Liver SOD Activity Research Articles

Dietary copper requirements of juvenile large yellow croaker Larimichthys croceus

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the requirement of dietary copper for juvenile large yellow croaker Larimichthys croceus (initial body weight, 9.18 ± 0.06 g). Six graded levels of dietary copper were designed as 2.61, 3.25, 4.65, 7.16, 11.38, and 18.45 mg kg− 1, respectively. Results showed that fish fed the basal diet with 2.61 mg kg− 1 of copper had the significantly lowest weight gain rate (WGR), activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the whole-body Cu concentration and the vertebrae Cu concentration (P < 0.05). When dietary copper increased from 2.61 to 4.65 mg kg− 1, the WGR significantly increased (P < 0.05). Higher dietary copper contents did not result in further increasing of WGR. Higher (> 7.16 mg kg− 1) dietary copper content significantly decreased the Cu-Zn SOD activity and T-AOC in liver (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in survival, feed efficiency, body compositions, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index and condition factor among the all treatments (P > 0.05). Based on the WGR, the optimal dietary copper content for large yellow croaker was estimated to be 3.41 mg kg− 1. Based on the whole-body Cu concentration, the vertebrae Cu concentration and the Cu-Zn SOD activity in serum, the minimum dietary copper content was estimated to be 5.30, 5.90 and 7.05 mg kg− 1, respectively.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Veronica ciliata Fisch. extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice.

Veronica ciliata Fisch. has been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions due to its curative effects for hepatitis, cholecystitis, rheumatism, and urticaria. The present study was focused on investigating the role of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of Veronica ciliata Fisch. Furthermore, in vitro antioxidant activity (scavenging of DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, and nitrite radicals; reducing power; β-carotene bleaching) and the hepatoprotective effect of the ethyl acetate extract by means of CCl4-induced oxidative stress in mice were investigated. The ethyl acetate extract of Veronica ciliata Fisch. displayed more noteworthy in vitro antioxidant activities than the aqueous extract. Moreover, it significantly prevented the increase in serum T-AOC, ALT, AST and ALP level in acute liver damage induced by CCl4, decreased the extent of MDA formation in liver and elevated the activities of SOD and GSH in liver. This activity was found to be comparable to that of bifendate. Histopathological observation of the liver was also performed to further support the evidence from the biochemical analysis. The results indicated that strong antioxidant activities and a significant protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 of Veronica ciliata Fisch. were concentrated in the ethyl acetate extract. The results suggested that this activity may be due to free radical-scavenging and antioxidant properties.

The protective effects of curcumin on experimental acute liver lesion induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion through inhibiting the pathway of NF-κB in a rat model.

Objective. In this study, we investigated the protective effect and mechanism of curcumin on a rat model of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), which induces an acute liver lesion. Methods. Curcumin was injected into rats in the curcumin groups through left femoral vein. The same volume of vehicle (0.9% normal saline) was injected into sham and I/R groups. Blood and liver tissue were gathered for serological and histopathological determination. Results. Intestinal I/R led to severe liver injury manifested as a significant increase in serum AST and ALT levels; all of those were reduced by treatment with curcumin. Simultaneously, the activity of SOD in liver decreased after intestinal I/R, which was increased by curcumin treatment. On the other hand, curcumin reduced MPO activity of liver tissue, as well as serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels observably. This is in parallel with the decreased level of liver intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that curcumin treatment attenuates liver lesion induced by intestinal I/R, attributable to the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Effects of short term exposure of atrazine on the liver and kidney of normal and diabetic rats.

The present study evaluates the effects of short term (15 days) exposure of low dose (300 μg kg−1) of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) on antioxidant status and markers of liver and kidney damage in normal (nondiabetic) and diabetic male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into four groups: Group I as normal control, Group II as atrazine treated, Group III as diabetic control, and Group IV as atrazine treated diabetic rats. Atrazine administration resulted in increased MDA concentration as well as increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in both liver and kidney of atrazine treated and atrazine treated diabetic rats. However, GSH level was decreased in both liver and kidney of atrazine treated and atrazine treated diabetic rats. Atrazine administration led to significant increase in liver damage biomarkers such as AST, ALT, and ALP as well as kidney damage biomarkers such as creatinine and urea in both normal and diabetic rats, but this increase was more pronounced in diabetic rats when compared to normal rats. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that short term exposure of atrazine at a dose of 300 μg kg−1 could potentially induce oxidative damage in liver and kidney of both normal and diabetic rats.

Effects of carbonate alkalinity stress on SOD, ACP, and AKP activities in the liver and kidney of juvenile &lt;I&gt;Gymnocypris przewalskii&lt;/I&gt;

Effects of carbonate alkalinity stress on SOD, ACP, and AKP activities in the liver and kidney of juvenile &lt;I&gt;Gymnocypris przewalskii&lt;/I&gt;

Enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effect of Schisanreae polysaccharide in 5-Fu treated Heps-bearing mice

Previous study indicated that the refined polysaccharide from Schisandra could improve the CTX-induced inhibition of T and B lymphocytes proliferation. Accordingly, the enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effects of a low molecular weight purified polysaccharide from Schisandra (SCPP11) were investigated in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) treated Heps-bearing mice. The results revealed that the SCPP11 (oral administration) exhibited a significant enhanced effect of antitumor activity when combined with 5-Fu. Moreover, a increased effect was also observed in boosting immunity functions when the Heps-bearing mice receiving SCPP11 combination with 5-Fu administration, including increased in thymus indexes and enhancing serum IL-2 and TNF-α secretion. In addition, SCPP11 could ameliorate the hematological and biochemical parameters changes induced by 5-Fu to normal level, and reduce the formation of MDA and enhance the activities of SOD in liver to against 5-Fu induced free radical damage. The above results suggested that the SCPP11 combined with 5-Fu presented enhanced effects on antitumor activity and the SCPP11 could attenuate the 5-Fu-induced toxicity effect. It could serve as a new and promising adjuvant for chemotherapy drugs.

Effects of Pulse Current on Endurance Exercise and Its Anti-Fatigue Properties in the Hepatic Tissue of Trained Rats

Fatigue is synonymous with a wide spectrum of familiar physiological conditions, from pathology and general health, to sport and physical exercise. Strenuous, prolonged exercise training causes fatigue. Although several studies have investigated the effects of electrical stimulation frequency on muscle fatigue, the effects of percutaneous pulse current stimulation on fatigue in the hepatic tissue of trained rats is still unclear. In order to find an effective strategy to prevent fatigue or enhance recovery, the effects of pulse current on endurance exercise and its anti-fatigue properties in exercised rats were studied. Rats were subjected to one, three or five weeks of swimming exercise training. After exercise training, rats in the treated group received daily applications of pulse current. All rats were sacrificed after one, three or five weeks of swimming exercise, and the major biochemical indexes were measured in serum and liver. The results demonstrate that pulse current could prolong the exhaustion swimming time, as well as decrease serum ALT, AST and LD levels and liver MDA content. It also elevated serum LDH activity, liver SOD activity and glycogen content. Furthermore, pulse current increased the expression of Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of Bax. Taken together, these results show that pulse current can elevate endurance capacity and facilitate recovery from fatigue.

Dietary exposure to silver nanoparticles in Sprague–Dawley rats: Effects on oxidative stress and inflammation

Due to undesirable hazardous interactions with biological systems, we evaluated the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) intake on oxidative stress and inflammation. Rats received for 81 days a standard diet (Controls) or a standard diet plus 500 mg/d/kg BW AgNPs. We assayed plasma lipids, and oxidative stress was assessed by measuring liver and heart superoxide anion production (O₂°⁻) and liver malondialdehyde levels (MDA). Antioxidant status was appraised using plasma paraoxonase activity (PON), plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) and liver superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Liver inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6 levels and plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were assayed. Compared with Controls, AgNPs raised cholesterolemia (9.5%), LDL-cholesterol (30%), and lowered triglycerides (41%). They also increased liver (30%) and cardiac (41%) O₂°⁻ production, reduced PON activity (15%) and raised liver TNFα (9%) and IL-6 (∼12%). Plasma ALT activity rose (12%) after treatment with AgNPs. However, PAC and liver MDA and SOD activity were unchanged. These features indicate that exposure to 500 mg/d/kg BW of AgNPs results in liver damage by a dysregulation of lipid metabolism, highlighting liver and heart as the most sensitive organs to the deleterious effects. Our findings also demonstrate for the first time the oxidative and inflammatory effects of dietary AgNPs.

Antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) leaves: In vitro and in vivo study

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), including its leaves, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, as polyphenols. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of P. edulis leaves and identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-PDA and ESI-MS/MS analysis. Male Wistar rats were divided in two groups (n=6 per group). Control group received water and experimental group received P. edulis leaf extract (Tea) (1.1mg dry leavesmL−1), both ad libitum. Total phenols and antioxidant potential (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and ORAC assay) were determined in aqueous extract. Antioxidant status was analyzed by FRAP, ORAC in serum and by SOD, GR and GPx activities, GSH contents and TBARS in liver, brain and kidneys. Gut microbiota profile and short-chain fatty acids were determined in feces. Vitexin, isovitexin and isoorientin were analyzed in the extract of P. edulis leaves. The animals which received tea showed a decrease of 20% of TBARS in liver. GSH contents in kidneys increased 40% relative to control group. The GR activity was 2 times higher and GPx 3.2 times lower in liver than control group. Animals from TEA group showed a 45% reduction on SOD activities in liver and brain. Serum antioxidant potential was not altered. Tea intake also promoted colonic bacteria growth, although there was a decreasing in the SCFA production. Therefore, P. edulis leaf extract could be an option to enhance the supply of antioxidants and to safeguard against oxidative stress.

ALTERATIONS IN P53 GENE, TESTICULAR AND HEPATIC TISSUES OF ALBINO RATS DUE TO PROFENOFOS ADMINISTRATION: A POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VITAMIN C.

effect of the organophosphorous insecticide profenofos, applied for 5 and 10 successive weeks either alone or in combination with vitamin c on rat testis and liver was evaluated. Sperm counts, motility, morphology, reduced glutathione, GS h, catalase,, ca, superoxide dismutase, SOD, malodialdehyde, MD a, testosterone level, RT-PcR SScP of gene P53 were studied. Profenofos caused significant decrease in sperm motility and survival, and decreased serum testosterone. MD a content in serum, liver and testis showed significant increase in profenofos treated rats. Moreover, the activity of hepatic SOD increased, while caT activity was not changed after 5 weeks exposure to profenofos. Exposure to profenofos for 10 weeks decreased the activity of SOD and caT in both liver and testis, in comparison to the control group. at the end of the two exposure, GSh levels in liver and testis were significantly higher in profenofos treated groups compared to control group. RT- PR SScP analysis of rats exposed to profenofos for 10 weeks suggested that profenofos induces gentotoxic effects. Results indicated that vitamin c is playing some protective role against the effect of profenofos.

Effect of the supplementation of Prunus mume concentrates on lipid peroxide levels and antioxidative enzyme activities in hyperlipidemic rats

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the supplementation of Prunus mume concentrates on lipid peroxide levels and antioxidative enzyme, SOD activities in hyperlipidemic rats. Thirty Sprague‐Dawley male rats aging 7weeks were fed the high fat diet (HFD, 15% beef tallow+1% cholesterol) for 4weeks. Thereafter the rats were devided into 3 dietary groups and fed the experimental diet for 4weeks; HFD+0% Prunus mume concentrate diet(HFD+0PM), HFD+1% Prunus mume concentrate diet(HFD+1PM) and HFD+2% Prunus mume concentrate diet(HFD+2PM). Then the rats were sacrificed to get blood and liver. The body weight and food intake were not significantly different among groups. Serum levels of total lipid, total cholesterol, triglyceride of HFD+2PM were significantly lower than those of HFD+0PM. Serum HDL‐cholesterol was significantly higher in HFD+2PM than HFD+0PM. Atherogenic index was significantly lower in HFD+2PM than HFD+0PM. Serum LDL‐cholesterol was not significantly different among groups but tend to be lower in HFD+2PM. TBARS, conjugated diene levels were not significantly different among groups but tend to be lower in HFD+2PM. Liver SOD activity was significantly higher in HFD+2PM than HFD+0PM. From these results, it is suggested that the supplementation of Prunus mume concentrates improve blood lipid profiles and increase antioxidative status in hyperlipidemic rats.

Oxidative stress in rat liver during acute cadmium and ethanol intoxication

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of binge drinking on prooxidant/antioxidant system in rat liver in acute cadmium (Cd) intoxication. In experiment male Wistar rats were used and divided into following groups: 1. control, 2. ethanol-treated group, in five subsequent doses of 2 g/kg administered by orogastric tube, 3. Cd-treated group in a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, 4. group that received Cd 12 hours after the last dose of ethanol. Blood and liver samples were collected for determination of oxidative stress parameters, 24 hours after treatment. When administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced a more pronounced increase in serum and liver malondialdehyde level than either of these substances alone (p&lt;0.01). Liver manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity was increased both in ethanol and Cd-treated group (p&lt;0.01), while liver copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) activity was elevated in Cd group only. However, when administered in combination, ethanol and Cd induced a more pronounced decrease in liver MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD activity 24 hours after treatment (p&lt;0.01). Based on our study, it can be concluded that ethanol may act sinergistically with Cd in inducing lipid peroxidation and reduction in liver SOD activity.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Polyphenols from Burs of Castanea mollissima Blume

Substantial evidence suggests that phenolic extracts of Castanea mollissima spiny burs (CMPE) increase pancreatic cell viability after STZ (streptozotocin) treatment as a result of their antioxidant properties. In the present study, the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of CMPE were studied in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats CMPE were orally administrated at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg twice a day for 12 consecutive days. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and SOD activity in liver, kidney, spleen and heart tissues were measured spectrophotometrically. In normal rats, no significant changes were observed in serum glucose, lipid profiles and tissue MDA and GSH levels after orally administration of CMPE. In diabetic rats, oral administration of CMPE at a dose of 300 mg/kg caused significant decreases in serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as MDA and GSH levels in spleen and liver tissues. However, the 300 mg/kg dosage caused a significant body weight loss in both normal and diabetic rats. The observed effects indicated that CMPE could be further developed as a drug to prevent abnormal changes in blood glucose and lipid profile and to attenuate lipid peroxidation in liver and spleen tissues.

Malaysian gelam honey reduces oxidative damage and modulates antioxidant enzyme activities in young and middle aged rats

Honey contains antioxidants such as phenolic compounds that prevent cellular oxidative damage that lead to aging, diseases and death. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of local gelam honey supplementation on oxidative status of young and middle-aged rats. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two age groups; young (2 months) and middle aged (9 months). Each group was further divided into three groups; fed with plain water (control), supplemented with 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg of gelam honey for 30 days. DNA damage level was determined by comet assay, plasma malondialdehyde by high performance liquid chromatography and antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase; SOD, glutathione peroxidase; GPx and catalase; CAT) were determined in the erythrocytes and liver. Results showed that supplementation of gelam honey reduced DNA damage, MDA level and GPx activity in the liver of both age groups. But erythrocytes GPx activity in young rats increased markedly with 5 g/kg of gelam honey supplementation. Liver and erythrocytes CAT activities decreased in both age groups when two different doses were used. Liver SOD activity also decreased in young rats supplemented with 5 g/kg of gelam honey. In conclusion, gelam honey reduces oxidative damage of young and middle aged rats by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities which was more prominent at higher concentration (5 g/kg body weight) compared to lower concentration (2.5 g/kg body weight). Key words: Gelam honey, antioxidant enzymes, DNA damage, malondialdehyde.

Comparison of the protective effects of antioxidant compounds in the liver and kidney of Cd- and Cr-exposed common carp

The aim of this study was to see whether the taurine (TAU), alpha-lipoic acid (LA), curcumin (CUR), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) protection against oxidative stress caused by heavy metals is owed to the metal-decreasing or antioxidative effect. In this context, liver and kidney tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio L.) were exposed in vivo to model toxicants cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr). The tissues were dissected 96 h after intraperitoneal injection of the metals and antioxidant substances. Cd and Cr levels were determined in the liver using the ICP-OES, but we could not obtain enough kidney tissue to make the same measurements in the kidney. The enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and the GSH redox status and lipid peroxidation levels were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods. Of all investigated antioxidants, only NAC decreased metal levels in the liver. Cd had little effect on oxidative stress parameters, while Cr showed a weak prooxidative effect. Cotreatment with TAU/LA/CUR/NAC and Cr significantly increased liver SOD activity. Chromium induced kidney SOD and CAT, but all antioxidants lowered CAT activity. Cadmium reduced liver and increased kidney GSSG. NAC increased liver GSH, but the increase did not correlate with decrease in Cd. Curcumin given with Cd increased kidney and decreased liver lipid peroxidation, whereas TAU with Cr increased lipid peroxidation in both tissues. N-Acetylcysteine was the most effective antioxidative agent, owing to its metal-decreasing function as well as to its effects on the GSH redox status. We believe that the investigated antioxidant substances which may have been involved in the reduction of Cr caused an increase in SOD activity and a decrease in CAT activity. Changes in the GSSG levels in both tissues might be an adaptive response to the prooxidative potential of Cd. Because of their respective tissue- and metal-dependent prooxidative effects, CUR and TAU deserve particular attention in regard to their use against metal toxicity, Cr in particular.

Effects of diludine supplementation on growth performance, liver antioxidant enzyme activities and muscular trace elements of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles at a low water temperature

Diludine is used as an effective agent reducing mutagenic effects of environmental pollutants, increasing productivity and protecting reproductive system of parental individuals and quality of their offspring. A 10-week study was conducted to evaluate potential effects of diludine on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles growth performance, feed utilization, survival rate, liver antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD, EC1.15.1.1; catalase, CAT, EC1.11.1.16; glutathione peroxidase, GPx, EC 1.11.1.9; glutathione reductase, GR, EC1.6.4.2; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PD, EC1.1.1.49 and glutathione S-transferase, GST, EC1.5.1.18), the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a lipid peroxidation marker and muscular trace elements at a low water temperature (9 °C). Diludine was added at 0.2, 0.5 and 1 g kg−1 to a fish meal–based control diet, and each diet was fed to triplicate groups of rainbow trout juveniles. After 10 weeks, there were no differences in survival rate between fish fed experimental diets (P > 0.05). It was observed that a significant improvability existed for both growth and feed utilization in fish fed diets supplemented with diludine (P < 0.05). Antioxidant enzymes showed significantly increased activity in liver tissues (P < 0.05) and then a decrease to initial activity levels during the experimental time. (GPx activity was not determined in the juvenile livers.) SOD and GST activities in liver of fish fed the diets with diludine tended to be higher and GR activity tended to be lower than that in fish fed the basal diet. However, in general, it was determined that different concentration of diludine did not affect the studied antioxidant enzyme activities except G6PD in the liver of juveniles fed the diet with 1 g kg−1 diludine. On the other hand, the significant reduction was found in MDA levels in the fish fed the diets with diludine compared with basal diet on the 14th and 28th days of experiment. It was also observed that Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn and Se levels were significantly higher in the juveniles fed the diet with 1 g kg−1 diludine than those fed the basal diet. In conclusion, the results of this trial indicate that 1 g kg−1 dietary supplementation with diludine seems to be most positive for rainbow trout production in cold-water adaptation.

적송잎 열수 추출물이 사염화탄소를 투여한 흰쥐의 항산화 활성에 미치는 영향

Pine (pinus densiflora) needles have long been used as a traditional health-promoting medicinal food in Korea. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of pine needle extracts on the hepatic antioxidant system in the damaged liver of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-treated rats. Nine-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: normal group (NOR), CCl₄-treated group (CCL), pine needle hot water extract and CCl₄-treated group (CCL-P), and Vitamin C and CCl₄-treated group (CCL-V). The enzyme activities and antioxidant effects of the pine needle hot water extracts were investigated at the levels of liver homogenates and serum of rats intoxicated with CCl₄. Serum GOT and GPT activities by CCl₄ treatment increased compared to those of the NOR group. However, they tended to decrease in the hot water extract-administered group. Liver SOD activity in the CCL group was significantly lower than the NOR group (p＜0.05). However, they increased in the CCL-P group compared to the CCL group. Further, the CAT and GPx activities of serum treated with CCl₄ were higher compared to those of the NOR group but lower in the CCL-P group compared to CCL group. These results suggest that pine needle hot water extract increases antioxidant activities.

Pioglitazone Ameliorates Lipid Metabolic Disorder in KKAy Mice

Pioglitazone (pio) has been used as an effective hypoglycemic drug in medicine, however, the effects and mechanisms of pio on lipid metabolic disorder are still largely unknown. To explore the effects of pio on serum and liver lipid level and antioxidant ability of mice with lipid metabolic disorder, KKAy mice were treated with piofor 12 weeks and their lipid and antioxidant indices were compared to those of KKAy mice without pio treatment. C57BL/6J mice were used as control animals. The results show that pio treatment reduces serum and liver TG, elevates serum HDL-C level, increases serum and liver SOD activity, attenuates serum MDA content, ameliorates liver steatosis, induces liver PPARγexpression and enhances AMPKα phosphorylation level. In conclusion, the results indicate that pio could regulate blood lipid level, reduce liver lipid deposition and enhance antioxidant capacity of mice with lipid metabolic disorder, which is possibly through increasing AMPKα phosphorylation.

Selenium supplementation ameliorates static magnetic field-induced disorders in antioxidant status in rat tissues

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selenium supplementation on the antioxidant enzymatic system (such as GPx, GR and SOD), GSH and selenium level in liver, kidney, muscle and brain of static magnetic field (SMF) exposed rats. Male adult rats were divided into control rats ( n = 6), SMF-exposed rats (128 mT; 1 h/day for 5 days), selenium-treated rats (Na 2SeO 3, 0.2 mg/l, in drinking water for 4 weeks) and co-exposed rats (selenium for 4 weeks and SMF during the last 5 consecutive days). Sub-acute exposure to SMF induces a decrease of selenium levels in kidney, muscle and brain. Our results also revealed a decrease of GPx activities in kidney and muscle. By contrast, SMF exposure increased total GSH levels and total SOD activities in liver, while glutathione reductase activity is unaffected. Selenium supplementation in SMF-exposed rats restored selenium levels in kidney, muscle and brain and elevated the activities of GPx in kidney and muscle to those of control group. In the liver, selenium supplementation failed to bring down the elevated levels of total GSH and SOD activity. Our investigations suggested that sub-acute exposure to SMF altered the antioxidant response by decreasing the level of total selenium in kidney, muscle and brain. Interestingly, selenium supplementation ameliorates antioxidant capacity in rat tissues exposed to SMF.

Study on Hepatotoxicity on rats caused by crude extracts of totalsaikosaponins `and correlation with oxidative damage mechanism

To observe the degree of hepatotoxicity damage to rats and the correlation with oxidative damage mechanism after taking a large dose of crude extracts of total saikosaponins for a long time. According to 45-day toxicity experimental methods, rats were successively administrated with crude extracts of total saikosaponins. High, middle and low dose were respectively 100, 50, 10 mg x kg(-1) calculated by total saikosaponins. The general conditions were observed and the related index of liver function, the metabolism condition of lipids, the glycometabolism, the level of TBIL were determined and the histopathologic examination of hepatic tissue were examined. The content of total-SH in serum, the level of MDA, the activity of SOD and the content and activity of GSH and GSH-Px in serum and liver tissue were detected. The crude extracts of total saikosaponins can increase the activity of ALT and AST in blood, increase liver weight and the ratio of liver to body, increase the content of TG in blood and liver. The effect on CHO in blood and Gn in liver is not obvious. Only high dose group's effect on TBIL can be observed. The hepatic cell damage is obvious in the histopathologic examination of hepatic tissue. The crude extracts of total saikosaponins can increase the content of total SH in blood, the content of MDA and GSH in blood and liver, while decrease the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in blood and liver. The above-mentioned changes gradually aggravates with dose increasing, and is obvious compared with distilled water control group. The crude extracts of total saikosaponinscan induce hepatotoxicity damage, and the mechanism of hepatic damage is related with oxidative damage mechanism.