Plasma Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Trade-offs between selection of crude protein and tannins in growing lambs.

Tannins are phenolic compounds that provide benefits to ruminants due to their protein-binding affinities and antioxidant properties. However, tannins may also have negative orosensorial and postingestive effects that decrease feed intake. This study explored how lambs trade-off the ingestion of crude protein (CP) with the ingestion of potentially beneficial and toxic condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, and the ensuing impacts on diet digestibility, animal performance, and blood parameters. Thirty-two lambs were housed in individual pens for 8 weeks and had access to two isoenergetic diets that varied in the concentration of CP (High-HP or Low-LP) and the presence of a mix of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (4% DM). Animals were assigned to 4 treatment groups (N=8 lambs/group) and received a simultaneous offer of: HP and LP (Control); HP and LP+tannins (HP-LP+); HP+tannins and LP (HP+LP-); and both HP and LP with tannins (HP+LP+). All lambs preferred HP over LP and they avoided tannins in the diets (P < 0.001). Dry matter and CP intake were the lowest in HP+LP- (P < 0.0001), and DMD did not differ between Control and the other groups (P > 0.05), but it was greater for HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001). Crude protein digestibility was greater for groups without tannins in HP (P < 0.0001), but ADG did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). No differences between Control and HP+LP+ were found in plasma antioxidant activity, total phenolic concentration, or haptoglobin concentration (P > 0.05). Intake of tannins was HP+LP+ > HP+LP- > HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001), and fecal excretion of nitrogen (N) was HP+LP+ > HP-LP+ = HP+LP- > Control (P < 0.05). In addition, intake of tannins with both diets reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration relative to Control (P < 0.05), thus suggesting a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. In summary, lambs prioritized selection of HP over LP, regardless of the presence of a tannin extract in either or both diets. Nevertheless, lambs modulated their tannin consumption as a function of the specific diet where the tannin extract was added, with increasing levels of intake as tannins were present in just LP, then in just HP, and finally in both diets. Dietary tannins did not constrain ADG and resulted in a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. Such shifts have been found to result in reduced production of environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates.

Green recovery and application of berry anthocyanins in functional gummies: Stability study, plasma and cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

This study investigates the comprehensive effects of extraction parameters, freeze-drying, and formulation on the chemical composition, colour properties, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of blackberry (BB) and elderberry (EB) extracts, as well as their incorporation into gummies. Using response surface methodology, optimal extraction conditions were identified: BB extracts showed optimal results at 325 W and 7.5 min, while EB extracts were optimal at 400 W and 5 min. The EB extracts consistently exhibited higher total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity than the BB extracts. Over 120 min, BB extracts demonstrated superior antioxidant potential to mitigate human plasma lipid oxidation. Both extracts displayed pH-dependent colour variations and antioxidant capacities, with EB extracts showing greater stability across a broader pH range. Freeze-drying effectively preserved antioxidant capacity, with EB extracts maintaining higher values than BB extracts. In a cellular model of oxidative stress using THP-1, both extracts were non-cytotoxic and reduced intracellular ROS generation, with EB extracts also more effectively inhibiting IL-6 secretion. When incorporated into gummies, these extracts resulted in higher phenolic and anthocyanin content than commercial counterparts, with EB gummies demonstrating superior antioxidant capacity. Sensory evaluations indicated no significant differences in taste, texture, or overall acceptability among the gummy formulations, though colour preferences tended to favour commercial gummies. This study addresses a gap by providing detailed chemical, biological, and sensory assessments of BB and EB extracts in food applications.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) consumption improves cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults: A pilot study

This pilot study evaluated the impact of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults. Pistachios were characterized (chemical and nutraceutical), and a baseline-final, uncontrolled nutritional intervention was performed (28 g of pistachio/28 days). Psychometric tests were applied to estimate cognitive performance and mood; anthropometric evaluation, biochemical analysis, and plasma antioxidant activity were included. The main component of nuts was lipids (48.1%). Pistachios consumption significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced waist circumference (−1.47 cm), total cholesterol (−10.21 mg/dL), LDL (−6.57 mg/dL), and triglycerides (−21.07 mg/dL), and increased plasma antioxidant activity. Pistachio supplementation improved risk tolerance (p ≤ 0.006) and decision-making strategy (p ≤ 0.002; BART-task), executive functions (BCST-task; p ≤ 0.006), and selective and sustained attention (Go/No-Go-test; p ≤ 0.016). The mood state was positively modulated (p ≤ 0.05) for anxiety, anger-hostility, and sadness-depression. These results show for the first time the benefits of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults.

In ovo feeding of α-ketoglutaric acid improves hepatic antioxidant-gene expression, plasma antioxidant activities and decreases body temperature without affecting broiler body weight under cyclic heat stress

The broiler industry is adversely affected by the rise in global temperature. This study investigated the effects of in ovo feeding of α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) on growth performance, organ weight, plasma metabolite, plasma oxidative stress, rectal temperature (RT), and hepatic mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes in Arbor Acres broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress (HS). Three hundred fifty fertile eggs during incubation were divided into 5 groups according to AKG concentrations and temperature conditions. After dissolving AKG in distilled water at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5, 0% AKG was in ovo administered to 2 of the 5 groups whereas the remaining 3 groups received 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%, respectively. From d 29 to 34 of age, 4 groups of birds received heat stress (HS) at 31°C ± 1°C for 6 h per day while the other group was kept at room temperature (21°C ± 1°C; NT). So, the 5 treatment groups were: 1) 0AKG-NT, where chicks hatched from eggs receiving 0% AKG were reared under thermoneutral conditions. 2) 0AKG-HS, where chicks hatched from eggs receiving 0% AKG were reared under cyclic HS conditions. 3) 0.5AKG-HS, where chicks hatched from eggs receiving 0.5% AKG were reared under cyclic HS conditions. 4) 1.0AKG-HS, where chicks hatched from eggs receiving 1.0% AKG were reared under cyclic HS conditions. 5) 1.5AKG-HS, where chicks hatched from eggs receiving 1.5% AKG were reared under cyclic HS conditions. HS significantly reduced body weight change (ΔBW %) and average daily gain (ADG) without affecting average daily feed intake (ADFI). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly increased (P = 0.003) in all HS-treated groups. A significant linear decrease in the final RT (P = 0.005) and a change in RT (P = 0.003) were detected with increasing AKG concentration. Total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.029) and antioxidant balance (P = 0.001) in plasma increased linearly with increasing AKG concentration whereas malondialdehyde concentrations were linearly decreased (P = 0.001). Hepatic gene expression of CAT (P = 0.026) and GPX1 (P = 0.001) were dose-dependently upregulated while nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)1, NOX4, and heat shock protein (HSP)70 were linearly downregulated (P < 0.05). Hence, in ovo injection of AKG was effective in mitigating HS-induced oxidative stress without attenuating the adverse effects on broiler growth.

العلاقة بين سمية الفلوريد والإجهاد التأكسدي ومضاعفات الحمل لدى النساء اللواتي يعشن في مناطق التسمم بالفلور

كان الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو التحقيق من العلاقة بين مستويات فلوريد البلازما المرتفعة، والإجهاد التأكسدي، ومضاعفات الحمل (الإجهاض، وموت الجنين داخل الرحم، والولادة المبكرة، وتسمم الحمل) لدى النساء اللواتي يعشن في إقليم سطات بالمغرب. تم جمع عينات الدم من النساء الحوامل ذوات الحمل الطبيعي (عدد = 60)، والإجهاض (عدد = 20)، وموت الجنين داخل الرحم (عدد = 10)، والولادة المبكرة (عدد = 20)، وتسمم الحمل (عدد = 20). بعد ذلك، تم تحديد مستويات فلوريد البلازما والأنشطة الأنزيمية لخلايا الدم الحمراء من superoxide dismutase (SOD)، catalase (CAT)، glutathione peroxidase (GPx). أظهرت النتائج أن مستويات الفلوريد في البلازما أقل بشكل ملحوظ عند النساء ذوات الحمل الطبيعي بتركيز 0.030 ± 0.003 ملغم / لتر مقارنة بالنساء اللائي تعرضن للإجهاض وموت الجنين داخل الرحم والولادة المبكرة وتسمم الحمل، بتركيزات 0.040 ± 0.002، 0.037 ± 0.002، 0.034 ± 0.004 و0.034 ± 0.003 ملغم / لتر، على التوالي. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، زاد نشاط SOD بشكل ملحوظ عند النساء اللواتي يعانين من مضاعفات الحمل، بينما انخفضت أنشطة CAT وGPx مقارنة بالنساء ذوات الحمل الطبيعي. علاوة على ذلك، لوحظ وجود علاقة قوية بين مستويات فلوريد البلازما وأنشطة مضادات الأكسدة ومضاعفات الحمل. قد يؤدي وجود مستويات عالية من فلوريد البلازما إلى زيادة انتشار الإجهاض ووفاة الجنين داخل الرحم والولادة المبكرة وتسمم الحمل، عبر مسار الإجهاد التأكسدي لدى النساء الحوامل اللواتي يعشن في إقليم سطات بالمغرب.

Characterization of withanolides and bacoside A-loaded proniosomes: effect on oxidative stress and survival under hypergravity in rodent model

Objective This work provides characterization of withanolides and bacoside A proniosomes, and evaluating their potency in rat model for combating oxidative stress-induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage and their survival under hypergravity. Significance The delivery system was aimed for sustained drug release in plasma and brain, which could improve their efficiency and provide a therapeutic approach to combat oxidative damage and restore BBB integrity. Methods Proniosomes were prepared using withanolides extracted from the roots of W. somnifera and bacoside A derived from the leaf extract of B. monnieri by thin film hydration technique. In vitro release of withanolides and bacoside A from the proniosomes was studied. In vivo experiments were conducted in Wistar Albino rat model to evaluate the efficacy of drug-loaded proniosomes in improving the antioxidant activity in plasma and brain, restoring BBB integrity and combating hypergravity conditions. Results The withanolides and bacoside A-loaded proniosomes showed slow and sustained release of just 62.0 ± 2.87 and 62.9 ± 3.41%, respectively, in 9 h period against the release of 98–99% for the extracts that served as control. Trials conducted in vivo revealed a significant (p < .05) increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in both plasma and brain. Also, minimal extravasation of Evans blue dye into the brain (15 ± 0.03 and 16 ± 0.03 ng/g in treated groups against 110 ± 0.01 ng/g in control) of the rats fed with drug-loaded proniosomes was indicative of minimal damage to BBB. Rats fed with drug-loaded proniosomes survived to the extent of 75–83.3% against simulated hypergravity as compared to the control group in which only 50% survived. Conclusion Proniosomes provided sustained release of drugs, which helped to protect BBB integrity, thereby combating hypergravity.

Chemiluminescent Analysis of Oxidative Metabolism in Rat Blood under the Influence of Argon and Helium.

We studied the nature of the action of course treatment with argon and helium (1 min, 3 procedures) on the oxidative metabolism in rat blood plasma. The study was performed on 30 Wistar rats divided into 3 groups (n=10 in each group): intact and 2 experimental (treatment of the skin of the back with a stream of argon and helium, respectively). After completion of the treatment course, the intensity of free radical processes, the total antioxidant activity, and malondialdehyde concentration were evaluated in the blood plasma. It was found that argon and helium gas flows provide stimulation of antioxidant systems, but the mechanisms of their effect were different. Treatment with helium did not affect the intensity of free radical processes, but significantly increased the overall antioxidant activity of blood plasma and reduced malondialdehyde concentration in comparison with the effect of argon flow.

Probiotic Improves Skin Oxidation, Elasticity, and Structural Properties in Aging Rats.

Skin aging, which affects all living organisms, is associated with oxidative stress. Probiotics exhibit antioxidant properties by producing reactive metabolites that counter oxidative stress. We hypothesized that Limosilactobacillus fermentum USM 4189 (LF 4189) has antioxidative properties and may prevent skin aging. In the present study, we used a D-galactose senescence-induced rat model to evaluate the potential antioxidative capability of LF 4189. The results indicated that rats administered LF 4189 exhibited increased plasma antioxidative activity (P=0.004), lipid peroxidation capacity (P=0.007), and skin elasticity compared with untreated aged rats (P=0.005). LF 4189 prevented telomere length shortening (P<0.05), indicating the potential to prevent senescence. A higher apoptotic activity was observed in old rats compared with young rats, whereas LF 4189 reduced the expression of four antioxidative enzyme genes that function as radical scavengers (all P<0.05), suggesting that the LF 4189 group had a reduced need to scavenge free radicals. Our findings indicate the potential of probiotics, such as LF 4189, as an anti-aging dietary intervention with antioxidant potential to improve skin health.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review.

To summarize available evidence in the literature on the impacts of CoQ10 supplementation on metabolic, biochemical, and performance outcomes in athletes. Six databases, Cochrane Library (33 articles), PubMed (90 articles), Scopus (55 articles), Embase (60 articles), SPORTDiscus (1056 articles), and Science Direct (165 articles), were researched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for peer review independently as they were identified by June 2022. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022357750). Of the 1409 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. After CoQ10 supplementation, a decrease in oxidative stress markers was observed, followed by higher antioxidant activity. On the other hand, lower levels of liver damage markers (ALT); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) were identified. Finally, we found a reduction in fatigue indicators such as Creatine Kinase (CK) and an increase in anaerobic performance. This systematic review concludes that supplementation with orally administered CoQ10 (30-300 mg) was able to potentiate plasma antioxidant activity and anaerobic performance, reducing markers linked to oxidative stress and liver damage in athletes from different modalities aged 17 years old and older.

Clinical efficacy and antioxidant properties of interferon inducers in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases in children

Introduction. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of respiratory infections in the practice of a pediatrician occupy one of the leading places. Currently, much attention is paid to various links in the pathogenesis of viral respiratory diseases. Among them, particular importance is attached to the system of antioxidant defense and cytokine regulation of inflammation. It is important to study the effect of various drugs on these links of pathogenesis in order to increase the clinical effectiveness of therapeutic methods.Aim. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and impact on lipid peroxidation of Kagocel® in the treatment of respiratory viral infections in children.Materials and methods. An observational study was conducted involving 124 children aged 6 to 15 years with manifestations of a respiratory viral infection who received symptomatic treatment, of which 89 children additionally took antiviral therapy with Kagocel®.Results. Along with the good tolerance of Kagocel® and the absence of side effects in children on the background of its use, a significantly shorter period of regression of the main clinical symptoms of acute respiratory infection was shown. It was noted that in children taking Kagocel® on the 3rd-5th day of therapy, there is an increase in the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde compared with patients who did not take the drug, which demonstrates the antioxidant effects of Kagocel®, which certainly have a positive effect on the character course of the healing process.Conclusion. Kagocel® has been shown to have high clinical efficacy and antioxidant effects.

Efficacy of Carotenoid-Loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles in Reducing Plasma Cytokines and Adipocyte Hypertrophy in Wistar Rats

The present study investigated the effect of gelatin-based nanoparticles (EPG) loaded with a carotenoid-rich crude extract (CE) on systemic and adipose tissue inflammatory response in a model with inflammation induced by a high glycemic index and high glycemic load diet (HGLI). Nanoparticles synthesized were characterized by different physical and chemical methods. The in vivo investigation evaluated Wistar rats (n = 20, 11 days, adult male with 21 weeks) subdivided into untreated (HGLI diet), conventional treatment (nutritionally adequate diet), treatment 1 (HGLI + crude extract (12.5 mg/kg)), and treatment 2 (HGLI + EPG (50 mg/kg)) groups. Dietary intake, caloric intake and efficiency, weight, inflammatory cytokines tissue concentration, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) weight, histopathological analysis, and antioxidant activity in plasma and VAT were investigated. EPG showed the same physical and chemical characteristics as previous batches (95.2 nm, smooth surface, and chemical interactions between materials). The EPG-treated group was the only group promoting negative ∆dietary intake, ∆caloric efficiency, and ∆weight. In addition, it presented a significant reduction (p &lt; 0.05) in IL-6 and leptin levels and a greater presence of multilocular adipocytes. The results suggest that EPG can act as a nutraceutical in adjuvant therapy for treating inflammatory diseases associated with adipose tissue accumulation.

Biochemical indicators of the lipid metabolism in workers involved in the processing of raw materials and production of rare metal products

Introduction. In recent years, the use of rare earth elements has been expanding in various innovative research and high-tech industries, which leads to an increase in the volume of their extraction and processing and makes it possible to develop a negative impact on the health of workers under conditions of long-term industrial exposure to rare earth elements with the air of the working area.&#x0D; The purpose of the work is to study and evaluate the deviations of the biochemical parameters of the lipid spectrum in workers, due to the chemical factors of the technological process of processing raw materials and production of rare metal products.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study and evaluation of the content of rare earth elements in the blood of workers, the study of biochemical parameters, statistical analysis, modelling of cause-and-effect relationships were carried out.&#x0D; Results. Workers exposed to rare-earth elements with the air of the working area (100% of workplaces) showed increased concentrations of holmium, dysprosium, yttrium, neodymium, niobium and terbium in the blood from 1.5 to 2.5 times compared to similar indicators in workers who were not associated with technological process. Elevated levels of total cholesterol, VLDL and triglycerides in blood serum, a decrease in the total antioxidant activity of blood plasma in workers relative to the physiological norm and similar indicators in the comparison group were established. A significant relationship of the identified deviations with an increased blood concentration of niobium, dysprosium and holmium has been proven.&#x0D; Limitations. The study took into account the aerogenic inhalation effect of rare earth elements on the health of workers involved in the processing of raw materials and production of rare metal products. &#x0D; Conclusion. Long-term inhalation exposure to rare earth elements contained in the air of the working area caused changes in biochemical parameters, reflecting the depletion of antioxidant defense resources, inducing disorders of lipid metabolism. The identified negative effects in workers can lead to pro-atherogenic vascular inflammation under conditions of continuing industrial exposure. The obtained results should be taken into account for the development of recommendations aimed at minimizing the negative consequences of the impact of the studied chemical factors of the labour process on the health of workers.

The effects of ethanol extract of Punica granatum L. peel on the testis damage induced by diabetes in rats

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of ethanol extract of Punica granatum L. peel (PGE) on oxidative stress and histopathological values in blood and testis tissue in rats with diabetes. In present study used twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups containing of seven rats per group. Group 1; peros physiological saline to the rat, Group 2; STZ 60 mg/kg/IP single dose, Group 3; PGE 10 mg/kg/20days/peros, Group 4; STZ as 60 mg/kg/IP + PGE 10 mg/kg/20days/peros. After the end of the experimental procedure, the rats were sacrificed, blood and testicular tissues were taken, and biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed. The administration of PGE was shown that the activities of CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH increased and the levels of MDA decreased in diabetic rats. Oral administration of PGE reduced the levels of LPO and improved the antioxidant activity in plasma and testis tissues while compared with the Groups 4. Histopathological examination of testicular tissues in the Group 2 is revealed edema in the intertubular spaces, thinning of the tubule walls due to diminished spermatocytes in the walls of the seminiferous tubules and severe degenerative and necrotic changes in spermatocytes. These changes were found to be very mild in Group 4. According to immunohistochemical findings, in Group 2, caspase 3 expression was intensely expressed in spermatocytes. As a result, it was observed that Punica granatum L. peel extract strengthened antioxidant defense and reduced oxidative stress in diabetic rats.

Antioxidant Activity of Noni Juice in Vitro and in Human Volunteers

Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit juice has been found to provide a wide range of potential health benefits. Among these are the reduction of free radicals and protection against lipid peroxide DNA damage in heavy cigarette smokers and athletes who had exercised to the point of exhaustion. These benefits have been observed after drinking a beverage containing a blend of noni juice from French Polynesia, Tahitian Noni&amp;reg; Juice (TNJ). To determine if TNJ exerts more immediate antioxidant effects, and under less extreme conditions, in vitro tests and a trial involving healthy young adult men were conducted. In the human study, volunteers drank 200 mL TNJ, orange juice or water following an overnight fast. Blood samples were collected before and 1 hour following ingestion of the beverages. Plasma and red cell lysate (erythrocyte) samples were measured for antioxidant activity potentiometrically. TNJ exhibited high in vitro antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, reducing power and lipid hydroperoxide scavenging assays. TNJ also significantly increased mean antioxidant activity in plasma and erythrocytes of healthy volunteers. The effect of TNJ in erythrocytes was approximately 4.6 times greater than that of orange juice. There were no increases observed in the water group. The results of this study reveal that TNJ can provide antioxidant benefits shortly after ingestion and under more everyday conditions, not only in extreme circumstances or when consumed repeatedly.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Hepatoprotectors on Oxidative Homeostasis in the Blood of Patients with Alcoholic Hepatitis: A Randomized Experimental Study

Background. An analysis of published results on the chemical structure, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of hepatoprotective agents, as well as their practical application, shows that a holistic view on the pharmacology of hepatoprotective agents is yet to be developed. Thus, the relationship between antioxidant activity and the effectiveness of reducing hepatocyte cytolysis remains unclear. Another difficult question concerns indications for the application of hepatoprotectors, selection of a particular drug and treatment duration.Objectives. To investigate the effects of hepatoprotective agents with different mechanisms of action on the indicators of oxidative metabolism in the blood of patients with alcoholic hepatitis.Methods. Four groups of patients were involved in the study. The 1st group consisted of relatively healthy male patients (n = 15). The remaining groups (10 individuals in each) were represented by patients with moderate alcoholic hepatitis. Patients of the 2nd group received remaxol; patients of the 3rd group received ademetionine; patients of the 4th group received ursodeoxycholic acid. Prior to and following treatment, the indicators of cytolysis and oxidative stress in blood were determined. Statistical data processing was carried out using the StatPlus v 7 (AnalystSoft Inc.) software package.Results. According to the observed changes in the cytolytic syndrome marker enzymes, all three hepatoprotectors under study expressed comparable efficacy. After treatment according to any of the applied schemes, the ALT and AST activity in the blood plasma decreased by 56–68% and 75–81%, respectively, compared to their initial values. In comparison with the control group, the total antioxidant activity of the blood plasma decreased by 20–27%; the content of TBA-reactive products in the erythrocyte suspension increased by 61–87%. The remaxol, ademethionine or ursodeoxycholic acid therapy led to a partial normalization of the abovementioned parameters without significant differences between the experimental groups. The concentration of reduced glutathione in the erythrocyte suspension and the content of thiol groups in the blood plasma of patients were reduced in comparison with the control group by 16% and 26%, respectively. After therapy, these indicators also increased by 12–15%, although no predominant effect of either of the studied hepatoprotectors was revealed.Conclusion. The conducted comparative study indicated the absence of a specific antioxidant effect among the pharmacological mechanisms of action of remaxol, ademethionine and ursodeoxycholic acid. In this regard, further research should be carried out to investigate the effect of hepatoprotective drugs on pathobiochemical changes and to analyse a relationship between the antioxidant effect and the efficacy of reducing the level of hepatocyte cytolysis.

Natural Vitamin E Supplementation during Pregnancy in Rats Increases RRR-α-Tocopherol Stereoisomer Proportion and Enhances Fetal Antioxidant Capacity, Compared to Synthetic Vitamin E Administration

Introduction: Low dietary intake of vitamin E is a global public health issue. RRR-α-tocopherol (RRR-αT) is the only naturally occurring vitamin E stereoisomer, but the equimolecular mixture of all eight stereoisomers, synthetic vitamin E (S-αT), is commonly consumed. The objective of this study was to evaluate bioavailability and antioxidant activity of RRR-αT versus S-αT, in both mother and fetus, after maternal supplementation during pregnancy. Methods: Female rats (7 weeks of age) received a modified AIN-93G diet supplemented with 75 IU/kg of RRR-αT (NVE, n = 20) or S-αT (SVE, n = 17). At delivery, the levels of αT, stereoisomer distribution, and antioxidant capacity were analyzed in maternal and fetal plasma. Results: NVE administration significantly increased the proportion of RRR-αT stereoisomer in maternal and fetal plasma. The percentage of RRR-αT increased from 32.76% to 88.33% in maternal plasma, and 35.25% to 97.94% in fetal plasma, in the NVE group compared to SVE. Fetal plasma from the NVE group was found to have higher total antioxidant capacity compared to SVE. Lastly, fetal plasma RRR-αT stereoisomer percentage was positively associated with expression levels of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) in the placenta. Conclusions: Both natural and synthetic sources of vitamin E showed similar bioavailability. Still, NVE supplementation increased the proportion of RRR-αT and promoted higher antioxidant activity in fetal plasma at birth. Placental SR-B1 might be involved in the stereoselective transfer of RRR-αT stereoisomer across the placenta and may improve αT bioactivity in the fetus.

Effects of Soaking, Cooking, and Steaming Treatments on the Faba Bean Seeds’ Total Bioactive Compounds Content and Antioxidant Activity

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a winter-sowing grain legume with high-protein content utilized for human consumption and animal feeding. Faba beans contain high levels of polyphenol compounds with various nutritional benefits. Legume seeds, such as faba beans, are subject to different processing procedures before consumption, which decreases the levels of their bioactive compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids), resulting in a reduction in antioxidant activity. This study aimed to examine the influence of soaking, cooking, and steaming treatments on the total polyphenols, total flavonoid, and antioxidant activity levels of Broad (large) and Field (small) faba beans. Initially, the influence of the different extraction solvents on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and ferric reduction ability of plasma antioxidant activity (FRAP), variables were inspected, wherein the extraction efficiency. 70% acidic acetone treatment was found to be the best solvent for extraction. Then, we determined the soaking, cooking, and steaming effects on TPC, TFC, and FRAP levels compared to dry seeds as the control. It was found that the various processes resulted in a significant reduction in the level of these components in the processed seeds of both Broad and Field beans. Nevertheless, the soaking treatment resulted in the smallest reduction. In addition, steaming caused a more moderate decline among the cooking types. Therefore, to maintain a higher level of these three ingredients in the final product, it is better to steam the seeds than cook them.

К вопросу о нитрозативном стрессе у подростков с экзогенно- конституциональным ожирением

Objective. To study the levels of nitric oxide, advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant activity in serum and plasma in adolescents with exogenous constitutional obesity. Patients and methods. The study group included 46 adolescents with class I exogenous constitutional obesity (24 girls and 22 boys). The control group included 43 adolescents with normal body weight (23 girls and 20 boys). The levels of nitric oxide, advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant activity in serum and plasma were determined by spectrophotometry. Results. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in metabolic indices. In adolescent boys with obesity, a direct correlation was found between the levels of nitric oxide and advanced oxidation protein products, and between the levels of nitric oxide and total antioxidant activity. Conclusion. In the group of adolescent boys with class I exogenous constitutional obesity, the formation of pathogenetic interrelations between the parameters of nitrosative status was observed, which indicates the initial signs of metabolic changes. Key words: obesity, adolescents, free radical oxidation, nitric oxide

Стимуляция энергосинтеза в организме куриных эмбрионов при использовании водорастворимой формы убихинона

During the study, the incubation eggs of chicken embryos were treated with solutions of the water-soluble form of ubiquinone under artificial incubation conditions, which caused the manifestation of a number of effects that directly and indirectly indicate the stimulation of energy synthesis. The aim of the experiment was to study the possibility of using a water-soluble form of ubiquinone to stimulate energy synthesis in the organism of chicken embryos. In the course of the study, a wide range of zootechnical (biological control of incubation) and biochemical (registration of key products of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity in plasma and ATP) indicators were studied. The result of the study was an increase in stress resistance and viability of individuals; the hatching of chickens increased by 4,37%, the hatchability of eggs increased by 4,26%. These effects were largely determined by the implementation of ubiquinone as an antioxidant that prevents the development of lipid peroxidation, and also a mobile component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Microbiomes of Kefir Grains From Regions of Historical Origin and Their Probiotic Potential

Kefir has attracted interest in the scientific community due to its beneficial properties, such as: improving digestion, antimicrobial action, hypocholesterolemic, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory effects, control of plasma glucose levels, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antiallergic activity. The comparative characteristics of the microbiomes of kefir grains (KG) obtained from the regions of their historical origin (Caucasus and China) is given. The diversity of their compositions was shown using classical microbiological and molecular genetic methods, including high-throughput sequencing of V4-region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and the ITS1 region of the 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S complex of yeast rRNA. The species of the Lactobacillus genus are the most common of the bacterial cultures in kefir grains, while the most common of the yeast cultures is Pichia fermentans , as well as the rarer species of Yarrowia lipolytica and Galactomyces candidus .