Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Dietary copper affects antioxidant status of shrimp (Penaeus monodon) reared in low salinity water

Graded levels of supplemental copper (Cu) (0, 10, 25, 40, 55 and 110 mg/kg) were fed to juvenile tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) reared in 5‰ salinity water for 8 weeks. According to the results, shrimps fed a diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg Cu had the highest weight gain (WG). Shrimps fed a diet with 110 mg/kg supplemental Cu had the lowest total haemocyte count (THC) and the highest reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptotic ratio in haemocytes, suggesting that excessive levels of dietary Cu caused oxidative stress and induced haemocyte apoptosis. In plasma, the activities of copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were higher in shrimps fed diets with 40 and 55 mg/kg supplemental Cu than those fed diets with ≤ 25 and 110 mg/kg supplemental Cu. Hepatic Cu, Zn-SOD activity increased in shrimps fed diets with 25–55 mg/kg supplemental Cu, while hepatic T-SOD activity increased in shrimps fed diets with 40 and 55 mg/kg supplemental Cu. In addition, diets with 25–55 mg/kg supplemental Cu increased the plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), while diets with 10–55 mg/kg supplemental Cu increased the hepatic T-AOC. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content was lowest in shrimps fed diets with 25 and 40 mg/kg supplemental Cu and highest in shrimps fed a diet with 110 mg/kg. Based on the growth and antioxidant activities, the optimum requirement of Cu for the antioxidant status of P. monodon was 30.7–61.9 mg/kg.

Protective effect of astaxanthin on experimental ovarian damage in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of astaxanthin (AS) on 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) induced experimental ovarian damage in rats. Thirty two female Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups of eight each: control group (C); phosphate-buffered saline, AS group; AS (80 mg/kg) for 14 days, 3-NPA group; 3-NPA (6.25 mg/kg) twice a day for 7 days, 3-NPA + AS group; administered AS (80 mg/kg) for 14 days and 3-NPA (6.25 mg/kg) for 7 days. All injections were administered intraperitoneally. Rats were fed ad libitum with standard rat chow and tap water. Plasma and ovarian tissue total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels, whole blood reduced glutathione (GSH), plasma paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total sialic acid (TSA) and total thiol (TT) concentrations were analysed spectrophotometrically. Also, ovarian tissue histopathology was performed. We observed 3-NPA-induced histopathological ovarian damagesignificantly decreased the TAC (p < 0.001), GSH (p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01) levels and PON1 activity (p < 0.01), and significantly increased TOC, OSI (p < 0.001), MDA, NO, TSA, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.01) and triglyceride (p < 0.05) levels. In conclusion, cotreatment with AS restored the negative effect of 3-NPA on all biochemical parameters cited above and improved the histopathological ovarian damage. Ovarian toxicity induced by 3-NPA might be due to oxidative damage. The improvement of AS seems to be related to its antioxidant properties.

Effects of essential oil/palygorskite composite on performance, egg quality, plasma biochemistry, oxidation status, immune response and intestinal morphology of laying hens

The current study aimed to assess the effects of different levels of essential oil/palygorskite composite (EO-PGS) supplementation on performance, egg quality, oxidative status, immunity and intestinal morphology of laying hens. A total of 480 laying hens aged 65 wk were randomly assigned into 4 groups (6 replicates of 20 hens each). Hens were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (control diet), 0.5, 0.75 or 1.0 g/kg EO-PGS for 56 d. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA. Results showed that birds fed with diet supplemented with EO-PGS had increased the egg production (P < 0.05) more than birds fed with control diet. The yolk index and shell thickness were increased in 0.75 and 1.0 g/kg EO-PGS groups at d56 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma biochemical parameters among all groups. Compared with the control group, supplementation of EO-PGS increased the immunoglobulin-G and interleukin-2 levels in plasma (P < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity in plasma and liver, the plasma catalase concentration, the activity of total superoxide dismutase in the liver and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in the spleen were increased in the EO-PGS groups (P < 0.05). The concentration of malondialdehyde in the liver was decreased with the increasing level of EO-PGS (P < 0.05). The crypt depth of ileum and duodenum of birds fed with EO-PGS supplemented diet had a tendency to decrease (0.05<P < 0.1) and the villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum increased (P < 0.05), compared with birds fed with control diet. In summary, EO-PGS supplementation improved the egg production, enhanced antioxidation and immune functions, and ameliorated egg quality and intestinal morphology of laying hens, and a level of 0.75 g/kg EO-PGS was recommended in laying hens diets.

Evaluation of unprotected and rumen-protected L-carnitine in vitro and in vivo

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of unprotected and rumen-protected L-carnitine through in vitro tests, rumen degradation tests, and in vivo tests. Twelve rumen-fistulated crossbred rams with similar body weights of 55 ± 3.6 kg and ages of 3 ± 0.2 yr old were divided into three treatment groups in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, G1 (basal diet with no additives), G2 (unprotected L-carnitine), or G3 (rumen-protected L-carnitine). Ruminal fluid and blood samples were collected before morning feeding on the last day of each experimental period (21 d). The percentage of L-carnitine remaining in the simulated rumen and abomasum and rumen increased with the increase in the wall material ratio (P &lt; 0.05). L-carnitine supplementation decreased the plasma urea nitrogen concentration in the sheep (P &lt; 0.05). G3 resulted in higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as higher total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in plasma than G1, and the difference was significant among the groups (P &lt; 0.01). Thus, L-carnitine in the rumen could be protected by encapsulation for a certain time. Unprotected and rumen-protected L-carnitine supplementation effectively enhanced the antioxidant capacity of sheep, and the antioxidant capacity of sheep supplemented with rumen-protected L-carnitine was higher than that of sheep supplemented with unprotected L-carnitine.

Metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms predict the effects of antioxidant treatment on idiopathic male infertility.

To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes such as CYP1A1, CYP2D6, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 and idiopathic male infertility. By observing the efficacy of antioxidants in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility, the effect of metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms on antioxidant therapy in patients with idiopathic male infertility was prospectively studied. This case–control study included 310 men with idiopathic infertility and 170 healthy controls. The cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1), and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) genotypes in peripheral blood samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The idiopathic male infertility group was treated with vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 for 3 months and followed up for 6 months. GSTM1(−), GSTT1(−), and GSTM1/T1(−/−) in the idiopathic male infertility groups were more common than those in the control group. The sperm concentration, motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level in patients with GSTM1(−), GSTT1(−), and GSTM1/T1(−/−) were lower than those in wild-type carriers, and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher. Therefore, oxidative damage may play an important role in the occurrence and development of idiopathic male infertility, but antioxidant therapy is not effective in male infertility patients with GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions.

Intermittent Fasting Decreases Oxidative Stress Parameters and Increases Total Antioxidant Capacity

Modern lifestyle with an unhealthy routine, including consumption of excessive food and less physical activity, is full of many complications like chronic and degenerative diseases. For driving a healthy life, following a prophylactic style is necessary. The simplest and available way is intermittent fasting (IF). IF can help weight management. IF may lower oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be determined from the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and tri acyl glycerol (TAG) in the blood. Also, it increases Total antioxidant capacity (TAC). This study aimed to determine the effect of both protocols, Alternate day fasting (ADF) and time-restricted feeding (TRF), on plasma MDA level, TAG concentration, and TAC level of Sprague Dawley rats. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups, i.e., control group (C), fasting group (ADF), fasting group (TRF). Fasting given in this research was ADF, comprising one day of fasting for 24 hours, alternating with one day of normal feed ad libitum in the span of 12 weeks, including fasting 12 hours for two days a week plus three days in the middle of the month. After 3-months, blood was taken for examination of MDA levels, TAG, and TAC levels. A significant difference among the three groups in MDA levels, TAG and TAC. (p&lt;0.05 for all parameters). Groups conducted on intermittent fasting had lower levels of MDA, TAG concentration, and a high level of TAC. ADF was lower in MDA level and TAG concentration than TRF. ADF was higher in TAC level than TRF. Intermittent fasting (ADF and TRF) decreases the oxidative stress parameters and increases Total antioxidant capacity in Sprague Dawley rats. ADF is more effective than TRF.

Influence of dietary olive paste flour on the performance and oxidative stress in chickens raised in field conditions

Olive oil contains a variety of antioxidants, including vitamin E. Its consumption protects against oxidative stress, which is involved in many pathological conditions, affecting animals’ development and their general welfare. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of olive paste flour (OPF) on the antioxidant status and performance of broiler chickens raised in field conditions. Total of 18.000 broilers was randomly allocated in equal numbers in two poultry houses. The chickens were grouped according to their diet as follows: Control group: chickens fed commercial poultry feed, and OPF group: chickens fed control dietsin the starter period, but they got a supplement of OPF in grower, and finisher 1 and 2periods, respectively. The birds were raised under identical field conditions (ventilation, vaccination, lighting, etc.). Antioxidant status was assessed by measuring the concentration of vitamin E in plasma, as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma and muscle tissue. According to the statistical analysis of the results, the addition of OPF to chickens’ diet significantly enhanced plasma α-tocopherol concentration (p≤0.05). TAC did not show any significant differences in chicken plasma nor muscle tissue(p&gt;0.05).Feed intake (FI) was higher in OPF group, while Body weight (BW) was lower. Liveability was similar for the two groups. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher, and the European production efficiency factor (EPEF) was lower in broilers of the OPF group compared to those of the control group.Samples of roasted breast from chickens of both groups were used for organoleptic characteristics evaluation. Results showed that samples of the OPF group smelled more intensely and were more tasteful than those of the control group.However, other organoleptic characteristics did not differ. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that although the addition of OPF to chickens’ diet can cause growth retardation, it can significantly increase the plasma α-tocopherol concentration. Further studies are needed to optimize the concentration of OPF in poultry feed in order to avoid growth retardation or even to promote growth in broiler chicks.

Dietary β-glucan influences the expression of testicular aquaporins, antioxidative defence genes and sperm quality traits in endangered golden mahseer, Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822)

The effect of dietary β-glucan on seminal plasma composition, sperm characteristics, expression of aquaporins, and antioxidative defence genes of golden mahseer was evaluated. For that, four experimental diets containing 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 1.5% β-glucan were fed to male golden mahseer brooders for 130 days. Feeding of 0.5% β-glucan was found to improve sperm characteristics, viz. sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology with no effect on gonadosomatic index and seminal plasma energy resources. The marked down-regulation in the transcript abundance of testicular aqp3a noticed in 1.5% β-glucan fed brooders corresponds to their poor sperm quality. Further, the mRNA expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, namely gst and sod1, was lowest in 0.5% β-glucan fed brooders. In contrast, control and higher β-glucan (1 and 1.5%) groups displayed relatively higher expression levels of testicular gst and sod1. On the other hand, the higher seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity observed in 0.5 and 1% β-glucan fed brooders indicated increased scavenging ability of reactive oxygen species. Overall, supplementation of 0.5% β-glucan improved sperm quality and antioxidative potential, but the higher inclusion (1.5%) negatively affected sperm characteristics. Collectively, dietary β-glucan (0.5%) can be a practical approach to developing quality broodstock of golden mahseer.

Trends in Food Innovation: An Interventional Study on the Benefits of Consuming Novel Functional Cookies Enriched with Olive Paste

Olive paste may exert bioactivity due to its richness in bioactive components, such as oleic acid and polyphenols. The present interventional human study investigated if the fortification of cookies with olive paste and herbs may affect postprandial lipemia, oxidative stress, and other biomarkers in healthy volunteers. In a cross-over design, 10 healthy volunteers aged 20–30 years, consumed a meal, rich in fat and carbohydrates (50 g cookies). After a washout week, the same volunteers consumed the same cookie meal, enhanced with 20% olive paste. Blood sampling was performed before, 0.5 h, 1.5 h, and 3 h after eating. Total plasma antioxidant capacity according to FRAP, ABTS, and resistance to copper-induced plasma oxidation, serum lipids, glucose, uric acid, and antithrombotic activity in platelet-rich plasma were determined at each timepoint. There was a significant decrease in triglycerides’ concentration in the last 1.5 h in the intervention compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). A tendency for a decrease in glucose levels and an increase in the plasma antioxidant capacity was observed 0.5 h and 1.5 h, respectively, in the intervention compared to the control group. The remaining biomarkers did not show statistically significant differences (p &gt; 0.05). More clinical and epidemiological studies in a larger sample are necessary in order to draw safer conclusions regarding the effect of olive paste on metabolic biomarkers, with the aim to enhance the industrial production of innovative functional cookies with possible bioactivity.

Physicochemical properties of and volatile compounds in riboflavin fortified cloudy apple juice; study of its effect on job fatigue among Egyptian construction workers

Fatigue and rapid exhaustion are common complaints among construction workers, as a result of high-effort levels, physical overexertion, weather and long physically demanding work hours. This study aimed to fortify cloudy apple juice with riboflavin (vitamin B2) to evaluate changes in chemical composition, antioxidant activity and volatile compounds in the fortified juice and to study its effect on the volunteer construction workers complaining of fatigue resulting from demanding physical duties. Analysis of volatile compounds in the fortified cloudy apple juice using Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry identified thirty-four volatile compounds including esters, alcohols, aldehydes and acids. The most predominant volatile compounds were alcohols followed by esters in both the control and fortified samples. We studied the effect of the supplementation of riboflavin-fortified cloudy apple juice versus conventional cloudy apple juice on the anthropometric parameters, the scores of two fatigue questionnaires (Checklist Individual Strength and Fatigue Severity Scale) and antioxidants biomarkers among young Egyptian male construction workers. This study revealed that consumption of 1.3 mg of riboflavin-fortified cloudy apple juice per day for twenty-eight days significantly improved their metabolism, with a decrease in mean body fat percentage and an increase in body muscle mass without statistically significant differences, the fortified juice significantly improved the fatigue questionnaires' scores. Moreover, the fortified supplement had a substantial change in antioxidant activity; there was significant increase in the plasma total antioxidant capacity (+74.19 %change) and catalase enzyme (+54.65 %change) with a significant decrease in the serum malondialdehyde level (−53.78 %change). When compared to the administration of conventional cloudy apple juice, although there was a significant decrease in serum malondialdehyde level (−4.63 %change) at the end of the study, only the subjective fatigue subscale of the CIS fatigue score significantly decreased among the construction workers (−24.61 %change). It could be concluded that vitamin B2 fortified-cloudy apple juice was effective in the reduction of fatigue and exhaustion in the study's subjects.

Antioxidants Present in Reproductive Tract Fluids and Their Relevance for Fertility.

Nowadays, infertility is classified as a disease of the reproductive system. Although it does not compromise the life of the individual, it can have detrimental effects on the physiological and psychological health of the couple. Male fertility evaluation is mainly focused on the analysis of sperm parameters. However, the ejaculated fluid is also composed of seminal plasma, and the study of this fluid can provide crucial information to help in the assessment of male fertility status. Total antioxidant capacity of the seminal plasma has been positively correlated with the fertility of men. Moreover, evidence highlights to a similar importance as that of female reproductive tract fluid antioxidant capabilities and female fertility. Herein, we describe the functions of seminal plasma and female reproductive tract fluids, as well as their main antioxidant components and their relationships with fertility outcomes. Additionally, this review contains the most up to date information regarding the mechanisms of the interaction between the male and the female reproductive fluids and the importance of proper antioxidant capacity for fertilization.

Inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers as determinants of functional capacity in patients with COPD assessed by 6-min walk test-derived outcomes.

Reduction in functional capacity is a negative clinical outcome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies have shown association between inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and functional capacity. However, it is unclear whether these biomarkers are associated with outcomes of functional capacity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether plasma biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress are predictors of the 6-min walking test (6MWT)-derived outcomes. Twenty COPD patients were assessed on three consecutive days with different clinical measures, including functional capacity, and blood sampling. Plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-ɑ, IL-10 and soluble TNF-ɑ receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) were determined by immunoassays. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determining lipid peroxidation products based on the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and total antioxidant capacity of plasma. Functional capacity was assessed considering the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and the estimate of six-minute walking work (6MWW). The association between biomarkers (i.e. inflammation and oxidative stress) and functional exercise capacity was investigated through the Pearson's correlation coefficient. To identify the determinants of the 6MWT, multiple linear stepwise regression analyses were performed with adjustment for age, sex and GOLD classification. Patients were predominantly male (65%), with mean age of 64years and moderate airflow obstruction and impaired functional capacity. There were positive correlations between SOD activity and 6MWD (r=0.520; p=0.02) and 6MWW (r=0.554; p=0.01), as well as a negative correlation between sTNF-R1 and 6MWD (r=-0.437; p=0.05). SOD was an independent determinant of the functional capacity, explaining 23% of the variability of 6MWD (p=0.019) and 27% of the variability of 6MWW (p=0.011). sTNF-R1 levels were associated with 6MWD and, together with SOD explained 40% of variability in 6MWD (p=0.005). SOD activity was an independent determinant of performance in the 6MWT, and together with sTNFR1 explained 40% of the variations in walking distance in COPD patients. SOD activity and sTNFR1 levels might be seen as potential biomarkers of the functional capacity in patients with COPD.

Effects of supplemental d-methionine in comparison to l-methionine on nitrogen retention, gut morphology, antioxidant status, and mRNA abundance of amino acid transporters in weanling pigs.

An N-balance experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that d-Methionine (d-Met) has the same bioavailability and efficacy as l-Methionine (l-Met) when fed to weanling pigs. A Met-deficient basal diet containing 0.24% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Met was formulated. Six additional diets were formulated by adding 0.036%, 0.072%, or 0.108% d-Met or l-Met to the basal diet, and these diets, therefore, contained 77%, 87%, or 97% of the requirement for SID Met. Fifty-six barrows (10.53 ± 1.17 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to the seven diets with eight replicate pigs per diet. Feces and urine were collected quantitatively with 7-d adaptation and 5-d collection periods. Blood and tissue samples from pigs fed the basal diet and pigs fed diets containing 0.108% supplemental Met were collected on the last day. Results indicated that N retention (%) linearly increased (P < 0.01) as supplemental d-Met or l-Met increased in diets. Based on N retention (%) as a response, the linear slope-ratio regression estimated the bioavailability of d-Met relative to l-Met to be 101% (95% confidence interval: 57%-146%). The villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum were not affected by the Met level or Met source. Total antioxidant capacity or thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations in plasma or tissue samples from pigs fed the control diet or diets containing 0.108% supplemental d-Met or l-Met were not different. Abundance of mRNA for some AA transporters analyzed in intestinal mucosa of pigs also did not differ. Therefore, it is concluded that d-Met and l-Met are equally bioavailable for weanling pigs.

Mitigation of transportation stress in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, by dietary administration of turmeric

Stress is an inevitable and unpredictable process, which can be interceded through various aquaculture practices. Transportation is one of those aqua-husbandry practices that induces stress and immunosuppression in cultured fish. The present study intended to evaluate the ameliorative effects of dietary turmeric on common carp, Cyprinus carpio, based on antioxidant, immunological and tissue health characteristics at pre- and post-transportation. Diets containing four different levels of turmeric [0% (CTL), 0.5% (0.5 T), 1% (1 T), and 2% (2 T)] were fed to common carp (average weight: 45.2 g) for 2 weeks; then, the fish were placed in plastic bags containing 2.5 L water and 5 L pure oxygen and transported for 3 h in a van. Samples of blood and water were collected before and after the transportation. Transportation led to deterioration of the water quality parameters, as evidenced by declines in dissolved oxygen and pH levels, but elevations in alkalinity, total ammonia and unionized ammonia levels. Fish from 1 T treatment exhibited significantly highest water dissolved oxygen post transportation. Significant decrements in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total immunoglobulin (Ig) were observed due to transportation-induced stress. Whereas, plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lysozyme levels enhanced due to transportation-mediated stress in the fish. The transportation stress was mitigated in 0.5 T and 1 T treatments, which were reflected in terms of decrements in plasma cortisol, glucose, ALT, AST, ammonia, SOD (just in 1 T), CAT, and MDA levels, as well as increments in plasma total Ig and TAC levels in the fish. The above findings conclude that turmeric supplementation at 1% could be used as an excellent feed additive in order to ameliorate the adverse effects of transportation in common carp.

Postprandial Bioactivity of a Spread Cheese Enriched with Mountain Tea and Orange Peel Extract in Plasma Oxidative Stress Status, Serum Lipids and Glucose Levels: An Interventional Study in Healthy Adults.

Postprandial lipemia, glycemia and oxidative stress may affect the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present intervention study was to investigate the effect of a spread cheese enriched with mountain tea (Sideritis sp.) and orange peel (Citrus sinensis) extract on postprandial metabolic biomarkers in healthy volunteers. In a cross-over design, 14 healthy subjects 20–30 years old were consumed either a meal rich in fat and carbohydrates (80 g white bread, 40 g butter and 30 g full fat spread cheese) or a meal with the spread cheese enriched with 6% mountain tea–orange peel extract. Differences in postprandial total plasma antioxidant capacity, resistance of plasma to oxidation, serum lipids, glucose and uric acid levels were evaluated at 0, 1.5 and 3 h after consumption. Plasma total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased 3 h after the consumption of the meal in the presence of the extract-enriched cheese, compared to the conventional cheese (p = 0.05). Plasma resistance to oxidation was increased at 30 min in the Functional meal compared with the Control meal. A tendency to decrease the postprandial rise in glucose and triglyceride levels, 1.5 h and 3 h, respectively, after the intake of the meal with the extract-enriched cheese was observed (p = 0.062). No significant changes in the concentrations of the remaining biomarkers studied were observed (p > 0.05). Further studies with a larger sample are needed in both healthy adults and patients with cardiovascular disease to draw safer conclusions about the postprandial effect of the extracts on metabolic biomarkers that predict cardiovascular risk.

Antioxidant Effects of Anthocyanin-Rich Riceberry™ Rice Flour Prepared Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Technology on Iron-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice.

Redox-active iron generates reactive oxygen species that can cause oxidative organ dysfunction. Thus, the anti-oxidative systems in the body and certain dietary antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, are needed to control oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology in the preparation of Riceberry™ rice flour (PRBF) on iron-induced oxidative stress in mice. PRBF using plasma technology was rich in anthocyanins, mainly cyanidine-3-glucoside and peonidine-3-glucoside. PRBF (5 mg AE/mg) lowered WBC numbers in iron dextran (FeDex)-loaded mice and served as evidence of the reversal of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, plasma total antioxidant capacity, and plasma and liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the loading mice. Consequently, the PRBF treatment was observed to be more effective than NAC treatment. PRBF would be a powerful supplementary and therapeutic antioxidant product that is understood to be more potent than NAC in ameliorating the effects of iron-induced oxidative stress.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EGYPTIAN BUFFALO BULLS ADMINISTRATED WITH N-ACETYLCYSTEINE, L-CARNITINE, OR THEIR COMBINATION

This study was to evaluate the effect of daily oral administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), L-carnitine (L-C), or their Combination for 2 months pre-semen collection on semen quality, sexual desire and some blood parameters traits of Egyptian buffalo bulls. A total of 20 bulls (400±37 kg LBW and 24-25 mo old) were divide into 4 groups. In group1 (G1, control), G2, G3 and G4, animals fed a basal ration and the managed under the same conditions, and were received orally a daily dose of 0, 3 L-C, 3 g NAC, or 1.5 g NAC +1.5 g L-C as a combination/bull/day, respectively, for 2 months. The results showed that bulls that received the combination dose (G4) increased (P<0.05) the concentration of total proteins, albumin, globulin and glucose, while it decreased (P<0.05) total cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinene concentrations, and AST and ALT activities compared with the control and other groups. All physical characteristics in fresh and thawed semen were higher (P<0.05) in all treated groups than in the control group, being the best in G4. Plasma testosterone and total antioxidant capacity concentrations were increased (P<0.05) in G4, G3 and G2 compare with the control (G1), being the best for G4 bulls. In conclusion, an oral dose of 1.5 g NAC plus 1.5 g L-C bull/day, as a combination, for 2 months pre-semen collection improves health status, immunity response and antioxidant capacity of buffalo bulls to produce semen with high quality require for spreading the tool of artificial insemination in buffaloes.

Ginger root powder enhanced the growth productivity, digestibility, and antioxidative capacity to cope with the impacts of heat stress in rabbits.

Heat stress is the most significant environmental factor involved in the impairment of the health status of rabbits and lowering their productivity. Using medicinal feed additives is suggested to relieve heat stress-induced oxidative stress in rabbits. The study investigated the possible protective role of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) against heat stress in rabbits. Five week old rabbits were assigned randomly into four groups (48 rabbits each) and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5g ginger powder/kg diet. The temperature and relative humidity inside the rabbitry units were kept at 33.0±5.5°C and 74.5±4.5%, respectively, during 8 weeks fattening period. The results showed that rabbits that received the 7.5g ginger powder/kg supplement had the highest final body weight. Rabbits that received different ginger powder levels recorded lower mortality values during the experimental period compared to that received the control diet, but the differences were not significant (5.0 vs. 10.0%, respectively). Rabbits fed 5.0 and 7.5g ginger diet recorded the best food conversion ratio (P<0.001). The weight of the carcass was significantly increased (P<0.01) by supplementing ginger powder in diets. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and nitrogen free extracts nutrients was increased, but ether extract was significantly decreased (P<0.001) by using ginger powder in diets. The detected blood metabolites displayed increased total protein but decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in rabbits treated with ginger. Rabbits fed 5.0 and 7.5g ginger powder had the highest plasma total antioxidative capacity (TAC) and the lowest (P<0.01) plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to those fed control diet. Conclusively, supplementing ginger powder up to a 5.0g/kg diet for growing rabbits is recommended to improve the growth performance and enhanced viability under heat stress conditions.

Daily apple consumption reduces plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell–secreted inflammatory biomarkers in adults with overweight and obesity: a 6-week randomized, controlled, parallel-arm trial

Obesity-associated low-grade inflammation contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Apples are rich in anti-inflammatory bioactives including polyphenols and fiber. We aimed to determine the effects of regular apple consumption on fasting plasma biomarkers of inflammation (primary outcome), endotoxemia, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol; secondary outcomes), and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-secreted cytokines (secondary outcome) in individuals with overweight and obesity. A randomized, controlled, parallel-arm trial was conducted with n=46 participants. After avoiding foods and beverages rich in polyphenols and fiber for 2 wk, participants consumed 3 whole Gala apples (∼200 g edible parts)/d as part of their habitual diet (n=23) or avoided apples (control, n=23) for 6 wk. All participants limited consumption of polyphenols and fiber during the 6-wk trial. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 6 wk for analysis of plasma biomarkers and isolation of PBMCs, which were cultured for 24 h unstimulated or stimulated with LPS (10 ng/mL). Forty-four participants completed the trial (30 female, 14 male; mean±SEM age: 45.4±2.2 y; BMI: 33.4±0.9 kg/m2). After ANCOVA and correcting for multiple comparisons, apples decreased fasting plasma C-reactive protein by 17.0% (range: 14.3%-19.6%, P=0.005), IL-6 by 12.4% (range: 6.7%-17.5%, P<0.001), and LPS-binding protein by 20.7% (range: 14.1%-26.4%, P<0.001) compared with control. Apples also decreased PBMC-secreted IL-6 by 28.3% (range: 22.4%-33.5%, P<0.001) and IL-17 by 11.0% (range 5.8-15.6%, P=0.003) in the unstimulated condition compared with control. Exploratory analysis showed apples also increased plasma total antioxidant capacity by 9.6% (range: 1.7-18.9%, P=0.002) compared with control. However, apples had no effect on anthropometric or other CVD risk markers. Six-week daily whole Gala apple consumption may be an effective dietary strategy to mitigate the obesity-associated inflammation that exacerbates CVD risk, without weight loss. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03523403.

Correlation between the antioxidant capacity of plasma and blood glucose level

Introduction: Oxidative stress on tissues can cause diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Aim: This study aimed to pharmacologically evaluate the decrease in blood glucose levels and its relationship with the total antioxidant capacity of the blood compared to glibenclamide. Method: An experimental study with completely randomised designs was carried out. Rats were induced with streptozotosin followed by ethanolic extract for ten days. Results: The One-Way Anova test, showed that the increase of the total antioxidant capacity of plasma treated with ethanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia and Curcuma zanthorrhiza was comparable in the same amount to glibenclamide (p=0.345), (p=0.289). There was a relationship between total blood antioxidant capacity and blood glucose levels, this linear association was expressed with the following mathematical equation: y = 20,253 - 2,946x. Conclusion: The antioxidant content of Tinospora cordifolia, Curcuma zanthorrhiza, and Cinnamomum verum has the potential to control blood glucose in diabetes mellitus.