Effects of Aronia melanocarpa and Hypericum perforatum aqueous extracts on hexavalent chromium induced toxicity in rat’s thyrocytes

BackgroundHexavalent chromium known as oxidizing agent is able to form reactive oxygen species. Aronia melanocarpa and Hypericum perforatum are two plants known for their antioxidant effects. Our study aimed to establish if CrVI induces apoptosis and structural changes in thyrocytes and if its effect can be counteracted by the administration of both extracts.Materials and methodsWistar rats divided in five groups: C - distilled water (DW), Cr – 75 mg/L CrVI in DW for 3 months, Cr 2 – 75 mg/L CrVI in DW for 3 months followed by 1 month DW, CrA – 3 months 75 mg/L CrVI in DW and 1 month Aronia 2.5% extract, CrH – 3 months 75 mg/L CrVI in DW and 1 month Hypericum 2.5% extract. Histological assessment and qRT-PCR for evaluation of BAX and Bcl2 protein levels performed on thyroid samples.ResultsThe Cr and Cr2 groups were those with altered cytoarchitecture: increase in the diameter of many thyroid follicles, a decrease in their number, a decrease in the height of the follicular cells. The histological examination of the CrH group revealed almost recovery of structural architecture. The BAX gene levels were higher in the Cr and Cr2 groups indicating the apoptotic activity of chromium. In extract receiving groups the BAX gene expressions were significantly lower, but the lowest level presented the CrH group. Bcl2 gene expression levels indicate antiapoptotic activity being elevated in the Cr group, followed by CrA, Cr2, and CrH groups. The BAX/Bcl2 ratio which significantly increased in the case of the Cr and Cr2 group compared to the groups that were administered the two plant extracts.ConclusionThe results obtained in this study confirm that CrVI has toxic effects on thyroid endocrine cells and H. perforatum has stronger antioxidant properties against the action of hexavalent chromium in thyrocytes than A. melanocarpa.     

A protective effect of curcumin on cardiovascular oxidative stress indicators in systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide in rats

ObjectiveInflammation has been considered as an important factor in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Curcumin has been well known for its anti-inflammatory effects. In current research, protective effect of curcumin on cardiovascular oxidative stress indicators in systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated in rats.Material and methodsThe animals were divided into five groups and received the treatments during two weeks [1]: Control in which vehicle was administered instead of curcumin and saline was injected instead of LPS [2], LPS group in which vehicle of curcumin plus LPS (1 mg/kg) was administered [3-5], curcumin groups in them three doses of curcumin (5, 10 and 15 mg/kg) before LPS were administered.ResultsAdministration of LPS was followed by an inflammation status presented by an increased level of white blood cells (WBC) (p < 0.001). An oxidative stress status was also occurred after LPS injection which was presented by an increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) while, a decrease in thiols, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase(CAT) in all heart, aorta and serum (p < 0.001). The results also showed that curcumin decreased WBC (doses: 10 and 15 mg/kg) (p < 0.001) accompanying with a decrease in MDA (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). Curcumin also improved the thiols and the activities of SOD and catalase (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001).ConclusionBased on our findings, curcumin can ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammation induced by LPS in rats to protect the cardiovascular system.     

Antioxidant effect of Ajuga iva aqueous extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible antioxidant effect of an aqueous extract of Ajuga iva (Ai) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Twelve diabetic rats were divided into two groups fed a casein diet supplemented or not with Ai (0.5%), for 4 weeks. In vitro, the Ai extract possessed a very high antioxidant effect (1 mg/ml was similar to those of trolox 300 mmol/l). The results indicated that plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were reduced by 41% in Ai-treated compared with untreated diabetic rats. TBARS concentrations were lower 1.5-fold in liver, 1.8-fold in heart, 1.9-fold in muscle and 2.1-fold in brain in Ai-treated than untreated group. In erythrocytes, Ai treatment increased significantly the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (+25%) and glutathione reductase (GSSH-Red) (+22%). Superoxide dismutase activity was increased in muscle (+22%), while GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in liver (+28%), heart (+40%) and kidney (+45%) in Ai-treated compared with untreated group. Liver and muscle GSSH-Red activity was, respectively, 1.6- and 1.5-fold higher in Ai-treated than untreated diabetic group. Catalase activity was significantly increased in heart (+36%) and brain (+32%) in Ai-treated than untreated group. Ai treatment decreased plasma nitric oxide (?33%), carbonyls (?44%) and carotenoids (?68%) concentrations. In conclusion, this study indicates that Ajuga iva aqueous extract improves the antioxidant status by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities in plasma, erythrocytes and tissues of diabetic rats.     

Systemic Oxidative Stress Associated with the Neurological Diseases of Aging

Markers of oxidative stress were measured in blood samples of 338 subjects (965 observations): Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, diabetes (type II) superimposed to dementias, Parkinson’s disease and controls. Patients showed increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (+21%; P < 0.05), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (+64%; P < 0.001) and decreased antioxidant capacity (−28%; P < 0.001); pairs of variables resulted linearly related across groups (P < 0.001). Catalase and glutathione peroxidase, involved in discrimination between diseases, resulted non-significant. When diabetes is superimposed with dementias, changes resulted less marked but significant. Also, superoxide dismutase resulted not linearly correlated with any other variable or age-related (pure Alzheimer’s peaks at 70 years, P < 0.001). Systemic oxidative stress was significantly associated (P ≪ 0.001) with all diseases indicating a disbalance in peripheral/adaptive responses to oxidative disorders through different free radical metabolic pathways. While other changes—methionine cycle, insulin correlation—are also associated with dementias, the responses presented here show a simple linear relation between prooxidants and antioxidant defenses.     

Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities of an oil extract of propolis in rats

PurposePropolis biological effects are mainly attributed to its polyphenolic constituents such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that were recently described in the chemical composition of an extract of propolis obtained with edible vegetal oil (OEP) by our group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of OEP on the behavior of rats.Materials and methodsAn in vivo open field (OF), elevated Plus-maze (EPM), and forced swimming (FS) tests were performed to evaluate locomotor activity, anxiolytic- and antidepressant effects of the extract. Besides, oxidative stress levels were measured in rat blood samples after the behavioral assays by evaluation of the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and nitric oxide levels.ResultsOEP increased locomotion in the OF test (50 mg/kg) and central locomotion and open arm entries in the OF and EPM tests (10–50 mg/kg) and decreased the immobility time in the FS test (10–50 mg/kg). Moreover, OEP reduced nitric oxide levels in response to swim stress induced in rats.ConclusionOEP exerted stimulant, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects on the Central Nervous System and antioxidant activity in rats, highlighting propolis as a potential therapeutic compound for behavior impairment of anxiety and depression.     

Short-term storage sperm of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) at 4 °C: Effect of sperm: Extender dilution ratios and antioxidant butyl-hydroxytoluene (BHT) on sperm function

Short-term storage of semen is a necessary key procedure in fish; it allows maximizing the use of gametes. Nevertheless, sperm quality decreases during storage has been associated with oxidative stress damage due to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) during storage. This study was designed to optimize a short-term storage protocol for Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) spermatozoa, evaluating the effect of extender dilution and the addition of butyl-hydroxytoluene (BHT) antioxidant on sperm function parameters. In the first experiment, fresh semen was diluted in Storfish®: extender dilution (1:2 and 1:3) and a control sample undiluted and stored at 4 °C for 7-days. In both experiments motility (MO), viability and integrity of plasma membrane, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and superoxide anion level (O₂⁻) were evaluated at 0, 3 and 7 days. Result shows that, 1:3 dilution maintained a higher sperm function for a longer period time. In the second experiment, spermatozoa were suspended in Storfish® (1:3) supplemented with two different concentrations of BHT (1.0 mM and 2.0 mM) and a control sample without antioxidant and stored at 4 °C for 7 days. The results demonstrated that, antioxidant-supplemented samples greater MO than control samples (P < 0.05). The viability remained >75% during storage in all groups. MMP was higher in 2.0 mM BHT compared to 1.0 mM and control (P < 0.05), in addition, this concentration reduced O₂⁻ level (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sperm: extender dilution 1:3 and adding of 2.0 mM BHT in sperm storage extender may enhance protection sperm function in Oncorhynchus kisutch against effects harmful of the oxidative stress during the in vitro storage.     

Ameliorative effects of Anchomanes difformis aqueous extract against oxidative stress in the testes and epididymis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats

Hyperglycemia is a central trait of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is linked to an increase in free radical generation and oxidative stress in the testes, resulting in testicular tissue damage and male infertility. Synthetic medicines are commonly used to manage diabetes; however, they are costly and associated with adverse effects. As a result, the search for a safer and affordable alternative from medicinal plants that contain antioxidants has become imperative to scavenge free radicals caused by hyperglycaemia, thereby alleviating male reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, the present aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of Anchomanes difformis aqueous extract against oxidative stress in the testes and epididymis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. A total of 64 male Wistar rats (eight weeks old) weighing 180 ± 10 mg/kg were divided into seven groups at random. Type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and a 10% fructose injection intraperitoneally using 40 mg/kg body weight rats. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, and ferric reducing antioxidant (FRAP) as well as 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) values were used to establish the testicular oxidative status. It was found that A. difformis extract significantly (p < 0.05) lowered MDA levels in diabetic rats. Both CAT and SOD activity were significantly (p < 0.05) lower following induction of DM and increased (p < 0.05) after treating with A. difformis. The findings of this study show that A. difformis extract could be a promising source of lead compounds for the development of a therapeutic agent to treat male infertility caused by DM complications.     

Carvacrol improves pulmonary function tests,oxidant/antioxidant parameters and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients: A randomized,double-blind,clinical trial

BackgroundCarvacrol effects on inflammatory mediators, lung pathology and tracheal responsiveness were indicated in animal models of pulmonary diseases.PurposeTo evaluate carvacrol effects on respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), oxidative stress markers and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients.Study DesignThis study was a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind, clinical trial.MethodsThirty-three moderate asthmatic patients were divided to the two groups of: placebo group (n = 16) and carvacrol group (1.2 mg/kg/day, n = 17). Prepared capsules were taken for two months along, 3 times/day along with routine medications. Respiratory symptoms, PFT, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated before the treatment (step 0), and one (step I) and two months (step II) after the beginning of the treatment. However, cytokine levels in serum and supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and their gene expression were evaluated in step 0 and II.ResultsIn carvacrol-treated group, respiratory symptoms significantly decreased after one- and two-month treatment with carvacrol compared to pre-treatment values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Compared to step 0, PFT values were significantly increased in step I and II, in treated group with carvacrol (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Most oxidative stress markers were improved following carvacrol treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Treatment with carvacrol for two‐month also significantly improved cytokine levels in serum and supernatant of PBMC, compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in the above-noted parameters in the placebo group.ConclusionDue to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, carvacrol could be suggested as a therapeutic agent for asthma.     

Viscum album prevents haematological changes,electrolyte imbalance,changes in liver function enzymes and histological alterations in some selected tissues in cadmium chloride-intoxicated rats

BackgroundThe use of Viscum album to treat different diseases is popular in the practise of alternative medicine. We investigated the ability of the aqueous extract of V. album to protect against the toxic effects of cadmium.MethodsThirty rats used for the experiment were treated as follows; Group 1 – no cadmium or extract. Group 2–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride. Group 3–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of V. album. Group 4–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of V. album. Group 5–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride with 800 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of V. album. Group 6–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride and atorvastatin (100 mg/kg body weight).ResultsApart from WBC and platelets, other haematological parameters and electrolytes, urea and creatinine levels were not significantly affected by the administration of cadmium chloride along with the aqueous extract of V. album. Treatment with the extract caused significant decreases in the hepatosomatic index, cardiosomatic index, and increase in renosomatic index of the test rats. It also resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in AST level. Histological report also shows that treatment with the extract restored the normal myocardium and vascular architecture of the heart, normal portal and vascular architecture of the liver and normal glomerular and tubular architecture of the kidney, in the cadmium-intoxicated experimental rats.ConclusionV. album protects against the toxic effects of cadmium chloride.     

Glycine nano-selenium prevents brain oxidative stress and neurobehavioral abnormalities caused by MPTP in rats

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system in the elderly. In recent years, the results of clinical and experimental studies have shown that oxidative stress is one of the important pathogenesis of PD. Selenium is one of the minor elements reported to possess antioxidant properties. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the recovery effect of glycine nano-selenium on neurobehavioral abnormalities and oxidative stress caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in rat.Materials and methodsSD male rats weighing 280−310 g were purchased from the Chengdu Dossy Experimental Animals Company, China. All rats were housed in a temperature-controlled room, with a 12 h light–dark cycles and had free access to food and water ad libitum. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 8 animals in each group: the control group (normal saline), 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine group (MPTP), MPTP + 0.05 mg/kg glycine nano-selenium (MPTP + 0.05 Se), MPTP + 0.1 mg/kg glycine nano-selenium (MPTP + 0.1 Se). Behavioral assessment, clinical symptoms, Immunohistochemistry analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and antioxidant activity were accessed to determine the protective effects glycine nano-selenium have on PD rats.ResultsFrom the results, Rats showed a decrease in spontaneous motor behavior and an increase in pole test score. Also, the number of TH⁺ neurons were also significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after treated with MPTP for 7 days indicating that MPTP could successfully induce neurobehavioral abnormalities in rats. Furthermore, the lipid peroxide (MDA) levels of the PD model group were significantly increased and the antioxidant activities (SOD and GSH-PX) were significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) compared to the control group indicating the important role oxidative stress played in dopaminergic neuron death and neurobehavioral abnormalities in PD rats. Compared with the PD model group, glycine nano-selenium administration could significantly improve behavior and increase the number of TH⁺ neurons (P < 0.05) to protect against the loss of dopaminergic neurons. At the same time, glycine nano-selenium could decrease the MDA levels and increase the activities of SOD and GSH-PX significantly (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, PD rat model was successfully developed by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP and the intragastric administration of glycine nano-selenium reduced neurobehavioral abnormalities by decreasing oxidative stress in rat brain.     

Citrus bioactive compounds improve bone quality and plasma antioxidant activity in orchidectomized rats

BackgroundsWe reported that citrus consumption improves bone quality in orchidectomized male rats. In the present study, effects of feeding citrus bioactive compounds and crude extract on bone quality in orchidectomized rats were evaluated.MethodsSeventy 90-days-old male rats were randomly assigned to five groups for 60 days of feeding study. The treatment groups were SHAM-control, orchidectomy (ORX), ORX+crude extract, ORX+limonin, and ORX+naringin. At termination, animals were euthanized, blood was collected for the plasma antioxidant status. Bone resorption and bone formation markers in the blood and urine were evaluated. Bone quality in the femur and the 5th lumbar and the total calcium concentration in the bones and excreta were evaluated.ResultsOrchidectomy lowered (p<0.05) plasma antioxidant capacity, bone quality, and bone calcium; elevated (p<0.05) TRAP, deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and calcium excretion; and did not change the plasma IGF-I in comparison to the SHAM group. The citrus crude extract or the purified bioactive compounds increased (p<0.05) the plasma antioxidant status, plasma IGF-I, and bone density, preserved (p<0.05) the concentration of calcium in the femur and in the 5th lumbar, and numerically improved bone strength. The crude extract and the bioactive compounds decreased (p<0.05) fecal excretion of calcium, numerically lowered the urinary excretion of calcium, and suppressed (p<0.05) the plasma TRAP activity without affecting (p>0.1) urinary excretion of DPD in comparison to the ORX group.ConclusionsPotential benefit of the citrus crude extract and its bioactive compounds on bone quality appears to preserve bone calcium concentration and increase antioxidant status.     

Pancreatic α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity of polyphenolic compounds present in the extract of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) extract on the activity of porcine pancreatic α-amylase and lipase. An in vitro study demonstrated that three kinds of chokeberry extracts: methanolic, water and acetic caused inhibition of α-amylase and lipase. The methanolic and acetic extracts exhibited the highest inhibitory activities against α-amylase with the IC₅₀ values of 10.31 ± 0.04 mg/ml and pancreatic lipase 83.45 ± 0.50 mg/ml, respectively. In order to identify the compounds which may be the potential inhibitors of α-amylase and lipase, chokeberry extract was analyzed by preparative reverse phase chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). These studies have shown that both anthocyanins and phenolic acids are compounds which inhibit the ability of the reaction catalyzed by α-amylase and lipase. The most effective inhibitor of pancreatic α-amylase was chlorogenic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.57 ± 0.16 mg/ml). In the group of anthocyanins the most potent inhibitor of α-amylase was cyanidin-3-glucoside (IC₅₀ = 1.74 ± 0.04 mg/ml), which also showed an ability to inhibit the reaction catalyzed by pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 1.17 ± 0.05 mg/ml). These findings seem to indicate the use of chokeberry as a functional food component, contributing to its anti-obesity activities.     

Ethyl acetate fraction of Cissus quadrangularis stem ameliorates hyperglycaemia-mediated oxidative stress and suppresses inflammatory response in nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats

BackgroundCissus quadrangularis is a plant with great medicinal value and different parts of the plant is traditionally used for the treatment of skin infections, constipation, piles, anaemia, asthma, irregular menstruation, burns and wounds. The stems and leaves of Cissus quadrangularis has been traditionally consumed as a vegetable.ObjectiveThe current study was hypothesized to investigate the beneficial effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Cissus quadrangularis stem (CQSF) on hyperglycaemia-mediated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus.Materials and methodsExperimental diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 110 mg/kg body weight nicotinamide 15 min prior to the injection of 45 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were administered with a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg CQSF for 60 days after diabetes induction.ResultsDiabetic control rats showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in blood glucose, HbA1c, liver toxicity markers, inflammatory markers and lipid peroxidation products and reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-κB in adipose tissue were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in diabetic group. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit level was greater in diabetic rats. CQSF administration significantly reversed these alterations. Histopathological alterations of liver and pancreas were also restored by CQSF treatment. The results were compared with the standard oral hypoglycaemic drug metformin. In addition, the ESI-MS and GC-MS analysis of CQSF confirmed the presence of quercetin and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- respectively.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that CQSF exerts antidiabetic activity by potentiating the antioxidant defense system and suppressing inflammatory responses.     

Protective role of Punica granatum L. peel extract against oxidative damage in experimental diabetic rats

Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) peels extract had the highest free radical scavenging capacity among the tested medicinal plants which are being used traditionally for treatment of diabetes in Jordan. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of P. granatum peel methanolic extract against oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The antioxidant activity of P. granatum peel extract was investigated by examining the level of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR), the serum total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in the tissues of treated diabetic rates comparing with normal and untreated diabetic ones. The results revealed that intraperitoneal administration of 10 and 20 mg kg⁻¹ (body weight) of P. granatum peel extract for 4 weeks significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in liver, kidney and RBC of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The extract also caused a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxide's marker, in diabetic rat tissues and elevated the total serum antioxidant capacity in dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study clearly showed that P. granatum peel extract has protective role against the oxidative damage in STZ-induced diabetic rats.     

Experimental glaucoma triggers a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory state in the rat cornea

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that glaucoma affects the ocular surface. We aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying the glaucoma-associated corneal alterations in an animal model.MethodsWistar rats underwent the cauterization of two episcleral veins of the left eye to elevate the intraocular pressure (ipsilateral, G-IL). Control animals received a sham procedure (C-IL). Contralateral eyes did not receive any procedure (G-CL or C-CL). Enzymes related to the redox status, oxidative damage to macromolecules, and inflammatory markers were assessed in corneal lysates.ResultsCompared to C-IL, NOX4, NOX2, and iNOS expression was increased in G-IL (68%, p < 0.01; 247%, p < 0.01; and 200%, p < 0.001, respectively). We found an increase in SOD activity in G-IL (60%, p < 0.05). The GSH/GSSG ratio decreased in G-IL (80%, p < 0.05), with a decrease in GR activity (40%, p < 0.05). G-IL displayed oxidative (90%, p < 0.01) and nitrosative (40%, p < 0.05) protein damage, and enhanced lipid peroxidation (100%, p < 0.01). G-IL group showed an increased in CD45, CD68 and F4/80 expression (50%, p < 0.05; 190%, p < 0.001 and 110%, p < 0.05, respectively). G-CL displayed a higher expression of Nrf2 (60%, p < 0.001) and increased activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx (60%, p < 0.05; 90%, p < 0.01; and 50%, p < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionsGlaucoma induces a redox imbalance in the ipsilateral cornea with an adaptive response of the contralateral one.General significanceOur study provides a possible mechanism involving oxidative stress and inflammation that explains the corneal alterations observed in glaucoma. We demonstrate that these changes extend not only to the ipsilateral but also to the contralateral cornea.     

Lipid peroxidation reduction and hippocampal and cortical neurons protection against ischemic damage in animal model using Stellaria media

This study was aimed to determine the neuroprotective influence of Stellaria media in terms of restoring normal state of the rat’s hippocampus and cortex after oxidative insult caused by in vitro ischemia and reperfusion. Cell viability and membrane integrity were assessed using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, respectively. Ischemic insult was introduced in the rat brain’s hippocampal and cortical slivers by exposing oxygen and glucose deficiency (OGD) for 2 h, followed by 1 h of re-perfusion. Cellular oxidative stress levels were quantified by incorporating 2?,7?-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probes. Additionally, the lipid peroxidation was assessed using TBARS assay. Findings revealed significant neuroprotection against OGD-induced mitochondrial impairment at 40 µg/mL of S. media in rat’s hippocampal and cortical slices. The LDH levels were decreased significantly (P < 0.001) during pre-incubation and reoxygenation periods using varied concentrations of S. media extract. Cellular oxidative stress levels results showed significant (P < 0.001) reduction in dichlorofluorescein fluorescence in slices homogenate of hippocampus and cortex using S. media extract. The lipid peroxidation assay results showed decreased (P < 0.01) levels of malondialdehyde in liver tissues of treated rats treated (200 mg/kg body weight) when compared to the ischemic animal. In summary, findings clearly indicated the neuroprotective effects of extract against in vitro ischemia in brain hippocampal and cortex slivers. S. media could undoubtedly be utilized as a healing agent in preventing neuronal cells’ loss during is chemic-reperfusion process.     

Exposure of Agaricus bisporus to Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum leads to growth inhibition and induction of an oxidative stress response

Green mould disease of mushroom, Agaricus bisporus,is caused by Trichodermaspecies and can result in substantial crop losses.Label free proteomic analysis of changes in the abundance of A. bisporusproteins following exposure to T. aggressivumsupernatantin vitroindicated increased abundance of proteins associated with an oxidative stress response (zinc ion binding (+6.6 fold); peroxidase activity (5.3-fold); carboxylic ester hydrolase (+2.4 fold); dipeptidase (+3.2 fold); [2Fe-2S] cluster assembly (+3.3 fold)). Proteins that decreased in relative abundance were associated with growth: structural constituent of ribosome, translation (-12 fold), deadenylation-dependent decapping of nuclear-transcribed mRNA (-3.4 fold), and small GTPase mediated signal transduction (-2.6 fold). In vivoanalysis revealed that 10^-4 T. aggressivuminoculum decreased the mushroom yield by 29% to 56% and 10^-3 T. aggressivuminoculum decreased the mushroom yield by 68% to 100%. Proteins that increased in abundance in A. bisporusin vivofollowing exposure to T. aggressivumindicated an oxidative stress response and included proteins with pyruvate kinase activity (+2.6 fold) and hydrolase activity (+2.1 fold)). The results indicate that exposure of A. bisporusmycelium to T. aggressivum in vitroand in vivoresulted in an oxidative stress response and reduction in growth.     

Oxidative stress evaluation in patients with chronic Chagas disease

IntroductionChagas disease (CD), caused by protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The parasite clearance by the immune cells is accomplished by the activation of inflammation and production of reactive oxygen species, including nitric oxide (NO) that can lead to tissue injury and DNA damage. On the other hand, to balance the oxidative environment and decrease free radicals, there is an antioxidant system composed of enzymes and vitamins. The aim was to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Chagas disease.MethodsParticipants were divided into three groups: indeterminate CD (asymptomatic, n = 8), CD with cardiac/digestive involvement (symptomatic, n = 14), and Control healthy individuals (n = 20). The following parameters were analyzed: DNA damage, NO serum levels, hydrophilic antioxidant capacity (HAC) and vitamin E.ResultsSymptomatic patients showed increased DNA damage and NO levels and lower HAC and vitamin E levels compared to asymptomatic patients and control subjects.ConclusionsIt is possible to conclude that CD patients with clinical symptoms have higher oxidative stress, characterized by increased DNA damage and NO levels, and reduced antioxidant capacity and vitamin E levels.