health benefits of exposure to greenspaces in urban populations. However, there is a need for an overarching framework summarizing the plausible underlying biological factors linked to this effect, especially within the context of stress regulation. Therefore, by outlining the effects of greenspace exposure on stress parameters such as allostatic load, oxidative stress, mitochondria, and the microbiome, we conceptualize an integrated biopsychological framework to advance research into the salutogenic and stress-regulatory potential of greenspace exposure. In addition, we discuss the understudied potential health benefits of biogenic volatile organic compounds. Our perspective highlights the potential for innovative greenspace-based interventions to target stress reduction, and their prospect as add-ons to current psychotherapies to promote mental and physical health in urban populations.

A Pilot Study on the Age-Dependent, Biomechanical Properties of Longitudinal Ligaments in the Human Cervical Spine

The cervical spine ligaments, including the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), play a key role in maintaining spinal stability by limiting excessive movements. This study investigates how ageing affects the mechanical properties of these ligaments. We analysed 33 samples from 12 human cervical spines (15 ALL, 18 PLL), averaging data from the same donors for independent analysis, resulting in 18 final samples (8 ALL, 10 PLL). To explore age-related changes, we classified the samples into two groups—below and above 50 years old—aligning with the peak incidence of major musculoskeletal disorders. The investigation concentrated on the effects of age on four mechanical parameters of the uniaxial stress–stretch curve: initial tangent stiffness (E0), maximum tangent stiffness (Em), ultimate stress (Pu) and ultimate stretch (λu). When the age effect is neglected, then the behaviours of both the ALL and PLL appeared similar. However, when introducing age as a variable into the context of the ALL and PLL, statistically significant differences became evident. The findings underscored a reduction in maximum tangent stiffness (p-value = 0.0147), ultimate stress (p-value = 0.0009), and ultimate stretch (p-value = 0.0024) when the ALL and PLL were grouped under and above 50 years as a consequence of ageing.

Amelioration and Immuno-modulation by Ashwagandha on Wi-fi Induced Oxidative Stress in Regulating Reproduction Via Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Male Japanese Quail.

As global change threatens avian biodiversity, understanding species responses to environmental perturbations due to radiation emitted by enormous increase in the application of wireless communication is very urgent. The study investigates the effect of MW radiation on redox balance, stress level, male fertility and the efficacy of Withania somnifera (WS) root extract (100mg/kg body weight) orally administered in 8weeks old mature male Japanese quail exposed to 2.4GHzMW radiation for 2h/day for 30days with power density = 0.1264 mw/cm2 and SAR = 0.9978 W/Kg. Wi-fi exposure induces a decrease in testicular weight, volume, density and gonado-somatic index (GSI) while Ashwagandha increases them. Oxidative stress parameters increased and activity of SOD, catalase, GSH was reduced in testes of exposed quail while Ashwagandha treatment reinstates the redox balance. Exposure to Wi-fi alters quail reproduction by increase in corticosterone and decreased testosterone with reduced expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in testis. Wi-fi exposure increases IL1β and reduces IL10 in testis. IL-1β inhibits testicular cell function and promotes apoptosis by increasing NF-κB and decreasing sperm count in exposed quails. Ashwagandha increases expression of ERα, sperm count and immunity in quail testis. Further, decrease in IL1β, NF-κB and increase in IL-10 after administration of Ashwagandha in Wi-fi exposed quail prevents inflammatory damages and enhances gonadal function. Thus, exposure to Wi-fi increases oxidative stress, activates apoptosis, modulates immunity in testis while Ashwagandha reverses them via enhanced ERα expression, increase in sperm count thereby enhancing fertility in male Japanese quail.

Comparative Evaluation of Hemato-biochemical and Oxidative Parameters of Racing Horses

Racing horses are prone to alterations in hemato-biochemical and oxidative stress parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of racing on hemato-biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters of racing horses. Blood samples were collected from 15 control and 15 racing horses at four intervals (before, immediately after, 30 minutes after, and 24 hours after) to assay for hematological, serum biochemical, and oxidative stress markers. The result revealed significant changes (P < 0.05) in vital parameters such as erythrocyte count, hematocrit index, hemoglobin concentration, leucocyte count, lymphocyte, neutrophil, neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cortisol, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, while glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyl transferase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase remained unaltered (P > 0.05). The alteration in hemato-biochemical parameters reported in this study only lasted for about 30 minutes after racing, with all values returning to the baseline range by 24 hours post-race. Interestingly, the comparable activities of antioxidant stress markers reported suggests that the horses have developed adaptive mechanisms that have conferred them with increased resistance to oxidative stress and reduced oxidative damage. This study demonstrates the importance of schematic monitoring of racing horses peri-racing to prevent racing-induced pathophysiological alterations and promote their general wellbeing.

Humic acid from vermicompost effectively regulates the redox status and mitigates the progression of experimental periodontitis.

The progression of periodontal disease (PD) involves the action of oxidative stress mediators. Antioxidant agents may potentially attenuate the development of this condition. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of humic acid (HA), extracted from biomass vermicomposting, on redox status and parameters related to PD progression in rats. Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats were distributed into six experimental groups (control; PD; PD + 40mg/kg of HA; PD + 80mg/kg of HA; PD + 160mg/kg of HA; PD + 320mg/kg of HA). HA was administered by gavage for 28days, and PD was induced by ligature on the mandibular first molars on the 14th day of treatment. After euthanasia, alveolar bone loss, oxidative stress in the gum and erythrocytes, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine were analyzed. Animals treated with HA showed less bone loss at the dose of 80mg/kg compared to the untreated PD group (p < 0.05). Animals treated with HA at doses higher than 80mg/kg showed improvements in local and systemic redox status parameters (total antioxidant activity, thiobarbituric reactive substances, carbonyl derivatives, and superoxide dismutase) compared to the PD group (p < 0.05). Treatment with HA reduced serum levels of creatinine (at doses of 80 and 160mg/kg) and AST (at doses of 40 and 80mg/kg) compared to the PD group (p < 0.05). HA treatment attenuated alveolar bone loss and improved local and systemic oxidative stress parameters in ligature-induced PD rats.

In-vitro, In-silico Investigations Reveals Potential Cytotoxic Activity of Fermentation Metabolites from Actinomycetes Isolated from Lonar Soda Lake Against HeLa Cancer Cell Lines.

Actinomycetes, Gram-positive bacteria, are recognized for producing bioactive metabolites. Lonar Soda Lake, an alkaline ecosystem, hosts diverse actinomycetes with possible anticancer activities. To assess the cytotoxic potential of fermentation metabolites from actinomycetes isolated from Lonar Soda Lake against HeLa cancer cells employing in-vitro and in-silico methods. Evaluate the cytotoxicity of fermentation metabolites from Lonar Lake actinomycetes on HeLa cells. Execute molecular docking to forecast metabolite connections with cancer-related proteins. The actinomycetes were isolated from the sediment sample of Lonar Lake using a selective medium and recognized by gene sequencing. Cytotoxicity on HeLa cells was assessed using the MTT assay, in consort with oxidative stress and apoptotic markers (GSH, MDA, TNF-α, and caspase 3). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies evaluated metabolite binding to cancer-related proteins (Bcl-2, TNF-α, caspase 3). Fermentation metabolites of three Lonar Lake Sediment isolates (LLSD), LLSD-5, LLSD- 7, and LLSD-9 showing promising cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell lines by MTT assay, also significantly modulate the oxidative stress parameters (GSH, MDA), and cell apoptotic marker (TNF-α, caspase 3). IC50 values were 82.9 μg/ml (LLSD-5), 162.3 μg/ml (LLSD-7), and 20.15 μg/ml (LLSD-9). Furthermore, molecular docking displayed robust binding affinities to cancer-related proteins, uncovering the possible mechanism of action. The fermentation metabolites actinomycete isolates from Lonar Lake exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against HeLa cancer cell lines. Both in-vitro and in-silico analyses support the potential of these metabolites as anticancer agents.

Green fabricated bimetallic zinc ferrite nanoparticles mitigate oxidative stress-induced pathogenesis.

Current study evaluates the beneficial role of bio-functionalized zinc ferrite nanoparticles fabricated from an aqueous extract of Decalepis hamiltonii leaves (DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs) on sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and Diclofenac (DFC) induced oxidative stress in RBCs and Sprague Dawley male rat models. DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs were characterized using PXRD, FTIR, SEM-EDAX, HR-TEM and VSM. The data suggests that, DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs were crystalline, ellipsoidal in shape with an average size of 10.95 nm and super paramagnetic in nature. DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs exhibited anti-oxidant properties by scavenging DPPH, H2O2 and reducing ferric to ferrous ions. Furthermore, DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs normalized key parameters of oxidative stress such as LPO, PCC, TT and anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD &CAT). Similar to the previous in-vitro results, DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs restored all the said stress parameters in homogenates of the liver, kidney, pancreas and heart. In addition, DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs repaired Diclofenac induced tissue damage in the liver, kidney, pancreas and heart by regulating all biochemical parameters. Most importantly, DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-thrombotic activities and were non-toxic to RBCs. In conclusion, DHLE.ZnFe2O4 NPs through its anti-oxidant potential ameliorate oxidative stress induced pathogenesis such as, inflammation, tissue damage, diabetes and thrombosis.

Chitosan foliar spray enhances photosynthetic performance in drought-stressed Piper longum plants

The study, conducted at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal, and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, aimed to assess the impact of foliar application of chitosan on photosynthetic performance in drought-stressed long pepper (Piper longum L.). Two concentrations of chitosan (0.5 and 1 g L-1) were applied to drought stress (irrigated at 60 and 75 % field capacities) and photosynthetic parameters were observed. Chitosan-treated plants, particularly at 1 g L-1 concentration, exhibited significantly higher relative water content, stomatal density, photosynthetic efficiency, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and water-use efficiency. Chitosan-treated plants also showed improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, chlorophyll content, and biomass yield compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest the potential of chitosan as a bio-elicitor against abiotic stresses in long pepper, warranting further research in this area.

In vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches in the detailed study of di-butyl phthalate (DBP), a plasticizer-induced lung fibrosis via Nrf-2/Keap-1/HO-1 pathway and its regulation.

The alveolar epithelium is a crucial barrier against external threats, yet it becomes a key player in initiating pulmonary fibrosis when compromised. Despite its importance, the intricate relationship between, DBP exposure and alveolar epithelial cell injury ensuing pro-fibrotic effects remains poorly understood. Phthalates, ubiquitous in nature, pose a significant risk to lung health upon inhalation, acting as immune triggers that cause airway inflammation and epithelial damage. We aimed to investigate the impact of intranasal administration ofDi-butyl Phthalate (DBP) inhalation, and its probable effects on normal and asthmatic lungs. DBP was administered via intranasal route in normal and OVA-induced asthmatic mice. DBP exposure enhanced oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters, leading to exacerbated asthmatic response and oxidative lung damage. Enhanced accumulation of immune cells, bronchial thickening, and collagen deposition was noted in histopathological investigations of DBP-exposed lung sections. Curcumin, a plant-derived molecule, significantly mitigated DBP-exposed asthma exacerbations by suppressing NF-κB expression and enhancing NRF2 levels via the Nrf-2/Keap-1/HO-1 signaling pathway. FACS analysis revealed increased CD11b+ cells (32%) in asthmatic mice which were reduced in the curcumin pre-treatment group (10.5%). Enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) was noted in mice lungs and A549 cells where E-cadherin expression was reduced as compared to Vimentin, and α-SMA. Apart from aggravated airway inflammation, DBP exposure damages healthy lungs also. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios and collagen-1 levels were restored which were enhanced after DBP exposure. Moreover, antioxidant enzyme levels such as NQO-1, HO-1, and Catalase were significantly enhanced (p<0.01) and comparable to dexamethasone, a conventional corticosteroid. Notably, both dexamethasone and curcumin treatments effectively regulated the stimulation and accumulation of Nrf-2 in the nucleus, promoting antioxidant production and offering potential therapeutic benefits in mitigating pulmonary fibrosis. OVA and DBP alone caused DNA damage in the lung cells where increasedpercentage of damaged DNA movement in thetail, tail length, tail moment, and olive tail moment indicated severe damage in theDBP and OVA combined exposure strategies. Dexamethasone and Curcumin treatments reduced theextent of the DNA damage indicating anti-inflammatory and ant-oxidative potentials. Moreover, in silico studies are supportive of therapeutic potential of Curcumin and Dexamethasone in DBP-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis.

The role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in older individuals with osteoporotic hip fractures.

Osteoporosis is characteristically defined as a decrease in bone density and mass, accompanied by the deterioration of bone structure, which increases bone fragility and the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis frequently develops with age. In high-risk populations, oxidative damage is a common pathological condition. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of osteoporosis and the formation of osteoporosis-related fractures. This study aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in bone tissue metabolism among elderly individuals with osteoporotic hip fractures, specifically intertrochanteric femur fractures and femoral neck fractures, who presented to our department. Based on power analysis, 24 patients over the age of 65 who presented with hip pain following a fall, were diagnosed with hip fractures (intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures) on X-ray, were hospitalized in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, and underwent surgery were included in the study. A control group consisting of 24 healthy individuals matched for age and gender, with no history of fractures and meeting the same exclusion criteria, was also included. Levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters, including total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), were measured in serum samples using spectrophotometric methods. The TAS (p=0.189) and OSI (p=0.110) levels in the patient group were significantly lower compared to the control group. Conversely, the TOS (p=0.002) and PON-1 (p=0.013) levels in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The data indicate that oxidative balance is disrupted due to increased oxidative load and the resulting antioxidant deficiency. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, along with the development of alternative treatment approaches and disease markers, will contribute to the literature.

Liver lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in glutamine-supplemented ob/ob mice.

Glutamine availability may be reduced in chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced by obesity. Herein, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid metabolism effects of chronic oral glutamine supplementation in its free and dipeptide form were assessed in ob/ob mice. Adult male C57BL/6J ob/ob mice were supplemented with L-alanyl-L-glutamine (DIP) or free L-glutamine (GLN) in the drinking water for 40 days, whilst C57BL/6J Wild-type lean (WT) and control ob/ob mice (CTRL) received fresh water only. Plasma and tissue (skeletal muscle and liver) glutamine levels, and insulin resistance parameters (e.g., GTT, ITT, insulin) were determined. Oxidative stress (e.g., GSH system, Nrf2 translocation), inflammatory (e.g., NFkB translocation, TNF-α gene expression) and lipid metabolism parameters (e.g., plasma and liver triglyceride levels, SRBP-1, FAS, ACC, and ChRBP gene expression) were also analyzed. CTRL ob/ob mice showed lower glutamine levels in plasma and tissue, as well as increased insulin resistance and fat in the liver. Conversely, chronic DIP supplementation restored glutamine levels in plasma and tissues, improved glucose homeostasis and reduced plasma and liver lipid levels. Also, Nrf2 restoration, reduced NFkB translocation, and lower TNF-α gene expression was observed in the DIP group. Interestingly, chronic free GLN only increased muscle glutamine stores but reduced overall insulin resistance, and attenuated plasma and liver lipid metabolic biomarkers. The results presented herein indicate that restoration of body glutamine levels reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in obese and T2DM ob/ob mice. This effect attenuated hepatic lipid metabolic changes observed in obesity.

Application of the composite nanoparticles of selenium and chitosan for ameliorating arsenic stress in rice seedlings.

Selenium nanoparticles are well known for their antioxidant and stress-mitigating properties. In our study, composite nanoformulations of selenium and chitosan have been synthesized. The synthesized composite nanoformulations were 50nm in diameter, spherical in shape, and had higher antioxidant activities and stability than the selenium and chitosan nanoparticles. In our study, Luit rice seedlings grown in an arsenic-treated Hoagland solution showed a reduction of growth, decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate, and glutathione content. Otherwise, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde content increased in arsenic-stressed conditions. The alone application of Selenium nanoparticles, chitosan nanoparticles, and their nanoformulation improved growth, reduced stress parameters, and enhanced enzymatic and non-enzymatic activity. Additionally, the reduction of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde content was higher by applying composite nanoformulations in arsenic-stressed conditions than selenium and chitosan nanoparticles. The treatment of composite nanoformulation also regulated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity higher than that of other nanoparticles. It might be due to the higher stability and antioxidant activity of composite nanoformulations than that of selenium and chitosan nanoparticles. Our study suggests that the composite nanoformulation enhanced the growth of rice plants by mitigating arsenic-induced reactive oxygen species and upregulating antioxidant activity.

Levels and oxidative toxicity of microplastics and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in different tissues of sea cucumber (Holothuria tubulosa).

Nowadays, marine pollution is a global problem which finds in microplastics (MPs) and emerging pollutants, such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), two of the main culprits. Sea cucumbers are a group of marine benthic invertebrates that show ecological, economic and social relevance. As deposit/suspension feeders, sea cucumbers show high susceptibility to bioaccumulate marine pollutants, including PFASs and MPs. In this study, we describe the presence and the effects of MP and PFAS accumulation on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and coelomic fluid of sea cucumber (Holothuria tubulosa) specimens through the assessment of oxidative stress biomarkers. The MP abundance in the GIT ranged from 3 to 20 particles animal-1, while the extracted MPs from the coelomic fluid ranged from 0 to 7 particles animal-1, thus confirming a probable transfer through the respiratory tree. The MPs were identified by FT-IR and Raman analyses, and the polymer types were mainly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The concentrations of nineteen perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) were measured in the body wall of sea cucumbers. We found up to seven out of the nineteen PFASs. The Σ19PFAS were in the range 0.083-0.620μgkg-1 and the maximum concentrations of individual PFASs in all the samples varied from 0.010 (PFHxA, PFHpA) to 0.390 (PFBS). Pearson coefficients showed a positive correlation among MPs and most of the oxidative stress parameters (i.e. catalase, glutathione S transferase, malondialdehyde and DNA damage) suggesting, however, a potential tissue-related response. This study thus revealed that MPs, and partially PFASs, induce oxidative imbalance in H. tubulosa, and pointed up the importance of different tissues in mediating dose/time-related responses to oxidative stress. Sea cucumbers prove to be very promising model organisms for ecotoxicological investigation.

Effects of Cannabidiol Isolated or in Association With Risperidone in an Animal Model of Autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, with no specific drug therapy available. Studies have found that cannabidiol (CBD) can improve hyperactive and cognitive symptoms in children with ASD. However, little is known about the effect of CBD in combination with other medications, such as risperidone (RISP). This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral and biochemical effects of CBD in animals using a valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD animal model. VPA was administered in pregnant Wistar rats on Day 12.5 of gestation to induce the ASD model. From the 10th to the 16th postnatal day (PND), the neurodevelopment of the animals was assessed through eye-opening, olfactory discrimination, and negative geotaxis behavioral tests. From PNDs 9 to 54, the animals were weighed. They were treated for 21 days with CBD alone (100mg/kg, by gavage, twice a day) or in combination with RISP (0.1mg/kg, by gavage, once a day). At PND 55, the animals were evaluated in social interaction and locomotor activity experiments. Finally, after behavioral assessment, the animals were euthanized, the brain was isolated, and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the hippocampus and cortex posterior. Animals exposed to VPA showed neurodevelopmental delays in opening their eyes, difficulties in turning around their axis, and took longer time to find the original nest when compared to control animals. They also exhibited impaired sociability and reduced exploratory activity, which indicates model impairments. Interestingly, animals exposed to VPA treated with CBD+RISP significantly improved sociability parameters, whereas isolated CBD did not affect this parameter. In the biochemical analysis, a significant decrease in the hippocampal sulfhydryl content was noted in the CT+CBD group and an increase in the VPA+CBD group. In conclusion, these results suggest that CBD, in combination with RISP, may be an interesting pharmacological approach to reducing ASD-related symptoms. Summary: Besides the increased prevalence of ASD cases in recent years, there are no medications to improve the central symptoms of autism. Numerous studies discuss CBD as an important medication for improving ASD symptoms; however, it is not known how CBD interacts with commonly used drugs in ASD individuals, such as RISP. This study demonstrated that CBD therapy, only when combined with RISP, improved sociability in a VPA-induced ASD animal model.

Integrated anti-fatigue effects of polysaccharides and small molecules coexisting in water extracts of ginseng: gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBoth clinical and animal studies have demonstrated that ginseng has curative effects on fatigue. Our previous study found that water extracts of ginseng (WEG) could significantly mitigate exercise-induced fatigue (EF). Notably, polysaccharides (GP) and small molecules (GS, mainly ginsenosides) coexist in WEG. Whether and how GP and GS contribute to the anti-EF effects of WEG remains unknown. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the contribution of GP and GS to the anti-EF effects of WEG and clarify the potential gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms. Materials and MethodsFirstly, the anti-EF effects of WEG, GP and GS were comparatively investigated by determining fatigue phenotypes (energy metabolism and oxidative stress parameters), gut microbiota composition as well as exogenous and endogenous metabolites in EF modeling rats. Then, the gut microbiota mediated mechanisms were verified by antibiotics (ABX) intervention and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT). ResultsGP, GS and WEG each exhibited distinct anti-EF effects in differentially improving EF-induced energy metabolism abnormality and oxidative stress, reshaping gut microbiota composition, and elevating systemic metabolites. Notably, WEG showed stronger anti-EF effects than both GP and GS, characterized by better alleviation of disturbances in energy metabolism (e.g. Glc) and oxidative stress parameters (e.g. SOD), regulation of gut microbiota homeostasis (e.g. enriching the genus Coprococcus and species Collinsella provencensis etc.), as well as increases in exogenous secondary ginsenosides (e.g. 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, CK), endogenous bile acids (BAs) (e.g. CA, DCA, LCA), and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (e.g. butyric acid). The stronger anti-EF effects of WEG compared to GP and GS could be abolished by ABX intervention, and transferred by FMT. ConclusionGP and GS could collectively contribute to the anti-EF effects of WEG through integrated actions. Gut microbiota mediate the integrated anti-EF effects of GP and GS in WEG, potentially by regulating the levels of exogenous bioactive secondary ginsenosides, as well as endogenous BAs and SCFAs, thereby alleviating fatigue-related energy metabolic abnormalities and oxidative stress.

The hidden cost of illicit trade: Evaluating the physiological health of smuggled European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla).

European eel is considered a "critically endangered" species due to its population decline (c.a. 98%) in all European waters, primarily because human activities. The eel life cycle is very complex as it includes long migrations, and although aquaculture can help in repopulation, at this time artificially raised eel larvae have little survival. Therefore, to reverse this situation, in 2007 the EU adopted the Eel Regulation, starting a series of plans to improve the conservation and the recovery of the eel population, which included a ban on importing and exporting eels in all EU countries. However, an illegal global market and food fraud developed, turning Europe into the source of the international illegal eel trade. This study reports the evaluation of the welfare consequences of the illegal transport of European glass eels using their epithelial mucus, one of the most promising tools for studying endangered fish species. We also aimed to determine the recovery time required in controlled conditions before their release to the Ebro River. The results showed that high metabolite and cortisol levels were observed in mucus. In addition, the defensive capacity against possible bacterial infections was also affected due to the transport conditions as bacterial co-culture with mucus analysis indicated. Regarding the recovery time, we analysed the same parameters as for the initial transport point resulting in a stabilisation of stress parameters and an increased defensive capacity from day 3 to the final release, but the best results were observed after 2months under optimal conditions. These findings suggest that transport stress is critical for the survival of glass eels, and the stress and defensive capacities analysis suggests the need for a recovery period prior to release. This approach represents a valuable contribution both for species subject to illegal trade and for the conservation of endangered species.

Effects of a Rosmarinus officinalis L. Extract and Rosmarinic Acid in Improving Streptozotocin-Induced Aortic Tissue Damages in Rats.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R. officinalis) is an aromatic medicinal species with important nutraceutical potential, having rosmarinic acid (RA) as one of its main metabolites. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an extract obtained from the leaves of this species and of its main metabolite in improving the streptozotocin-induced damage of hearts and aorta of diabetic rats. The leaves of the species were used to obtain a hydroethanolic extract, which was analyzed using the LC/MS method. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal streptozotocin administration in rats. After two weeks, oxidative stress parameters were evaluated from the heart and aorta homogenates. NOS3, AMPK, and adiponectin levels were quantified using ELISA tests, and thoracic aorta rings were isolated for contractility evaluation in the organ bath. Phospho-NF-κB, NRF2, HIF1 alfa, iNOS, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) quantification were performed using the Western blot technique. Carnosic acid, together with rosmarinic acid, were proven to be the main metabolites identified in the composition of the tested extract. Administration of the extract and of RA improved the relaxation response to acetylcholine and the redox status, with the reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS 3), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), adiponectin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. RA significantly enhanced the expression of HIF 1α, NRF2, and pNFkB in the heart. Administration of the R. officinalis extract and of RA-alleviated oxidative stress, proving vascular and cardiac antioxidant properties in the hearts and aorta of diabetic rats.