TBARS Levels Research Articles

A trait-based approach to determine the risks of Zn to the overall health status of native fish species Barbus meridionalis

Fish adapt to changing environments by maintaining homeostasis or making energy trade-offs that impact fitness. We investigated the effect of Zn on the fitness and physiology of Barbus meridionalis, a native cyprinid fish species, under two exposure scenarios. The Osor stream's mine-effluent reach represented long-term (chronic) exposure, while the upstream reach served as a control/acute exposure. Acute exposure involved exposing B. meridionalis to 1mg/L Zn for 96 h in the laboratory. We examined physiological traits (Standard metabolic rate SMR, Maximum metabolic rate MMR, Absolute Aerobic scope AAS, Critical swimming capacity Ucrit) and antioxidant system, AS (Superoxide dismutase, SOD; Catalase, CAT; Glutathione peroxidase, GPX; Glutathione-S-transferase, GST; Glutathione, GSH; Thiobarbaturic acid reactive substances, TBARS) biomarkers. The results indicated that Zn had no significant effect on osmoregulatory cost (SMR) in either exposure scenario but impaired energetically costly exercise (low MMR). AAS reduction in both exposure groups suggested compromised energy allocation for life-history traits, evidenced by decreased locomotor performance (Ucrit) after acute exposure. Tissue-specific and time-dependent responses were observed for AS biomarkers. The fish exhibited ineffective control of oxidative damage, as evidenced by high TBARS levels in the liver and gills, despite increased CAT and GSH in the liver under acute conditions. Our findings demonstrate differential responses at the subcellular level between the two exposure scenarios, while trait-based endpoints followed a similar pattern. This highlights the utility of a trait-based approach as a supplementary endpoint in biomonitoring studies, which provides insights into impacts on individual fitness and population demography.

Structural modification of poppy-pollen protein as a natural antioxidant, emulsifier and carrier in spray-drying of O/W-emulsion: Physicochemical and oxidative stabilization

This study was aimed to investigate the efficiency of poppy-pollen (PP) protein and peptides as carrier for spray-drying encapsulation of grape-seed oil (GSO). The composition of amino acids, functional properties and bioactivity (scavenging of DPPH, ABTS, OH, and nitric-oxide radicals, reducing power, total antioxidant, TBARS levels in O/W-emulsion, and chelation of Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions) of PP-protein were affected by the enzymolysis time. Partial enzymolysis (30 min) led to improved solubility, protein surface activity and increased physical stability of GSO/W emulsion (relative to creaming, aggregation and flocculation) during storage. Also, spray-dried emulsions with this type of carrier (H−30) had the highest production yield (~67 %), solubility (~92 %), flowability, encapsulation efficiency (~96 %), reconstitution ability (least size and EE changes), physical and oxidative stability. The evaluation of the chemical structures (FTIR) indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between the cis-alkene groups of fatty acids and the hydroxyl groups of the amide A and B regions, as well as the trapping of oil in the carrier matrix. SEM images illustrated the effect of native protein carriers (particles with smooth, dents, and hollow surfaces with surface pores), partially (wrinkled and reservoir-type), and strongly (irregular structures, sticky and amorphous agglomerates) hydrolyzed peptides on the morphology of oily-particles. The results of this research indicate the usability of partially hydrolyzed poppy-pollen protein as a source of natural antioxidant, emulsifier, and carrier in the production, stabilization, and encapsulation of oxidation-sensitive bioactive components and emulsions.

Ameliorating the Role of Aripiprazole in Memory Deficits Induced by Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin-Induced Dementia of Alzheimer's Type.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing immense suffering for the patients. Dopamine D2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5-HT1A) receptors' activation has been reported to play a crucial role in managing neurological outcomes in the brain and other health disorders. This study aimed to investigate the role of aripiprazole, a dopamine D2 and 5-HT1A selective receptors' activator, in the restoration of memory deficit induced by streptozotocin in mice. The cognitive functions of animals were determined using the Morris water maze. Brain sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Congo red to examine the structural deviations. Brain oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and glutathione), acetylcholinesterase activity, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured to assess biochemical alterations. Activation of D2 and 5-HT1A with aripiprazole attenuated STZ-induced cognitive deficit, increased brain GSH levels, reduced TBARS levels, AChE activity, IL-6 levels, and IL-10 levels and prevented STZ-induced brain anomalies in mice. Hence, the present study concluded that aripiprazole mitigated STZ-induced memory impairment and can be used as an efficacious therapeutic target for the management of AD.

Fructose supplementation shifts rat brain metabolism in experimental migraine

AimsWe have previously demonstrated that fructose supplementation (FS), given in a scheme used for inducing metabolic syndrome (MS), elicited pain relief in the nitroglycerin (NTG)-elicited rat migraine model. Herein, we evaluated whether FS could reestablish the impaired metabolic pathways in NTG-injected rats. Main methodsMale Wistar rats (N = 40) were divided into two groups for receiving 10 % FS or tap water. After 45 days, they were subdivided into NTG-injected (10 mg/kg; 15 days) or controls. After the fourth NTG injection, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F] FDG) micro-PET scanning was accomplished. The day after, euthanasia was performed, and blood was collected for glycemia and LDH analysis. The levels of energy molecules, TBARS, PGC-1α, and MCTS1 were evaluated in the brain cortices. The activated satellite glial cells (SGC) were assessed in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). Key findingsThere were no variations of glycemia or LDH serum levels. NTG-injected rats showed a significant increase in glucose uptake in the hypothalamus (HT) vs. NTG-free rats. The FS-NTG group showed increased metabolism in the superior colliculus (SC) vs. the NTG group. Moreover, the glucose uptake was amplified in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the FS-NTG vs. FS group. The cortical inosine levels were significantly higher in FS-NTG rats vs. NTG or FS groups, with no changes in TBARS or MCTS1 levels, despite a minor decrease of PGC1-α contents in the FS+NTG group. Finally, there was a significant increase of activated SGC around TG in the FS-NTG rats. SignificanceWe provide novel evidence linking nutrition and metabolism with migraine.

Ameliorating effect of polyherbal formulation (Febrojith) on acute and chronic inflammatory model via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInflammation is a complex biological response of the tissue to noxious stimuli, which causes several debilitating inflammatory disorders. Currently, various conventional medicines are available, but their consumption causes adverse effects, hence researchers focused on alternatives like medical herbs from natural sources, as one of the most promising sources of therapeutic agents for inflammation. Febrojith is a well-known traditional Ayurvedic formulation obtained from the treasures of Ayurveda with a unique blend of herbs that are used effectively in preventing and combating a broad spectrum of infections, fevers, and also enhancing immunity for many years. However, its anti-inflammatory, efficacy and underlying mechanism remained unexplored. Aim of the studyIn the present study, we investigated the chemical characterization and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy of Febrojith (FB) on acute and chronic inflammatory models via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. Materials and methodsFB was analyzed for chemical characterization & its phytoconstituents by UV–Vis spectrum, FT-IR, and GC-MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of FB was studied on carrageenan-induced acute and adjuvant-induced chronic experimental models. The inflammatory cytokines and mediators were measured using the ELISA & Colorimetry techniques. Histopathology and cytology of paw tissue and synovium were analyzed by H&E and Papanicolau's (PAP)-staining methods. Results100 mg/kg bwt was found to be a potent dose from the carrageenan model and evaluated its effect in the adjuvant-induced chronic arthritic model. In the chronic model, 84% of edema inhibition was observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg bwt. Moreover, the supplementation of FB was shown to significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decrease the TBARS level and activity of myeloperoxidase in the paw tissue. In addition, adjuvant-induced production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, NO and COX-2 were suppressed in inflamed rats subjected to FB supplementation. It also revealed that FB supplementation significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the haematological markers. From the histopathology and cytological analysis, we found a reduction in the edema formation, and infiltration of inflammatory cells after the supplementation of FB. ConclusionIn conclusion, FB might be used as an effective and potent drug against inflammation.

Formation of advanced glycation end products of chicken breast meat induced by freeze–thaw cycles and subsequent cooking

The impacts of freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles and cooking on the basic composition, protein and lipid oxidation, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) of chicken breasts were studied. During F–T cycles, the moisture and protein contents of raw and cooked chicken breasts decreased, and protein and lipid oxidation occurred, increasing carbonyl and TBARS contents. Meanwhile, the contents of methylglyoxal, glyoxal, and hydroxymethylfurfural in raw meat increased by 2.27, 2.27, and 5 times, respectively, whereas glyoxal and hydroxymethylfurfural contents increased by 2.73 and 3 times, respectively, after cooking as F–T cycles increased. The formation of carboxymethyl lysine, pentosidine, and fluorescent AGEs in cooked samples was confirmed using an ELISA kit and fluorescent intensity. The study also revealed that AGEs contents of chicken meat were negatively correlated with moisture contents and positively correlated with carbonyl and TBARS levels. Therefore, F–T cycles and subsequent cooking promoted AGEs formation in cooked meat.

Ameliorative effect of quercetin on pancreatic damage in rodent: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Pancreatitis has the potential to occur with increasing cases of hyperlipidemia and alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, until now pharmacotherapy for pancreatitis is more emphasized for pain relief and lowering triglyceride levels (for HFD-induced pancreatitis). The polyphenol (quercetin) has several biological activities, including anti-cancer, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and ant-diabetic. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of quercetin to treat pancreatitis. After verification, 19 relevant articles were included in the analysis, where Linear mix model analysis was applied to parameters including blood glucose, pancreas islet number, insulin level, TBARS level, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), endogenous antioxidant (GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx), TNFα, IL−6, Caspase 3 (Casp3) and IL−1b gene expression. The level quercetin was used as fixed effect and study setting as random effect. The administration of quercetin was able to significantly increase the production of tissue insulin, restore the antioxidant defense system (increase SOD, GSH, decrease TBARS), and inhibit the progression of inflammation based on the expression of NF-kB, TNFα and IL−6 genes. Therefore, the results of meta-analysis support the hypothesis that quercetin is able to restore pancreatic function, and has the potential to be developed to treat pancreatitis.

Protective role of Dodonaea viscosa extract against streptozotocin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats

Previous investigations have shown that D. viscosa herbal extract is often used to treat a variety of diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate any additional potential impacts on rat liver and kidney damage induced by diabetes. Streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg/day) was given as a single dosage to cause type 1 diabetes. After then, diabetic rats received oral doses of D. viscosa for four weeks at 150 and 300 mg/kg/day. Blood, liver, and kidney tissues were collected at the end of the treatment and examined. Analysis was made of the serum lipid profile, liver, and kidney functions, as well as blood biochemistry. Moreover, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2), and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated in serum. In liver and kidney samples, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reeducates (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed. Histological changes in liver and kidney cross-sections were also observed. Our findings demonstrated that D. viscosa dramatically decreased pro-inflammatory indicators in blood, kidney, and liver tissues as well as blood glucose, and restored insulin levels, and lipid profiles. Additionally, it significantly raises the antioxidant enzyme activity SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST, while significantly lowering TBARs levels. The above-mentioned biochemical changes that took place in tissues were further supported by histological alterations. These findings imply that D. viscosa protects against STZ-induced hyperglycemia, aberrant lipid synthesis, and oxidative stress and that these benefits may be mediated by interacting with various targets to increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and kidneys. Its mode of action and safety for use as medicine against various metabolic problems caused by diabetes require more research.

Propentofylline Improves Thiol-Based Antioxidant Defenses and Limits Lipid Peroxidation following Gliotoxic Injury in the Rat Brainstem.

Propentofylline (PROP) is a methylated xanthine compound that diminishes the activation of microglial cells and astrocytes, which are neuronal cells strongly associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Based on previously observed remyelination and neuroprotective effects, PROP has also been proposed to increment antioxidant defenses and to prevent oxidative damage in neural tissues. Since most neurodegenerative processes have free radicals as molecular pathological agents, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of 12.5 mg·kg-1·day-1 PROP in plasma and the brainstem of Wistar rats exposed to the gliotoxic agent 0.1% ethidium bromide (EB) for 7-31 days. The bulk of the data here demonstrates that, after 7 days of EB treatment, TBARS levels were 2-fold higher in the rat CNS than in control, reaching a maximum of 2.4-fold within 15 days. After 31 days of EB treatment, lipoperoxidation in CNS was still 65% higher than that in the control. Clearly, PROP treatment limited the progression of lipoperoxidation in EB-oxidized CNS: it was, for example, 76% lower than in the EB-treated group after 15 days. Most of these effects were associated with PROP-induced activity of glutathione reductase in the brainstem: the EB + PROP group showed 59% higher GR activity than that of the EB or control groups within 7 days. In summary, aligning with previous studies from our group and with literature about MTXs, we observed that propentofylline (PROP) improved the thiol-based antioxidant defenses in the rat brainstem by the induction of the enzymatic activity of glutathione reductase (GR), which diminished lipid oxidation progression and rebalanced the redox status in the CNS.

A Novel Approach for the Production of Mildly Salted Duck Egg Using Ozonized Brine Salting.

Salted eggs are normally produced by treating fresh duck eggs with a high salt concentration in order to acquire distinctive features and excellent preservation capabilities as a result of a series of physicochemical changes. This method, however, induces a high salt content in the product. The goal of this research was to create a new way of producing mildly salted duck eggs using ozonized brine salting. The brine was made by dissolving NaCl (26% w/v) in water or ozonized water at a concentration of 50 ng ozone/mL (ozonized brine). Compared to brine, ozonized brine resulted in salted eggs with reduced ultimate salt levels in both albumen and yolk (p < 0.05). The Haugh unit of the salted eggs generated by ozonized brine was similar to that of the brine-made salted egg group (p > 0.05), but the salted egg produced by ozonized brine matured and solidified faster because the yolk index (0.62) was higher than that of the brine (0.55) (p < 0.05). The final pH of salted eggs generated with brine and ozonized brine was not different (p > 0.05). Regardless of the salting method, both salted eggs contained low TVB-N content (<10 mg/100 g). Ozonized brine increased the protein carbonyl content in salted albumen, which may be related to albumen protein aggregation and served as a salt diffusion barrier. However, after boiling the salted egg, the protein carbonyl level was comparable to that of fresh albumen. The TBARS levels of boiled salted albumen prepared with brine and ozonized brine were comparable (p > 0.05), and the value was extremely low (~0.1 mg MDA equivalent/kg). The TBARS value of the salted yolk prepared with brine was higher than that of the salted yolk prepared with ozonized brine (p < 0.05), and both salted yolks showed increased TBARS values after cooking (p < 0.05). The albumen and yolk components appeared to be altered similarly by both brine and ozonized brine, according to the FTIR spectra. Furthermore, the appearance and color of the yolk and albumen in salted eggs prepared with brine and ozonized brine were comparable. Boiled salted albumen produced with ozonized brine had a denser structure with fewer voids. This could be attributed to the final salted egg's lower salt content and lower salt diffusion rate, which were likely caused by protein oxidation and, as a result, aggregation when ozonized brine was used.

Caloric restriction prevents inflammation and insulin dysfunction in middle-aged ovariectomized mice.

Loss of ovarian function is associated with increased visceral fat. In this study, we aimed to study the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on metabolism in ovariectomized mice. Female, 8-12-month-old mice were divided into three groups: OVX (ovariectomized mice), OVXR (40% CR) and Sham. CR increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. AMPK phosphorylation was observed in the liver of OVXR mice. CR also increased hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The reductions in the level of TBARS in the serum and liver and of H2O2 in the liver of OVXR mice suggested alterations in the redox state of the liver. Although expression of catalase protein was reduced by CR, expression of superoxide dismutase was not altered by CR. Although interleukin IL-6 and IL-10 levels in OVXR mice were similar to those in Sham mice, macrophage infiltration was reduced in OVXR mice. OVXR mice had increased sirtuin1 levels and decreased sirtuin3 levels in the liver. In conclusion, CR improved the condition of ovariectomized mice by reducing adiposity and increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance through a mechanism that may involve AMPK.

Propiedades fisicoquímicas y estructurales de la carne de vacuno descongelada mediante distintos métodos

Four meat thawing techniques that are most commonly used in daily life were used: refrigerator thawing, microwave thawing, ambient temperature thawing, and water thawing, to evaluate the physico-chemical and histological alterations in thawed beef. After thawing, the structural, chemical, and physical characteristics of beef meat were evaluated. The results showed that meat thawed in the refrigerator at 4°C was characterized by the highest pH value (5.65 ± 0.02) and a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) compared to meat thawed by other thawing methods. Also for the electrical conductivity, it reached the highest value (1.442 ± 1,012) in the microwave oven (P&lt;0.05); meanwhile, water activity decreased significantly after thawing regardless of the thawing method (P&lt;0.05). On the other hand, refrigerator thawing resulted in the least amount of water loss (1.23%) with P&lt;0.05, while high levels of microwave energy caused significant water loss, represented by thawing loss and cooking loss (4.37% and 44.47%), respectively, with P&lt;0.05. Among different thawing methods, microwave thawing had the highest level of TBARS, with a mean of 0.25 ± 0.034 mg·kg-1 (P&lt;0.05). Regarding the color, the lightness (L*) value in the microwave-thawed samples decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) compared to the fresh control. Histologically, samples that were thawed in a refrigerator preserved the integrity of the fibers' structure after thawing better than other methods; samples thawed in a microwave, however, caused more structural damage. To ensure that it thaws uniformly and to retain the meat's quality as close to its fresh quality as possible, it is typically advised to thaw meat in a slower, more gradual manner, such as in the refrigerator.

Development of novel antimicrobial coatings incorporating linalool and eugenol to improve the microbiological quality and safety of raw chicken

Incorporating natural antimicrobial agents in antimicrobial coatings has recently been gaining more attention. This study aimed to develop novel coatings with incorporated natural antimicrobial compounds (linalool, eugenol) to improve the quality and safety of raw chicken during storage at 4 °C. Coatings consisting of chitosan and gelatine (C/G) mixes (40:60 ratio) revealed lower viscosities above 30 °C, while the shear thinning behaviour of chitosan and gelatine was maintained. Furthermore, the antimicrobial coatings, when applied to raw chicken samples resulted in lower pH and TBARS levels compared to the control during storage. Also, raw chicken coated with the antimicrobial coatings containing 0.5 and 0.7 mg/mL of linalool and eugenol suppressed Lactic-acid-bacteria and Total-Plate-Counts under the spoilage level (7-logs CFU/g) and showed that they can increase the microbiological shelf-life of the product up to two days during storage at 4 °C. Results also showed that the coated samples exhibited a significantly lower Listeria monocytogenes population than the control samples during storage. Conclusively, this study revealed that adding linalool and eugenol in C/G coatings can enhance the shelf-life and safety of raw chicken.

The interplay between sexual abuse and inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in drug-naïve panic disorder patients.

Although accumulating evidence suggests an interplay between child abuse and inflammatory processes and the pathophysiology of mental disorders, few studies have investigated the cellular mechanisms related to this matter. Furthermore, no studies to date have evaluated cytokine, oxidative stress, and DNA damage levels in drug-naïve panic disorder (PD) patients and their possible association with childhood trauma. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of the proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1B, the oxidative stress marker TBARS, and8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG; representing DNA damage) in drug-naïve PD patients compared to controls. Furthermore, this investigation aimed to determine whether early-life trauma could predict peripheral levels of the previously mentioned markers in unmedicated PD patients. This work showed that drug-naïve PD patients presented elevated levels of TBARS and IL-1B but not 8-OHdG compared to healthy controls. In addition, sexual abuse during childhood was associated with increased levels of IL-1B in PD patients. Our findings suggest that the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome complex might be activated in drug-naïve PD patients. This study is the first to associated sexual abuse with increased levels of IL-1B in drug-naïve PD patients and to demonstrate that this population presents high concentrations of oxidative stress and inflammation markers but not DNA damage markers when compared to healthy controls. Independent replication of these findings would support further clinical trials of inflammasome inhibitory drugs in PD patients, which could lead to effective novel treatments for people with PD and contribute to elucidating pathophysiological differences depending on trauma exposure in the immune disturbances accompanying PD.

Desflurane Protects The Brain Against The Oxidant Activity of Acute Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Rats, Comparison with Sevoflurane

In this study, we investigated the effects of sevoflurane and desflurane administration on the oxidant and antioxidant system in the brain of acute hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. In the study, 30 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced by administering a single dose of intraperitoneal streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) to rats except for the control group (C). To create acute hyperglycemia in diabetic groups, which were hyperglycemia (DH), desflurane (D), and sevoflurane (S) groups, 2.5 g/kg glucose was administered intraperitoneally. After glucose administration, desflurane 6% and sevoflurane 2.3% mixed with 4 L/min oxygen were administered for 2 hours, by which minimal alveolar concentration for rats would be one. Afterward, the animals were sacrificed, and their brain tissues were prepared for biochemical analysis. Catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), paraoxonase (PON) activities, and TBARS levels were measured to determine oxidant and antioxidant status. GST activity was significantly lower in group D than in group DH (p=0.001). The PON activity was significantly lower in the D group compared with other groups (p&amp;lt;0.001). In the S group, PON activity was significantly lower than in the diabetic control (DC) group and DH groups (p=0.022, p=0.020, respectively). TBARS level was significantly lower in group D than in group DH (p=0.013). As a result, desflurane decreases GST and PON activity and TBARS levels more than sevoflurane. In terms of lipid peroxidation, desflurane shows more protective properties than sevoflurane. Since our study is the first study in this field, it should be supported by other studies to be carried out.

Replacement of polyethylene oxide by peach gum to produce an active film using Litsea cubeba essential oil and its application in beef

This study evaluated the effects of adding various concentrations (0 %, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 %) of peach gum (PG) to films made from polyethylene oxide (PEO) combined with Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) to be utilized as active packaging for food in the future. The findings showed that the film containing PG 2 % concentration had the best physic-mechanical properties. In films made with PG, the glass transition temperature was significantly improved. Combining PG and PEO resulted in films that were brighter in color, had lower WVP values, and had the lowest water activity. Furthermore, XRD demonstrated that PG additions were compatible with the film of PEO blended with LCEO. The PG films formulated with PG presented high antioxidant and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Wrapping beef with P2G2 film led to maintaining its quality with suitable levels of pH, TBARS, and TVB-N. This also decreased the number of E. coli and S. aureus in beef throughout the storage period. The results indicate that adding PG to PEO films enhances their suitability for food preservation.

Melatonin improves behavioral parameters and oxidative stress in zebrafish submitted to a leucine-induced MSUD protocol.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKAC). The treatment is a standard therapy based on a protein-restricted diet with low branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) content to reduce plasma levels and, consequently, the effects of accumulating their metabolites, mainly in the central nervous system. Although the benefits of dietary therapy for MSUD are undeniable, natural protein restriction may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, resulting in a low total antioxidant status that can predispose and contribute to oxidative stress. As MSUD is related to redox and energy imbalance, melatonin can be an important adjuvant treatment. Melatonin directly scavenges the hydroxy radical, peroxyl radical, nitrite anion, and singlet oxygen and indirectly induces antioxidant enzyme production. Therefore, this study assesses the role of melatonin treatment on oxidative stress in brain tissue and behavior parameters of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to two concentrations of leucine-induced MSUD: leucine 2 mM and 5mM; and treated with 100 nM of melatonin. Oxidative stress was assessed through oxidative damage (TBARS, DCF, and sulfhydryl content) and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and CAT). Melatonin treatment improved redox imbalance with reduced TBARS levels, increased SOD activity, and normalized CAT activity to baseline. Behavior was analyzed with novel object recognition test. Animals exposed to leucine improved object recognition due to melatonin treatment. With the above, we can suggest that melatonin supplementation can protect neurologic oxidative stress, protecting leucine-induced behavior alterations such as memory impairment.

Cardiac disturbances and changes in tissue cytokine levels in mice fed with a high-refined carbohydrate diet

AimsThe consumption of highly refined carbohydrates increases systemic inflammatory markers, but its potential to exert direct myocardial inflammation is uncertain. Herein, we addressed the impact of a high-refined carbohydrate (HC) diet on mice heart and local inflammation over time. Main methodsBALB/c mice were fed with a standard chow (control) or an isocaloric HC diet for 2, 4, or 8 weeks (HC groups), in which the morphometry of heart sections and contractile analyses by invasive catheterization and Langendorff-perfused hearts were assessed. Cytokines levels by ELISA, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity by zymography, in situ reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining and lipid peroxidation-induced TBARS levels, were also determined. Key findingsHC diet fed mice displayed left ventricular hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis in all times analyzed, which was confirmed by echocardiographic analyses of 8HC group. Impaired contractility indices of HC groups were observed by left ventricular catheterization, whereas ex vivo and in vitro indices of contraction under isoprenaline-stimulation were higher in HC-fed mice compared with controls. Peak levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, ROS, TBARS, and MMP-2 occur independently of HC diet time. However, a long-lasting local reduction of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was found, which was linearly correlated to the decline of systolic function in vivo. SignificanceAltogether, the results indicate that short-term consumption of HC diet negatively impacts the balance of anti-inflammatory defenses and proinflammatory/profibrotic mediators in the heart, which can contribute to HC diet-induced morphofunctional cardiac alterations.

Effects of Two Amphiphilic Diesters of L-Ascorbic Acid on the Oxidative Stability of Rabbit Meatballs

Lipid oxidation involves a cascade of phenomena leading to serious impairments of meat quality during storage. Novel strategies for lipid protection are therefore highly desirable. Herein, two amphiphilic diesters of L-ascorbic acid with myristic (DA) and stearic (DB) acids were synthesised and added at a 0.1% (w/w) to minced rabbit meat before preparing meatballs. Then, pH, colour indexes, weight loss, fatty acid profile and primary and secondary lipid oxidation products were analysed for meatballs treated with DA (n = 16), DB (n = 16), or not treated (C, n = 16), and stored for 80 days at −10 °C. Results showed that DA and DB did not specifically prevent weight loss and lipid oxidation. Nevertheless, the addition of DA on stored rabbit meatballs seemed to prevent colour modification and reduced (p = 0.0613) TBARS levels in the treated stored meat. For these reasons, further investigations on the properties of L-ascorbyl diesters on the oxidative stability of meat will likely be performed.

Effects of Dietary β-Mannanase Supplementation on Egg Quality during Storage

The purpose of this study was to determine if adding β-mannanase to the diet can improve the quality of storage eggs from laying hens. Lightweight laying hens (36 weeks old), housed in cages with four birds each, were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: control group (diet without additives), or birds fed with 300 g/ton of β-mannanase. The experiment was carried out on a commercial farm (14 thousand birds). The study took 84 days to be completed, and each of its three productive phases lasted 28 days. On the final day of each phase, 125 eggs were randomly collected. The quality of the fresh eggs was assessed, and after each storage interval, the remaining eggs were kept and randomly divided to evaluate their quality (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days). Analysis of variance was used to compare means considering differences at 5 and 10%. When compared to the control group, β-mannanase was able to prevent the loss of egg weight and albumen weight during storage (p &lt; 0.05). Yolk color (palette) also improved by 2.5% (p &lt; 0.001), while lightness, red intensity, and yellow intensity all increased in comparison to the control group by 1.9% (p &lt; 0.001), 7.7% (p &lt; 0.001), and 4.10% (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, compared to the control treatment, β-mannanase was able to lower the yolk pH and TBARS levels by 2.4% (p &lt; 0.001). As a result, adding β-mannanase to laying hen diets is a successful method for enhancing egg quality.