Terms Of Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial and thrombolytic activities of Centella asiatica L.: possible role of phenolics and flavonoids

BackgroundCentella asiatica L. (Apiaceae), a green leafy vegetable, has been used as a popular folk medicine in Bangladesh in the treatment of various ailments. The plant is reported to contain phenolics and flavonoids, but their bioactive potentials are not yet completely known. The present study was designed to investigate the role of the phenolic and flavonoids in the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial and thrombolytic activities.MethodsFour solvent fractions viz. methanol (MSF), ethyl acetate (ESF), chloroform (CSF) and petroleum ether (PSF) were prepared from the dried powder of the whole plant by the modified Kupchan method. Total phenolic content and flavonoid content were determined by Folin Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. The antibacterial activity was determined by the disc diffusion method and cytotoxicity was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Thrombolytic activity was assayed using streptokinase as standard.ResultsQualitative analysis of phytochemical revealed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids along with other bioactive constituents. Among the extractives, CSF contained the highest content of phenolics (155.46 ± 0.52 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (345.17 ± 1.12 mg QE/g) and exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity in terms of total antioxidant capacity (179.01 ± 0.89 mg AAE/g) and DPPH scavenging ability (IC50; 15.31 ± 0.32 µg/mL). Similarly, CSF showed the highest cytotoxicity with LC50 values of 13.80 ± 0.23 µg/mL, and thrombolytic activity with 43.94 ± 0.62% clot lysis. The fraction also exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity. A significant correlation was observed between the flavonoid content and total antioxidant activity (r2 = 0.894, p < 0.05), while high correlation was seen between phenolic and flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity (r2 = 0.612–0.928). Similarly, a positive correlation was found between phenolic and flavonoid content with thrombolytic and antibacterial activities.ConclusionThese results revealed that C. asiatica is a rich source of phenolics and flavonoids and correlated with antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial and thrombolytic activities. Hence isolation of phenolics and flavonoids from this plant may offer potential candidates which may be effective in the prevention of many chronic diseases.

Possible Role of Phenolics and Flavonoids in Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Thrombolytic Activities of Eclipta prostata L.

Eclipta prostata (E. prostata) L, is a herbal medicinal plant, which is reported to contain phenolics and flavonoids, but very little is known about its bioactive potentials. In this report, we reexamined the phenols and flavonoid content and evaluated different bioactivities of organic soluble fractions from the shoots of E. prostata for the first time. Among the extractives, chloroform soluble fraction (CSF) possessed the highest content of phenols (156.03 ± 0.52 mg gallic acid equivalent /g of dry extract) and flavonoids (67.47 ± 0.56 mg quercetin equivalent /g of dry extract) and exhibited the most potent antioxidant properties in terms of total antioxidant capacity (198.71 ± 0.89 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g of dry extract) and DPPH free radical scavenging ability (IC50; 17.68 ± 0.32 μg/ml). Similarly, CSF showed the highest cytotoxicity with LC50 values of 16.03±0.23 μg/ml, and thrombolytic activity with 36.06 ± 0.39% clot lysis. A significant correlation was observed between flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity (r2 = 0.894, p &lt; 0.05), while high correlation was seen between polyphenols and flavonoid content with free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity (r2 = 0.612 - 0.928). These findings suggest that E. prostata is a precious source of polyphenols having potential bioactivities, which could be utilized for the management of lifestyle diseases. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 25(2): 164-174, 2022 (July)

Antioxidant Activity of Fucoidan Modified with Gallic Acid Using the Redox Method.

Antioxidant compounds decrease the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, consequently, reduce the deleterious effects of ROS in osteoblasts. Here, we modified a 21 kDa fucoidan (FucA) with gallic acid (GA) using the redox method, to potentiate its antioxidant/protective capacity on pre-osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3) against oxidative stress. The 20 kDa FucA-GA contains 37 ± 3.0 mg GA per gram of FucA. FucA-GA was the most efficient antioxidant agent in terms of total antioxidant capacity (2.5 times), reducing power (five times), copper chelation (three times), and superoxide radical scavenging (2 times). Exposure of MC3T3 cells to H2O2 increased ROS levels and activated caspase-3 along with caspase-9. In addition, the cell viability decreased approximately 80%. FucA-GA also provided the most effective protection against oxidative damage caused by H2O2. Treatment with FucA-GA (1.0 mg/mL) increased cell viability (~80%) and decreased intracellular ROS (100%) and caspase activation (~80%). In addition, Fuc-GA (0.1 mg/mL) abolished H2O2-induced oxidative stress in zebra fish embryos. Overall, FucA-GA protected MC3T3 cells from oxidative stress and could represent a possible adjuvant for the treatment of bone fragility by counteracting oxidative phenomena.

Assessment of dehulling effect on volatiles, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of faba bean seeds and flours

The effects of dehulling and milling of seeds on the volatiles of two Vicia faba L. cultivars were evaluated using headspace-solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The phenolic constituents and antioxidants activities were also estimated on the same kind of samples. A total of 36 volatiles belonging to six different chemical classes were identified. Among them, 11 compounds were determined in the emission profile of whole faba bean seeds, 19 from dehulled legume seeds, 14 from whole seed flours, and 24 from dehulled seed flours. A difference in term of volatiles was observed between whole and dehulled seeds and flours. Additionally, the evaluation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities showed significant differences between dehulled seeds in comparison to the corresponding whole ones, in terms of total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, β-carotene bleaching test, and iron reducing power. Nevertheless, the dehulling effect did not affect the total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins contents. Besides phenolic compounds in whole and dehulled faba bean flours, ascorbic acid was detected by HPLC-UV-DAD in both cultivars.

The Effect of Peri-Implant Disease on Oxidative Stress Markers Levels in Peri-Implant Sulcus Fluid: A Cross-Sectional, Pilot Study

Background: Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory diseases as periodontal disease. An array of oxidative stress markers has been examined in the disease and health of the periodontal tissues. The purpose of the study was to test whether peri-implant conditions have an impact on the peri-implant sulcus fluid oxidative stress markers.Materials and Methods: A total of 44 participants were included in the study. Collected samples divided 3 groups, 14 samples for healthy implants; 15 samples for peri-implant mucositis; and 15 samples for peri-implantitis. In clinical periodontal examination, plaque index (PI), modified bleeding index (mSBI), probing bleeding (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), modified plaque index (MPI) were measured. Peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF) samples were collected for evaluating and measuring biochemical analysis of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and oxidative stress index (OSI).Results: The TOS level in PISF was statistically significantly higher in the peri-implantitis when compared to the healthy group (p=0.041). There was no statistically significant difference (p&amp;gt;0.05) between groups in terms of TAOC and OSI parameters.Conclusions: As a result of the current study, it can be said that, due to its inflammatory character, peri-implantitis can increase total oxidant status (TOS) in peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF). Multicentered research is needed to explain which immunological mechanism triggers the oxidative system in peri-implantitis in order to understand the potential role of oxidative stress markers in peri-implant inflammation.

Proximate composition of orange peel, pea peel and rice husk wastes and their potential use as antimicrobial agents and antioxidants

The proximate composition of extracts from three selected agro-wastes (rice husk, pea peels and orange peels) was determined by following AACC protocols. All wastes were found to have intrinsic phytochemical compositions which are responsible for their antimicrobial and/or antioxidant potential. Amongst the wastes, orange peel had largest amount of total phenolic content as well as total flavonoid content. The highest values for total phenolic and flavonoid contents were consistent with the most significant antioxidant potential observed for orange peel. Although FRAP values were in agreement with the scavenging assays, but the reducing power in terms of total antioxidant capacity was highest for pea peel extracts. The wastes also exhibited significant inhibition against selected fungal and bacterial stains which suggest that these samples could be good antimicrobial source.

Spinal versus general anesthesia in gynecologic laparoscopy: A prospective, randomized study.

Objective:To compare spinal anesthesia (SA) with general anesthesia (GA) in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery regarding anesthetic parameters and patient satisfaction together with an assessment of total oxidant, antioxidant levels, and Oxidative Stress index (OSI).Materials and Methods:Sixty patients who were planned to undergo gynecologic laparoscopy were randomized into group G (GA) and group S (SA). Demographics, adverse events and anesthetic parameters were recorded before induction, after induction, and at the 5th, 10th, 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th, and 120th minutes. Patients and surgeons completed questionnaires. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant level (TOL), and OSI were measured.Results:There was no difference between the groups in terms of hemodynamic parameters except heart rate at 30th minute and mean arteral pressure at 10th, 15th, 30th, and 60th minute (p<0.05). The postoperative arterial blood pH value was lower in group S (p=0.021). Intraoperative hypotension was lower in group S (p=0.038). There was more intraoperative hypotension in group S when compared with group G (p=0.038). Postoperative analgesic consumption was higher and onset of postoperative pain was shorter in group G (p=0.001 for both). There was no difference between the groups in terms of patient and surgeon satisfaction. There was no difference in terms of TAC, TOL, and OSI between the groups (p=0.862, p=0.940, and p=0.728, respectively).Conclusion:SA may become a reliable alternative to GA in gynecologic laparoscopy when hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, patient and surgeon satisfaction, as well as total oxidant, antioxidant levels, and OSI are considered.

Mass transfer analysis of bioactive compounds in apple wedges impregnated with beetroot juice: A 3D modelling approach

The simultaneous mass transfer of bioactive compounds, water loss and solids gain occurring during osmotic dehydration of apple wedges with beetroot juice was investigated. Beetroot juice was adjusted to 50°Bx with sucrose and further used as osmotic medium at 30, 40 and 50 °C. Impregnation of bioactive compounds was described in terms of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins) contents. An unsteady state 3D-diffusion model, where product is shaped as a prolate spheroidal wedge, was proposed for describing experimental data and for obtaining equilibrium points and diffusion coefficients of migrating species with and without considering the apple shrinkage. The effect of geometry mismatch on the estimation of diffusion coefficients when product is shaped as spherical wedges is also explored. Results indicated that after 480 min apple cuts impregnated with beetroot juice increased their TPC in about 7–20 mg GAE/100 g from 43 ± 2 mg GAE/100 g in fresh product. On the other hand, TAC was increased in about 45–123 mg Trolox/100 g from 57 ± 0.8 mg Trolox/100 g in fresh product for the same processing time, being betalains the main responsible for this change. Shrinkage had a larger effect on the estimation of diffusion coefficients than geometry mismatch under the explored experimental conditions. Diffusion coefficients for bioactive compounds corrected for apple shrinkage were in the range of 0.49–6.05 × 10−11 m2/s. The use of higher impregnation temperatures caused a significant increase in equilibrium points of TPC and TAC (p < 0.05).

Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antioxidant Evaluation of Ajuga iva

Oxidative stress was associated with several diseases. Many epidemiologic studies showed that antioxidant supplementation decreases the state of oxidative stress. The present work aims to study the in vitro antioxidant activity of different parts of Ajuga iva aqueous extract (AIE) simultaneously with a phytochemically analyze. The antioxidant activities of AIE were evaluated in terms of total antioxidant capacity evaluated by the phosphomolybdenum essay and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method, as well as the ferric ion reducing power (FRP) and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assays. All extracts showed a potent antioxidant activity and a powerful scavenging capacity in comparison with the ascorbic acid (AA) used as reference molecule. Importantly, Ajuga iva leaves exhibited the highest activity in comparison with stems and roots.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Main Fruits, Tubers and Legumes Traditionally Consumed in the Andean Regions of Ecuador as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds.

Thirteen fruits, eight legumes and three tubers consumed in the Andean regions of Ecuador were studied to determine their bioactive compounds, organic acids, sugars content, total antioxidant capacity, as well as to determine which among them showed the greatest contribution in terms of antioxidant activity and which compounds contributed to it. Among fruits, taxo fruits (Passiflora mollissima (Kunth) L.H. Bailey) presented the highest values of total phenolic, carotene content, and total antioxidant capacity. The ají ratón (Capsicum chinense Jacq) showed the highest content of vitamin C. Taxo showed the highest content of β carotene, whilst lycopene was identified only in guayaba fruits (Psidium guajava L.) and ají ratón was the principal source of lutein. In legumes, chocho perla (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) showed the highest values for both total phenolic and flavonoid content, whilst frejol negro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and frejol canario (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) showed the highest values for FRAP and DPPH assay, respectively. Between tubers, the jícama (Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob.) had the majors values in terms of total phenolic, flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity. In terms of total antioxidant capacity, taxo fruits have the highest contribution in terms of total antioxidant capacity, whilst the dendogram shown the occurrence of five distinct groups in which taxo was located in the first largest group. Our data contributing towards gaining better knowledge about the Andean Ecuadorian diet and the composition of Andean food in order to estimate dietary intakes of health-promoting components.

PF685 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND JAK2V617F MUTATION IN ESSENTIAL THROMBOCYTHEMIA

Background:Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a BCR‐ABL1‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm associated in 50–60% of cases with the presence of the JAK2V617F mutation. Several studies have revealed that oxidative stress induces a growth advantage to JAK2V617F‐ positive clones, but little is known about the antioxidant status of ET patients.Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a BCR‐ABL1‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm associated in 50–60% of cases with the presence of the JAK2V617F mutation. Several studies have revealed that oxidative stress induces a growth advantage to JAK2V617F‐ positive clones, but little is known about the antioxidant status of ET patients.Aims:To evaluate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with ET and to investigate if there are any differences between JAK2V617F‐positive cases and JAK2V617F‐negative ET cases in terms of TAC.Methods:We evaluated patients diagnosed with ET according to the WHO criteria (2016 revised) vs. healthy subjects (control group). Patients were classified based on age, sex and JAK2V617F mutational status. Haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as bone marrow aspirate or biopsy, were analyzed. Detection of JAK2V617F mutation was performed by RT‐PCR. TAC was measured using a multi‐detection microplate reader FLUOstar Omega (reagents from Sigma‐Aldrich). Data analysis was conducted using the student T‐test and a p‐value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania, approval no. 79/23.02.2017. All subjects agreed to partake in the study and signed a written informed consent.Results:The study group involved 58 ET patients (mean age 59.72 ± 14.63 years, age range 22–82): 25 males (40.32%, mean age 55.77 ± 15.80 years, age range 22–82) and 37 females (59.68%, mean age 62.14 ± 13.30 years, age range 23–81). 36 patients (62.07%) were JAK2V617F‐positive and 22 patients (37.93%) were JAK2V617F‐negative. 7 patients (12.07%) had homozygous genotype and 29 patients (50.00%) had a heterozygous genotype. TAC was decreased in patients with ET compared with healthy subjects and in JAK2V617F‐positive vs. JAK2V617F‐negative cases (p &lt; 0.05). We found no significant differences between sexes in terms of age (men = 55.77 ± 15.80 years vs. women = 62.14 ± 13.30 years, p = 0.1116) or TAC (men = 0.50 ± 0.04 mM/L vs. women = 0.49 ± 0.06 mM/L, p = 0.3043). Also, we did not record significant differences in terms of TAC between JAK2V617F homozygous genotype vs. JAK2V617F heterozygous genotype (0.48 ± 0.05 mM/L vs. 0.49 ± 0.06 mM/L, p = 0.1686).Summary/Conclusion:In patients diagnosed with ET, TAC is decreased compared to normal individuals. Also, the decrease in TAC is more expressed in JAK2V617F‐positive cases vs. JAK2V617F‐negative cases or controls. No significant differences in terms of TAC were found between sexes or JAK2V617F homozygous vs. heterozygous genotype.

The myo-inositol effect on the oocyte quality and fertilization rate among women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of myo-Inositol administration on oocyte quality, fertilization rate and embryo quality in patients with PCOS during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Fifty infertile PCOS patients were randomly designated in two groups. In the study group, patients received daily doses of 4g myo-Inositol combined with 400mg folic acid and in the control group patients received only 400mg folic acid from 1 month before starting the antagonist cycle until the day of ovum pick up. Oocyte and embryo qualities were assessed according to European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines. The gene expression of PGK1, RGS2 and CDC42 as a factor of oocyte quality in granulosa cells was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by chemiluminescence assay in follicular fluid. The percentage of metaphase II oocyte, fertilization rate and embryo quality significantly improved in the study group (p < 0.05), but the number of retrieved oocytes and follicle count were not statistically different between groups. Furthermore, the gene expression of PGK1, RGS2 and CDC42 was significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.05) but no differences were found between two groups in terms of TAC and ROS levels. The present study findings suggest that myo-Inositol alters the gene expression in granulosa cells and improves oocyte and embryo quality among PCOS patients undergoing ART.

Therapeutic Effects of Medical Ozone in the Functions and Histopathological Features of the Ovary in an Experimental Torsion-Detorsion Model

Background: Ovarian torsion is a serious gynecological condition, encountered especially during reproductive age. Medical ozone has therapeutic effects with its antioxidant, apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of medical ozone on the ovarian functions and ovarian morphology in an experimental rat ovarian torsion-detorsion model. Methods: Twenty female Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (torsion/detorsion+ozone) (n=10) and Group 2 (only torsion/detorsion) (n=10). Histopathological evaluation of the ovarian tissue was performed. Additionally, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estradiol (E2), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured in the serum. Results: Ozone application has to lead to a decrease in histopathological parameters such as hemorrhage, vascular congestion, cellular apoptosis, and necrosis while no histopathological changes were detected concerning edema and inflammatory cells. High TAC in Group 1 and high FSH in Group 2 were detected. A statistically significant difference between the two groups was detected in terms of TAC (p=0.001) and FSH (p=0.002). There were no significant differences between Group1 and Group2 regarding E2 (p=0.757), and LDH levels (p=0.453). Conclusion: edical ozone is shown to positively affect the histopathological markers of cellular damage and increase the antioxidant capacity in the torsion-detorsion model. We suggest that further animal model studies may be designed to reveal the factors behind the effect of medical ozone.

Can non-invasive methods be used to assess effects of nanoparticles in fish?

The use of less invasive methods to assess the biological effects of xenobiotics on aquatic species is currently a research priority. Fish skin mucus appears as a promising biological matrix, allowing the assessment of biochemical endpoints with the advantage of non-invasive sampling. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity of plasma and skin mucus matrices in a marine fish, Sparus aurata, after 24 and 96h exposure to 0.5 and 50μg.L−1 of 37nm citrate coated gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Results showed a higher responsiveness of skin mucus, after 24h exposure, in terms of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as demonstrated by its increase for both concentrations when compared to the single increase, found in the 0.5μg.L−1 condition in blood plasma. The total oxidative status levels (TOS) did not appear as promising in skin mucus under the tested conditions, presenting levels below the detection limit whereas in blood plasma TOS levels were quantifiable and significantly increased after 96h. Esterase activity (EA) was decreased in skin mucus after 24h exposure to 0.5μg.L−1 AuNP, remaining unaltered in blood plasma. Cortisol, the main stress indicator in fishes, presented unaltered levels in both biological matrices and a positive correlation was found between cortisol and TAC. Overall, results support the use of skin mucus as a biological matrix and TAC and EA as potential biomarkers to monitor the effects of NP effects in fishes.

Effect of supplementing ram semen extender with melatonin on oxidative stress indices and physical properties of chilled spermatozoa

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of supplementing ram semen extender with melatonin on chilled storage capacity of spermatozoa. Eighty ejaculates were collected from 5 Barki rams, 16 ejaculates each, using an artificial vagina throughout the period from January – February, 2017. The ejaculates of each collection session were pooled and diluted (1:10) with Tris-citric egg yolk extender, and were split into 4 aliquots. The first portion served as control (melatonin-free), whereas the other 3 portions were supplemented with 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 mM melatonin. Thereafter, the samples were stored at 4 oC for 48 hrs, during which sperm physical and morphological properties were evaluated at 24 hr interval. Simultaneously, oxidative stress indices in terms of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde concentration (MDA), resazurin reduction test, in addition to enzymatic activities of AST, ALT and ALP were determined. The results revealed that, over the 48 hr preservation period, level of melatonin in the diluent was positively correlated (P<0.01) with sperm motility, viability, percent of normal sperm, intact acrosome, sperm cell membrane integrity and total antioxidant capacity (r= 0.75, 0.96, 0.82, 0.95, 0.96 and 0.74, respectively). Contrarily, a negative correlation (P<0.01) was observed between melatonin level and each of primary and secondary sperm abnormalities, MDA, AST, ALT and ALP over time of storage (r= – 0.71, – 0.85, – 0.46, – 0.71, – 0.95 and – 0.84, respectively). These results elucidate that supplementing the diluent with 0.3 mM melatonin efficiently reduced oxidative stress and improved chilled storage of ram spermatozoa.

Functional and cell proliferative properties of an exopolysaccharide produced by Nitratireductor sp. PRIM-31

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by bacteria are important source of natural biomolecules with therapeutic applications. In this study EPS produced by a strain PRIM-31 isolated from seawater from south west coast of India identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Nitratireductor sp. was investigated for its biotechnological applications. The isolate produced 650mgL−1 EPS under optimum growth conditions. The purified EPS contained 58.3% carbohydrates with 7.08% uronic acid containing sugars, functional groups such as sulfate (2.68%) and trace amounts of proteins (0.65%). Molecular weight of the EPS was 90kDa and monosaccharide composition was arabinose, glucose, xylose, glucuronic acid and galactose (6.6: 3.5: 2.1: 1.3: 1). The EPS displayed antioxidant activity in terms of total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing power, scavenging of DPPH (IC50 390μgmL−1) and superoxide radicals (IC50 340μgmL−1). Cell proliferative activity of the EPS was evidenced by significant improvement in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) proliferation compared to control. Further, significant improvement (41%) in HDF cell migration was observed in in vitro scratch assay with EPS treatment. The EPS also showed antiproliferative activity against glioblastoma cells with an IC50 of 234.04μgmL−1. These functional properties of the EPS prospect its biotechnological applications.

Systemic Prolidase Activity and Oxidative Stress in Keratoconus

ABSTRACTAim: Our aim was to evaluate the serum prolidase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) in patients with keratoconus.Material and method: A total 69 keratoconus patients and 72 control subjects with similar age and gender were evaluated within the scope of this study. The keratoconus group was divided into four stages with the modified Krumeich classification. Serum prolidase activity, TAC and TOS were measured and compared between the patient and control groups.Results: The median serum prolidase enzyme activity value was 528.3 (684.1–416.7) U/L in the keratoconus group and 606.2 (812.9–482.3) U/L in the control group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.027). The median TAC value was 1.24 (1.37–1.05) mmol/L in the keratoconus group and 1.29 (1.38–1.18) mmol/L in the control group. The median TOS value was 2 (4–1) μmol/L in the keratoconus group and 3 (4–2) μmol/L in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of TAC or TOS (p = 0.113 and p = 0.366, respectively). There was a positive correlation between TAC and TOS in keratoconus group but not in the control group (r = 0.670, p = 0.001 and r = 0.141, p = 0.241, respectively). No significant relationship was seen between the keratoconus group stages and serum prolidase activity, TAS or TOS (p = 0.894, p = 0.155 and p = 0.381, respectively).Conclusion: In conclusion, a significant relationship was found between decreased serum prolidase activity and keratoconus but there was no significant relationship between keratoconus and serum TAC or TOS.

Effect of different organic nutrient levels on growth, yield and quality in cauliflower

A field experiment was conducted during two Rabi seasons at Organic Experimental Block of IIHR farm, Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru to study the effect of different levels of organic manures and conventional practices on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower. The trial included five levels of organic manure nutrient and two inorganic nutrient supplies. The treatment which received recommended dose of farm yard manure along with recommended NPK produced the highest mean curd yield (21.23 t/ha) followed by the treatments, which received 100 and 75 per cent recommended dosage of nitrogen (RDN) through organics (19.36 and 18.42 t/ha). The same treatment also recorded higher values for growth and yield parameters like number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, curd diameter and curd weight. Quality parameters in terms of total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging ability, total flavonoids and vitamin C were better with integrated nutrient management as compared to chemical fertilizers only.

Evaluation of dietary protein level on selected parameters of immune and antioxidant systems, and growth performance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei reared in zero-water exchange biofloc-based culture tanks

Abstract The biofloc technology was proposed as a sustainable solution to culture shrimp with low protein feeds even in intensive systems, which can effectively control water quality under negligible water exchange and sustain healthy culture of shrimp. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of four dietary protein levels (20%, 25%, 30% and 35%) on selected parameters of immune and antioxidant systems, and growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles reared in zero-water exchange biofloc-based intensive culture tanks for a period of 7 weeks. Good water quality was maintained with the promotion and development of biofloc through sucrose addition during the feeding experiment. At the end of the experiment, the total hemocyte count in the hemolymph, phagocytic activity of the hemocyte, and antibacterial activity and bacteriolytic activity in the plasma of shrimp showed no significant differences ( P > 0.05) among the four treatments with four dietary protein levels. The shrimp in the treatment with 20% dietary protein level had the lowest total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in both the plasma and the hepatopancreas, and the lowest reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in the plasma. No significant differences were found in the antioxidant status (in terms of T-AOC, superoxide dismutase activity, GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio in the plasma and the hepatopancreas) of shrimp fed with 25%, 30% and 35% dietary protein levels. Furthermore, except for the suboptimal growth performance of shrimp in the treatment with 20% dietary protein level, the growth (in terms of final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate) and feed conversion rate (FCR) of shrimp in treatments with 25%, 30% and 35% dietary protein levels showed no significant differences ( P > 0.05). Mean survival rates were above 85%, with no significant differences ( P > 0.05) among the four treatments with four dietary protein levels. The results of this study demonstrated that, when juveniles of L. vannamei were reared in zero-water exchange biofloc-based intensive culture tanks, dietary protein level can be reduced from 35% to 25% without affecting survival, growth, FCR, and physiological status of immune response and antioxidant capability, indicating that the promoted biofloc could contribute to the protein nutrition and physiological health of cultured shrimp.

Oxidative damages and ultrastructural changes in the sperm of freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense exposed to cadmium

The toxicity of several waterborne heavy metals to aquatic organisms is associated with oxidative damages due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present work, the reproductive toxicity of the heavy metal cadmium was tested with the sperm of freshwater crab. The crabs were exposed to sublethal concentrations of 0, 7.25, 14.5, 29, 58 and 116mg/L of Cd2+ for 3, 5 and 7d. Cd2+ accumulation, ROS formation, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Sinopotamon henanense sperm were measured. Biomarkers of oxidative damage to lipid (Malondialdehyde, MDA), proteins (protein carbonyl derivates, PCO) and DNA (DNA–protein crosslinks, DPC) were investigated to address Cd2+ effects on crucial macromolecules of the S. henanense sperm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied to assess ultrastructural changes induced by 29 and 116mg/L Cd2+ exposure for 7d. The results showed that sperm Cd2+ levels were significantly increased at 3, 5 and 7d starting from the 14.5mgL−1 Cd2+-treated groups. Meanwhile, ROS levels were significantly increased over the experimental period. In terms of TAC, statistically significant changes were observed only at day 7 with the Cd2+ concentrations of 14.5, 29, 58 and 116mg/L. This resulted in an increase of MDA content (5d and 7d), PCO content (Cd2+:58 and 116mg/L, 7d), and DPC levels (Cd2+:116mg/L, 3d and 7d), by 26.32%, 37.47%, 22.04%, respectively, in the 116mg/L Cd2+ group at day seven. For ultrastructural observations, the sperm membrane became wrinkled and partly dissolved, the nuclear envelope turned wrinkled and the chromatin condensed, the acrosome was incomplete with a damaged acrosomal membrane in crabs treated with 29mg/L Cd2+ for 7d. After treatment with 116mg/L Cd2+ for 7d, the sperm membrane was almost dissolved, the chromatin in the nucleus was more heavily condensed, chromatin irregularities and serious acrosome damage were observed.