Superoxide Anion Scavenging Capacity Research Articles

Effects of taurine on the growth performance, diarrhea, oxidative stress and intestinal barrier function of weanling piglets.

Oxidative damage resulting from weaning stress significantly impacts the growth performance and health status of piglets. Taurine, a dietary antioxidant with diverse functions, was investigated in this study for its protective role against weaning stress-induced oxidative damage and its underlying mechanism. Forty 28-day-old male castrated weaned piglets were randomly assigned to four groups. The control group received the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1, 0.2%, or 0.3% taurine over a 28-day period. In vitro, H2O2 was utilized to induce oxidative damage to the jejunal mucosa of piglets via IPEC-J2 cells. The results demonstrated that taurine supplementation reduced the incidence of diarrhea in piglets compared to that in the control group (p < 0.05); the addition of 0.2 and 0.3% taurine led to increased average daily gain and improved feed conversion efficiency in weaned piglets, showing a linear dose-response correlation (p < 0.05). Taurine supplementation at 0.2 and 0.3% enhanced the activities of serum CAT and GSH-Px while decreasing the levels of serum NO, XOD, GSSG, and MDA (p < 0.05). Moreover, it significantly elevated the levels of GSS, Trx, POD, complex I, mt-nd5, and mt-nd6, enhancing superoxide anion scavenging capacity and the hydroxyl-free scavenging rate in the livers of weaned piglets while reducing NO levels in the liver (p < 0.05). Additionally, 0.2 and 0.3% taurine supplementation decreased serum IL-6 levels and elevated the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IL-10 in weaned piglets (p < 0.05). The levels of occludin, claudin, and ZO-1 in the jejunum mucosa of weaned piglets increased with 0.2 and 0.3% taurine supplementation (p < 0.05). In IPEC-J2 cells, pretreatment with 25 mM taurine for 24 h enhanced the activities of SOD and CAT; reduced the MDA content; upregulated the mRNA expression of various genes, including ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, Nrf2, and HO-1; and reversed the oxidative damage induced by H2O2 exposure (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that the inclusion of 2 and 3% taurine in the diet can enhance growth performance, reduce diarrhea rates, ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation, and promote intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets.

Cyclic variable temperature conditioning-maintained storage quality of sweet potatoes by enhancing antioxidant activity

The study investigated the effect of cyclic variable temperature conditioning (CVTC) on the quality parameters of sweet potatoes and their relationship with the antioxidant system (phenols synthesis and reactive oxygen species metabolism). Results showed that CVTC maintained the color and normal respiratory intensity of sweet potatoes and reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) during storage. In detail, total phenols content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) in CVTC group were significantly higher than those in control (CK), cold storage (CS), and high temperature conditioning (HTC) groups at 8 d, with increases of 17.58% and 85.12% from day 0, respectively. Additionally, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT) activities in CVTC group were significantly higher than those in CK, CS, and HTC groups at 8 d. These results showed that CVTC activated the synthesis of phenols by activating the key enzymes activities, resulting in a significant increase in total phenols and flavonoids contents. Besides, CVTC improved the superoxide anion scavenging capacity of sweet potatoes and promoted the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in CVTC group were significantly higher than those in CK, CS, and HTC groups in the late storage period. In conclusion, CVTC enhanced the antioxidant activity of sweet potatoes by regulating the phenols synthesis and reactive oxygen species metabolism to maintain their postharvest quality.

Preparation, analysis and properties of shaddock ped polysaccharide and its derivatives

The shaddock ped polysaccharide (SPP) was extracted by ultrasound-assisted enzyme method. Phosphorylated shaddock ped polysaccharides (P-SPP) and acetylated shaddock ped polysaccharides (Ac-SPP) were obtained by chemical modification of SPP. The characterization methods such as infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetism were employed to characterize the structures of the two derivatives. The antioxidant activity of SPP and its derivatives was investigated by measuring their DPPH radical scavenging capacity, hydroxyl radical ion scavenging capacity and superoxide anion scavenging capacity. In comparison, P-SPP showed better antioxidant activity. The results indicated that the antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides varied with different chemical modifications.

Screening for the Active Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Polyphenols of Gaultheria procumbens and Their Application for Standardisation: From Identification through Cellular Studies to Quantitative Determination.

Aerial parts, leaves, and stems of Gaultheria procumbens are polyphenol-rich herbal medicines with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study focused on identifying active markers of the G. procumbens extracts in an integrated approach combining phytochemical and biological capacity tests. The target compounds, representing all classes of Gaultheria polyphenols, were pre-selected by LC-ESI-PDA-MS/MS. For unambiguous identification, the key analytes, including a rare procyanidin trimer (cinnamtannin B-1), miquelianin potassium salt, and two new natural products: quercetin and kaempferol 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosides, were isolated by preparative HPLC and investigated by spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS, UV-vis, CD, 1D- and 2D-NMR), thiolysis, flame photometry, optical rotation experiments, and absolute configuration studies. The significant contribution of the pre-selected compounds to the biological effects of the extracts was confirmed in vitro: the analytes significantly and in a dose-dependent manner down-regulated the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory functions of human neutrophils ex vivo (inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species, IL-1β, TNF-α, and neutrophils elastase, ELA-2), inhibited two key pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase, COX-2, and hyaluronidase), and most of them, except gaultherin, exerted potent direct antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power and superoxide anion scavenging capacity). Moreover, cellular safety was confirmed for all compounds by flow cytometry. Eventually, as these mechanisms have been connected to the health benefits of G. procumbens, 11 polyphenols were accepted as active markers, and a simple, accurate, reproducible, and fully validated RP-HPLC-PDA method for standardisation of the target extracts was proposed.

1-Methylcyclopropene maintains the postharvest quality of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia aruguta)

The storage life of optimum quality in postharvest hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia aruguta) is short. The effect of 0.8 μL L−1 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the storage quality of harvested hardy kiwifruit was investigated at temperature of 1 °C for 70 days. The results indicated that 1-MCP treatment maintained the firmness and total soluble solids content of hardy kiwifruit as well as inhibited the respiratory rate and the decrease of vitamin C and glutathione contents. The antioxidant enzymes activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase were enhanced in 1-MCP treatment hardy kiwifruit, meanwhile, 1-MCP treatment induced the radical scavenging capacity (DPPH radical scavenging rate, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, and superoxide anion scavenging capacity) in fruit during storage. These results demonstrated that hardy kiwifruit with 1-MCP treatment stimulated a series of physiological responses to delay ripening and senescence and improve storage quality. Therefore, 1-MCP treatment could be used to extend the shelf-life of commercially produced hardy kiwifruit.

Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Four Brassica Wild Species from Italy.

In the present study, we evaluated for the first time the variability of antioxidant traits of four Brassica wild species: B. incana, B. macrocarpa, B. villosa, and B. rupestris. The content of the main water-soluble antioxidants (phenolics, ascorbic acid, and total biothiols) and the in vitro antioxidant potential (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) and superoxide anion scavenging capacity) were investigated. A total of 28 polyphenolic compounds were identified by LC/MS and quantitated by HPLC/DAD analysis. Kaempferol and quercetin derivatives were the most abundant phenolics compared to hydroxycinnamoyl gentiobiosides. In the ten populations, phenolics ranged from 163.9 to 533.9 mg/100 g dry weight (d.w.), ascorbic acid from 7.6 to 375.8 mg/100 g d.w., and total biothiols from 0.59 to 5.13 mg/100 g d.w. The different classes of phytochemicals were separated using solid-phase extraction at increasing methanol concentrations, and the antioxidant power of fractionated extracts was evaluated. The superoxide anion scavenging activity was significantly correlated to phenolics, particularly to flavonol derivatives, while DPPH was mainly related to ascorbic acid content. The present findings improve the knowledge of the phytochemical composition of Italian Brassica wild species by showing the great diversity of phytochemicals among populations and highlighting their importance as a valuable genetic resource for developing new cultivars with improved bioactive content.

Novel neuroprotection using antioxidant nanoparticles in a mouse model of head trauma.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species are related to deteriorating pathological conditions after head trauma because of their secondary effects. 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) scavenges free radicals; however, this molecule is also toxic. Here, we have evaluated the neuroprotective effect of antioxidant nanoparticles, which consisted of a novel core-shell type nanoparticle containing 4-amino-TEMPO, that is, redox-active nitroxide radical-containing nanoparticles (RNPs). Institute of Cancer Research mice were subjected to a head-impact procedure, randomly divided into four groups and intravenously (3 mg/kg) administered phosphate-buffered saline, TEMPO, micelle (a self-assembling block copolymer micelle without a TEMPO moiety), or RNP through the tail vein immediately thereafter and intraperitoneally at days 1, 3, and 5 after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The RNP distribution was detected by rhodamine labeling. Cognitive behavior was assessed using the neurological severity score and a rotarod test at days 1, 3, and 7 following TBI, and contusion volume was measured at day 7 after TBI. Free radical-scavenging capacity was analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance on day 1 after TBI, and immunostaining was used to observe mobilization of microglia (Iba-1) and rescued neuronal cells (NeuN). Redox-active nitroxide radical-containing nanoparticle was detected in the microvessels around the injured area in the brain. Cognitive behavior assessment was significantly better, and contusion volume was significantly smaller in the RNP group compared with the other groups. Superoxide anion scavenging capacity was significantly higher in the RNP group, and neuronal loss was significantly suppressed around the injured area at day 7 after TBI. Furthermore, in the RNP group, neurodegenerative microglia production was suppressed at days 3 and 7 after TBI, whereas neuroprotective microglia production was higher at day 7 after TBI. The RNP administration after TBI improved cognitive behavior and reduced contusion volume by improving reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity. Therefore, RNP may have a neuroprotective effect after TBI. Therapeutic test.

The use of jarilla native plants in a Diaguita-Calchaquí indigenous community from northwestern Argentina: An ethnobotanical, phytochemical and biological approach.

In northwestern Argentina inhabit several ancient indigenous communities with diverse cultural and historical background. Geographical isolation has contributed to the prevalence of a native plant-based folk medicine; "jarilla" species are medicinal plants widely used in local communities for the treatment of mycosis, respiratory, gastrointestinal and rheumatic disorders. To assemble the traditional knowledge acquired through years with scientific data concerning to phytochemistry, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of three "jarillas" species. Ethnobotanical data of three "jarillas", Zuccagnia punctata (Zp), Larrea cuneifolia (Lc), and Larrea divaricata (Ld), were explored by interviewing native people from Indigenous Community of Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán. Phenolic profiles from each infusion were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Antioxidant activity was determined by superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity, lipoperoxidation inhibition, and ferrous iron chelating activity. It was also assessed their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase, lipoxygenase, and hyaluronidase. Ethnobotanical interviews showed that local people use "jarillas" mainly as infusions and baths. It was reported different categories of uses, such as medicinal (10 curative applications), to religious purposes, tinctorial, as construction material and as fuel. From infusions prepared, the MS and MS/MS data allowed the identification of 27 compounds from Z. punctata, and 11 from both Larrea sp. The infusions showed an important antioxidant activity through different mechanisms, highlighting Zp and Lc in free radical scavenging capacity and Ld on lipid peroxidation inhibition and iron binding. They were also capable of inhibit xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase enzymes, being Lc the most active one. This research work provides novel information concerning to several categories of traditional uses of "jarilla" species in a Diaguita-Calchaquí community and focus attention to infusions from a phytochemical and biological approach.

In vitro study of nutritional and antioxidant properties of methanol extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark.

The study investigated some nutritional and anti-oxidant properties of methanol extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark. The nutritional and antioxidant study of the extract were carried using standard analytical procedures. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract contains high amount of protein, saponin, total phenolics and carbohydrate with very low amount of cyanide and tannins. Vitamins C and E were found in high amounts while vitamin A was present in moderate concentrations. The extract also possesses moderate levels of zinc, copper and manganese, however, low levels iron, nickel and selenium were detected. The extract showed no significant difference (P>0.05) when compared with the standards in the dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging capacity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation ability, hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging potential. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between superoxide anion (O2-) scavenging capacity of the extract and ascorbic acid. The extract (500 µg/ml) had the highest nitric oxide radical (NO) scavenging capacity when compared to 250 µg/ml ascorbic acid standard. High contents of vitamins C and E, phenolics compounds and moderate concentrations of trace elements like selenium might account for the good antioxidant properties exhibited by the methanol extract of Naulea latifolia root bark. The results indicate that the extract possesses high levels of antioxidant compound that could be responsible for its high antioxidant activity, thus the extract could effectively mop up free radicals and prevents its associated complications if consumed in right quantity.

Antioxidative capacity and binding affinity of the complex of green tea catechin and beta-lactoglobulin glycated by the Maillard reaction

Major green tea catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), binds non-covalently to numerous dietary proteins, including beta-lactoglobulin of cow’s milk. The effects of glycation of proteins via Maillard reaction on the binding capacity for polyphenols and the antiradical properties of the formed complexes have not been studied previously.Binding constant of BLG glycated by milk sugar lactose to EGCG was measured by the method of fluorophore quenching. Binding of EGCG was confirmed by CD and FTIR. The antioxidative properties of the complexes were examined by measuring ABTS radical scavenging capacity, superoxide anion scavenging capacity and total reducing power assay.Glycation of BLG does not significantly influence the binding constant of EGCG for the protein. Conformational changes were observed for both native and glycated BLG upon complexation with EGCG. Masking effect of polyphenol complexation on the antioxidative potential of the protein was of the similar degree for both glycated BLG and native BLG.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone from Gluconobacter oxydans fermentation broth enhances superoxide anion-scavenging capacity of Cu/Zn-SOD.

A bioassay-guided fractionation of extract from Gluconobacter oxydans fermentation broth afforded Compound 1, which was identified as pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) by spectroscopic methods. PQQ has been shown to enhance the superoxide anion-scavenging capacity significantly for Cu/Zn-SOD. To illustrate the mechanism, the interaction between PQQ and Cu/Zn-SOD was investigated. The multiple binding sites involving hydrogen bonds and van der Waals force between PQQ and Cu/Zn-SOD were revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry. The α-helix content was increased in the Cu/Zn-SOD structure with the addition of PQQ into the solution through ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. These results indicated that PQQ could change the conformation of Cu/Zn-SOD through interaction, which could enhance its superoxide anion-scavenging capacity. Therefore, PQQ is a potential natural antioxidant.

A correlation between the superoxide anion scavenging capacity of antioxidants and their antioxidant capacity as measured by the galvinoxyl or DPPH method

A correlation between the superoxide anion scavenging capacity of antioxidants and their antioxidant capacity as measured by the galvinoxyl or DPPH method

Effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and iron chelate on the antioxidant capacity and nutritional value of soil-cultivated maize (Zea mays) plants

Iron (Fe) deficiency is frequently encountered on calcareous soils and is usually overcome by application of Fe fertilisers. In the present study, maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Merit) grown in calcareous soil were foliar-sprayed with or without 100 µg Fe g–1 in the forms of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and ethylene diamine-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) Fe sodium complex (Fe-EDDHA), at different growth stages. Uptake and translocation of Fe within the plant were monitored by atomic absorption spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and physiological parameters were evaluated. Iron treatments improved maize photosynthesis and hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion scavenging capacity and lowered the rate of membrane lipid peroxidation. Iron treatment also accelerated vegetative growth and caused earlier entrance to the generative phase. Differences between ameliorative effects of Fe-EDDHA and Fe3O4 NPs were particularly noticeable in the generative growth phase. Improvement of calcium, Fe2+, total Fe, and ferritin contents were more pronounced in Fe3O4 NPs treatments (164%, 200%, 300%, and 200% of the control, respectively). Improved growth of maize treated with Fe3O4 NPs can be attributed, at least in part, to the increase in ferritin and its critical role in maintenance of Fe homeostasis and balance of the plant redox system.

English

The quality and characteristics of grape are fundamentally determined by its biochemical components. Quantitative detection of these components in berries is a classic method to evaluate grapevine resources. However, fruits are not always available for the new generated grape plantlets due to their long juvenile stage (3 to 4 years), as well as for many other potential valuable germplasm resources, such as wild grapes. Therefore, an effective berry-independent method for grapevine evaluation should have great significance. Data were provided from both leaves and berries for 2 groups of grapevine: one group is 12 genotype different varieties or species from environmental similar collections; the other group is one variety of wine grape with 18 different treatments. After quantitative correlation tests, 9 in total 11 detected parameters in genotype different (GD) group and 5 in 9 detected parameters in treatment different (TD) group, respectively, were significantly correlated between leaf and berry, respectively were found. Higher correlation coefficients were found in GD group than in TD group. Parameters of leaf reducing sugar, total flavonoids and superoxide anion scavenging capacity were found significantly correlated to berry, in both groups. These parameters with significant correlation may potentially be used as metabolite markers to estimate the qualities and characters of some new grapevine germplasm, by using the obtained data from leaves. The prospects of this leave-dependent evaluation method have also been discussed in this report. Key words: Leaf-dependent berry evaluation, leaf/berry quantitative correlation, parameter pair, inter-parameters pair.

Ameliorating effects of constituents from Cortex Acanthopanacis Radicis on memory impairment in mice induced by scopolamine

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of active constituents extracted from Cortex Acanthopanacis Radicison improving the impaired memory in mice models. MethodsThe mice models of memory impairment were established using scopolamine. Ameliorating effects of the fractions and constituents on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in vivo were investigated using passive avoidance and Morris water-maze task tests, and their anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antioxidant activities in vitro examined. The isolation of constituents was performed by chromatographic methods and their structures were identified on the basis of instrumental analysis. ResultsAmong the fractions tested, ethylacetate fraction exhibited the anti-AChE activity (25.83% ± 0.23%) properly and excellent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide anion scavenging capacity (87.50% ± 0.83% and 60.22% ± 0.43%, respectively). However, the methylene chloride fraction was much more active than the ethylacetate fraction in the passive avoidance task test (167.5% increase of step-through latency time) and Morris water-maze task test (33.3% decrease of escape latency time). Four constituents, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, sesamin, and hyperin were isolated from the methylene chloride fraction, among them, hyperin showed anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-oxidant activities remarkably. Moreover, hyperin exerted a potent effect (146±38) s on memory improvement in terms of passive avoidance task test compared with the reference compound tacrine (162±43) s at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. ConclusionHyperin, a flavonoid glucoside isolated from Cortex Acanthopanacis Radicis, inhibited AChE activity and potently ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairment, and its action may be partially mediated by the acetylcholine-enhancing cholinergic nervous system.

Chemical and Bioactive Quality Traits During Fruit Ripening in Eggplant (S. melongena L.) and Allied Species

A chemical and bioactive quality evaluation of phytochemicals content of 10 eggplant lines and three allied species (S. sodomaeum, S. aethiopicum and S. integrifolium) was performed. The eggplant lines were divided into the two subgroups of delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R) and nasunin (NAS) typologies, on the basis of the anthocyanin detected in their fruit skin. The allied species had higher glycoalkaloids content, lower soluble solids and PPO activity and absence of anthocyanins compared to the eggplant lines; S. sodomaeum stood out for high phenols content. Orthogonal contrast revealed a higher sugar content and low PPO activity in NAS- compared to D3R-typologies, whereas higher chlorogenic acid and anthocyanin contents were present in D3R-typologies. The main effect of the ripening was a decrease in phenols and in the PPO activity, not evidenced in S. sodomaeum, and an increase of glycoalkaloids in overripe fruits. A good relationship was found between superoxide anion scavenging capacity and chlorogenic acid. This study highlighted the pattern of accumulation, also evidencing variations, of several phytochemicals during the eggplant fruit development and ripening.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OFMENTHA SPICATAL. FROM TUNISIA AND ITS BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, essential oil (EO) and methanolic extract of Tunisian Mentha spicata leaves were tested for their chemical composition and biological activities. Results showed that EO was characterized by the predominance of oxygenated monoterpenes (92.18%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons and sesquiterpenes whose respective amounts were 2.74 and 3.1% of the whole EO. The main volatile compound of M. spicata EO was L-menthone, accounting for 32.74% of the total volatiles, followed by pulegone (26.67%). The phenolic composition of methanolic extracts was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The major flavonoid component was apigenin with a mean concentration of 38.4 mg/100 g dry weight. M. spicata leave extract tested for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities showed a significant antiradical and superoxide anion scavenging capacity in addition to the great potential for antimicrobial activities against the bacteria tested. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is an aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. M. spicata L. is commercially cultivated in many regions of the world. Spearmint oil has economical importance and is used in perfumery, confectionary and pharmaceutical preparations. Tunisia is blessed with a rich source of aromatic plants, many of which have not been previously investigated for their chemical constituents and biological potentials. Among these plants, we can mention M. spicata L. (Lamiaceae), which is largely distributed from the humid to the upper arid regions. This work was carried out as a first step for a chemical and biological activity of Tunisian M. spicata through phenolic and essential oil composition. A further isolation and purification of M. spicata phenolics and volatiles will be associated with an application in food industry as antioxidants, additives for food preservation and for enhancing their nutritional value and organoleptic quality. Furthermore, a pharmacological study could be established through in vivo assays in order to discover new anticarcenogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and other activities of M. spicata. Such results could be used in pharmaceutical formulations, leading to new human drugs from this medicinal plant.

Inhibitory activity of liposomal flavonoids during oxidative metabolism of human neutrophils upon stimulation with immune complexes and phorbol ester

Context and objective: The massive production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils during inflammation may cause damage to tissues. Flavonoids act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, liposomes loaded with these compounds were evaluated as potential antioxidant carriers, in attempt to overcome their poor solubility and stability. Materials and methods: Liposomes containing quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol or galangin were prepared by the ethanol injection method and analyzed as inhibitors of immune complex (IC) and phorbol ester-stimulated neutrophil oxidative metabolism by luminol (CLlum) and lucigenin-enhanced (CLluc) chemiluminescence (CL) assays. The mechanisms involved this activity of liposomal flavonoids, such as cytotoxicity and superoxide anion scavenging capacity, and their effect on phagocytosis of ICs were also investigated. Results and discussion: The results showed that the inhibitory effect of liposomal flavonoids on CLlum and CLluc is inversely related to the number of hydroxyl groups in the flavonoid B ring. Moreover, phagocytosis of liposomes by neutrophils does not seem to necessarily promote such activity, as the liposomal flavonoids are also able to reduce CL when the cells are pretreated with cytochalasin B. Under assessed conditions, the antioxidant liposomes are not toxic to the human neutrophils and do not interfere with IC-induced phagocytosis. Conclusion: The studied liposomes can be suitable carriers of flavonoids and be an alternative for the treatment of diseases in which a massive oxidative metabolism of neutrophils is involved.

Antiradical Capacities of Perilla, Sesame and Sunflower Oil

The aim of this study is to examine the radical scavenging activity of perilla and sesame oil that Koreans traditionally consume. For DPPH radical scavenging activity, oil and its hexane/70% methanol extracts (ME) are used and for superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, ME are used. Unrefined perilla oil, sesame oil, and refined sunflower oil are used. The yields for ME of perilla, sesame and sunflower oil are 0.57, 0.61, and 0.30%, respectively, and the amounts of phenolic compounds in ME of corresponding oil are 18.77, 88.64 and 0.05 ㎍ tannic acid/mg, respectively. IC50 for DPPH scavenging activity of perilla, sesame and sunflower oil are 2.12, 1.91, and 3.35 ㎎/㎖, respectively and those for ME of corresponding oils are 0.42, 0.07, and 43.11 ㎎/㎖, respectively. In DPPH assay, the solvent used for oil sample is iso-octane and that for ME is methanol. Superoxide anion scavenging activity of ME of perilla, sesame and sunflower oil tested at 1 ㎎/㎖ concentration are 21.10, 13.25, and 3.14%, respectively. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of those samples tested at 1 ㎎/㎖ concentration are 86.08, 93.30, and 93.17%, respectively. In summary, the refining process seems to remove the phenolic compound during oil processing. Antiradical substances in perilla and sesame oils responsible for scavenging DPPH radicals are present in the methanol fraction, while the antiradical substances in the sunflower oil are in the lipid fraction. DPPH scavenging activity of ME of sesame oil is significantly higher than that of perilla oil (p<0.05). However, superoxide anion scavenging capacity of ME of perilla oils was found to be greater than that of both sesame and sunflower oils (p<0.05).

Gastroprotective activity of a new semi-synthetic solidagenone derivative in mice

The gastroprotective activity of the new semi-synthetic solidagenone derivative 15,16-epoxy8(9),13(16),14-labdatrien-7 beta-methoxy-6 beta-ol (ELMO) has been assessed on the model of HCl/EtOH-induced gastric lesions in mice. Human gastric epithelial cells (AGS) and fibroblasts (MRC-5) were used to determine its mode of action. The effect of ELMO on the prostaglandin E2 content, cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and protection against damage induced by sodium taurocholate was assessed against AGS cells. The effect of ELMO on the growth of AGS and fibroblast cultures was evaluated. The superoxide anion scavenging capacity of the compound was studied also. The cytotoxicity of ELMO, expressed as cell viability, was assessed using two independent endpoints: neutral red uptake (NRU) and the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) for MRC-5 fibroblasts and NRU for AGS cells. A single oral dose of ELMO (10 and 20 mg kg(-1)) inhibited the appearance of gastric lesions in mice displaying similar values to lansoprazole at 20 mg kg(-1). At 40 microM ELMO increased the prostaglandin E2 content but not GSH in AGS cells. The compound showed no effect on sodium taurocholate-induced damage and was devoid of superoxide anion scavenging activity. Concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 microM stimulated fibroblast but not AGS cell proliferation. The compound showed weak cytotoxicity with values (IC50) of 411 (NRU) and 418 microM (MTT) for fibroblasts and 261 microM (NRU) for AGS cells. The results support further pharmacological study of this compound as a potential new anti-ulcerogenic drug.