Total Peroxidase Activity Research Articles

The effects of seed priming with sodium hydrosulphide on drought tolerance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in germination and early growth

AbstractSunflower seeds (hybrid Luka) were primed with water (hydropriming) or sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) solutions (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM NaHS) and subsequently dried to initial moisture content. Unprimed (control) and primed seeds were germinated in a growth chamber on paper towels moistened with water or polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 solutions (2.5, 5.0 and 10%), mimicking different drought stress levels. To evaluate the response of the primed seeds to drought in the germination stage, the germination energy (GE), germination rate (SG), seedling fresh mass (SW), hydrogen peroxide and free proline content (PRO), as well as lipid peroxidation rate (malondialdehyde; MDA) were established. The results show strong effects of the imposed drought stress and the metabolic response to oxidative stress through lower germinability and proline accumulation in seedlings. NaHS priming showed some positive effects on seed germination depending on stress level and the concentration of NaHS. Sunflower seeds were also germinated in pots filled with soil, at optimal (70% of field water capacity [FWC 70%]) and drought conditions (FWC 30%), in natural outdoors conditions. When plantlets developed the first pair of leaves, the number of plants (emergence rate [ER]), shoot mass (SM) and leaves mass (LM) were determined, as well as the total activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR). There was a significant influence of an interaction between drought stress and priming, whereas drought stress inhibited plant emergence and early growth (SW and LW), and strong antioxidative enzymatic response to drought stress was clearly established in the leaves. Although seed priming showed some influence on enzyme activities, it was mostly related to seed hydropriming effects, while NaHS seed priming was less effective, influencing only DHAR. Altogether, the results imply that sunflower seed priming with NaHS may not have a prolonged impact on the antioxidative defence mechanism based on CAT and ascorbate/glutathione cycle during sunflower early growth in drought conditions.

Efficiency of crude oil degradation and peroxidase production by indigenous bacteria isolated from Ogoni land, River State, Nigeria

Detrimental impacts of crude oil spills on life below water require urgent intervention. With the emergence of microbial remediation technology as a viable strategy for clean-up of oil spill, low degradation efficiency by many bacteria remains a major challenge. Exploring new bacterial isolates with improved crude oil degradation efficiency is therefore crucial. In this study, bacterial isolates from crude oil contaminated site in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria were screened for ability to grow on crude oil and glucose (control) as sole carbon sources. Three isolates exhibited higher growth on crude oil based medium (COBM) than on glucose based medium, and were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing as Bacillus cereus and Paenibacillus alvei strains 1 and 2. They were further investigated for their growth kinetics, degradation efficiency and total peroxidase production on varying concentrations of crude oil (30, 50 and 75 g/L) at 30°C and 180 rpm for 288 h. Results revealed exponential decline in residual crude oil during the logarithmic growth phase of the three bacteria. Total peroxidase activity increased as crude oil degradation progressed. Highest enzyme yields of 1.79 U/mg, 1.39 U/mg and 1.69 U/mg were recorded from B. cereus, P. alvei strain 1 and P. alvei strain 2, respectively at 240 h of cultivation in 50 g/L COBM with degradation efficiency of 87.52%, 90.90% and 84.95%. Remarkably, these bacteria showed ≥ 80% crude oil degradation efficiency at the peak of peroxidase production which suggests that the enzyme played significant role in crude oil degradation by the bacterial isolates.

Effects of Grazing in a Sown Pasture with Forestland on the Health of Japanese Black Cows as Evaluated by Multiple Indicators

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of extensive grazingin a sown pasture with forestland on the health of beef cows by measuring multiple indicators. Ten Japanese Black beef cows were used in this experiment. Five of the ten cows were grazed for two months on a 1.8 ha field. The remaining cows were fed under confinement conditions. Behavioral assessments showed that grazing increased sternum lying with rumination of the cows. The grazing cows did not show any abnormal behaviors. There was a tendency for the numbers of red blood cells and lymphocytes to be lower in grazing cows than in confined cows, whereas the number of neutrophils in grazing cows was significantly higher than that in confined cows. In addition, grazing cows had a higher total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity than confined cows. These results suggest that extensive grazing in a sown pasture with forestland increases natural behaviors, decreases circulating red blood cells and lymphocytes and enhances neutrophil circulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and antioxidant capacity.

Untangling life span and body mass discrepancies in canids: phylogenetic comparison of oxidative stress in blood from domestic dogs and wild canids.

Canids are a morphological and physiological diverse group of animals, with the most diversity found within one species, the domestic dog. Underlying observed morphological differences, there must also be differences at other levels of organization that could lead to elucidating aging rates and life span disparities between wild and domestic canids. Furthermore, small-breed dogs live significantly longer lives than large-breed dogs, while having higher mass-specific metabolic rates and faster growth rates. At the cellular level, a clear mechanism underlying whole animal traits has not been fully elucidated, although oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential culprit of the disparate life spans of domestic dogs. We used plasma and red blood cells from known aged domestic dogs and wild canids, and measured several oxidative stress variables: total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid damage, and enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We used phylogenetically informed general linear mixed models and nonphylogenetically corrected linear regression analysis. We found that lipid damage increases with age in domestic dogs, whereas TAC increases with age and TAC and GPx activity increases as a function of age/maximum life span in wild canids, which may partly explain longer potential life spans in wolves. As body mass increases, TAC and GPx activity increase in wild canids, but not domestic dogs, highlighting that artificial selection may have decreased antioxidant capacity in domestic dogs. We found that small-breed dogs have significantly higher circulating lipid damage compared with large-breed dogs, concomitant to their high mass-specific metabolism and higher growth rates, but in opposition to their long life spans.

Oxidative Stress Markers Differ in Two Placental Dysfunction Pathologies: Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Aim Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are both multisystemic disorders of pregnancy that cause perinatal morbidity and mortality. Recently, researchers focused on the role of oxidative stress (OS) as a pathophysiological mechanism in the development of these pathologies. The aim of this study was to compare OS in placental-related pathologies (PIH and IUGR) and uncomplicated pregnancies. We also investigated which salivary OS markers reflect systemic oxidative status and which only reflect the state of the oral cavity. Material and Methods. A total of 104 pregnant women (n = 104; 27 with PIH, 30 with IUGR, and 47 controls) were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (ORAC), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione transferase (GST) in plasma/whole blood and/or saliva were analysed. Dietary nutrient intake was calculated using a Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ). Oral health was assessed to eliminate patients with bleeding, severe periodontitis, and other dental pathologies. Results In the IUGR group, increased concentration of ORAC was observed both in saliva and plasma. Also, lower plasma levels of MDA in IUGR compared to the control group was detected. No sign of oxidative stress was confirmed in the PIH group. The examined groups did not differ regarding diet and markers of inflammation. ORAC in saliva was correlated with its level in plasma. No such correlations for MDA were observed. In the IUGR group, there were no differences in OS markers in plasma, but there was a lower ALDH level in the blood compared to the control group. It confirms OS occurrence in IUGR. In IUGR, a higher activity of salivary ALDH was probably due to worse oral health. Conclusion Oxidative stress differs between IUGR and PIH groups: the presence of oxidative stress was confirmed only in the IUGR group. Salivary ORAC can be used to estimate ORAC in plasma. The activity of salivary ALDH reflects the state of the oral cavity.

Impact of foliar application of some metal nanoparticles on antioxidant system in oakleaf lettuce seedlings

BackgroundNanoparticles (NPs) serve various industrial and household purposes, and their increasing use creates an environmental hazard because of their uncontrolled release into ecosystems. An important aspect of the risk assessment of NPs is to understand their interactions with plants. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Au (10 and 20 ppm), Ag, and Pt (20 and 40 ppm) NPs on oakleaf lettuce, with particular emphasis on plant antioxidative mechanisms. Nanoparticles were applied once on the leaves of 2-week-old lettuce seedlings, after next week laboratory analyses were performed.ResultsThe antioxidant potential of oakleaf lettuce seedlings sprayed with metal NPs at different concentrations was investigated. Chlorophylls, fresh and dry weight were also determined. Foliar exposure of the seedlings to metal NPs did not affect ascorbate peroxidase activity, total peroxidase activity increased after Au-NPs treatment, but decreased after applying Ag-NPs and Pt-NPs. Both concentrations of Au-NPs and Pt-NPs tested caused an increase in glutathione (GSH) content, while no NPs affected L-ascorbic acid content in the plants. Ag-NPs and Pt-NPs applied as 40 ppm solution increased total phenolics content by 17 and 15%, respectively, compared to the control. Carotenoids content increased when Ag-NPs and Au-NPs (20 and 40 ppm) and Pt-NPs (20 ppm) were applied. Plants treated with 40 ppm of Ag-NPs and Pt-NPs showed significantly higher total antioxidant capacity and higher concentration of chlorophyll a (only for Ag-NPs) than control. Pt-NPs applied as 40 ppm increased fresh weight and total dry weight of lettuce shoot.ConclusionsResults showed that the concentrations of NPs applied and various types of metal NPs had varying impact on the antioxidant status of oakleaf lettuce. Alteration of POX activity and in biosynthesis of glutathione, total phenolics, and carotenoids due to metal NPs showed that tested nanoparticles can act as stress stimuli. However, judging by the slight changes in chlorophyll concentrations and in the fresh and dry weight of the plants, and even based on the some increases in these traits after M-NPs treatment, the stress intensity was relatively low, and the plants were able to cope with its negative effects.

Serum electrolyte balance and antioxidant status of broiler chickens fed diets containing varied levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG)

BackgroundThe effects of dietary monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the serum electrolyte balance and antioxidant status of broiler chickens were assessed. In five replicates, a total of 300-day-old unsexed Abor–acre broilers were randomly allotted into six treatment groups containing varied levels of MSG at 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 g/kg diet, respectively. The experimental birds were fed ad libitum with clean water provided regularly for a period of 8 weeks. On the 56th day of the experiment, five birds per replicate were randomly selected and fasted overnight. Blood samples were collected from the wing veins for serum electrolytes analyses. Serum electrolytes such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl−) as well as oxidative stress indicators assay such as total antioxidant capacity (T-OAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were determined using standard procedures. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance at α = 0.05.ResultsThe results revealed that MSG inclusion above 0.75 g/kg diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased the serum Na+ and K+ concentrations of the broiler chickens when compared with birds on the control diet, whereas the serum Cl− concentration significantly (P < 0.05) decreased from 0.50 g MSG/kg diet inclusion level. On the other hand, MSG inclusion level above 0.50 g/kg diet increased the serum MDA concentration (from 2.60 ± 0.01 to 4.60 ± 0.00) of the birds while serum GSH-Px and T-AOC concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 170 ± 0.28 to 120 ± 0.26 and 3.30 ± 0.01 to 1.70 ± 0.01, respectively.ConclusionInclusion level above 0.50 g/kg diet could adversely offset normal physiological processes in broilers by predisposing them to renal dysfunction, coronary problem, and oxidative stress.

P1591SERUM PARAOXONASE 1 ARYLESTERASE ACTIVITY AS AN ANTIOXIDANT MARKER IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have the highest risk for cardiovascular disease associated with high-density lipoprotein deficiency, chronic inflammation and the development of oxidative stress (OS). This study aimed to investigate serum paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) arylesterase activity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and its association with oxidative stress markers. Method We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 58 ESRD patients. Among them, there were 20 hemodialyses (HD) patients and 38 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Serum PON1 arylesterase activity was determined spectrophotometrically by the number of formed phenolic complexes using phenylacetate. Also, the concentrations of malondialdehyde, serum concentrations of ceruloplasmin, thiol groups and total peroxidase activity (TPA) in erythrocyte were determined spectrophotometrically. In addition, the blood lipid spectrum (including high-density lipoproteins) was determined in all patients. The reference group consisted of 30 conditionally healthy individuals. For the statistical analysis, we used Kruskal-Wallis’s t-test and Spearman's rank correlation test. All statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc. Results Serum PON1 arylesterase activity was 6.57 kU/L in reference group versus 2.25 kU/L in HD patients and 4.26 kU/L in PD patients (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) (Fig. 1). A direct association was found between serum PON1 arylesterase activity and ceruloplasmin concentration (r = 0.38; p = 0.004) and TPA (r = 0.32; p = 0.02) in HD patients. In iddition, serum PON1 arylesterase activity was associated with high-density lipoproteins (r = 0.67; p &amp;lt; 0.0001) in PD patients (Fig. 2). Conclusion We observed a decrease in serumPON1 arylesterase activityin ESRD patients compared to the control group. The lowest level of serum PON1 arylesterase activity was determined in HD patients. Moreover, the association between serum PON1 arylesterase activity and a decrease in antioxidant blood markers was found. Our results support the hypothesis that OS is an important mediator in the progression of kidney diseases and indicates a potential antioxidant role of serum PON1 arylesterase activity in ESRD patients. We suggest using serum PON1 arylesterase activity as an antioxidant marker in dialysis patients.

Effect of ethanol fumigation on pericarp browning associated with phenol metabolism, storage quality, and antioxidant systems of wampee fruit during cold storage.

Wampee fruit is a popular fruit cultivar in South‐East Asia due to its high levels of nutrients and antioxidants; however, pericarp browning leads to a short storage life with great economic loss during years. The purpose of this work was to determine whether postharvest ethanol fumigation affected pericarp browning development of wampee fruit during 12 days of storage at 8 ± 0.5°C, and if so, how it is related to phenol metabolism and how it affects quality attributes and antioxidant systems during storage. After fruits were fumigated with 100, 300, 500, and 800 μl/L for 5 hr at 22 ± 0.5°C, ethanol significantly reduced the development of pericarp browning by increasing total phenolics (TP) content and decreasing the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), especially in 500 μl/L ethanol treatment. Additionally, ethanol delayed the losses in fruit firmness (FF), soluble solid content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA), retarded weight loss and accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and maintained relatively high contents of ascorbic acid (AsA), total flavonoids (TF), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). In conclusion, results demonstrated that postharvest ethanol fumigation in wampee fruit has ability to reduce pericarp browning development by regulating phenol metabolism and enhancing antioxidant systems.

Adverse Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Growth, Behavior, Skin Condition, Physiology, and Immune Function in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation has recently been recognized as a major stressor for marine vertebrates, particularly fish confined to aquaculture cages. Here, we investigate the harmful effects of UVB radiation on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), which is a widely cultured species. We exposed juveniles to three UVB conditions (UVB-H - high UVB, 12 kJ m-2 d-1; UVB-M - moderate UVB, 6 kJ m-2 d-1; UVB-L - low UVB, 2.4 kJ m-2 d-1) that are representative of natural underwater UVB levels throughout the water column in the Red Sea. We used one experimental treatment without UVB exposure as a control. We evaluated the adverse effects of UVB after short- (10 days) and long-term (43 days) exposure. The results indicated that short- and long-term exposure to UVB retarded growth and decreased survival rates. UVB exposure resulted in behavioral changes, mainly in UVB-H and UVB-M exposed fish. Swimming activity was reduced; most of the fish tried to avoid exposure and showed a stationary behavior with slow caudal and dorsal fins movements (UVB-H), or a slow displacement behavior (UVB-M). Moreover, we observed a reduction in appetite, reflected by a remarkable increase in the time required to consume the food. Lesions on the skin occurred in the three UVB treatments, and the incidence and severity increased under long-term UVB exposure. We also observed physiological changes, including a decrease in total protein and total cholesterol concentrations (all UVB treatments). We detected a potential suppression of the innate immune system (reduction of total anti-protease and total peroxidase activities) (UVB-M, UVB-L). Our results suggest that exposure to solar underwater UVB radiation levels has the potential to interfere and affect the health of S. aurata. Indeed, aquaculture fish species growing at locations where water transparency and UVB incidence is as high as the Mediterranean in summer, and the Red Sea year-round, may be affected, and their welfare, resistance to pathogens, and survival may be compromised. Strategies should be considered to mitigate the adverse effects of UVB exposure, such as deeper and more-shaded cages, or the development of functional foods.

The Effects of Oral Rehmannia glutinosa Polysaccharide Administration on Immune Responses, Antioxidant Activity and Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila in the Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

The effects of the oral administration of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP-1) on the immunoregulatory properties, antioxidant activity, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Cyprinus carpio L. were investigated. The purified RGP-1 (250, 500, and 1,000 μg/mL) was co-cultured with the head kidney cells of the common carp. The proliferation and phagocytosis activities of the head kidney cells, and the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines in the culture medium were determined. Next, 300 common carps (47.66 ± 0.43 g) were randomly divided into five groups; the two control groups (negative and positive) were administered sterile PBS and the three treatment groups were administered different concentrations of RGP-1 (250, 500, and 1,000 μg/mL) for seven days. Subsequently, the positive and treatment groups were infected with A. hydrophila, and the negative group was administered sterile PBS for 24 h. The concentration of NO, cytokines, lysozyme (LZM), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in serum, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), and the total activities of superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hepatopancreas of the common carp were tested. We observed that RGP-1 could significantly enhance the proliferation and phagocytosis activities (P < 0.05), besides inducing the production of NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) (P < 0.05) in vitro. The in vivo experimental results revealed that RGP-1 significantly enhanced NO production, protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12), LZM and AKP activities, and the antioxidant content (T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH, GSH-Px, and MDA) compared to that observed in the negative group prior to A. hydrophila infection (P < 0.05). NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines, LZM and AKP activities were significantly lower than that in the positive group after infection (P < 0.05). However, whether infected or not, the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) increased significantly in the RGP-1-treated groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, the results suggested that RGP-1 could enhance the non-specific immunity, antioxidant activity and anti-A. hydrophila activity of the common carp, and could be used as a safe and effective feed additive in aquaculture.

Determination of oxidative stress parameters in fluoxetine users

Fluoxetine (FLU), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is the first line in depression treatment and it is involved in oxidative stress (OE). Thus, this study aimed to analyze the OE parameters in patients diagnosed with depression and treated with FLU. Were evaluated 121 volunteers divided into two groups: 58 fluoxetine users (with major depression) and 63 non-fluoxetine users (control group, without major depression). The OE was evaluated by determining the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant power (FRAP) and activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). MDA, FRAP, GPx and SOD were dosed in plasma. The influence of age, smoking, alcoholism, comorbidities, use of another drugs and antioxidants in the OE were evaluated. The results were compared between the groups. In relation to the fluoxetine daily dose, MDA presented higher levels in patients using 20 mg daily FLU when compared to the control group, as well as the activity of the GPx enzyme and the FRAP levels. In this way, the use of fluoxetine may interfere with the OE parameters, causing an increase in OE levels.

Effect of Cameraria ohridella on accumulation of proteins, peroxidase activity and composition in Aesculus hippocastanum leaves

This study analyzed the dynamics of leaf damage, the content of easily soluble proteins, benzidine-peroxidase activity and the composition of acid enzyme isoforms in the leaves of Aesculus hippocastanum L. under the influence of the chestnut miner Cameraria ohridella Deschka et Dimić (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) in plantations in one of the Ukraine’s largest industrial cities Dnipro, located in the steppe zone of Ukraine. During July-August, the destruction of leaves by the pest in relatively stable horse chestnut trees increased to 13.3%, while in unstable trees it increased to 97.5%. The maximum amount of protein was found in horse chestnut leaves in July, which decreased significantly in August and correlated with the level of leaf damage by the pest. The horse chestnut leaves were characterized by a more than twofold increase in cytoplasmic peroxidase activity in cases of high level of damage to the leaves by the phytophage. These observations indicate that consumption of the leaves by C. ohridella causes oxidative stress, which leads to the activation of enzyme. The horse chestnut trees have been shown to respond specifically to the attack of C. ohridella due to changes in the activity of individual peroxidase isozymes, the expression of which varies across the spectrum. In the leaves of the horse chestnut trees with a high level of damage by miner, the expression of enzyme isoforms in the pH range of 4.08–4.15 is significantly activated, which can be considered as a reliable biochemical marker of plant sensitivity of Ae. hippocastanum to phytophagous attack by C. ohridella. However, increase in the degree of phytophage invasion does not change the activity of isoperoxidase 4.21, and isoperoxidase with pI 4.25, 4.42 and 4.58 correspond to a decrease in activity compared with relatively resistant Ae. hippocastanum plants. We noted that the high total activity of peroxidase, as well as active adjustments in the spectrum of the peroxidase system, obviously, contribute to maintaining the functional integrity of the photosynthetic system of leaves of Ae. hippocastanum under the influence of the chestnut miner C. ohridella by neutralizing reactive oxygen species.

Oral Supplements of Ginkgo biloba Extract Alleviate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Impairments and Neurotoxicity in Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonian Rats.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) is known to contain several bioactive compounds and exhibits free radical scavenging activity. Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and is associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of GbE in a rat model of PD induced by rotenone (ROT; a neurotoxin). Twenty-four male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each: normal control, GbE treated, toxin control (ROT treated) and GbE+ROT group. Oral administration of ROT (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) for 50 days caused an increased generation of lipid peroxidation products and significant depletion of reduced glutathione, total thiol content and activities of enzymatic antioxidants, i.e., superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the brains of treated rats. Furthermore, ROT caused an elevation in acetylcholinesterase, interleukin-1β, interleukin- 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and a significant reduction in dopamine in the stratum and substantia nigra. Immunohistochemical results illustrated that ROT treatment reduced the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). GbE treatment (150 mg/kg b.w./day) significantly reduced the elevated oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines and restored the reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, DA level and TH expression. These results were confirmed by histological observations that clearly indicated a neuroprotective effect of GbE against ROT-induced PD. GbE mitigated ROT-induced PD via the inhibition of free-radical production, scavenging of ROS, and antioxidant enhancement.

Protective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Spirulina platensis on Reproductive Characteristic and Biochemical Profile in Female Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Lead Acetate

The effect of ethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis (EESP) on reproductive function of female guinea pigs exposed to oxidative stress induced by lead acetate was explored. 60 mature female guinea pigs were used. They were divided into 6 groups of 10 guinea pigs each. For 3 months, pigs in Groups 1 were orally given distilled water daily; Group 2 were treated with lead; Group 3: received lead acetate and Vitamin C while Groups 4,5 and 6 were given lead acetate with 50, 100 and 200 mg of EESP/kg.bw respectively by gavage. At the end of trial (90 days), 6 female pigs per group were sacrificed and some reproductive characteristics, oxidative stress and hepatic toxicity markers were evaluated. Results revealed that, exposure to Lead acetate induced a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.05) of fertility index, reproductive organs and hormone concentrations. It equally led to a significant (p &lt; 0.05) decline of serum content in superoxide dismutase, catalase and total peroxidase activities. The reverse effect was noted in malondialdehyde concentration, hepatic and renal toxicity biomarkers. Histological examination of the ovaries of lead treated females revealed lesions and severe degenerative changes in the structures of the ovaries. However, the administration of ethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis to treated females alleviated the toxicity of reproductive function and oxidative damage induced by lead acetate. In conclusion, the exposure of animals to lead acetate had negative effects on guinea pig reproductive characteristics. The co-exposition to lead acetate and ethanolic extract of Spirulina platensis however, reestablishes normal reproductive characteristic values.

Improving Storability of “Nanfeng” Mandarins by Treating with Postharvest Hot Water Dipping

The current research aimed at studying the possibility of improving the postharvest storability of “Nanfeng” mandarins by hot water dipping (HWD) treatment. The research was conducted in two phases. Firstly, two different temperatures (50 and 55°C) were tested for three different dipping durations (2, 3, and 4 min) on the mandarin fruits, and the best combination was defined for the prevention of weight loss and fruit decay. Next, the optimal treatment (HWD at 50°C for 3 min) was used in further studies to test the effects on the postharvest fruit quality attributes. Regular measurements were performed to determine total soluble solid (TSS) content, titratable acid (TA) content, vitamin C (VC) content, total sugar content, respiration rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) enzyme, and peroxidase (POD) enzyme. According to the results obtained, HWD treatment was found to prevent the loss of TSS, TA, and VC contents during the storage period. The HWD-treated fruits were also found to have a lower respiration rate and MDA content as compared with control treatment. Furthermore, HWD treatment significantly enhanced the activities of SOD, POD, and PPO which are known to enhance tolerance to lipid peroxidation and are associated with the fruit protection from injuries and pathogens. Present results also suggest that the activation of the SOD and POD enzymes is highly related to the respiratory activities of the fresh produce. This suggests that the HWD can be used to improve the storability of “Nanfeng” mandarins by maintaining the postharvest physical and biochemical quality.

Melatonin treatment improves the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grape (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’)

BACKGROUND: Melatonin (MT) is an endogenous indoleamine that regulates senescence progression and stress response in plants. OBJECTIVE: Here, we investigated the effect of MT on the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grapes (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’). METHODS: After harvesting, ‘Fengzao’ grapes were immersed in MT solution at various concentrations (0 [as control], 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM for 2 h and stored at 24±1 for 15 days. Physiological indicators including weight loss rate, firmness, contents of total soluble solids (TSSs), ascorbic acid (AsA), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were investigated. Additionally, the DNA methylation rate of ‘Fengzao’ grapes were measured using the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) technique. RESULTS: Application of MT effectively delayed grape senescence in all treatment groups compared with the control, with the longest delay observed in the 0.5 mM treatment. Additionally, the rate of DNA methylation decreased in all the 0.5 mM MT treatment groups, indicating a potential role of MT in demethylation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the exogenous application of MT can delay the senescence of grapes during postharvest.

Comparison of digestive, immune and antioxidant enzyme activities of mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis) in the wild and under captivity

ABSTRACT To explore the feasibility of land-based farming on mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis), the changes of antioxidant, immune and digestive enzyme activities of wild caught and indoor cultured juvenile mackerel tuna were evaluated. The activities of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase in the liver of the wild group were significantly higher than those cultured under captivity. The total superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities in the indoor cultured group were significantly increased in the head kidney, and the MDA content was significantly increased. The activities of lysozyme in the liver and head kidney, the activities of amylase, lipase and trypsin activities in the intestine were significantly increased in the indoor cultured group. The pepsin activity in the stomach was significantly reduced. The land-based farming increased the digestive enzyme activity compared to the wild caught group. The mode of land-based farming is suitable for growth and fattening of young fish, but it leads to inhibition of antioxidant capacity and increase in immune enzyme activity. This study adds knowledge of our understanding on the physiological response of mackerel tuna and improves future farming practice of this species in an indoor condition.

Influence of artificial inoculation by strains of phytopathogenic microorganisms isolated from different sources on physyological and biochemical parameters of galega orientalis plants

Aim. To evaluate changes in the physiological and biochemical parameters of Galega orientalis plants by the influence of artificial inoculation by phytopathogenic microorganisms, that have been isolated from various sources: strains of phytoplasmas – Acholeplasma laidlawii var granulum 118, isolated from wheat and Acholeplasma laidlawii 101 and 178, isolated from tomato and bacterial strain – P. syringae pv. atrofaciens D13, which have been isolated from wheat.Methods. Microbiological methods – cultivation in the liquid nutrient medium, isolation of phytopathogenic microorganisms from plant material and artificial inoculation of experimental plants (subepidermal injection); biochemical – for the purpose of determination of photosynthetic pigments – chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids and activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase and peroxidase; photochemical – method of chlorophyll a fluorescence inducing to determine the photochemical activity of leaves; biometric – to determine the area of the root system and the number of nodules on the roots; statistical.Results of research. In field experiments on the crops of the Fodder Galega under the conditions of artificial infection with strains of phytopathogenic microorganisms of different taxonomic groups – A. laidlawii var. granulum 118 and P. syringae pv. atrofaciens D13 (both isolated from wheat) and strains – A. laidlawii 101 and 178, isolated from tomatoes, the following changes were observed in the physiological and biochemical parameters of Galega orientalis plants: reduction of chlorophyll a and b content with increasing carotenoid content and inhibition of quantitative efficiency of PSII, especially in mixed A. laidlawii var. granulum 118 and P. syringae pv. atrofaciens D13, which was accompanied by a decrease in the area of the root system and the number of nodules on the roots of the plants. It was found, that the highest total activity of tissue Galega orientalis oxidase reductases – catalase and peroxidase was observed at inoculation with strains, isolated from wheat. The crude protein content of goat leaves was found to be lower at inoculation with strains, isolated from wheat than at inoculation with strains, isolated from tomatoes.Conclusions. 1. By artificial inoculation, all investigated strains of pathogens revealed a decrease in the content of chlorophyll a and b, but most significantly – phytoplasma content of chlorophyll a has been decreased. The carotenoid content increased with respect to intact plants at inoculation of plants with phytopathogenic strains in the following consistency: 101+118&gt;118&gt;118+D13&gt;178.2. It was found, that at inoculation of Galega orientalis with phytopathogenic strains, isolated from wheat: inoculation with phytoplasma (monoinoculation) and especially – mix of strains: phytoplasma and bacterial, along with a decrease in the quantitative efficiency of PSII, an induction coefficient increased, which is probably caused by an increase in photorespiration or the acceptor action of phytopathogens.3. It was found, that the highest total activity of Galega orientalis leaf catalase and peroxidase was observed at inoculation with strains, isolated from wheat – phytoplasma (monoinoculation) and mix of inoculation – phytoplasma and bacterial strains.4. Suppression of the functional activity of the leaves for the destruction of the pigment-protein complexes of PS II at inoculation of phytopathogenic strains led to morphological changes – significant decrease in the area of the root system and the number of nodules: phytoplasma (monoinoculation) and mix phytoplasma and bacterial strains.5. It was shown, that at inoculation with phytopathogenic strains, isolated from wheat: phytoplasma and bacterial inoculation mix and especially – the mono-inoculation of phytoplasma, the crude protein content in the leaves was less than the monoinoculation phytoplasma strain, isolated from tomatoes (178) and at mix inoculation phytoplasma strain, isolated from tomatoes and wheat (101+118)

Arylesterase activity of paraoxonase 1 and intensity of oxidative processes in the blood of dialysis patients

This study aimed to investigate the arylesterase activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and its relationship with oxidative stress markers.&#x0D; Methods. We conducted a one-time prospective observational study involving 58 ESRD patients. Among them, there were 20 hemodialyses (HD) patients and 38 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). The activity of PON-1 in serum was determined spectrophotometrically by the number of phenolic complexes formed using phenylacetate. Besides, spectrophotometrically the concentrations of malondialdehyde, serum concentrations of ceruloplasmin, thiol groups and total peroxidase activity (TPA) of erythrocyte were determined. The reference group consisted of 30 conditionally healthy individuals.&#x0D; Results. The arylesterase activity of the PON-1 in reference group was 6.57 kU/L versus 2.25 kU/L in HD patients and 4.26 kU/L in PD patients (p ˂ 0.0001). A direct correlation was found between arylesterase activity of PON-1 and ceruloplasmin concentration (p = 0.004), and TPA (p = 0.02) in HD patients. The activity of PON-1 in the serum of PD patients was associated with high-density lipoproteins (p ˂ 0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusions. We observed a decrease in the arylesterase activity of PON-1 in ESRD patients compared to the control group. The lowest activity of PON-1 is determined in HD patients. Moreover, the association of the PON-1 activity with a decrease in antioxidant blood markers was found. The enzyme activity in PD patients correlated with increased blood HDL. Further studies involving a larger dialysis cohort of patients are needed to determine the pathogenetic role of PON-1 activity in the development of cardiovascular events in ESRD patients.