Significant Increase In Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

Effects of cadmium alone and in combination with pH on bioaccumulation, tissue structure, and enzyme activity of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis

In this study, Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) were exposed to various combinations of reduced pH (7.8, 7.3, and 6.5) and cadmium (Cd; 0 and 1 mg·L−1) for 7, 14, and 21 days. The reduced pH and 1 mg·L−1 Cd treatment significantly decreased the Cd concentration in crab tissues in the order of pH 7.8 > pH 7.3 > pH 6.5. The exposure to Cd resulted in edema, tubular vacuolization in epithelial cells, and hepatic duct degeneration in the hepatopancreas and indistinct cellular structure and disconnected epithelial layer in the gills. However, low pH alleviated the toxic effects of Cd on the tissues. In gill and hepatopancreas tissues, low pH and Cd exposure caused a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and oxidized glutathione content, but metallothionein activity was not affected. In contrast, the activity of glutathione-S-transferase decreased. Thus, indirect effects of pH on metal accumulation and antagonistic toxicities were observed in E. sinensis, and reduced pH and Cd exposure modulated the oxidative balance via different mechanisms.

Comparative study of the effects of ZOUSH Ointment as a Natural Product and sliver sulfadiazine on the second-degree burn wounds healing in mice: Role of Antioxidants and the gene expression of matrix metalloprotinase-9

Despite progress in the treatment of burn wounds, effective wound healing remains a severe challenge. In present study, the efficacy of “ZOUSH” ointment on second-degree burn wound in an animal model has been investigated through antioxidant analysis. The expression of Mmp-9 as a repair factor was measured as well. After induction of second-degree burn, eighty female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was treated with ZOUSH, the second group received Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD.), the third group received Eucerin, and the control group no medication. Every five days, skin and blood samples of five sacrificed mice were collected and stored at -80°C for further biochemical and histological analyses. Results showed a significant increase in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione (GSH.); however, Malondialdehyde (MDA.) concentration significantly decreased in both samples of the ZOUSH- treated groups in comparison with the control group (P≤0.05). Evaluating the wound healing process during the treatment showed that ZOUSH accelerates the wound healing process compared accelerate the wound healing process compared to other groups. Gene expression analysis showed increased Mmp-9 expression level more than ten times compared to the untreated group. According to present study results, ZOUSH ointment proved highly effective in the wound healing of the second-degree burn. Thus, ZOUSH ointment seems to be a reliable alternative to current burn wound therapies.

Impact of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on oxidative parameters and reproductive efficiency of Egyptian buffaloes

A total of 17 pregnant buffaloes were divided into 2 groups: treated group (n = 10), supplemented with vitamin E and Se (15 ml of Viteselen 15®), and control group (n = 7); not supplemented with vitamin E and Se. The blood sample was collected 4 weeks before and after parturition. The reproductive performance and blood biochemical analysis were conducted as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and progesterone (P4). Oxidative stressed parameters as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Our results revealed that, treated group free from any postpartum uterine disorder with earlier ovarian resumption than control. The P4, Ca, P, and Mg was increased in the treated blood. Reduce concentrations of NO and MDA was found in the treated group. Meanwhile, a significant increase in SOD and GSH-px postpartum in the treated group was found compared to the control group. In conclusion, supplementation of buffaloes with vitamin E and Se during the transition period has a vital role, through the changes in different oxidative parameters and enhancing metabolic status, which optimizes Egyptian buffaloes' reproductive efficiency.

Effect of escitalopram on an acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) disorder with an unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. Regarding the effectiveness of antidepressants on UC in animal models of depression and the known anti-inflammatory effects of escitalopram this study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of escitalopram on an acetic acid-induced UC model without depression. UC model was induced by intra rectal (i.r.) administration of 4% acetic acid in rats after 24 hours of fasting. Animals were treated with three doses of escitalopram (5, 10 and 20mg/kg). Prednisolone (4mg/kg) was used as a reference drug in UC. Histological and oxidative stress markers were measured in all groups. Results showed significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as significant decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, macroscopic factors (ulcer surface area, ulcer severity and weight-to-colon ratio) and microscopic and histological parameters (severity and extent of inflammation, cryptic destruction and severity of tissue involvement) in escitalopram treated rats (10, 20mg/kg) compared to the UC group. In conclusion, the results of our study are in support of beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of escitalopram in UC.

Ethanolic extract of Capparis decidua fruit ameliorates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway

Background: Methotrexate is a stable derivative of aminopterin, a folate antimetabolite. Despite the widespread use of methotrexate, the clinical application of methotrexate is limited and restricted by the occurrence of hepatotoxicity. An important medicinal plant, Capparis decidua contains multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: This study investigated the protective effect of C. decidua against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on its ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway which have not been studied earlier. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups. Rats were treated with C. decidua orally with doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days following a single dose of MTX injection (20 mg/kg, i. p). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were assessed in hepatic tissue. mRNA expression of, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1 β), and IL 6 was carried using real-time polymerase chain reaction in hepatic tissue. Results: Results showed that methotrexate administration significantly increased AST, ALT, and ALP levels. It has also increased MDA levels indicating lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidants levels of SOD and CAT levels. Treatment with C. decidua significantly diminished the hepatotoxic effects of methotrexate which was seen in a significant decrease in AST, ALT, ALP, MDA levels, significant increase in SOD and CAT levels. Methotrexate provoked hepatic NF-κB phosphorylation and increased mRNA abundance of TNF-α, IL-1 β, and IL-6 expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that C. decidua prevents methotrexate hepatotoxicity through suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway, attenuating oxidative damage, inflammation, and cell death.

The effects of paclobutrazol on enhancing tolerance of Plantago major L. to cadmium stress in vitro

The plant tissue culture technique has enabled us to study the tolerance of cells, tissues, and plant organs and cultures to different stresses that plants suffer from. The in vitro culture facilitates the ability to stimulate the production of secondary metabolites. The present study investigated the influence of paclobutrazol (PBZ) pre-treatment on the growth, physiological, morphological, biochemical traits, and phenolic compounds production in callus cultures of Plantago major L. in a medium containing different concentrations of cadmium. The callus was cultured in a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different concentrations of cadmium (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 µM), with a PBZ concentration of 0 and 2 mg l-1. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) was performed in triplicate. The results of the growth of the callus culture were obtained after 28 days. The increasing concentrations of cadmium were found to have a negative effect on some traits such as fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), browning intensity (BI), tolerance index (TI), electrolyte leakage (EL), and membrane stability index (MSI). The PBZ treatment reduced the effects of cadmium levels through the decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This was caused by a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Also, there was an increase in total phenol and flavonoids content in the callus grown on the tissue cultures supporting 200 µM cadmium compared to the other levels. The PBZ pre-treatment was a significant reducing factor to produce total phenolic and flavonoids content in P. major L. callus culture under the cadmium levels.

In Vitro Modulation of Endogenous Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Oxidative Stress in Autism Lymphoblastoid Cell Line (ALCL) by Stingless Bee Honey Treatment.

Autism has been associated with a low antioxidant defense mechanism, while honey has been known for decades for its antioxidant and healing properties. Determination of stingless bee honey (KH) effects on antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative damage in Autism Lymphoblastoid Cell Line (ALCL) was performed. ALCL and its normal sibling pair (NALCL) were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium at 37°C and 5% CO2. ALCL was treated with 400 μg/mL KH (24 h), and oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage was determined via comet assay. Low SOD activity (p < 0.05) and high MDA level (p < 0.05) were observed in ALCL compared to NALCL. Higher grade (Grades 2 and 3) of DNA damage was highly observed (p < 0.05) in ALCL compared to NALCL, whereas lower grade (Grades 0 and 1) DNA damage was highly detected (p < 0.05) in NALCL compared to ALCL. KH treatment caused a significant increase in SOD and GPx activities (p < 0.05) in ALCL compared to untreated ALCL. Correspondingly, KH treatment reduced the Grade 2 DNA damage (p < 0.05) in ALCL compared to untreated ALCL. CAT activity showed no significant difference between all three groups, while the MDA level showed no significant difference between treated and untreated ALCL. In conclusion, KH treatment significantly reduced the oxidative stress in ALCL by increasing the SOD and GPx antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing the DNA damage.

Ameliorative Effects of Kolaviron on Behavioural Deficits and Oxidative Damage in Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Cuprizone-Induced Demyelinated Mice

Cuprizone neurotoxicity is commonly induced to mimic demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system, especially multiple sclerosis. This study assessed the role of kolaviron, a Garcinia kola biflavonoid, in restoring behavioural functions in cuprizone-induced neurotoxicity after termination of cuprizone treatment. Eighteen adult male Swiss albino mice aged between 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (A to C). Group A (control) mice were fed with normal rodent diet while groups B and C received 0.2% cuprizone diet for 5 weeks to induce demyelination; thereafter group B mice with cuprizone-induced demyelination were administered corn oil (0.5 mL), while group C mice with cuprizone-induced demyelination were administered kolaviron (200 mg/kg/d) for 14 days. The mice were assessed for learning, memory, anxiety and exploratory drive, and thereafter the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the mice were evaluated. Findings revealed improved behavioural outcomes in mice treated with kolaviron compared to control and the untreated cuprizone-induced demyelinated mice. There was significant reduction in SOD and GPx activities with significant increase in MDA concentration in the untreated cuprizone-induced mice compared to controls. However, there was significant increase in SOD and GPx activities with significant reduction in MDA concentration in the kolaviron-treated cuprizone-induced mice compared to those of untreated cuprizone-induced mice. The results suggest that kolaviron may effectively ameliorate the oxidative damage and behavioural deficits associated with cuprizone-induced neurotoxicity.

Mutagenicity of 7-ketocholesterol in CHO cells: The role of lipid peroxidation

As an important cholesterol oxide, 7-ketocholesterol plays a deleterious role in the occurrence of cancer. Although the fact had been proved that 7-ketocholesterol could induce several biological phenomena, including apoptosis, DNA damage, et al., this issue whether 7-ketocholesterol led to mutagenesis in mammalian cells remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the major role of lipid peroxidation in the genotoxic response to 7-ketocholesterol in chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The results showed that 7-ketocholesterol induced gene mutation and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in concentration- and time-dependent manner. After CHO cells were treated with 25 μM 7-ketocholesterol for 48 h, the mutation frequency at hprt gene loci and the level of γ-H2AX protein were both significantly increased. Exposure to 7-ketocholesterol resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in the apoptotic rate and the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and -7 in CHO cells. Moreover, a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was also observed. Using a inhibitor of lipid peroxidation (butylated hydroxytoluene), it was found to remarkably inhibit the genotoxicity and MDA levels caused by 7-ketocholesterol. These findings indicated that lipid peroxidation was involved in the mutagenic process of 7-ketocholesterol in CHO cells.

The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Several trials investigated the efficacy of L-carnitine administration on markers of inflammation and indicators of oxidative stress; however, their findings are controversial. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis and a critical review, which would analyze all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in order to determine the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. An electronic search was performed using Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google scholar and Web of Science databases on publications from 1990 up to May 2020. Human RCTs conducted in healthy subjects or participants with certain disorders which investigating the efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation compared to control (placebo, usual treatment or no intervention) on inflammation and oxidative markers were included. Data were pooled applying a random-effects model and as the overall effect size, weighted mean difference (WMD) was presented. Between heterogeneity among studies was computed using Cochran's Q test and I-square (I2). Quality of studies assessed using the Jadad scale. Dose-response analysis was measured using meta-regression. The funnel plot, as well as the Egger's regression test was applied to determine the publication bias. 44 trials (reported 49 effect sizes for different outcomes of interest) met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. According to the findings, L-carnitine supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: -0.10; 95% CI: -0.14, -0.06), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (WMD: -1.87; 95% CI: -2.80, -0.95), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (WMD: -1.43; 95% CI: -2.03, -0.84), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.76, -0.18) levels, while there was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) (WMD: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.25). However, no significant effects of L-carnitine on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (WMD: 0.02; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 0.14; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.33) were found. L-carnitine supplementation was associated with lowering of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA, and increasing SOD levels, but did not affect other inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Microscopic and biochemical changes on liver and kidney of Wistar rats on combination antiretroviral therapy: the impact of naringenin and quercetin.

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), which is a lifelong therapy for people living with human immunodeficiency virus, has been associated with nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity leading to its discontinuation. This study aimed at investigating the ameliorative potential of naringenin and quercetin on cART-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Seventy male Wistar rats (225-260g) were divided into seven groups as control, cART, naringenin, quercetin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), naringenin/cART (CN) and quercetin/cART (CQ). cART (24mg/kg), naringenin (50mg/kg) and quercetin (50mg/kg) were dissolved in 1% v/v DMSO and administered orally for 56days. Combination of cART and bioflavonoids had significant increase in superoxide dismutase (P<0.05), catalase (P<0.01), reduced glutathione (P<0.001) and decreased malondialdehyde (P<0.001) compared to cART only. Tumor necrosis factor Alpha (TNFα) level increased significantly in cART and CQ (P<0.01) groups, while others showed no significant changes compared to control. TNFα also significantly decreased in CQ level compared to cART (P<0.001). In addition, significant increase in creatinine level in cART only indicated progressive renal toxicity. Also, progressive pathological changes including congested blood vessels and hepatocellular necrosis were found in the liver, while the kidney had glomerular atrophy, and tubular distortion in cART-only group. Control, naringenin- and quercetin-treated groups showed normal renal and hepatic cytoarchitecture. These findings elucidate that progressive renal and hepatic toxicity is associated with the continuous use of cART; however, a combination of quercetin and naringenin with cART showed possible potential of ameliorating the damages posed by cART.

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.

Sulfamethoxazole activates antioxidant defense response against Alternaria solani infection in Solanum lycopersicum Linn

The present study focuses on the potency of sulfamethoxazole (Sm) on inducing resistance against Alternaria solani infection. Anatomical observation indicated calcium oxalate deposits in pathogen-infected tissue compared to control plants. Sm pretreated and pathogen-infected tomato leaves showed decreased accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals. The oxalic acid content is found decreased in Sm (3 µM) pretreated and pathogen-infected leaves at 36 h compared to control and pathogen-infection (PI). Sm treatment resulted in transient and significant increase in H2O2 level during early stages of PI. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase, guaiacol dependent peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase was evident in Sm treated leaves which altogether contributed to protection of tomato from oxidative stress due to PI. Sm treatment followed by PI resulted in accumulation of superoxide anion compared to A. solani infected plants. In conclusion, Sm treatment regulate balance between antioxidants and free radicals, induces antioxidant enzymes and thereby controlling pathogen ingress.

Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitior (thiorphan/irbesartan) decreased ischemia-reperfusion induced ventricular arrhythmias in rat; in vivo study

Ventricular arrhythmias are considered as a major risk of sudden cardiac death. This study was designed to investigate the potential effects of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor; thiorphan/irbesartan (TH/IRB) combination therapy on myocardial ischemic-reperfusion (I/R)-induced arrhythmia. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups; (I, II): Sham, I/R both received DMSO intraperitoneally before the procedure. (III, IV, V): TH/IRB + IR (0.1/5 mg/kg, 0.1/10 mg/kg and 0.1/15 mg/kg). The drugs were injected intraperitoneally 15 min before I/R induction. Electrocardiograms changes, mean arterial blood pressure, incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT), incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and arrhythmia score were assessed. Cardiac levels of creatinine kinase–MB (CK-MB), Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), endothelin-1 (ET-1), ATP content, and Na+/K+-ATPase pump activity were measured. TH (0.1 mg/kg) in combination with IRB (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg) produced significant decrease in QTc interval duration, ST height, incidence of VT and VF, duration of VT + VF, and arrhythmia score compared to I/R group. All treated groups showed significant decrease in the cardiac levels of: CK-MB, MDA and ET-1 and significant increase in SOD, ATP content, and Na+/K+-ATPase pump activity compared to I/R. TH/IRB + IR (0.1/10 mg/kg) group produced significant decrease in CK-MB, MDA and ET-1 and a significant increase in SOD, ATP content, and Na+/K+-ATPase pump activity compared to other treated groups. In conclusion, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (thiorphan/irbesartan) decreased arrhythmia score and decreased cardiac damage. These could be explained in part by its ability to decrease oxidative stress and ET-1, increase ATP, and Na+/K+-ATPase pump activity in this rat model of I/R-induced arrhythmia.

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation with Aluminum or Selenium on the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Mouse Brain and Liver

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) or selenium (Se) on the “primary” antioxidant defense system enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) in cells of mouse brain and liver after long-term (8-week) exposure to drinking water supplemented with AlCl3 (50 mg or 100 mg Al/L in drinking water) or Na2SeO3 (0.2 mg or 0.4 mg Se/L in drinking water). Results have shown that a high dose of Se increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in mouse brain and liver. Exposure to a low dose of Se resulted in an increase in catalase activity in mouse brain, but did not show any statistically significant changes in superoxide dismutase activity in both organs. Meanwhile, the administration of both doses of Al caused no changes in activities of these enzymes in mouse brain and liver. The greatest sensitivity to the effect of Al or Se was exhibited by glutathione reductase. Exposure to both doses of Al or Se resulted in statistically significant increase in glutathione reductase activity in both brain and liver. It was concluded that 8-week exposure to Se caused a statistically significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in mouse brain and/or liver, however, these changes were dependent on the used dose. The exposure to both Al doses caused a statistically significant increase only in glutathione reductase activity of both organs.

Effect of different concentrations of resveratrol on the quality and in vitro fertilizing ability of ram semen stored at 5 °C for up to 168 h

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of resveratrol on head morphology, motility characteristics, oxidative state and in vitro fertility of cooled ram spermatozoa. Pooled semen from three Najdi rams was diluted with Triladyl® having different concentrations of resveratrol, zero (control), 200 μM (45.65 μg/mL) and 400 μM (91.30 μg/mL) resveratrol, then stored at 5 °C for 168 h. The head morphometric, sperm kinematic parameters, Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and in vitro fertilizing capability of ram spermatozoa were evaluated after 24, 72, 120 and 168 h of cooling storage. The total motility (TM) of the sperm with resveratrol at 200 μM and 400 μM was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that in the control group at 72 and 120 h of cooling storage. On the other hand, the progressive motility (PM) of the sperm with resveratrol at 200 μM and 400 μM was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that in the control group at 168 h of cooling storage period. After 168 h of cooling storage, significantly higher straightness (STR) was observed in 400 μM group than two other groups and in 200 μM group than the control group. Both resveratrol groups had higher linearity (LIN) than control one at 120 and 168 h of cooling storage. The length, width and area of sperm head were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the control compared to the other treatment groups after 120 and 168 h of storage. There was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration in the two resveratrol groups compared with the control one over the seven days of cooling storage and the same result was found in the reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration at 24, 72, and 168 h of storage. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the 400 μM resveratrol group than that in two other groups over the seven days of storage period. Cleavage and blastocyst rates following in vitro fertilization were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in 400 μM resveratrol than other groups at 72 h for cooling storage period. In conclusion, addition of resveratrol in the extender can protect sperm head morphology, improve kinematic parameters and in vitro fertility, and reduce oxidative stress of ram spermatozoa during liquid storage at 5 °C.

Does the use of different oil sources in quail diets impact their productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and blood constituents?

The present study investigated the impact of dietary oil sources (soybean, corn, peanut, flaxseed, olive, and sunflower oils as sources of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids) on productive and reproductive traits, egg quality, hematological and biochemical blood parameters of laying Japanese quail. A total of 360 eight-week mature Japanese quail were randomly divided into 6 groups fed for 8 wk on a basal diet included with 1.5% of different oil sources. Results showed that the highest egg weights and the best feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with 1.5% soybean and peanut oil. The highest hatchability percentages (P < 0.05) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with corn oil as compared to the other oils. Furthermore, diets enriched with corn, olive, or sunflower oils had higher values of blood lymphocytes (%) compared to the other treated groups. Blood total cholesterol significantly decreased in quail fed on corn, peanut, flaxseed, or olive oil sources as compared to soybean or sunflower oil groups. Immunologically, the highest levels (P < 0.001) of immunoglobulins (G and M) were recorded for quail fed on corn or olive oil sources compared to other oil sources. Quail consuming olive oil–included diets showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activities and a significant decrease on malondialdehyde level compared with those consumed the other oil sources. It could be concluded that varying the oil source can affect productive, reproductive, and health aspects of Japanese quail. Soybean oil showed good results regarding production aspects; however, olive oil was the best regarding health aspects.

Curcumin Improves Biomolecules Associated with Renal Function and Attenuates Oxidative Injury and Histopathological Changes in Potassium-Induced Toxicity in Rats' Kidney.

The protective effect of curcumin on potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced renal damage was investigated in vivo. Treatment with KBrO3 (20mg/kgbw) caused a significant increase in arginase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in rats' kidney. However, oral administration of curcumin (20mg/kg bw) caused a significant reduction in ADA and arginase activities in KBrO3 + CUR group. Furthermore, nitric oxide level was significantly low in KBrO3 group compared with the control. After treatment with curcumin in KBrO3 + CUR group, nitric oxide levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). Determination of some kidney biomarkers revealed elevated levels of creatinine, serum urea, and electrolytes (Na+ and Cl-) in KBrO3-treated rats. Curcumin effectively reduced the levels of these renal function parameters in KBrO3 + CUR groups and were not significantly different from the control. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities as well as glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly low with concomitant higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) after treatment with KBrO3. Curcumin caused a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GPX activities including GSH levels with lower production of MDA in kidney homogenates of rats in KBrO3 + CUR. Curcumin ameliorated corpuscular degeneration in the kidney tissue and exhibited protection against tubular necrosis. These results revealed the protective effect of curcumin against KBrO3-induced renal toxicity by preventing degradation of ADA and arginine, improving antioxidant status and histopathological changes in rats' kidney.

Tamarix chinensis Lour inhibits chronic ethanol-induced liver injury in mice.

BACKGROUNDTamarix chinensis Lour (TCL) is a shrub that usually grows in arid or semiarid desert areas and saline-alkali fields. It is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities.AIMTo investigate the possible protective effects of TCL against liver injury induced by chronic ethanol intake.METHODSC57BL/6J male mice were fed a Lieber-DeCarli lipid diet containing alcohol and received (by gavage) a water-alcohol extract (80%) of TCL (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) or distilled water for 4 wk. After euthanasia, liver tissues were observed histologically with hematoxylin and eosin staining and Oil red O staining, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, hepatic lipids, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase were measured. In addition, expression of the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and downstream proinflammatory cytokines were determined.RESULTSCompared with the ethanol group, mice in the TCL-treated group (200 mg/kg) had significantly lower serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (mean, 34.1 IU/L vs 45.3 IU/L, P < 0.01) and aspartate transaminase (mean, 89.6 IU/L vs 115.7 IU/L, P < 0.01), as well as marked reduction of hepatic tissue reactive oxygen species (decreased by 27.5%, P < 0.01) and malondialdehyde (decreased by 76.6%, P < 0.01) levels, with a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (Increased by 73.2%, P < 0.01). Expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6], and recruitment of natural killer T cells to the liver, were reduced in the TCL-treated incubation with a Lieber-DeCaril ethanol lipid diet group.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that a TCL extract (200 mg/kg) protects against chronic ethanol-induced liver injury, probably by inhibiting the NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1β signaling pathway and suppressing oxidative stress.

Methanol extracts of Basella alba leaves alleviate stress in rats

ObjectiveStress is becoming an unavoidable threat in recent times, there has been increasing interest by researchers in the use of naturally occurring biologically active compounds with medicinal value to cure body ailments. The present work was carried out to investigate the effect of methanol extract of Basella alba leaves on stress in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). MethodsA total of 35 male rats were used in this study. They were grouped into seven groups of five rats each. Group 1 (normal control) was received 10 mL/kg normal saline. Group 2 contained restraint stress rats only. Group 3 contained forced swim stress rats only. Group 4 and 5 were treated with 60 mg/kg of B. alba extract (BAE) thereafter subjected to restraint and forced swim stresses respectively. Group 6 and 7 were treated with 120 mg/kg of BAE thereafter subjected to restraint and forced swim stresses respectively. Stress procedures were carried out at the end of first and third weeks. ResultsIn the stressed rats, there were significant increases (P < 0.05) in fasting blood glucose and white blood cell count while there were significant decreases in superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione concentration when compared to group 1. There were significant decreases (P < 0.05) in blood glucose and white blood cell count and significant increases in superoxide dismutase and glutathione concentrations in BAE treated rats when compared to group 2 and 3. Some of the significant differences were either dose or duration dependent. ConclusionIn conclusion, results from this research suggest that BAE alleviates hyperglycaemia, chronic activation of immune system and generation of free radicals due to stress in Wistar rats.