Superoxidase Dismutase Research Articles

Anti-anaemia efficacy of β-lactoglobulin hydrolysate-iron complex on iron-deficient anaemic rats

The effects of orally administered β-lactoglobulin hydrolysate-iron complex (β-LGH-Fe) on haematological and biochemical parameters in anaemic rats were evaluated. Female weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with iron-deficient diet to induce iron deficiency anaemia. After 6 weeks, the obtained anaemic rats were divided into five groups: iron deficiency control group (iron-deficient diet without β-LGH-Fe complex supplementation, IDC); three groups supplemented with different dosages of β-LGH-Fe complex (0.5 mg Fe/kg BW, iron-deficient diet with low β-LGH-Fe, IDLFe; 2.0 mg Fe/kg BW, iron-deficient diet with medium β-LGH-Fe, IDMF; 4.0 mg Fe/kg BW, iron-deficient diet with high β-LGH-Fe, IDHFe); and ferrous sulphate-supplemented group at a dosage of 2.0 mg Fe/kg BW. β-LGH-Fe complex could significantly improve hematocrit and haemoglobin decrease, and normalise the serum iron level, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation of anaemic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Serum ferritin content and hepatic nonheme iron level were also increased. In addition, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxidase dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in both plasma and liver homogenate were improved. The production of malondialdehyde and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) decreased. It suggests that β-LGH-Fe complex can ameliorate iron deficiency anaemia, which might make it a potential ingredient with anti-anaemia activity.

Protective Effect of p-Cymene on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice

In the previous study, the anti-inflammatory effect of p-cymene had been found. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory effects of p-cymene on acute lung injury using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. The cell counting in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. The animal lung edema degree was evaluated by wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio. The superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was assayed by SOD and MPO kits, respectively. The levels of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-6 were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The inflammatory signal pathway-related protein levels of NF-κB were measured using Western blotting. The data showed that treatment with the p-cymene markedly attenuated inflammatory cell numbers in the BALF, decreased NF-κB protein level in the lungs, improved SOD activity, and inhibited MPO activity. Histological studies demonstrated that p-cymene substantially inhibited LPS-induced neutrophils in the lung tissue compared with the model group. The results indicated that p-cymene had a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice.

Protective effect of turmeric extract on ethotrexate-induced intestinal damage and oxidative stress

AimThe most important side effect of methotrexate (MTX) is mucositis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of turmeric extract on intestinal damage and oxidative stress in rats receiving methotrexate. MethodsExperiments were performed on male Wistar albino rats divided into six groups. First group received normal saline orally, the second group received turmeric extract (100 mg·kg−1) orally for 30 days, the third group received turmeric extract (200 mg·kg−1) orally for 30 days, the fourth group received a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg·kg−1) i.p. at day 30, the fifth group received turmeric extract (100 mg·kg−1) orally for 30 days and a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg·kg−1) i.p. at day 30, and the sixth group received turmeric extract (200 mg·kg−1) orally for 30 days and single dose of methotrexate (20 mg·kg−1) i.p. at day 30. Four days after methotrexate injection, animals were anesthetized, blood samples were taken to determine total antioxidant status (TAS) and jejunum samples were taken for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aldehyde malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathological assessment. ResultsMicroscopic evaluation from intestinal tissues of the MTX treated group, showed severe villus shortening and blunting, inflammatory cell infiltration and hemorrhage in lamina propria, along with epithlial cell necrosis. Levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT decreased in the MTX received group, but increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the turmeric + MTX groups. MTX increased lipid peroxidation, however, turmeric decreased peroxidation significantly (P < 0.05). ConclusionThese results suggest that turmeric extract may protect the small intestine of rats from methotrexate-induced damage. Turmeric effects could result from its antioxidant properties.

감마선 완조사에 따른 국화 'ARTI-purple'과 'ARTI-queen'의 생육 및 항산화 효소 활성 비교 분석

Two chrysanthemum varieties, 'ARTI-purple' and 'ARTI-queen', were chronically irradiated with doses of 30, 50, 70, and 100 Gy for four weeks in gamma-phytotron, a long term irradiation facility. We investigated the growth, responses of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, APX; catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POD; superoxidase dismutase, SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents under different doses of chronic-irradiation. The five plant growth measurements including plant height, number of leaves, internode length, stalk diameter and leaf thickness were investigated immediately after four week irradiation. The plant height (p < 0.001), internode length (p < 0.01), the number of leaves (p < 0.001) and stalk diameter (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased an increasing doses of gamma-ray. Among them, especially, the internode length was remarkably decreased showing the RD50 (Reduction Dose 50) at approximately 65 Gy. The antioxidant response after four weeks of recovery period, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (p < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.01) and peroxidase (POD) (p < 0.001) were significantly increased with an increasing dose of gamma-ray. And malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.01) contents showed the significant increase at the 70 and 100 Gy which means the oxidative stress was lasting for a considerable period. In this study, the 50 Gy irradiation as optimal dose showed higher growth than the RD50, it also showed insignificant differences on the antioxidant responses and MDA contents. However, the 100 Gy dose showed lower growth than RD50.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterisation, DNA cleavage, superoxidase dismutase activity and antibacterial properties of some transition metal complexes of a novel bidentate Schiff base derived from isatin and 2-aminopyrimidine

Complexes of manganese(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) with a Schiff base, formed by the condensation of isatin with 2-aminopyrimidine have been synthesised and characterised through elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility, IR, UV–Vis, 1HNMR, FAB mass and EPR spectral studies. The spectral data revealed that the ligand acts as neutral bidentate, coordinating to the metal ion through the carbonyl oxygen and azomethine nitrogen. Molar conductance values adequately support the electrolytic nature of the complexes. On the basis of the above observations the complexes have been formulated as [M(ISAP)2]X2, where M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); X=Cl, OAc; ISAP=2-[N-indole-2-one]aminopyrimidine. The ligand and copper(II) complex were subjected to X-ray diffraction studies. The DNA cleavage study was monitored by gel electrophoresis method. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activities of the ligand and the metal complexes were checked using NBT assay. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds has been tested against gram negative and gram positive bacteria.

Influence of rice black streaked dwarf virus on the ecological fitness of non‐vector planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Rice black streak dwarf virus (RBSDV) is transmitted by the small brown planthopper (SBPH), Laodelphax striatellus (Fallen). Non-vector rice brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), shares the same host rice plants with SBPH in paddy fields. The changes in nutritional composition of rice plants infected by RBSDV and the ecological fitness of BPH feeding on the infected plants were studied under both artificial climate chamber and field conditions. Contents of 16 detected amino acids and soluble sugar in RBSDV infected rice plants were higher than those in the healthy ones. On the diseased plants BPH had significantly higher nymphal survival rates, nymphal duration of the males, weight of the female adults, as well as egg hatchability compared to BPH being fed on healthy plants. However, there was no obvious difference in female nymph duration, longevity and fecundity. Defense enzymes (superoxidase dismutase, SOD and catalase, CAT) and detoxifying enzymes (carboxylesterase, CAE and glutathione S-transferase, GST) in BPH adults fed on diseased plants had markedly higher activities. The results indicate rice plants infected by RBSDV improved the ecological fitness of the brown planthopper, a serious pest but not a transmitter of the RBSDV virus.

Formononetin Inhibited the Inflammation of LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice Associated with Induction of PPAR Gamma Expression

Formononetin has shown a variety of pharmacologic properties including anti-inflammatory effect. In the present study, we analyzed the role of formononetin in acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. The cell counting in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. The animal lung edema degree was evaluated by wet/dry weight ratio. The superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was assayed by SOD and MPO kits, respectively. The levels of inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6,were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Pathological changes of hung tissues were observed by HE staining. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ gene expression was measured by real-time PCR. The data showed that treatment with the formononetin group markedly attenuated inflammatory cell numbers in the BALF, increased PPAR-γ gene expression and improved SOD activity and inhibited MPO activity. The histological changes of the lungs were also significantly improved by formononetin compared to LPS group. The results indicated that formononetin has a protective effect on LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Combined treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and methylprednisolone in paraquat-induced acute lung injury

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation and methylprednisolone (MP) to treat paraquat (PQ)-induced acute lung injury.Materials and methodsA total of 102 female rats were randomly divided into five groups: PQ, BMSC, MP, BMSC + MP and normal control. After 14 days of PQ poisoning, the survival of rats, wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-кB p65 in lung tissue were determined.ResultsRats in BMSC and BMSC + MP groups survived. BMSC transplantation significantly decreased the wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue, down-regulated NF-кB p65 expression in lung tissue, lowered serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and MDA, and increased serum levels of IL-10 and SOD. These changes were particularly significant on days 7–14 after PQ poisoning. The above changes were more significant in the MP group on days 1–3 after PQ poisoning, compared with those of the BMSC group. However, the BMSC + MP group showed more significant changes on days 1–14 after PQ poisoning than those of both BMSC and MP groups.ConclusionsMP inhibits the inflammatory response, reduces the products of lipid peroxidation and promotes survival of transplanted BMSC, thus improving the intermediate and longer term efficacy of BMSC transplantation for treatment of PQ-induced lung injury.

Oral l-glutamine increases active GLP-1 (7-36) amide secretion and improves glycemic control in stretpozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic rats

l-glutamine is a non-essential amino acid. It decreased blood sugar, stimulated insulin secretion in type 2 diabetic patients. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate l-glutamine increases glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (7-36) amide secretion in streptozotocin–nicotinamide (STZ–NTM) induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. Molecular docking study was performed to elucidate the molecular basis for GLP-1 receptor agonistic activity. Type 2 diabetes was induced in overnight fasted Sprague Dawley rats pre-treated with nicotinamide (100mg/kg, i.p.) followed by 20min after administration of streptozotocin (55mg/kg, i.p.). The rats were divided into; I – nondiabetic, II – diabetic control, III – sitagliptin (5mg/kg, p.o.), IV –l-glutamine (250mg/kg, p.o.), V –l-glutamine (500mg/kg, p.o.) and VI –l-glutamine (1000mg/kg, p.o.). The l-glutamine and sitagliptin treatment was 8week. Plasma glucose was estimated every week. Body weight, food and water intake were recorded daily. Glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid profile, plasma and colonic active (GLP-1) (7-36) amide, mRNA expression of proglucagon GLP-1, plasma and pancreatic insulin, histology of pancreata and biomarkers of oxidative stress (superoxidase dismutase, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S transferase) were measured after 8week. In acute study, the rats were divided into I – glucose (2.5g/kg, p.o.), II – sitagliptin (5mg/kg, p.o.), III –l-glutamine (250mg/kg, p.o.), IV –l-glutamine (500mg/kg, p.o.) and V –l-glutamine (1000mg/kg, p.o.). Plasma glucose, active GLP-1 (7-36) amide concentration and insulin levels were measured after glucose loading. The docking data indicated that l-glutamine bind to the GLP-1 receptor. l-glutamine decreased plasma glucose, increased plasma and pancreatic insulin, increased plasma and colonic active GLP-1 (7-36) amide secretion as well as decreased oxidative stress in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.

Ameliorating effects of casein glycomacropeptide on obesity induced by high-fat diet in male Sprague-Dawley rats

The effect of casein glycomacropeptide (GMP) as a specific regulating mediator in obese rats induced by high-fat (HF) diet was investigated. Male obese Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats induced by high-fat diet for 8 weeks period were fed high-fat, high-fat with GMP of 100 mg/kg BW (HFLG), 200 mg/kg BW (HFMG) and 400mg/kg BW (HFHG) for 6 weeks. Compared with the high-fat control (HFC) group GMP supplementation significantly decreased adipose tissue weight, activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). Hepatic lipid droplet size, plasma and hepatic lipid levels markedly reduced. Moreover, GMP reduces plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as well as hepatic-cholesterol and triglycerides. The liver steatosis observed in obese rats was also prevented by GMP supplement. In addition, GMP significantly diminished mitochondrial and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and obviously elevated the activities of mitochondrial and hepatic superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Leptin production and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 secretion decreased. Taken together, GMP can reduce lipid accumulation and enhance antioxidant capability of obese rats. It suggests that GMP can counteract high-fat diet-induced obesity, which might make it a potential ingredient with anti-obesity activity.

Effects of Melatonin on Streptozotocin-Induced Retina Neuronal Apoptosis in High Blood Glucose Rat

One of the main pathological symptoms of early diabetic retinal neuropathy is retina neuronal apoptosis. In the present work we investigated the effects of indoleamine hormone melatonin, a powerful free radical scavenger, on streptozotocin-induced retina neuronal cell apoptosis in high blood glucose rat. After melatonin treatment (10mg/kg/day), tunel detection was used to monitor the apoptosis rate of neurons in the retinal ganglion cell layer; reversed quantitative PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of retinal caspase-3, Mn superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and Cu-Zn SOD; and the activities of total SOD (T-SOD) and sub-type SOD was detected using xanthine oxidase enzymatic detection. Our data showed that melatonin treatment leads to a decrease of retinal cell apoptosis and the apoptotic index was (1.67±0.54)% and (7.73±0.95)% at 8 and 12weeks after treatment. The relative quantitative (RQ) value for caspase-3 mRNA expression was (6.996±1.192) and (7.267±1.178) in melatonin group, which are much lower than the values of diabetic group (12.566±2.272 and (14.297±2.110) at 8 and 12weeks, respectively) under the same condition. mRNA expression of Mn SOD and Cu-Zn SOD as well as their activities all decreased in the diabetic group compared with the control group. While melatonin treatment induced the expression of Mn SOD mRNA and a continual increase of Mn SOD activity as well as the activity and mRNA expression of Cu-Zn SOD at 12weeks. Therefore, our results demonstrate that melatonin treatment prevented the decrease in mRNA expression of SOD and the increase in caspase-3 mRNA expression induced by diabetes thus exerts a beneficial effect on retina neuronal apoptosis.

Antioxidant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum via activation of transcription factor Nrf2

The present study was undertaken to investigate antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects, as well as its molecular mechanism of wild Lactobacillus plantarum FC225 isolated from fermented cabbages. The scavenging activities of superoxide anion radical, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical were enhanced by FC225 treatment. The strain FC225 also attenuated hyperlipidemic status, decreased lipid peroxidation, plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in high fat diet-fed mice. Meanwhile, FC225 therapy could significantly elevate the activities of superoxidase dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and decrease the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenates, whereas there was no change in catalase activity in high fat diet-fed mice. In addition, compared with the control group, FC225 markedly elevated the gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which was in parallel with the increased value of CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the FC225-treated hyperlipidemic mice. The results demonstrated that the strain FC225 confers hypolipidemic and antioxidant protective effects which may be attributable to Nrf2 signal pathway mediated antioxidant enzyme expression.

Effects of exogenous spermine on chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant system and ultrastructure of chloroplasts in Cucumis sativus L. under salt stress

The effects of exogenous spermine (Spm) on plant growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, ultrastructure and anti-oxidative metabolism of chloroplasts were investigated in Cucumis sativus L. under NaCl stress. Salt stress significantly reduced plant growth, chlorophylls content and F(v)/F(m). These changes could be alleviated by foliar spraying with Spm. Salt stress caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide anion [Formula: see text] generation rate in chloroplasts. Application of Spm significantly increased activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) which decreased the levels of [Formula: see text] and MDA in the salt-stressed chloroplasts. Salt stress decreased the activities of dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR, EC 1.8.5.1) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) in the chloroplasts and reduced the contents of dehydroascorbate (DAsA) and glutathione (GSH), but increased monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR, EC 1.6.5.4) activity. On the other hand, Spm significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and levels of antioxidants in the salt-stressed chloroplasts. Further analysis of the ultrastructure of chloroplasts indicated that salinity induced destruction of the chloroplast envelope and increased the number of plastoglobuli with aberrations in thylakoid membranes. However, Spm application to salt-stressed plant leaves counteracted the adverse effects of salinity on the structure of the photosynthetic apparatus. These results suggest that Spm alleviates salt-induced oxidative stress through regulating antioxidant systems in chloroplasts of cucumber seedlings, which is associated with an improvement of the photochemical efficiency of PSII.

Cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol stimulates GLP-1 (7–36) amide secretion in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats: A mechanistic approach

In previous study, we have reported cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol is an active antidiabetic constituent isolated from stem bark of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol stimulates glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (7–36) amide secretion in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. Molecular docking studies were performed to elucidate the molecular basis for GLP-1 receptor agonistic activity. Type 2 diabetes was induced in overnight fasted Sprague Dawley rats pre-treated with nicotinamide (100mg/kg, i.p.) followed by administration of streptozotocin (55mg/kg, i.p.) 20min after. The rats were divided into following groups; I- non-diabetic, II- diabetic control, III- sitagliptin (5mg/kg, p.o.), IV- cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol (1mg/kg, p.o.). The cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol and sitagliptin treatment was 8 week. Plasma glucose was estimated every week (week 0 to week 8). Body weight, food and water intake were recorded daily. Glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid profile, plasma and colonic active (GLP-1) (7–36) amide, mRNA expression of proglucagnon GLP-1, plasma and pancreatic insulin, histology of pancreata as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress (superoxidase dismutase, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S transferase) were measured after 8th week treatment. In acute study, active GLP-1 (7–36) amide release, plasma glucose and insulin were measured during oral glucose tolerance test. The docking data clearly indicated cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol bind to the GLP-1 receptor. It decreased plasma glucose level, increased plasma and pancreatic insulin level as well as increased plasma and colonic active GLP-1 (7–36) amide secretion in streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.

Membrane deterioration, enzymatic browning and oxidative stress in fresh fruits of three litchi cultivars during six-day storage

A comparative study of membrane deterioration, enzymatic browning and oxidative stress of three litchi cultivars, namely ‘Feizixiao’, ‘Heiye’ and ‘Xiangli’, was carried out. During 6-d storage at room temperature, pericarp browning index and disease rate of ‘Feizixiao’ were highest. The increasing rate of relative electrolyte leakage of ‘Feizixiao’ rose most rapidly. The relative phospholipase D activity significantly increased for ‘Feizixiao’ but insignificantly changed for ‘Heiye’ and ‘Xiangli’. The relative acid phosphatase activity increased for ‘Feizixiao’ but decreased for ‘Heiye’ and ‘Xiangli’. On day 6, ‘Feizixiao’ exhibited the lowest relative contents of browning substrates (−)-epicatechin and procyanidin A2. Furthermore, on day 6, ‘Heiye’ presented the highest relative activities of peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxidase dismutase, but ‘Feizixiao’ possessed weak activities of antioxidant enzymes (especially ascorbate peroxidase). Thus, among three cultivars, membrane integrity of ‘Feizixiao’ broke down most seriously because of its increasing PLD and ACP activity during 6-d storage. The most browning substrates in ‘Feizixiao’ were consumed due to conversion into quinones by polyphenoloxidase catalysis. Senescence and deterioration of ‘Feizixiao’ were most grave under postharvest oxidative stress.

Protective effects of polyenylphosphatidylcholine on rat septic model through peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ

Objective To investigate the protective effects of polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) in rat cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model and the underlying mechanisms.Methods Prospective,randomized and controlled animal study was performed.Seventy-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups by using random number table:sham group,sham-PPC group,CLP group,CLP-PPC group,and CLP-PPC/GW9662 group in which peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist GW9662 was administrated before the pretreatment of PPC in CLP rats.The 7-day survival of CLP group and CLP-PPC group was monitored after the introduction of sepsis.The rats were subjected to sepsis by CLP.The hemodynamic parameters of all animals were recorded 18 h after the surgery and the samples were collected.The arterial blood gas was analyzed,and the levels of liver wet/dry ratio (W/D),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alanine aminotransferase (ALT),nitric oxide (NO),superoxidase dismutase (SOD),malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum were determined.Results Seven days after CLP,there were only 4 (4/20) rats left in CLP group while 12 (12/20) rats survived in CLP-PPC group.PPC could reverse the hypodynamic collapse in sepsis (P ＜0.01).As compared with CLP group,the rats in CLP-PPC group showed less severe hepatic inflammation.The levels of W/D,ALT,AST,TNF-α,NO,MDA and LAC were significantly lower in CLP-PPC group while blood glucose and the activity of SOD were significantly increased(P ＜ 0.05).GW9662 blocked the protective effects of PPC in sepsis.Conclusion Intravenous administration of PPC before the onset of sepsis may alleviate hepatic injury in sepsis,improve liver functions and reverse septic shock.PPC exerts its protective influence on rat sepsis model partially through PPARγ. Key words: Sepsis; Polyenylphosphatidylcholine; Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ; Hemodynamic

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of a Novel Biflavonoid from Shells of Camellia oleifera

Shells are by-products of oil production from Camellia oleifera which have not been harnessed effectively. The purpose of this research is to isolate flavonoid from shells of Camellia oleifera and evaluate its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The flavonoid was identified as bimolecular kaempferol structure by UV, MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra, which is a new biflavonoid and first found in Camellia oleifera. It showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenin-induced paw oedema in rats and croton oil induced ear inflammation in mice, and analgesic activity by hot plate test and acetic acid induced writhing. The mechanism of anti-inflammation of biflavonoid is related to both bradykinin and prostaglandins synthesis inhibition. The biflavonoid showed both central and peripheral analgesic effects different from aspirin, inhibition of the synthesis or action of prostaglandins may contribute to analgesic effect of biflavonoid. The biflavonoid significantly decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) and increased superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in serum (p < 0.01), revealed strong free radical scavenging activity in vivo. It indicates the biflavonoid can control inflammation and pain by eliminating free radical so as to inhibit the mediators and decrease the prostaglandins. The biflavonoid can be used as a prospective medicine for inflammation and pain.

A strategy for detecting absorbed bioactive compounds for quality control in the water extract of rhubarb by ultra performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector

To detect absorbed bioactive compounds of the water extract whose pharmacodynamic effect was craniocerebral protection for quality control assessment. Anthraquinones in water extract of rhubarb (WER), in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and in ipsilateral cortex of TBI rats following oral WER were respectively explored by ultra performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA) method developed in the present study. The effects of anthraquinones absorbed into injured cortex on superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity in TBI rats were detected. The antioxidative anthraquinones absorbed into target organ were evaluated for quality control of WER. Anthraquinones in WER were aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion. Only the last anthraquinone was found in CSF and in ipsilateral cortex under this chromatographic condition. Physcion increased SOD activity in TBI rats significantly. Physcion was the main active compound of rhubarb against craniocerebral injury via antioxidant pathway. According to our strategy, the exploration of physcion suggested the possibility of a novel quality control of WER in treating TBI injury.

Differences in ecological and allelopathic traits among Alternanthera philoxeroides populations

Based on a field investigation and laboratory trials, this study compared the invasive ecology of aquatic and terrestrial alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides G.) ecotypes. The aquatic ecotype showed a stronger eco‐adaptation than the terrestrial ecotype. Alligator weed performed well in wetland and riparian habitats, where it was so competitive that only one‐to‐three other plant types grew successfully in its company. In contrast, it exhibited poor growth in upland fields and parks, where the terrestrial ecotype was dominated by 6–11 other alien plant species. The aquatic ecotype exhibited significantly greater growth inhibition of Microcystis aeruginosa. The ecotypes differed in their pattern of allelopathic inhibition of water blooms. The allelopathic effect of the aquatic ecotype persisted for a period exceeding 20 days, whereas the terrestrial ecotype's allelopathic effect subsided in &lt;5 days. The aquatic ecotype had higher levels of antioxidant compounds, including soluble protein and flavones, and the activity of protective enzymes was also higher, which included superoxidase dismutase, peroxidase and catalase. Alligator weed's unique characteristics derive mainly from its strong allelopathic potential and tolerance of eutrophication in aquatic habitats.

Differential expression of caveolin-1 and caveolin-3: potential marker for cardiac toxicity subsequent to chronic ozone inhalation

Earlier studies from our laboratory have shown myocardial dysfunction subsequent to chronic O(3) exposure in rats may be associated with a decrease in antioxidant reserve and increased activity of inflammatory mediators. The present study tested the hypothesis that O(3)-induced cardiac dysfunction in healthy adult rats may be due to changes in caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 levels. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed 8 h/day for 28 and 56 days to filtered air or 0.8 ppm O(3). In order to assess the chronic effects to O(3), in vivo cardiac function was assessed by measuring LVDP, 24 h after termination of O(3) exposure. Compared to rats exposed to filtered air, LVDP values significantly decreased in all O(3)-exposed animals. This attenuation of cardiac function was associated with increased myocardial TNF-α levels and decreased myocardial activities of superoxidase dismutase. Progressive increases in the expression of myocardial TNF-α in 28 days and 56 days O(3)-exposed animals were followed by decreases in cardiac caveolin-1 levels. On the other hand, differential changes in the expression of caveolin-3 in hearts from 28 and 56 days O(3)-exposed animals were independent of intra-cardiac TNF-α levels. These novel findings suggest the interesting possibility that a balance between caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 may be involved in O(3)-mediated cardiac toxicity.