Significant Increase In Glutathione Peroxidase Research Articles

The role of inflammation and antioxidant defenses in the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin in elderly CD-1 male mice

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent used against several cancer types. However, due to its cardiotoxic adverse effects, the use of this drug may be also life-threatening. Although most cancer patients are elderly, they are poorly represented and evaluated in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Considering this, the present work aims to evaluate inflammation and oxidative stress as the main mechanisms of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, in an innovative approach using an experimental model constituted of elderly animals treated with a clinically relevant human cumulative dose of DOX. Elderly (18–20 months) CD-1 male mice received biweekly DOX administrations, for 3 weeks, to reach a cumulative dose of 9.0 mg/kg. One week (1W) or two months (2 M) after the last DOX administration, the heart was collected to determine both drug’s short and longer cardiac adverse effects. The obtained results showed that DOX causes cardiac histological damage and fibrosis at both time points. In the 1W-DOX group, the number of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 immunopositive cells increased and a trend toward increased NF-κB p65 expression was seen. An increase of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)-33 and a trend toward increased IL-6 and B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X (Bax) expression were seen after DOX. In the same group, a decrease in IL-1β, p62, and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-I, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression was observed. Contrariwise, the animals sacrificed 2 M after DOX showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase 1 and Bax expression with persistent cardiac damage and fibrosis, while carbonylated proteins, erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NF-κB p65, myeloperoxidase, LC3-I, and LC3-II expression decreased. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that in an elderly mouse population, DOX induces cardiac inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis in the heart in the short term. When kept for a longer period, oxidative-stress-linked pathways remained altered, as well as autophagy markers and tissue damage after DOX treatment, emphasizing the need for continuous post-treatment cardiac monitoring.

Evaluation of Toxic Effects Induced by Sub-Acute Exposure to Low Doses of α-Cypermethrin in Adult Male Rats.

To contribute new information to the pyrethroid pesticide α-cypermethrin toxicity profile, we evaluated its effects after oral administration to Wistar rats at daily doses of 2.186, 0.015, 0.157, and 0.786 mg/kg bw for 28 days. Evaluations were performed using markers of oxidative stress, cholinesterase (ChE) activities, and levels of primary DNA damage in plasma/whole blood and liver, kidney, and brain tissue. Consecutive exposure to α-cypermethrin affected the kidney, liver, and brain weight of rats. A significant increase in concentration of the thiobarbituric acid reactive species was observed in the brain, accompanied by a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. An increase in GPx activity was also observed in the liver of all α-cypermethrin-treated groups, while GPx activity in the blood was significantly lower than in controls. A decrease in ChE activities was observed in the kidney and liver. Treatment with α-cypermethrin induced DNA damage in the studied cell types at almost all of the applied doses, indicating the highest susceptibility in the brain. The present study showed that, even at very low doses, exposure to α-cypermethrin exerts genotoxic effects and sets in motion the antioxidative mechanisms of cell defense, indicating the potential hazards posed by this insecticide.

Montelukast Protects Against Renal Damage Due to Cadmium Toxicity: In vivo and In vitro Experiments

Background: The protective effects of Montelukast (Mont), as an anti-inflammatory drug, against cadmium-induced kidney cell damage have already been studied and identified. Since the significant part of cadmium nephrotoxicity is caused by oxidative stress, this in vivo and in vitro study was conducted to investigate the possible role of Montelukast antioxidant properties in the protection. Methods: In the in vivo section, 42 rats were treated in seven groups of six rats as follows: Control; Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) control; Montelukast control; CdCl2 plus Montelukast treatment; CdCl2 with Montelukast pre-treatment; Vitamin E control; CdCl2 plus Vitamin E treatment. In the in vitro section, human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) were treated with CdCl2; Montelukast; Combined CdCl2 and Montelukast; Vitamin E; Combined CdCl2 and Vitamin E. Results: Montelukast, in both treatment and pretreatment forms, reduced serum urea, creatinine, and potassium levels compared to CdCl2 group, in vivo. Similar to vitamin E, the pre-treatment with Montelukast was associated with a significant decrease in Nitric Oxide (NO) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in serum and renal tissue, and a significant increase in Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) activity in serum compared those in the CdCl2 group. In the in vitro section of the study, Montelukast significantly reduced Malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO while the TAC level, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and the GPX activity increased significantly. Conclusion: Overall, the antioxidant effects of Montelukast appear to play a prominent role in preventing the renal toxicity due to cadmium exposure.

Evaluation of coenzyme Q10 combined with or without N-acetyl cysteine or atorvastatin for preventing contrast-induced kidney injury in diabetic rats.

Combined antioxidants effect for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) remains unclear. This study assessed the potential protective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) alone or combined with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or atorvastatin against CIN in diabetic rats. Animals were randomly divided into five groups, including control and four disease groups with CIN and diabetes. Group 2 included diabetic rats with CIN. Groups 3-5 included diabetic rats that received CoQ10, CoQ10 and NAC, or CoQ10 and atorvastatin, respectively, before CIN induction. Serum, urine, and tissue were collected to evaluate renal protective effects of tested agents. Renal biomarkers, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations were investigated. Rats with CIN showed significant renal impairment as revealed by the deleterious effects on kidney function and histology. While induction of CIN did not affect the renal levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, pretreatment of animals with CoQ10/NAC showed significant increase in GPx and catalase levels versus controls. Lastly, pretreatment with CoQ10/atorvastatin showed regenerative effect on distal tubules with mild kidney histology alterations relative to CIN rats. The combined use of CoQ10/atorvastatin could be a potential strategy to prevent CIN. However, future studies are warranted to test different combinations for longer prophylactic periods.

Effects of Three Types of Massage on Serum Levels of Malondialdehyde, Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase After One Session of Exhaustive Exercise in Female Futsal Players

Objective: The production of reactive oxygen species in exercise causes oxidative stress which disturbs the balance of oxidants and antioxidants, causing destructive effects on cells. The present study aims to investigate the effect of three types of massage (Swedish, Russian, Thai) on serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) following one session of exhaustive exercise. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 48 female futsal players aged 17-22 years in Zahedan, Iran who were selected using a purposive sampling method, and randomly divided into four groups of Swedish massage (Long strokes with pressing and tapping using hands), Russian massage (Medium to high pressure), Thai massage (Pressure to certain parts of the body) and Control. The exercise program was based on Bruce protocol. Serum levels of MDA, GPX and SOD were measured by before and immediately after exercise and after massage. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, considering a significance level of P≤0.05. Results: In all three types of massage, there was a significant decrease in serum level of MDA (0.22±0.08), and a significant increase in GPX (1.84±0.46) and SOD (10.02±2.86) levels after exhaustive (P=0.001). No significant difference was observed in the control group. Conclusion: It seems that Russian, Thai, and Swedish types of massage can affect the serum levels of the MDA (as an oxidative stress marker) and the antioxidant enzymes of GPX and SOD during the post-exercise recovery period.

Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin combination regimen boost liver functions and antioxidant profile in hepatitis C virus patients

Hepatitis C virus is an infectious pathogen affecting thousands of people causing great damage to the liver and consider an important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This research was conducted on 30 patients infected with hepatitis C virus and 10 control normal volunteers after taking consent of them in order to evaluate the liver function and antioxidants profile after treatment with combination of Sofosbuvir and Ribaverin in hepatitis C virus patients. The results showed significant reduction of elevated levels of L-Malondialdhyde, Alanine Aminotrasferase, Aspartate Aminotrasferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Albumin, Total protein, Total bilirubin and α-fetoprotein mean while significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activity upon treatment with combination of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin. In conclusion, the present finding suggest that, treatment of hepatitis C virus patient with combination of Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin significantly improve liver function parameters and antioxidant profile.

Histomorphological and Redox Delineations in the Testis and Epididymis of Albino Rats Fed with Green-Synthesized Cellulose.

It has also become increasingly necessary to diversify the production of cellulose for biomedical applications. In this study, cellulose-green-synthesized from Sesamum indicum (GSC)—was administered orally to rats for 14 days as follows: control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. The impact of GSC on the antioxidant status and histomorphology of the testes and epididymis were studied. GSC had no effects on organ weights and organosomatic indices. In the testes, GSC caused nonsignificant changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide levels, whereas it significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels. In the epididymis, GSC significantly decreased superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide levels, but caused a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, at ×200 magnification, testicular morphology appeared normal at all doses, however, extravasation of the germinal epithelium of the epididymis was observed at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. Conversely, at ×400 magnification, spermatogenic arrest (testes) and chromatolytic alterations (epididymis) were observed at the higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg GSC). This study reports on the effect of green-synthesized cellulose on testicular and epididymal histology and redox status and further extends the frontiers of research on cellulose.

Low Dose Iron Therapy in Children with Iron Deficiency: DNA Damage and Oxidant Stress Markers.

Conflicting data are available regarding oral iron therapy in iron deficiency (ID), iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and its relation to DNA damage, oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. Our aim was assessment of DNA damage, oxidative stress and anti-oxidant markers in children with ID and IDA before and after low dose iron therapy. The study was conducted in two stages, first stage was assessment of DNA damage using comet assay, malondialdehyde (MDA) and anti-oxidant enzymes levels (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) & total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in thirty-nine children with IDA, forty-five children with ID without anemia and sixty healthy controls. Second stage was assessment of previous markers together with hematological response following oral therapy with 10mg/day ferric ammonium citrate for 8weeks. Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the three groups regarding MDA, GPx, SOD, CAT and TAC. A significant increase was detected in the DNA damage in the 2 groups compared to control (p < 0.005). Following iron therapy, hematological parameters was improved together with a significant increase in GPx (P = 0.04), SOD (p = 0.002), TAC (P = 0.001) and non-significant reduction in DNA damage in IDA group. There was a significant increase in SOD (p = 0.001) & TAC (p = 0.001) and significant decrease in DNA damage (p = 0.001) in ID group. Low dose iron therapy could be sufficient to improve antioxidant status and DNA damage together with correction of hematologic indices.

The possible role of heat shock protein-70 induction in collagen-induced arthritis in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the possible role of heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) induction by 17-allylaminodemethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) in collagen-induced arthritis in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 10/group) and were treated intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks, namely normal control (saline), arthritis control (AR; saline), AR + 17-AAG, AR + methotrexate (MTX), and AR + 17-AAG + MTX. At the end of the treatments, arthritic score was determined and then the animals were sacrificed. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum levels of HSP70, interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), rheumatic factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined. In the AR group, all parameters increased significantly, except for GPx, which showed a pronounced decrease. The 17-AAG and/or MTX treatments significantly reduced arthritic score, ESR, IL-17, TNF-α, RF, CRP, MDA, and MMP-9 with significant increase in GPx compared to the AR group. The HSP70 level was significantly higher in the AR + 17-AAG and the AR + 17-AAG + MTX groups but significantly lower in the AR + MTX group as compared to the AR group. Also, it was significantly lower in the AR + MTX group as compared to the AR + 17-AAG group. We concluded that HSP70 induction by 17-AAG attenuated the inflammatory process in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model induced by collagen, which suggested that HSP70 inducers can be promising agents in the treatment of RA.

Evaluation of milk glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels in subclinical mastitis in Damascus goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate milk glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in Damascus goats with subclinical mastitis. According to the somatic cell counts (SCCs), 193 Damascus goats included in the study were divided into healthy (n = 75; SCC 0.05). In summary, a significant increase in GPx and decrease in SOD levels, respectively, were determined in goat milk samples with subclinical mastitis, and these changing trends were correlated with milk SCCs. However, age, parity, and number of offspring were not associated with these changing patterns.

Protective Effect of Dorema glabrum on Induced Oxidative Stress by Diazinon in Hippocampus of Rat

Introduction: Diazinon (DZN) administration produces lipid peroxidation as an indicator of oxidative stress in the brain. Some medicinal plants such as Dorema glabrum has antioxidant properties, so can be used as an antioxidant that may protect neurons from oxidative stress. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of D. glabrum against DZN-induced oxidative stress in hippocampus.&#x0D; Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats randomly were divided into four groups including a control group, and two groups received different doses of D. glabrum (40 and 80 mg/kg) as pre-treatment for 21 days with DZN (100 mg/Kg) that was injected intraperitoneally (ip) in last day of D. glabrum usage, and one group received only DZN. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which are the indicators of lipid peroxidation, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) were determined in the ratsʼ hippocampus.&#x0D; Results: Administration of DZN significantly increased TBARS levels and superoxide dismutase activity and decreased glutathione peroxidase activity but there were no significant changes in catalase activity in the hippocampus. Combined D. glabrum and DZN treatment, caused a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, a significant decrease of TBARS and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase and again no significant changes in catalase activity in the rats’ hippocampus when compared to the rats treated with DZN.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that D. glabrum had an amelioratory effect on oxidative stress induced by DZN.

Histological study on the possible protective role of Moringa Oleifera leaves extract on Paracetamol induced liver damage in adult male albino rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera is a tropical tree whose leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds. Paracetamol hepatotoxicity is a significant public health concern. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) aqueous extract on paracetamol induced liver injury in adult male albino rats.Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were used in the current study and were divided into four equal groups,: Group I served as control; Group II were given MOL for 14 days; Group III were given water for 7 days followed by paracetamol for another seven days; Group IV were given MOL for 14 days and Paracetamol on the seventh day for 7days.All medications were given by nasogastric tube. Specimens of liver were excised and processed for histological and histochemical studies. Blood samples were collected for biochemical study. Statistical analysis of the results was done.Results: MOL administration in group II didn’t affect hepatic architecture or liver function tests. There was a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity and no significant difference in malondialdehyde level as compared to control. Paracetamol administration led to vacuolization of hepatocytes, cellular infiltrations and congestion in central and portal veins, with apparent increase in number of cholangiocytes. There were also significant decrease in the area percentage of PAS positive granules and significant decrease in area percentage of collagen fibers as compared to control. By electron microscope, distorted mitochondria, decrease of rough endoplasmic reticulum and increase of smooth endoplasmic reticulum & collagen fibrils were observed. Administration of Moringa before paracetamol ameliorated damaging effects of paracetamol. Minimal cellular infiltrations and apparent increase in number of cholangiocytes were still observed. Conclusion: MOL extracts could protect the liver against paracetamol effects through inhibition of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes.

Protective effect of Corchorus capsularis L. leaves on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesion in rats.

In Taiwan, Corchorus capsularis L. has long been cultivated and the leaves are consumed as edible vegetable. This study is to investigate the protection effect of extract of C. capsularis leaves (ECC) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesion (AGML) in rats. The results of phytochemical determination in ECC for total polyphenol, flavonoid and polysaccharide were 59.88 ± 0.61 mg/g, 86.39 ± 18.0 mg/g and 320.89 ± 6.99 mg/g, respectively. ECC showed significant activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging with IC50 of 0.25 mg/ml. In vivo studies, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, vehicle (control) and low-, medium-, and high-dose ECC (LECC, MECC, HECC; 200, 400, and 1,000 mg/kg/day, respectively). ECC was able to decrease significantly the ulcer index (UI) caused by 80% ethanol in a dose dependent manner. There was no significant effect on growth trend and food intake rate after the administration of ECC in the experimental period. The serum lipid parameters in ECC groups revealed significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dilmutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA). Significant amelioration on pathological lesion score was found in ECC groups compared with the control group (P<0.05). The overall results indicate that ECC has protective effects on ethanol-induced AGML in rats, which could be associated with its antioxidant activity.

Effects of Selol 5% supplementation on tissue antioxidant enzyme levels and peroxidation marker in healthy mice.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans used in the prevention or treatment of cancer. Selol is a mixture of selenitetriglycerides, containing Se(IV). It does not exhibit mutagenic activity and is less toxic than inorganic sodium selenite containing Se(IV). The antioxidant properties of the Selol were demonstrated using the blood of healthy animals. The aim of the study was to evaluate Selol as a Se supplement by determining the effect of its administration on the Se level and the antioxidant status in the tissues. We examined the effect of long-term (28-day) Selol 5% supplementation on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including the main selenoenzymes in healthy mice organs, such as liver, brain, lungs, and testis. Enzyme activities of the tissue homogenates and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a biomarker of oxidative stress were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The selenium concentrations in the tissues were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) as well. A significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, and glutathione S-transferase activity as well as the MDA concentration was observed in most of the studied tissues during the Selol 5% supplementation. Long-term supplementation with the new Se(IV) compound - Selol 5% significantly affects the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the redox state in healthy mice organs. In the healthy population Selol 5% seems to be a promising new antioxidant compound.

Increased salivary oxidative stress parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes: Relation with periodontal disease

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in salivary oxidative stress between patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and healthy non-diabetic patients, and whether this oxidative stress is associated with the presence of periodontal disease in diabetic patients. Material and methodsThis observational study included 70 patients divided into three groups according to metabolic control levels: 19 non-diabetic patients (control group); 24 patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c<7%), and 27 patients DM2 with poor metabolic control (HbA1c>7%). The following oxidative stress parameters were measured in all subjects: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Periodontal health was determined by means of the community periodontal index (CPI) recommended by the WHO. ResultsThe diabetic group with good metabolic control showed a significant increase in GPx and GRd activity in comparison with the control group (p<0.001). The activity of the enzymes measured was significantly less in patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with the control group and well-controlled diabetic groups (p<0.001). Both diabetic groups showed higher GSSG/GSH quotients and CPI in comparison with the control group, and both parameters were significantly higher in diabetic patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with well-controlled diabetic patients. ConclusionsPoor metabolic control in DM2 patients is associated with higher levels of salivary oxidative stress and worse periodontal health.

Incremento de los parámetros de estrés oxidativo salival en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2: relación con la enfermedad periodontal

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in salivary oxidative stress between patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and healthy non-diabetic patients, and whether this oxidative stress is associated with the presence of periodontal disease in diabetic patients. Material and methodsThis observational study included 70 patients divided into three groups according to metabolic control levels: 19 non-diabetic patients (control group); 24 patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c<7%), and 27 patients DM2 with poor metabolic control (HbA1c>7%). The following oxidative stress parameters were measured in all subjects: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Periodontal health was determined by means of the community periodontal index (CPI) recommended by the WHO. ResultsThe diabetic group with good metabolic control showed a significant increase in GPx and GRd activity in comparison with the control group (P<.001). The activity of the enzymes measured was significantly less in patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with the control group and well-controlled diabetic groups (P<.001). Both diabetic groups showed higher GSSG/GSH quotients and CPI in comparison with the control group, and both parameters were significantly higher in diabetic patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with well-controlled diabetic patients. ConclusionsPoor metabolic control in DM2 patients is associated with higher levels of salivary oxidative stress and worse periodontal health.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Serum Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress in Pediatric Patients on Regular Hemodialysis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

We sought to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on serum lipid profile and oxidative stress markers in pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis (HD). This study was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted on 49 pediatric patients on regular HD for at least 6 months. Patients were randomly divided into either omega-3 group (n=25) who received 1-g oral omega-3 capsule once daily for 16weeks or placebo group (n=24) who received 1-g matching oral placebo capsule once daily for 16weeks. Lipid profile markers including: total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and oxidative stress markers including the following: malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were measured at baseline and after 16weeks of supplementation. By the end of the study, children in omega-3 group showed a highly significant reduction in total cholesterol and a highly significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels. The administration of omega-3 has a beneficial effect on serum lipid profile and oxidative stress in children undergoing HD.

Assessment of uptake and phytotoxicity of cyanobacterial extracts containing microcystins or cylindrospermopsin on parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L).

Blooms of harmful cyanobacteria that synthesize cyanotoxins are increasing worldwide. Agronomic plants can uptake these cyanotoxins and given that plants are ultimately ingested by humans, this represents a public health problem. In this research, parsley and coriander grown in soil and watered through 7days with crude extracts containing microcystins (MCs) or cylindrospermopsin (CYN) in 0.1-1μgmL-1 concentration range were evaluated concerning their biomass, biochemical parameters and uptake of cyanotoxins. Although biomass, chlorophylls (a and b), carotenoids and glutathione-S-transferase of parsley and coriander exposed to the crude extracts containing MC or CYN had shown variations, these values were not statistically significantly different. Protein synthesis is not inhibited in coriander exposed to MC or CYN and in parsley exposed to MC. Also, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in parsley and coriander was not affected by exposure to MC, and in coriander, the CYN did not induce statistically significant differences in these two antioxidative enzymes. Only parsley showed statistically significant increase in protein content exposed to 0.5μg CYN mL-1 (3.981±0.099mgg-1 FW) compared to control (2.484±0.145mgg-1 FW), statistically significant decrease in GR exposed to 0.1μg CYN mL-1 (0.684±0.117nmolmin-1mg-1 protein) compared to control (1.30±0.06nmolmin-1mg-1 protein) and statistically significant increase in GPx exposed to 1μg CYN mL-1 (0.054±0.026nmolmin-1mg-1 protein) compared to 0.5μg CYN mL-1 (0.003±0.001nmolmin-1mg-1 protein). These changes may be due to the induction of defensive mechanisms by plants by the presence of toxic compounds in the soil or probably to a low generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the parsley and coriander leaves and stems after 10days of exposure did not accumulate microcystins or cylindrospermopsin.

Effects of dietary dried Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) supplementation on blood and milk enzymatic antioxidant indices, on milk total antioxidant capacity and on productivity in goats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the dietary supplementation of dried Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) as a whole plant on various blood and milk oxidative stress enzymatic indices, on milk total antioxidant capacity and on productivity in dairy goats. Twelve Alpine goats were used in a 4-week experiment and were allocated to 1 of 2 groups (CON, OR). The animals were fed 1.2kg of alfalfa hay and 1.2kg of concentrate mixtures (50% basal and 50% lactation ration) daily. The concentrate mixtures for the CON group were not supplemented with oregano, while oregano plants were incorporated into the lactation ration of the OR group, at a level of 30g equivalent to a daily dosage of 1ml of essential oil per animal. The goats were milked twice per day and the milk yield was recorded. At the end of each week of the experimental period, individual milk samples were obtained and analyzed for fat, milk and protein contents. Additional blood and milk samples were taken during the 3rd and the 4th week of the experimental period. The activities of the following antioxidant enzymatic indices were measured: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase in blood and milk, glutathione transferase in blood and lactoperoxidase in milk. The OR group showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase both in blood (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and milk (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). In addition, the dietary oregano supplementation effectively enhanced FRAP values (P<0.001) of the milk. It can be concluded that the dietary intake of dried oregano plants positively affected at least partially, some enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidant defenses of blood and milk and thus, contributed to enhanced antioxidant capacity of milk.

Methotrexate-related response on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells may be modulated by the Ala16Val-SOD2 gene polymorphism.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist used in high doses as an anti-cancer treatment and in low doses for the treatment of some autoimmune diseases. MTX use has been linked to oxidative imbalance, which may cause multi-organ toxicities that can be attenuated by antioxidant supplementation. Despite the oxidative effect of MTX, the influence of antioxidant gene polymorphisms on MTX toxicity is not well studied. Therefore, we analyzed here whether a genetic imbalance of the manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD2) gene could have some impact on the MTX cytotoxic response. An in vitro study using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from carriers with different Ala16Val-SOD2 genotypes (AA, VV and AV) was carried out, and the effect on cell viability and proliferation was analyzed, as well as the effect on oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic markers. AA-PBMCs that present higher SOD2 efficiencies were more resistance to high MTX doses (10 and 100 µM) than were the VV and AV genotypes. Both lipoperoxidation and ROS levels increased significantly in PBMCs exposed to MTX independent of Ala16Val-SOD2 genotypes, whereas increased protein carbonylation was observed only in PBMCs from V allele carriers. The AA-PBMCs exposed to MTX showed decreasing SOD2 activity, but a concomitant up regulation of the SOD2 gene was observed. A significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels was observed in all PBMCs exposed to MTX. However, this effect was more intense in AA-PBMCs. Caspase-8 and -3 levels were increased in cells exposed to MTX, but the modulation of these genes, as well as that of the Bax and Bcl-2 genes involved in the apoptosis pathway, presented a modulation that was dependent on the SOD2 genotype. MTX at a concentration of 10 µM also increased inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα and Igγ) and decreased the level of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine, independent of SOD2 genetic background. The results suggest that potential pharmacogenetic effect on the cytotoxic response to MTX due differential redox status of cells carriers different SOD2 genotypes.