Total Peroxide Research Articles

Berberine-loaded iron oxide nanoparticles alleviate cuprizone-induced astrocytic reactivity in a rat model of multiple sclerosis.

Berberine (BBN) is a naturally occurring alkaloid as a secondary metabolite in many plants and exhibits several benefits including neuroprotective activities. However, data on the neuromodulating potential of nanoformulated BBN are still lacking. In the present study, BBN loaded within iron oxide nanoparticles (BBN-IONP) were prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy particle-size distribution, zeta potential, and HPLC. The remyelinating neuroprotective potential of BBN-IONP relative to free BBN was evaluated against cuprizone (CPZ)-induced neurotoxicity (rats administered 0.2% CPZ powder (w/w) for five weeks). CPZ rats were treated with either free BBN or IONP-BBN (50 mg/kg/day, orally) for 14 days. Cognitive function was estimated using Y-maze. Biochemically, total antioxidant capacity lipid peroxides and reduced glutathione in the brain tissue, as well as, serum interferon-gamma levels were estimated. Moreover, the genetic expression contents of myelin basic protein Matrix metallopeptidase-9 Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and S100β were measured. The histopathological patterns and immunohistochemical assessment of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus CA1 regions were investigated. CPZ-rats treated with either free BBN or IONP-BBN demonstrated memory restoring, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-astrocytic, and remyelinating activities. Comparing free BBN with IONP-BBN revealed that the latter altered the neuromodulating activities of BBN, showing superior neuroprotective activities of IONP-BBN relative to BBN. In conclusion, both forms of BBN possess neuroprotective potential. However, the use of IONPs for brain delivery and the safety of these nano-based forms need further investigation.

Kolaviron: a Bioflavonoid from Seed Extract of Garcinia kola Attenuates Chromium (VI)-Induced Gut Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in Drosophila melanogaster.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is of public health significance due to its toxicity and carcinogenic effects. Kolaviron, a bio-flavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seed, has been reported to possess gastroprotective and antioxidative properties. We hypothesize that Kolaviron-fortified diet will attenuate chromium (VI)-induced gut dysfunction and oxidative damage in Drosophila melanogaster. We exposed D. melanogaster (Oregon strain of 1-3days old of both male and female) to a 1.0mg/kg diet of chromium (VI), with or without Kolaviron (100mg/kg diet) orally for 5days. We evaluated markers of oxidative stress (total peroxide and protein carbonyl), antioxidative status (total thiols (T-SH), non-protein thiols (NP-SH), and catalase), and inflammatory (nitric oxide (nitrite and nitrate) and gut's morphology. The data indicated that Kolaviron ameliorated chromium (VI)-induced reduction in the levels of T-SH, NP-SH, and catalase activity (p < 0.05). In addition, Kolaviron attenuated chromium (VI)-induced elevation of total peroxide, protein carbonyl, and nitric oxide (p < 0.05). Kolaviron offered a protective role in chromium VI-induced toxicity in the gut of D. melanogaster. This study provided further insights into the protective mechanisms of Kolaviron against chromium (VI)-induced toxicity in D. melanogaster by maintaining epithelial integrity of the gut and oxidative stress-antioxidant balance.

Optimization attributes of fig (&lt;i&gt;Ficus carica&lt;/i&gt; L.) salad dressing enrichment by &lt;i&gt;Mentha pulegium&lt;/i&gt; L. extract and carboxymethyl cellulose

Common salad dressings led to further calories for consumers owing to high fat in their formulations. The aim of this research is to produce low-calorie salad dressing with high nutritional value and reduced fat. Box-Behnken designs were applied including figs (Ficus carica L.) (40 to 80%), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (0.25 to 1.25%) and Mentha pulegium L. (MPL) extract (0.01 to 0.05%) as independent variables. The total soluble solids (TSS), pH, viscosity, stability, peroxide index and sensory evaluations were performed; afterwards, calorie, and fatty acids (FA) were evaluated, and also scanning electron microscopy was carried out. The optimal conditions were obtained for salad dressing formulations with the highest TSS (40.3479%), viscosity (15898.75 cP), stability (94.2994%) and sensory (4.6282) and also the lowest pH (4.6032) and peroxide (0.9778 mEq/kg oil) related to fig (65.4545%), CMC (1.995%) and MPL (0.01%) concentrations, respectively. The optimal sample reduced 6-fold the calories compared to control and also demonstrated the maximum monounsaturated FAs with uniform distribution for particles. Fig salad dressing produced as a low-calorie product has the potential to be used by consumers.

RON receptor tyrosine kinase regulates glycolysis through MAPK/CREB signaling to affect ferroptosis and chemotherapy sensitivity of thyroid cancer cells.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the deadliest and most aggressive human malignancies for which there is currently no effective treatment. Tyrosine kinase receptor RON is highly expressed in various cancer types, including colon, pancreatic and thyroid cancer. However, its underlying role in ATC is not fully understood. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of RON in ATC. RON expression in thyroid cancer cells was detected by western blotting. Glycolysis was assessed by measuring the extracellular acidification rate, glucose uptake, lactate concentration, and expression levels of glucose transporter 1, hexokinase 2 and pyruvate kinase M1/2. In addition, ferroptosis was assessed by detecting the levels of total iron, lipid peroxide and reactive oxygen species, and the expression levels of ferroptosis‑related proteins. Furthermore, mitochondrial function were assessed by JC‑1 staining and detection kits, respectively. The results demonstrated that RON was highly expressed in thyroid cancer cell lines. Furthermore, RON interference inhibited glycolysis, promoted ferroptosis, elevated cell sensitivity to chemotherapy and affected mitochondrial function in thyroid cancer cells. Further experiments demonstrated that RON interference affected the ferroptosis levels in thyroid cancer cells by inhibiting the glycolysis process. Mechanistically, the present results indicated that RON may affect ferroptosis, glycolysis and chemotherapy sensitivity by regulating MAPK/cAMP‑response element binding protein (CREB) signaling in thyroid cancer cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that RON affected ferroptosis, glycolysis and chemotherapy sensitivity in thyroid cancer cells by regulating MAPK/CREB signaling, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic target in thyroid cancer cells.

Therapeutic Effects of Althaea officinalis L. and Metformin on Estradiol-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats: Insights into The PI3K/AKT Pathway, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most important causes of infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and anovulation in women. The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Althaea officinalis L. (A. officinale) extract on PCOS in rats. In this experimental study, 70 rats in 7 groups (n=10/group) were studied for three weeks as follows; healthy control (HC), patient (PCOS), metformin (PCOS+MET), A. officinale treatment (PCOS+250 and 500 mg/kg A. officinale) and synergistic (PCOS+MET+250 and 500 mg/kg A. officinale) groups. Luteinizing hormone (LH), folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) levels as well as inflammatory cytokines were measured. Total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation levels were analyzed in ovarian tissue. The expression of GLUT-4, AKT, PI3K, PTEN genes and Ki-67 was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. A. officinale alone and especially in combination with MET moderated inflammatory and antioxidant parameters compared to the PCOS and MET groups. A. officinale in synergistic groups increased the apoptosis of granulosa cells by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, resulting in a rise in the number of Ki-67 positive cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, following A. officinale treatment the LH/FSH rate decreased and FSH and P increased (P<0.05). Also, A. officinale extract could effectively normalize estrus cycle duration close to the normal group. The extract of A. officinale, in combination with metformin, can enhance the hypothalamic-pituitaryovary (HPO) axis with synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, the extract showed apoptotic effect on cystic granulosa cells.

Salivary assessment of the immune/inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in older adults vaccinated with CoronaVac or ChadOx-1

BackgroundAlthough important information concerning COVID-19 vaccination is available, the effects of the CoronaVac and ChadOx-1 vaccines on immunity and the redox balance in the upper airway mucosa of the aged population are not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of two doses of the CoronaVac or ChadOx-1 vaccine on immune/inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the airway mucosa of older adults.MethodsSeventy-six older adults of both sexes, with a mean age of 75.1 ± 6.4 years, were separated according to vaccination status into the CoronaVac (n = 52) and ChadOx-1 (n = 24) groups. Saliva samples were collected before (pre) and 30 days after (post) the administration of the second dose of the CoronaVac or ChadOx-1 vaccine to assess the levels of antibodies (sIgA and IgG), antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, and oxidant/antioxidant agents.ResultsThe immunogenicity in the ChadOx-1 group was 37.5% for sIgA and 25% for IgG, while that in the CoronaVac group was 18.9% for sIgA and 13.2% for IgG. Intergroup analysis revealed that (1) lower levels of IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 and a greater IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, in addition to a greater IL-6/IL-10 ratio, were found in both the pre- and postvaccination periods, and (2) lower levels of total sIgA, IL-12p70, IL-17A, TNF-α, and the IL-12p70/IL-10 ratio, in addition to higher levels of specific sIgA for SARS-CoV-2 antigens and lysozyme, were observed only in the postvaccination period in the ChadOx-1 group than in the CoronaVac group. Intragroup analysis revealed (1) a significant increase in the salivary levels of total peroxides in the postvaccination period compared to those in the prevaccination period in both volunteer groups; (2) a decrease in the levels of lysozyme and the ratio between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total peroxides in the postvaccination period in the CoronaVac group compared with those in the prevaccination period; and (3) decreases in the TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12p70 levels, and the IL-12p70/IL-10 ratio in the ChadoX-1 group, as well as a higher lactoferrin concentration in the postvaccination period than in the prevaccination period. Several positive and negative correlations between the parameters assessed here were found.ConclusionsIn general, the ChadOx-1 group exhibited improvements in both immune/inflammatory responses and redox balance and greater immunogenicity than did the CoronaVac group.

Investigation of Drought Stress on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes Employing Various Physiological Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Biochemical Parameters.

Drought stress is a universal crisis in sustaining the growth and production of major legumes, including the chickpea. Drought severely reduces the biomass of chickpea plants, with the effect on leaves appearing the most apparent. The aim of this study was to investigate, using various physiological and biochemical markers throughout the pod filling stage, how 78 desi chickpea genotypes tolerated drought stress. Most of the evaluated characteristics showed significant variations between control and drought treatments. The mean performance of most of the investigated parameters significantly decreased under moisture-stressed conditions. RWC, SWD, MSI, and CTD were investigated under terminal drought-stressed conditions. Except for saturated water deficit (SWD), all remaining characteristics declined with increasing stress. Genotypes SAGL152210, SAGL152252, SAGL152347, SAGL22-115, and JG11 were recognized as drought-tolerant based on physiological characteristics. Biochemical markers viz., protein content, total soluble sugar, lipid peroxidation, and proline content, had an impact on osmotic adjustment. Based on non-enzymatic biochemical traits, genotypes SAGL22-115, ICC4958, ICCV201108, ICCV201107, SAGL152252, and JG11 were identified for their capability to survive under drought-stressed conditions. H2O2 content, CAT, SOD, POD, APX, and DPPH were considered antioxidant agents. Genotypes SAGL152208, SAGL22-105, SAGL22-112, ICC201108, SAGL152278, SAGL152252, SAGL162371, SAGL162390, ICC 4958, and JG315 may be considered drought-tolerant based on antioxidant activities. These genotypes are believed to be better equipped with physio-biochemical mechanisms and antioxidant defense systems at the cellular level and can be used in breeding programs to breed drought-tolerant cultivar(s). They can also be screened in the future, allowing the line(s) that have remained consistent over time to be recognized and registered as drought-tolerant donors.

PSVII-28 Unraveling the mechanisms governing boar semen quality during chilled storage

Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) appears as a core of reproductive management in the hog industry. AI involves the use of chilled semen doses meeting routine thresholds for motility (≥ 70%) and morphology (≥ 80%) at collection. However, semen doses meeting these standards exhibit a gradual decline in sperm quality, with likely divergent profiles during preservation that impact fertility outcomes. Hence, this study aims to unravel the sperm quality dynamics of boar semen doses during 7-d chilled storage at 17ºC. Semen doses (n = 25) from proven-fertile Duroc boars were provided by a commercial hog farm (Prestage Farm, MS) and transported to the laboratory within 30 min of collection. Each semen sample was aliquoted and analyzed on the day of collection (d 0) and after 7 d of storage (d 7) at 17°C. Sperm total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), and normal morphology (NM) were assessed using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA; CEROS II, IMV Biotechnologies). Apoptosis (Annexin V/7-AAD), viability (Propidium iodide – PI), and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS; DCFH-DA) were evaluated using flow cytometry. Total antioxidant activity (TAOC) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) were assessed using commercial kits (Cayman Chemical). Data analysis was conducted using parametric statistics (SPSS), with P &amp;lt; 0.05 considered significant. Results were presented as mean ± SEM. Data analysis confirmed the significant decrease of CASA parameters, particularly TM from d 0 to d 7 (78.87 ± 1.37 vs. 73.19 ± 1.98%), with extreme variance on d 7 allowing to discriminate high motility (HM, n = 6) vs low motility (LM, n = 6) semen doses. HM doses evidenced significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) TM (83.73 ± 1.17%), PM (36.07 ± 1.11%), and NM (89.45 ± 2.30%) compared with LM doses (TM: 59.40 ± 3.35%, PM: 16.57 ± 3.25%, NM: 79.93 ± 2.61%) on d 7. Unlike HM samples, which were comparable between d 0 and d 7, LM doses displayed significantly greater proportions of apoptotic and viable cells, and increased intracellular ROS levels on d 0. Likewise, LM samples revealed significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) proportions of apoptotic cells (3.69 ± 1.66%), dead cells (38.41 ± 3.71%), and cells with intracellular ROS (36.21 ± 3.62%) than HM samples (apoptotic cells: 0.03 ± 0.02%, dead cells: 4.73 ± 4.65%, ROS: 5.34 ± 4.91%) on d 0; however, only the proportions of dead cells displayed significant increase in LM on d 7. MDA concentrations were comparable between HM and LM samples on d 0. However, on d 7, LM samples exhibited significantly greater MDA concentrations than HM samples. In contrast, TAOC was significantly greater in HM samples (2.53 ± 0.14 mM) compared with LM samples (2.17 ± 0.07 mM) on d 0. In conclusion, semen samples with similar gross characteristics at collection exhibited differential responses during storage. Their initial redox potential and apoptosis-like changes may contribute to their varying ability to withstand prolonged storage. Work supported by USDA-ARS grant# 6066-31000-015-00D.

Oleogel-based frying medium: influence of rice bran wax-canola oil oleogel on volatile profile in fried fish fillets

Oleogelation has proven to be a successful strategy for structuring oils. In recent years, the use of oleogels as a deep frying medium has gained popularity as an effective approach to minimise oil uptake and reduce the energy content of fried foods. This study was designed to evaluate an oleogel matrix consisting of rice bran wax and canola oil, prepared by oleogelation technique, as a deep frying medium. Two types of the oleogels (CRBO-3 with 3 g wax/100 g oil; CRBO-6 with 6 g wax/100 g oil) were formulated and these oleogels were tested as a frying medium for fish fillets. The prepared oleogels were compared with refined canola oil (CO, control) and evaluated for both the frying stability of the oils and the volatile profile of the fried fish fillets. In particular, differences were observed in the crystallization and melting profiles of oleogels before and after frying. Lower levels of total polar material, peroxide value and trans fatty acids contents were noticed in fish fillets fried in the oleogels. An increase in wax concentration had an impact on the volatile profile of fish fillets and lead significant increases in p-xylene, pentene-3-ol and nonanoic acid. In general, oleogel-based frying medium contributed to the formation of characteristic fish fillet including aroma notes of pineapple, balsamic and honey when compared to fish fried in refined canola oil. The findings suggest oleogels as an alternative frying medium for fish with reduced calorie value and improved aromatic quality.Graphical

Improvement of margarine shelf-life using alginate-chitosan coated multiple W/O/W nanoemulsions containing sesamol and retinol

Alginate-chitosan (Alg-CH) coated multiple water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) nanoemulsion loaded with sesamol and retinol was hypothesized to enhance the oxidative stability of margarine. Total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), para-anisidine value (pAV), induction period (IP), and residual values of sesamol and retinol by HPLC were determined for 90 days. Margarine with tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (T3) had the higher TPC and antioxidant activity (8.05 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), 53.1 %) than T1 (nanoemulsion, 7.39 mg GAE/g, 38.95 %), T2 (free-sesamol and -retinol, 6.98 mg GAE/g, 31.07 %), and T4 (no antioxidant, 6.46 mg GAE/g, and 14.45 %) while T1 had higher antioxidant activity and TPC than T2 and T4 after 90 days. On day 90, the highest residual values of sesamol (200.10 mg/100 g) and retinol (118.09 μg/100 g) obtained for T1. Overall, T1 contributed to the prolonged oxidative stability of margarine, potentially offering an alternative to synthetic antioxidants.

Oxidative stress indices in apparently healthy blood donors in Ibadan

Background/Objective: Blood donors are life savers. They are also exposed to both exogenous and endogenous sources of free radical production. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the oxidative stress status in apparently healthy blood donors in Ibadan. Method: This study was carried out in 100 urban and 67 rural male and female blood donors between the ages of 18 and 65 years after obtaining their consent. Ten (10) ml of venous blood was collected from each participant into heparinised bottles. The total plasma peroxides (TPP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined using spectrophotometer and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. All data were expressed as Mean ± SD. Results were analysed using one sample T-test to test the statistical significance between the variables. The level of significance was fixed at p ≤ 0.05. Result: In this study, the mean values of TPP and OSI were observed to be significantly higher in the urban blood donors (200±62.9µmol H2O2/L and 3.4±1.3%) compared with the rural blood donors (57.46±10.28µmol H2O2/L and 2.9±0.98%) (p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, TAC (6388.7±1788.7 Vs 2133.99±708.1 p=0.000) was observed to be significantly higher in the urban blood donors compared with their rural counterparts. Conclusion: Significantly higher total plasma peroxides observed in urban blood donors is detrimental to the person receiving the blood. Therefore, intending blood donors should be educated on how to keep healthy feeding habits and life styles in order to improve their own health and the health of those they intend to save.

Effect of lemon juice on the chemical and microbiological quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under refrigerated storage

&lt;p&gt;In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using food additives from natural sources to improve taste, texture and extend the shelf-life of foodstuffs. The aim of this study was to examine the quality changes in trout treated with lemon juice for 21 days. Fish were divided into T0, T1, T2 and T3 and treated with 0, 1%, 2% and 3% lemon juice respectively. The lowest pH was found in T3 followed by T2, T1 and T0. A significant difference in total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acid (FFA) was observed between the control and treatments, with the lowest increase in T3 followed by T2. Total plate count (TPC) crossed the limit in T2 and T3 on the 21st day, whereas in control and T1, the permissible limit crossed on the 12th and 18th days respectively. The sensory panel rejected the control on the 12th day and T1 and T3 on the 18th day; however, T2 remained acceptable till the 21st day, thus showing the promising effect of lemon juice on the quality of trout fillet and thereby increasing the shelf-life of the product by nine days.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Levels and Oxidative Stress Markers Among Cancer Patients in Jos, Nigeria

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a sensitive cytosolic antioxidant enzyme that could be associated with carcinogenesis. Hence, its plasma levels are a good indicator to monitor cancer-induced cellular stress. This study aimed to determine the correlation between Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and oxidative stress markers among cancer patients in Jos, Nigeria. This case-control study involved 100 subjects (60 cancer patients and 40 healthy control subjects). Their blood samples were collected to measure the levels of G6PD and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, total plasma peroxide, total antioxidant potential, and oxidative stress indices). Twenty-four (40.0%) of the cancer patients were G6PD deficient. Of this, 13 (54.2%) were females G6PD. Of the G6PD deficient cancer patients, 11(45.8%) were male, conversely, 16 (44.4%) of the cancer subjects who had normal G6PD were males. Of the cancer patients, 26.7%; 13.3%, 11.7 % and 10% had prostate, breast cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), respectively were the most frequent. There was no significant association between G6PD deficiency and cancer (&amp;lt;I&amp;gt;X&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/I&amp;gt;=0.025, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;=0.804). Among G6PD deficiency cancer patients, the oxidative stress markers were significantly (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;0.05) higher compared to the control group. These findings showed that relatively more of the cancer patients had normal G6PD status even in increased cellular oxidative stress which could be due to host genetic factors. This suggests the need for further experiments on molecular characterization of mechanisms responsible for the findings.

Germination and biological adaptation approaches as salt-stress tolerance process in selected paddy cultivars under salinity stress

Cultivating productive paddy crops on salty soil to maximise production is a challenging approach to meeting the world's growing food demand. Thus, determining salinity tolerance rates in specific paddy cultivars is urgently needed. In this study, the salt tolerance traits of selected paddy cultivars, ADT45 and ADT39, were investigated by analysing germination, metabolites (pigments and biomolecules), and enzymatic (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Peroxidase (POD) adaptation strategies as salt-stress tolerance mechanisms. This study found that salinity-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) were efficiently detoxified by the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Peroxidase (POD) in ADT45 paddy varieties, followed by ADT39. Salinity stress had a significant impact on pigments and essential biomolecules in ADT45 and ADT39 paddy cultivars, including total chlorophyll, anthocyanin, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde, and proline. ADT45 demonstrated a significant relationship between H2O2 and antioxidant enzyme levels, followed by ADT39 paddy but not IR64. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical analyses revealed that ADT45, followed by ADT39, is a potential salt-tolerant rice cultivar.

Artisanal Gem Mining in Brazil: Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity Biomarkers.

This study was carried out in the district of Taquaral de Minas, in the municipality of Itinga, located in Jequitinhonha Valley, state of Minas Gerais, which is considered one of the largest yolk-producing regions in Brazil. Miners in gem extraction areas are prone to severe oxidative damage due to their increased exposure to toxic metals, as well as chemical, physical, and biological agents, resulting in diseases such as silicosis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate occupational exposure in prospectors through biomonitoring techniques using a variety of biomarkers for oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity. Twenty-two miners and seventeen workers who were not occupationally exposed were recruited, totaling thirty-nine participants. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys. In this study, the levels of total peroxides, catalase activity, and microelements in plasma were evaluated. Additionally, environmental analysis was carried out through the Ames and Allium cepa tests. The results of the lipoperoxidation assessment were significant, with increased frequencies in exposed individuals compared to controls (p < 0.05), as determined by the Mann-Whitney test. Micronutrients in the blood showed lower concentrations in the group exposed to Fe and Se than in individuals not exposed to these elements. The results of the Ames test and Allium cepa test were statistically significant compared to the controls (p < 0.05), as determined by the Mann-Whitney test for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Thus, the results of the present study indicate possible environmental contamination and a potential risk to the health of miners, which suggests that further studies are important in the region.

Molecular, Biochemical and Histological Assessment in Paraquat Induced Neurotoxicity: Restoring Role of Nano-curcumin in an Experimental Study

Abstract Background: Paraquat (PQ) is known to cause damage to various organs, including the brain. Although curcumin have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, it is not yet clear how they relate to PQ-induced neurotoxicity. This study’s objective was to compare the effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin on PQ-induced neurotoxicity in male rats. Methods: 36 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. control subjects and animals poisoned with PQ that received treatment with or without curcumin and nano-curcumin for 7 days. The brain tissues were collected at the end of this period. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and total thiol groups (TTG) were assessed by using spectrophotometry. Moreover, the histopathology of brain and antioxidant gene expression were assessed by biochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Results: Curcumin and nanocurcumin therapy alleviated the PQ-triggered oxidative stress in brain tissue by raising the levels of anti-oxidant biomarkers like TAC and TTG, up-regulating the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1, reducing the levels of oxidative stress indices like LPO, and down- regulating the expression of Keap-1 in brain tissue. Conclusions: Treatment with curcumin and nano-curcumin improves brain function in PQ toxicity and nanocurcumin was more advantageous than ordinary curcumin.

Si-Wu-Tang alleviates metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease by inhibiting ACSL4-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism and ferroptosis in MCD diet-fed mice

BackgroundMetabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese medicine decoction has shown therapeutic effects on various liver diseases. However, the hepatoprotective effects and underlying mechanism of SWT on MAFLD remain unclear.MethodsFirst, a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-fed mice model was used and lipidomic analysis and transcriptomic analysis were performed. The contents of total iron ions, ferrous ions, and lipid peroxidation were detected and Prussian blue staining was performed to confirm the protective effects of SWT against ferroptosis. Finally, chemical characterization and network pharmacological analysis were employed to identify the potential active ingredients.ResultsSerological and hepatic histopathological findings indicated SWT's discernible therapeutic impact on MCD diet-induced MAFLD. Lipidomic analysis revealed that SWT improved intrahepatic lipid accumulation by inhibiting TG synthesis and promoting TG transport. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that SWT ameliorated abnormal FA metabolism by inhibiting FA synthesis and promoting FA β-oxidation. Then, ferroptosis phenotype experiments revealed that SWT could effectively impede hepatocyte ferroptosis, which was induced by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4)-mediated esterification of arachidonic acid (AA). Finally, chemical characterization and network pharmacological analysis identified that paeoniflorin and other active ingredients might be responsible for the regulative effects against ferroptosis and MAFLD.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study revealed the intricate mechanism through which SWT improved MCD diet-induced MAFLD by targeting FA metabolism and ferroptosis in hepatocytes, thus offering a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of MAFLD and its complications.Graphical

The role of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of high-altitude cerebral edema in rats

High-altitude environments present extreme conditions characterized by low barometric pressure and oxygen deficiency, which can disrupt brain functioning and cause edema formation. The objective of the present study is to investigate several biomolecule expressions and their role in the development of High Altitude Cerebral Edema in a rat model. Specifically, the study focuses on analyzing the changes in total arginase, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in the brain following acute hypobaric hypoxic exposure (7620 m, SO2=8.1 %, for 24 h) along with the histopathological assessment. The histological examination revealed increased TNF-α activity, and an elevated number of mast cells in the brain, mainly in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The research findings demonstrated that acute hypobaric hypoxic causes increased levels of apoptotic cells, shrinkage, and swelling of neurons, accompanied by the formation of protein aggregation in the brain parenchyma. Additionally, the level of nitric oxide and MDA was found to have increased (p<0.0001), however, the level of arginase decreased indicating active lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance in the brain. This study provides insights into the pathogenesis of HACE by evaluating some biomolecules that play a pivotal role in the inflammatory response and the redox landscape in the brain. The findings could have significant implications for understanding the neuronal dysfunction and the pathological mechanisms underlying HACE development.

Unveiling UVB resilience in Oryza sativa L.: Integrative analysis of physiological, molecular and microRNA responses

Rice is the staple food for more than half of the global population. It is cultivated in over 100 countries, and is predominant in Asia, which accounts for 90 % of the world's production. As the most crucial food crop globally, rice is sensitive to both UVB radiation and climate variations. UltraViolet-B radiation (UVB) is recognised as adverse factors for photosynthesis and plant growth. The current study investigates the resilience of Oryza sativa L. (IR20) seedlings to UVB irradiation, focusing on parameters such as photosynthetic pigment, total sugar, phenolic, total free amino acids, malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide, and antioxidative enzymes. The mRNA expression levels of genes involved in UVB perception, signalling, and response (UVR8, HY5, RLCK, PHT2, and URP) were studied using quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Additionally, a computational approach was employed to identify UVB-responsive microRNAs (miRNAs) and their corresponding target mRNAs; which were subsequently validated using stem-loop RT-qPCR and RT-qPCR, respectively. Surprisingly, it was discovered that the H2O2 content in the IR20 cultivar increased in response to UVB irradiation, despite no significant changes observed in lipid peroxidation, chlorophyll, and phenolic content. Additionally, UVB irradiation increases the total sugar content and decreases the entire free amino acid content, while not affecting total protein. The RT-qPCR analysis of mRNA expression reveals that UVB exposure augment the expression of genes related to UVB signal detection (UVR8), signalling (HY5, RLCK, and WRKY), and response (PHT2, CA, and URP). Our findings also suggest that at the post-transcriptional stage, miRNAs expressed upon UVB irradiation are responsible for the significant tolerance of IR20 seedlings to UVB radiation. Overall, the results reveal that IR20 exhibits promise candidate for the development of rice varieties that are both highly productive and resilient to UVB induced stress.

Long-term intake of corn gluten meal protein hydrolysate attenuated hypertension development and modulated associated plasma metabolite levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats

This study evaluated the long-term antihypertensive effect of corn gluten meal protein hydrolysate (CGM-H) on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Plausible pathways governing blood pressure were also evaluated based on untargeted metabolomic analysis. The casein diet containing 1 % of CGM-H and peptides obtained from ultrafiltration membranes attenuated the development of hypertension in SHRs after a 6-week oral administration with similar efficacy, while the control group showed progressive hypertension. Plasma renin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity and total peroxides level of the corn peptides-treated groups decreased when compared with the control (p < 0.05). In addition, the corn peptides up-regulated antihypertensive metabolites such as prostaglandin K2 and 11-ketotestosterone, while corticosterone, biotin, and plasma fatty acids were down-regulated. This study demonstrates that corn peptides did not only inhibit ACE and renin activities, but also modulated the biosynthesis and metabolisms of fatty acids, sex hormones, and aldosterone, which would have contributed to attenuation of hypertension.