Total Antioxidant Status Values Research Articles

Comparison effect of hyperglycaemia induced mixed meal tolerance and oral glucose tolerance test on body oxidative stress

Abstract Objectives The mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are used in the diagnosis of prediabetes and hypoglycaemia. Data suggest that oxidative stress caused by hyperglycaemia during OGTT may have adverse metabolic effects in prediabetic patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant levels in OGTT and MMTT. Methods The study included 72 patients who underwent MMTT and OGTT at one-week intervals. Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were analysed in samples taken from patients at zero, first and second hours of MMTT and OGTT and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) was calculated, and the data were compared. Results OGTT and MMTT results were compared with each other within the patient group. While significant differences were found between first-hour glucose, TOS and OSI values (p<0.01), no significant differences were observed for zero and second-hour values (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in TAS values (p>0.05). When zero, first, and second-hour results were compared for OGTT and MMTT within the same test, no significant differences were found for the other parameters except for glucose (p<0.01 for both tests). The correlation between glucose and TOS, TAS and OSI values in MMTT and OGTT was not found. Conclusions Our study concludes that the body experiences more oxidative stress in the first hour following an OGTT than the oxidative stress induced by hyperglycaemia in a mixed-meal diet. Further research is needed to determine whether oxidative stress in the first hour triggers dysmetabolic events in the body.

Biological activities of Hypericum spectabile extract optimized using artificial neural network combined with genetic algorithm application

Optimizing extraction conditions can help maximize the efficiency and yield of the extraction process while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health. For the purpose of the current study, an artificial neural network (ANN) combined with a genetic algorithm (GA) was utilized for that the extraction conditions of Hypericum spectabile were optimized. In this particular investigation, the main objective was to get the highest possible levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) for the extracts that were obtained. In addition to this, conditions of the extract that exhibited the maximum activity have been determined and the biological activity of the extract that was obtained under these conditions was analyzed. TAS values were obtained from extracts obtained using extraction temperatures of 30–60 °C, extraction times of 4–10 h, and extract concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/mL. The best model selected from the established ANN models had a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of 0.643%, a mean squared error (MSE) value of 0.004, and a correlation coefficient (R) value of 0.996, respectively. The genetic algorithm proposed optimal extraction conditions of an extraction temperature of 59.391 °C, an extraction time of 8.841 h, and an extraction concentration of 1.951 mg/mL. It was concluded that the integration of ANN-GA can successfully be used to optimize extraction parameters of Hypericum spectabile. The total antioxidant value of the extract obtained under optimum conditions was determined as 9.306 ± 0.080 mmol/L, total oxidant value as 13.065 ± 0.112 µmol/L, oxidative stress index as 0.140 ± 0.001. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 109.34 ± 1.29 mg/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured as 148.34 ± 1.48 mg/g. Anti-AChE value was determined as 30.68 ± 0.77 µg/mL, anti-BChE value was determined as 41.30 ± 0.48 µg/mL. It was also observed that the extract exhibited strong antiproliferative activities depending on the increase in concentration. As a result of LC-MS/MS analysis of the extract produced under optimum conditions in terms of phenolic content. The presence of fumaric, gallic, protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, 2-hydoxycinamic acids, quercetin and kaempferol was detected. As a result, it was determined that the H. spectabile extract produced under optimum conditions had significant effects in terms of biological activity.

Association between systemic zinc and oxidative stress levels and periodontal inflamed surface area.

Zinc is a structural component of some enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential associations between serum zinc and oxidative stress levels and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA). This study included 90 patients divided into three groups: a periodontitis group (P; n = 30), a gingivitis group (G; n = 30), and a periodontal health group (PH; n = 30). Periodontal parameters were recorded and PISA values were calculated. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and zinc levels were examined biochemically. Oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were calculated. All clinical periodontal parameters, periodontal epithelium surface area, and PISA values were lower in the PH group than the P and G groups (p < 0.05). Serum zinc and TAS values were higher in the PH group than the P and G groups (p < 0.05). Serum TOS and OSI values were lower in the PH group than the G and P groups (p < 0.05). Serum OSI levels were lower in the G group than the P group (p < 0.05). PISA was associated with serum zinc (β = -28.96, 95% CI = (-38.95, -18.98), p < 0.001) and OSI (β = 89.84, 95% CI = (20.63, 159.05), p = 0.011) levels in the multivariate generalized linear model. PISA values were associated with decreasing serum zinc and TAS and increased TOS and OSI levels. Zinc deficiency can be associated with the severity of periodontal disease and higher oxidative stress levels.

Seminal oxidative stress index can be used as a marker in the prediction of bull semen cryotolerance

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of seminal plasma activity levels of enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), non-enzymatic antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (Vit-E), and also total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) on post-thaw sperm quality. As well as it was aimed to investigate the possibility of the use of OSI as a marker for the estimation of bull semen freezability. For this study, 72 ejaculates were collected from 6 bulls and separated into two aliquots. The first one was centrifuged to separate seminal plasma. The latter one was cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen until analysis. Post-thaw semen quality was examined in two groups (good-freezable semen (GFS) and poor-freezable semen (PFS)) through cluster analyses based on post-thaw total motility and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity. As a result of the analyses, seminal TAS, CAT, and Vit-E values were higher (P<0.05) in the GFS group, while TOS and OSI values were higher (P<0.01) in the PFS group. We also performed an ROC curve analysis to determine whether the seminal OSI value could be used to predict semen freezeability. The area under curve (AUC) value was found as 0,70 (P=0.006). In conclusion, it has been revealed that the seminal plasma antioxidant content is responsible for the freezability of semen, and the OSI value, which can be determined by performing TAS and TOS analyses instead of looking for separate antioxidant enzymes, can be used as a marker for the estimation of post-thaw semen quality at artificial insemination centers.

Response of broilers to supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil in hot ambient conditions.

Heat stress has various detrimental effects on poultry production. The aim of the study was to alleviate the effects of heat stress in broiler production. For this purpose, 288 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were obtained from a commercial hatchery and randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups; CON: corn-soybean meal based commercial diet, SEO100: CON with 100mg/kg Sage essential oil (SEO) and SEO200: CON with 200mg/kg SEO with 96 birds in each group (4 replicates each) in a completely randomized design under hot ambient temperatures for 42 days. No differences were observed in the body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio at 42 days of age among groups. However, there was a significant increase in 21-day body weight in SEO200 chicks compared to CON. Furthermore, the addition of SEO significantly decreased the mortality rate under heat stress conditions. The total oxidant status value was lower in broiler chickens in which SEO was added to their diets. While the total antioxidant status value was higher in SEO100 chicks, it did not show a linear increase. Additionally, the results demonstrated that the addition of SEO to broiler diets under heat stress did not have a significant effect on inspected meat quality traits, with the exception of the b*(yellowness) value of breast muscle. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that 200mg/kg SEO can be added to diets for the welfare of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions for struggling with oxidants and increasing viability. Further research is needed to investigate the antioxidant activity and meat quality of different levels of SEO in hot ambient conditions.

Enhancing radioprotection: exploring the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the oxidative stress in the liver.

The adverse effects of radiotherapy (RT) primarily occur through oxidative stress, and attempts are being made to mitigate these effects. L-Carnitine (L-Car) involved in physiological functions, possesses antioxidant and tissue-protective properties. The goal of this investigation is to appraise the radioprotective efficacy of L-Car supplementation. The groups were established by dividing thirty-two rats as: control, RT (10Gy), RT + L-Car (200mg/kg/d), L-Car. Upon completion of the experiment, the livers were harvested for histopathological, immunostaining [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Caspase-3], spectrophotometric [total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI)], and mRNA expression [(Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), Heme Oxygenase (HO-1), Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)] analyses. In the damage group, decreased Keap-1, Nrf2, HO-1, and TAS values, along with increased histopathological findings, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, TNF-α, Caspase-3, TOS, OSI, TGF-β1 levels were found. All findings were improved with L-Car treatment. Considering these findings, it can be inferred that L-Car exhibits tissue-protective effects against organ damage predominantly induced by RT-related oxidative stress. Additionally, it has prevented the development of inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Therefore, L-Car may be considered as a supplement to reduce complications associated with RT.

Moringa oleifera hydroalcoholic leaf extracts mitigate valproate-induced oxidative status in the extraorbital lacrimal gland in a rat model

Dysfunction of the extraorbital lacrimal gland (ELG) can lead to loss of vision due to damage to the epithelium of cornea. The broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug sodium valproate (SV) has numerous side effects. Moringa oleifera (M.oleifera) is widely used as a food and in folk medicine. The effects of orally administered SV and M. oleifera hydroalcoholic leaf extract on rat ELG were investigated in this study by analysing both antioxidant and oxidant parameters. Additionally, boron level and tissue factor (TF) activity were determined. Protein changes were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Significantly lower values of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were observed in the SV group compared to the control group. Treatment with Moringa extract significantly increased SOD, CAT and TAS values in the Moringa given SV group (SVM). While no significant differences were observed between the sialic acid values of the groups, lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO) and total oxidant status (TOS) values were significantly elevated in the SV group compared to the control group. Due to the effect of Moringa extract, LPO, NO and TOS levels were significantly decreased in the SVM group compared to the SV group. TF activity was not meaningfully altered between groups. Compared to control rats, oxidative stress index (OSI) level significantly increased, whereas the boron level decreased in the SV group. Moringa extract treatment noticeably reduced OSI in the SVM group. According to SDS-PAGE, decreases in the density of protein bands with molecular weights of 51, 83, and 90 kDa were observed in SV given rats compared to the other groups. These decreases were reversed by the administration of Moringa extract. Moringa extract has shown protective properties arising from antioxidant potential, especially with its very low OSI value. Individuals undergoing SV treatment and having ELG complications might consider using Moringa extract to mitigate valproate induced damage.

Determining the effects of erythrocyte suspension on total antioxidant status and total oxidative stress values in pediatric intensive care patients

Determining the effects of erythrocyte suspension on total antioxidant status and total oxidative stress values in pediatric intensive care patients

Total Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stress in Patients with COVID-19 Infection.

Oxidative stress (OS) may have a role in the pathogenesis and severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. The present study was conducted to estimate the association of inflammatory markers, total antioxidant status (TAS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with the severity of the disease and to identify their trends after recovery. Adult patients admitted with moderate or severe COVID-19 were included after obtaining written informed consent from patient or next of kin. Patients who were critically ill, on ventilator, or in sepsis/septic shock were excluded. Levels of inflammatory markers, TAS, and OS as measured by MDA were estimated within 24 hours of admission and reevaluated at 12 weeks following discharge. The mean age of the 40 patients (42.5% females) was 55 ± 15 years. TAS values (in trolox equivalents/L) were significantly reduced in severe compared to moderate COVID-19 patients at admission (7.2 ± 4.19 vs 12.3 ± 5.21). These increased at 12 weeks after discharge. The MDA levels (in nmol/mL) were significantly higher in severe in comparison to moderate disease (7.1 ± 2.68 vs 4.1 ± 1.81). These values showed a downward trend 12 weeks after discharge in severe disease group. Admission levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were statistically higher in severe COVID-19 patients in contrast to moderate disease. Moderate and severe COVID-19 are associated with a state of high OS and a low total antioxidant levels which tend to recover at 3 months following discharge.

Effect of Different Administered Doses of Capsaicin and Titanium Implant Osseointegration.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the histological and biochemical effects of capsaicin on implant osseointegration and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats weighing between 250 and 300 g were used in this study. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: implant + control (n = 8), implant + capsaicin-1 (n = 8), and implant + capsaicin-2 (n = 8). Additionally, 2.5 mm diameter and 4 mm length titanium implants were surgically integrated into the corticocancellous bone parts of the femurs. In the treatment groups, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 25 mg/kg (implant + capsaicin-1) and 50 mg/kg (implant + capsaicin-2) of capsaicin. No additional applications were made in the control group. Three rats in total died during and after the experiment as a result of the analyses performed on 21 animals. Results: The highest total antioxidant status value was found in capsaicin dose 2, according to the analysis. The control group had the highest total oxidant status and oxidative stress index values, while group 2 of capsaicin had the lowest. After analysis, we found that there was no observed positive effect on osteointegration in this study (p > 0.05), although the bone implant connection was higher in the groups treated with capsaicin. Conclusions: A positive effect on osteointegration was not observed in this study. This may be due to osteoclast activation. However, it was found that it has a positive effect on oxidative stress. Osteoclast activation may be the cause of this phenomenon. Capsaicin was found to have a positive effect on oxidative stress (p < 0.05). It was also observed to have a positive effect on oxidative stress.

The Role of Total Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels in Follicular Fluid in Unexplained İnfertility

Background: Unexplained infertility is defined as the absence of any pathology in the basic evaluation performed in couples who cannot achieve pregnancy after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse. The results of tests examining the causes of infertility show no identifiable cause in almost 15% of couples. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on pregnancy and embryos. Methods: This study included 200 patients, aged between 20–44 years, with unexplained infertility, who had recurrent intrauterine inseminations failures and hence started in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Some amounts of waste follicular fluid samples were collected by embryologists from the oocytes of these patients during the ovum pick-up procedure. Next, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were calculated in the biochemistry laboratory. Results: In terms of pregnancy status, both follicular TOS and OSI values were not significantly different in patients with biochemical and clinical pregnancy, whereas TAS values were significantly higher in patients with pregnancy (P &lt; 0.05). In terms of embryo quality, no significant difference was observed in TAS, TOS, and OSI values between grade 1 and 2 embryos, whereas pregnancy rates were significantly higher in patients who received grade 1 embryo transfer (P &lt; 0.05). However, the follicular fluid TAS levels were significantly lower in smoking patients than in those who did not smoke; TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher. Conclusion: This study showed that exposure to oxidative stress might be a causative factor for infertility. In addition, ROS decreased the level of TAS by increasing OSI in the follicular fluid; thus, antioxidant supplementation might be a necessity.

Impact of oxidative stress on myocardial performance in patients with diabetes: a focus on subclinical left ventricular dysfunction

IntroductionOxidative stress is known to affect left ventricular functions negatively. There is a strong bidirectional connection between diabetes mellitus (DM) and oxidative stress. In parallel, left ventricular dysfunction is observed...

The effect of solarium light therapy on selected biological and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood in young and old horses.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of solarium light therapy on selected biological and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood in recreational horses. The study involved 10 horses divided into two groups of young (aged 5 to 7 years) and old (aged 14 to 19 years) individuals. All animals participated in light therapy sessions every other day. Blood was sampled three times during the study: before the treatment, after five light sessions, and after ten light sessions. Morphological parameters, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, TAS values, and the levels of glutathione (GSH), vitamin D3, vitamin C, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the whole blood. Light therapy contributed to an increase in MCV, HDW, MCVr, CHr and MPV indices, and simultaneously a decrease in the basophil counts, MCHC, RDW and CHCMr indices in both groups of horses (p ≤ 0.05). At the same time reticulocytes fell in older whereas white blood cells and monocytes counts expanded in younger individuals. The treatment also increased the activity of glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in young but decreased the activity of mentioned enzymes in blood plasma of old horses. The total antioxidant status (TAS) of the blood plasma rose progressively, whereas GSH levels declined in all individuals. Moreover, vitamin D3 levels did not change, whereas vitamin C levels gradually decreased during the experiment. The therapy also helped to reduce levels of MDA in the blood plasma, especially of older horses (p ≤ 0.05). In turn, GPx and GR activities as well as MDA levels significantly declined, whereas GSH levels notably elevated in erythrocytes (p ≤ 0.05). Solarium light therapy appears to have a beneficial impact on the morphological parameters and antioxidant status of blood in recreational horses in the winter season. However, the observed results could in part be attributed to the natural physiological adaptation of each individual organism to the treatment.

#2432 DNA damage analysis with oxidative stress index in patients developing contrast nephropathy after coronary angiography

Abstract Background and Aims Contrast Nephropathy (KN) is acute kidney injury that occurs after exposure to contrast material. Advanced age, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, anemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperuricemia have been reported in the literature to increase the risk of KN development. In addition, oxygen radicals have an important place in the pathogenesis of contrast nephropathy development. Specific biomarkers are used in clinics to determine oxidative stress and antioxidant status. In particular, measurement of total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) can provide useful information about an individual's overall serum antioxidative status. The ratio of TOS to TAS level gives the oxidative stress index (OSI). One of the most investigated metabolites for DNA damage is 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), which is accepted as a biomarker of oxidative damage to DNA. In our study, we planned to investigate DNA damage and important predisposing factors for contrast nephropathy using oxidative stress markers. Method Between February 2021 and April 2022, blood was taken from 191 patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) by the Cardiology Department at ESOGU before CAG and at 72 hours after CAG. Patients who met the criteria for contrast nephropathy development (those with a serum creatinine increase of 25% or more compared to baseline or an increase of 0.5 mg/dl or more) were included as the case group in our study. Our study is a prospective study consisting of 85 cases and 106 controls, totaling 191 participants. TAS, TOS, OSI, and 8-OhDG levels were compared between both groups and before-after procedure. This study was supported by ESOGU BAP project number 1621. Results The mean age of the developing group was calculated as 68.13 ± 10.37, while it was calculated as 61.03 ± 9.97 in the control group (p = 0.00). In the case group, there were 30 (35.3%) without heart failure, while there were 75 (70.8%) without heart failure in the control group (p = 0.00). In univariate analyzes, we found that advanced age and heart failure were the most important indicators for KMN. When we compared those with and without KMN, we saw that TOS values decreased less in the group with post-angiography nephropathy than in those without it. We found a positive correlation between uric acid and TAS. In the KMN group, it was found that there was a statistically significant increase in TAS value after CAG, while there was a decrease in OSI value, and no statistically significant difference was found for TOS and 8-OhDG. In patients who underwent percutaneous intervention, it was found that there was a statistically significant increase in TAS value after CAG, while TOS and OSI decreased, and no significant difference was found for 8-OhDG. Conclusion Although previous studies have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in contrast nephropathy pathogenesis, a strong relationship between KMN development and oxidative stress could not be found in our study. Our study is the first study to examine DNA damage with 8-OhDG in KMN, and it has been shown that there is no increase in DNA damage with KMN development. It is thought that one of the reasons leading to this result may be that contrast agents used today are selected as less toxic substances used in less volumes during processing, which may prevent DNA damage from occurring. Another result reached in our study is that TAS level increased in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention, while TOS and OSI decreased; that is, revascularization can reduce TOS and ultimately oxidative status.”

Protective effects of Passiflora Incarnata on ischemia-reperfusion injury in testicular torsion: an experimental study in a rat model.

The current study aimed to explore the potential protective effect of Passiflora Incarnata L., (PI) in treating IR injury after testicular torsion in rats. This research investigated the impact of PI on IR damage in male Wistar albino rats. Animals were divided to three groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (IR), and group 3 (IR+PI). The malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels did not significantly differ across the groups (p = 0.830, p = 0.153 and p=0.140, respectively). However, Group 3 demonstrated a superior total antioxidant status (TAS) value compared to Group 2 (p = 0.020). Concurrently, Group 3 presented a significantly diminished mean total oxidant status (TOS) relative to Group 2 (p = 0.009). Furthermore, Group 3 showed a markedly improved Johnsen score relative to Group 2 (p < 0.01). IR caused cell degeneration, apoptosis, and fibrosis in testicular tissues. PI treatment, however, mitigated these effects, preserved seminiferous tubule integrity and promoted regular spermatogenesis. Furthermore, it reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Bax, and Annexin V, signifying diminished inflammation and apoptosis, thereby supporting cell survival (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). This study revealed that PI significantly reduces oxidative stress and testicular damage, potentially benefiting therapies for IR injuries.

Biological Activities of Ethanol Extracts of Hericium erinaceus Obtained as a Result of Optimization Analysis.

Mushrooms are one of the indispensable elements of human diets. Edible mushrooms stand out with their aroma and nutritional properties. In this study, some biological activities of the wild edible mushroom Hericium erinaceus were determined. In this context, firstly, the most suitable extraction conditions of the fungus in terms of biological activity were determined. First, 64 different experiments were performed with the Soxhlet device under 40-70 °C extraction temperature, 3-9 h extraction time, and 0.5-2 mg/mL extraction conditions. As a result, a total antioxidant status (TAS) analysis was performed, and the extraction conditions were optimized so that the objective function was the maximum TAS value. The data obtained from the experimental study were modeled with artificial neural networks (ANNs), one of the artificial intelligence methods, and optimized with a genetic algorithm (GA). All subsequent tests were performed using the extract obtained under optimum extraction conditions. The antioxidant capacity of the mushroom was assessed using Rel assay kits and the DPPH and FRAP techniques. The agar dilution method was used to measure the antimicrobial activity. The anti-Alzheimer activity was assessed based on the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The antiproliferative activity was assessed against the A549 cancer cell line. The total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The measurement of total flavonoids was conducted using the aluminum chloride test. LC-MS/MS equipment was used to screen for the presence of standard chemicals. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be a 60.667 °C temperature, 7.833 h, and 1.98 mg/mL. It was determined that the mushroom has high antioxidant potential. It was determined that the substance was successful at combating common bacterial and fungal strains when used at dosages ranging from 25 to 200 µg/mL. The high antiproliferative effect of the substance was attributed to its heightened concentration. The anti-AChE value was found to be 13.85 μg/mL, while the anti-BChE value was confirmed to be 28.00 μg/mL. The phenolic analysis of the mushroom revealed the presence of 13 chemicals. This investigation found that H. erinaceus exhibits robust biological activity when extracted under appropriate circumstances.

The protective role of selenium against high-fructose corn syrup–induced kidney damage: a histopathological and molecular analysis

With the growth of the food industry, fructose, the intake of which increases with food, causes obesity and metabolic syndrome. Kidney damage may develop from metabolic syndrome. Selenium (Se) participates in the structure of antioxidant enzymes and has a medicinal effect. In this work, the protective impact of Se on kidney damage produced by high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was examined. The study comprised four groups, each consisting of ten experimental animals: control, HFCS (20%-HFCS), HFCS (20%-HFCS), + Se (0.3 mg/kg/day/po), and Se (0.3 mg/kg/day/po) alone. The duration of the experiment was 6 weeks. Kidney tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examination. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to assess TNF-α and caspase-3 levels. The spectrophotometric evaluation was performed to measure TOS (total oxidant status), TAS (total antioxidant status), and OSI (oxidative stress index) levels. The PERK, ATF4, CHOP, BCL-2, and caspase-9 gene expression levels were assessed by the RT-qPCR method. After Se treatment, histopathological abnormalities and TNF-α and caspase-3 levels in the HFCS+Se group decreased (p < 0.001). While TOS and OSI levels increased dramatically in the HFCS group, TAS values decreased significantly but improved after Se application (p < 0.001). The expression levels of the genes PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and caspase-9 were significantly lower in the HFCS group when compared to the HFCS+Se group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that Se may protect against ER stress, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and kidney damage caused by high-dose fructose consumption.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and essential oil studies on Veratrum album L. (Melanthiaceae)

In this study, essential oil components of the Veratrum album L. and the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of these components were determined. The chemical composition of the essential oils of dried aerial parts of V. album was analyzed using GC and GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was determined with the disk diffusion method. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity were detected for the antioxidant activity of the plant. According to the analysis results, the major essential oil components of the V. album were determined as hexacosane (39.5%), myristic (tetradecanoic) acid (22.8%), heptane (6.5%), anethole (4.9%) and 1,8- cineole (4.8%). The findings showed that the methanol extracts of the stem and leaf parts of the plant inhibited the growth of pathogenic microorganisms at different rates (14±0.1 - 34±0.3 mm). The TAS values of methanol extracts of stem and leaf parts of V. album were calculated as 3.75±0.07 and 3.91±0.01 mmol, while TOS values were calculated as 6.14±0.13 and 6.54±0.05 μmol. The scavenging activity of the DPPH radical increased depending on increasing concentrations of the plant extract.

Determination of the Effects of Ankaferd Wound Dressing on the Wound Healing Process in Rats.

The effects of a composite nanofiber wound dressing material consisting of a polyvinylidene alcohol and polyvinylidene pyrrolidone polymer mixture with a hemostatic agent doped with Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) on the healing of experimentally induced dermal wounds in rats were examined. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n= 6). Histological material was examined on tissues taken from the wound site, whereas total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) analyses were performed on blood samples taken from the cardia. The material that was produced had hydrophilic properties, and both the ABS-doped and-undoped forms of the material positively affected wound healing. In the histopathological examinations, macroscopic evaluations revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of wound diameter, reepithelialization, and inflammation formation (p= 0.019). In parallel with wound healing and histological outcomes, TAS values increased in the ABS-doped groups, and TOS and OSI values decreased in the wound dressing groups (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the ABS-dopped dressing did not have a negative effect on wound healing, it accelerated healing, and it could be used effectively and safely to treat skin injuries. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical and histopathological benefits and potential adverse effects of wound dressings produced using ABS-doped polymers on wound healing.

Effects of shilajit addition to honey bee diet on semen freezing

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding shilajit to the diet of honey bees on semen freezing. A total of 5 groups were formed in the research, one of which was a control group (SH-0) and the other four were an experimental group (SH-1, SH-2, SH-3, SH-4). A total of 25 study colonies were used, 5 in each group. While the SH-0 group was formed without using any additives, the experimental groups were fed with the addition of shilajit (1/1 sugar/water) in different doses (5, 10, 15, 20 mg/L) to the honey bee diet. The collected semen samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor and then stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Then, semen samples were thawed at 37°C and evaluated to determine spermatological parameters (motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, spermatozoa concentration). It was also examined in terms of total oxidant and total antioxidant. Compared to the control group, it was determined that all shilajit doses significantly increased spermatological parameters such as motility, hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosome integrity (p&amp;lt;0.001), but did not significantly affect the spermatozoa concentration value (p &amp;gt;0.05). Although there is no statistical difference between the groups in terms of semen TAS (Total Antioxidant Status) and TOS (Total Oxidant Status) values, which are oxidative stress parameters, the numerical increase in TAS values in SH-2 and SH-3 groups; striking. As a result, it was determined that adding shijajit to the honey bee diet positively affected the post-thawing spermatological parameters of frozen bee semen.