Protective role of erdosteine on vancomycin-induced oxidative stress in rat liver

Drug-induced liver toxicity is a common cause of liver injury. This study was designed to elucidate whether high dose vancomycin (VCM) induces oxidative stress in liver and to investigate the protective effects of erdosteine, an expectorant agent. Twenty-two young Wistar rats were divided into three groups as follows: control group, VCM, and VCM plus erdosteine. VCM was administered intraperitoneally in the dosage of 200 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days. Erdosteine was administered orally administered once a day at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde, as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, were measured to evaluate oxidative stress in homogenates of the liver. VCM administration increased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) and catalase (p < 0.001) activities. Erdosteine co-administration with VCM injections caused significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) and catalase (p < 0.001) activities in liver tissue when compared with VCM alone. It can be concluded that erdosteine may prevent VCM-induced oxidative changes in liver by reducing reactive oxygen species.     

A Comparative Study of the Oxidative Profile in Graves’ Disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Papillary Thyroid Cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the oxidative profiles of three thyroid disorders: Graves’ disease (GD), Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Malondialdehyde levels (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were examined in the plasma of 52 patients (29 untreated HT, 16 untreated GD, and 7 PTC who underwent surgical therapy). Results were compared with those of 30 healthy controls and among the three groups of patients. The GD, HT, and PTC patients exhibited increased plasma MDA levels and SOD activities compared with the controls (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.05, and p?<?0.001, respectively). CAT activities significantly increased only for the PTC and HT patients (p?<?0.001 and p?<?0.05, respectively), whereas GPx activities significantly decreased only in the GD and PTC (p?<?0.05 and p?<?0.01, respectively). The comparison among the three groups of patients has shown increased MDA level and SOD activity for the PTC patients as compared to the GD patients (p?<?0.01 and p?<?0.001, respectively). Compared with HT, PTC patients exhibited significant higher MDA level, SOD, and CAT activities and a significant lower GPx activity (p?<?0.01, p?<?0.001, p?<?0.05, and p?<?0.05, respectively). No significant discrepancies were noted between the GD and HT patients. Our results have clearly shown an oxidative profile that is highly disturbed for the PTC patients as compared to those of autoimmune disorders. Future studies are needed to determine whether or not the oxidative stress has a prognostic value in this pathology.     

Stimulation and inhibition effects of algae-lytic products from Bacillus cereus strain L7 on Anabaena flos-aquae

Alga-bacterium relationships between a Bacillus cereus strain L7 and Anabaena flos-aquae were studied based on the effects of the algicidal substances on algal growth indicators such as enzyme activity and membrane lipid peroxidation. When exposed to algae-lytic products at a concentration of 0.05?mg?mL^?1, chlorophyll a (Chla), protein and phycobiliprotein contents increased significantly (p?<?0.05); superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations increased slightly to stimulate the algae growth. When exposed to algae-lytic products at a concentration of 0.5?mg?mL^?1, algae growth and composition were inhibited. Chla, protein and phycobiliprotein concentrations decreased significantly (p?<?0.05 for protein, p?<?0.01 for Chla and phycobiliprotein). MDA concentrations increased significantly (p?<?0.05). POD and CAT activities increased by approximately six and three times, respectively, in 24?h compared with the control, then decreased to the initial level in 4?days. Algae-lytic products have not only inhibition but also stimulation effects on A. flos-aquae. Such effects are associated with antioxidative/oxidative reactions as indicated by the biomarkers SOD, POD, CAT, and MDA.     

Thiamine deficiency induces oxidative stress in brain mitochondria of Mus musculus

The present investigation evaluates the changes in the levels of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and protein carbonyl content (PCC) in brain mitochondria following thiamine deficiency (TD). The study was carried out on Mus musculus allocated into three groups, namely control and thiamine-deficient group for 8 (TD 8) and 10 (TD 10) days. The LPO was measured in terms of reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured biochemically. A significant increase in the TBARS (p?<?0.0001) and PCC (p?<?0.001) levels in group II (TD 8) and group III (TD 10) animals was observed in comparison to controls. The GSH levels were found to be reduced in both the treated groups compared to the control. A significant reduction in the activities of SOD was also observed in group II (p?<?0.01) and group III (p?<?0.0001) animals in comparison to the control. Enzymatic activities of CAT (p?<?0.001) and GPx (p?<?0.05) were found to be significantly reduced in group III (TD 10) in comparison to the control. In conclusion, reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes as well as an increase in LPO and PCC following TD implies oxidative stress in brain mitochondria that may further leads to neurodegeneration.     

Effect of iron supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in iron-deficiency anemia

This study was designed to measure the effect of iron supplementation on antioxidant status in iron-deficient anemia, including the time for hemoglobin normalization and at the time of filling of iron body stores. The extent of plasma lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in 63 patients with iron-deficiency anemia before and after 6 wk of iron supplementation and at the time when body iron stores are saturated. After 6 wk of iron supplementation, a significant decrease of oxidative stress was observed in the treated subjects relative to controls (p<0.05). No significant differences existed between treated patients at 6 wk and at the end of the study. The erythrocyte levels of catalase, SOD, and GSH-Px were significantly lower in treated patients relative to controls (p<0.05). These levels increased after 6 wk of supplementation (p<0.05) and showed no significant differences with those at the end of the study.     

Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Different Clinical Phenotypes of Neuroinflammatory Acute Attacks. Conceptual Accession: From Fundamental to Clinic

Oxidative stress is revealed as the main contributor in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation. Analyzing plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with different clinical phenotypes of neuroinflammation, defined as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and those defined as relapsing remitting multiples sclerosis (RRMS), we tested peripheral and CNS oxidative stress intensity in these neuroinflammatory acute attacks. All obtained values changes were assessed regarding clinical and radiological features of CNS inflammation. The obtained results revealed an increase in malondialdehyde levels in plasma and CSF in CIS and RRMS patients compared to control values (p < 0.05). The obtained values were most prevailed in both study group, CIS and RRMS, in patients with severe clinical presentation (p < 0.05). Measured activities of catalase and total superoxide dismutase were higher in CIS and RRMS patients in plasma compared to control values (p < 0.05), parallel with an increased catalase activity and decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in CSF regarding values obtained in control group (p < 0.05). The positive correlations regarding clinical score were obtained for all tested biomarkers (p < 0.01). Although the positive correlations were observed in MDA levels in plasma and CSF, for both study patients, and their radiological findings (p < 0.01), and a negative correlation in plasma SOD activity and CIS patients’ radiological findings (p < 0.01), no other similar correlations were obtained. These findings might be useful in providing the earliest antioxidative treatment in neuroinflammation aimed to preserve total and CNS antioxidative capacity parallel with delaying irreversible, later neurological disabilities.     

Skeletal muscle post-conditioning by diazoxide, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms

Pretreatment with diazoxide, K_ATP channel opener, increases tissue tolerance against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. In clinical settings pretreatment is rarely an option therefore we evaluated the effect of post-ischemic treatment with diazoxide on skeletal muscle IR injury. Rats were treated with either saline, diazoxide (K_ATP opener; 40?mg/kg) or 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD; mitochondrial K_ATP inhibitor; 40?mg/kg) after skeletal muscle ischemia (3?h) and reperfusion (6, 24 or 48?h). Tissue contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression and muscle histology were determined. Apoptosis was examined (24 and 48?h) after ischemia. IR induced severe histological damage, increased MDA content and Bax expression (24 and 48?h; p?<?0.01) and decreased CAT and SOD activities (6 and 24?h, p?<?0.01 and 48?h, p?<?0.05), with no significant effect on Bcl-2 expression. Diazoxide reversed IR effects on MDA (6 and 24?h; p?<?0.05), SOD (6 and 24?h; p?<?0.01) and CAT (6 and 48?h, p?<?0.05 and 24?h p?<?0.01) and tissue damage. Diazoxide also decreased Bax (24 and 48?h; p?<?0.05) and increased Bcl-2 protein expression (24 and 48?h; p?<?0.01). Post-ischemic treatment with 5-HD had no significant effect on IR injury. Number of apoptotic nuclei in IR and 5-HD treated groups significantly increased (p?<?0.001) while diazoxide decreased apoptosis (p?<?0.01). The results suggested that post-ischemic treatment with diazoxide decrease oxidative stress in acute phase which modulates expression of apoptotic proteins in the late phase of reperfusion injury. Involvement of KATP channels in this effect require further evaluations.     

Trace element concentrations and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in benign and malignant larynx tumors

The plasma and erythrocyte levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium and the activities of red-cell copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in patients with benign and malignant tumors of the larynx. Blood samples from patients and healthy controls were drawn using heparinized tubes. The erythrocyte Cu/Zn-SOD and CAT activities were determined spectrophotometrically and the zinc, copper, and magnesium concentrations were determined in erythrocyte and plasma by atomic absorption spectrometry. Variance analysis was employed in the statistical evaluation of the findings. There was a significant increase in red-cell Cu/Zn-SOD activity in the subjects with malignant and benign tumors compared to controls (p<0.001). The CAT activity increased only in the benign tumor group (p<0.01). The plasma zinc concentrations were significantly lower in the malignant tumor group (p<0.05) and significantly higher in the benign tumor group (p<0.01). The erythrocyte copper concentrations were significantly lower in both benign and malignant tumor groups (p<0.001). The plasma copper and magnesium and the erythrocyte magnesium concentrations did not show significant differences relative to controls (p>0.05). The increases in the activities of SOD and CAT activities and the changes in trace elements concentrations can indicate the presence of increased reactive oxygen species that might play a part in the pathogenesis larynx tumors. Presented at the IX Asian-Pacific Congress of Clinical Biochemistry, March 9–14, 2002, New Delhi, India.     

Responses in the physiology and biochemistry of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) under supplementary UV-B radiation

The effect of supplementary UV-B radiation on Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc) was investigated. Compared with the control, the T1, T2, and T3 UV-B treatments increased by 1.40, 2.81, and 4.22 kJ m^?2 d^?1, respectively. Gas-exchange parameters, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, contents of secondary metabolites, epicuticular wax, free radical, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were determined after 40 d of exposure. The concentrations of chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, total Chl, carotenoid (Car), and the ratio Chl a/b in the pine needles were in the following order: T1 > T2 > T3. Compared with the control, the contents of flavonoids and epicuticular wax significantly decreased in all levels of supplementary UV-B radiations (p<0.05). Moreover, the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and MDA significantly increased with the enhanced UV-B radiations (p<0.05). Korean pine can increase the catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities to prevent oxidative stress by supplementary UV-B radiation. However, its defence mechanism is not efficient enough to prevent UV-Binduced damage.     

Effects of Zinc on Interleukins and Antioxidant Enzyme Values in Psoriasis-Induced Mice

The effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂), disodium zinc ethylenediamine tetraacetate (Zn-EDTA), and zinc gluconate (Zn-GLU) on the antioxidant enzyme activities and levels of interleukins (ILs) in psoriasis-induced mice were studied. One hundred twenty female mice were randomly divided into six groups with 20 mice in each group: the control, positive control (PC), methotrexate (MTX), ZnCl₂, Zn-EDTA, and Zn-GLU groups. All animals except the control group were given diethylstilbestrol for three consecutive days. After successfully inducing psoriasis, the control and PC groups were given normal saline (i.g.) daily while the remaining groups were given MTX, ZnCl₂, Zn-EDTA, and Zn-GLU, respectively. The results revealed that the zinc supplementation could significantly (p?<?0.05) inhibit mitosis in the mouse vaginal epithelium as methotrexate did and the inhibiting efficacy had nothing to do with the zinc forms. After ZnCl₂, Zn-EDTA, and Zn-GLU supplementation, the levels of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities increased and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (p?<?0.05) compared to the PC group. The levels of SOD, CAT activity, and MDA level between each zinc supplementation group and MTX group were insignificant (p?>?0.05). The zinc treatments also caused a significant (p?<?0.05) decrease in the raised IL-2 level of animal serum. The results obtained in the present work indicate the potential for zinc as a complementary pharmaceutical intervention for the treatment of topical psoriasis.     

The evaluation of protective and mitigating effects of vitamin C against side effects induced by radioiodine therapy

The goal of this study was to evaluate the protective and mitigative effect of vitamin C on oxidative stress in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients ablated with radioiodine. 58 DTC patients selected for radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) with 5550 MBq ¹³¹Iodine were divided into four groups. Group 1 (control group) consisted of patients who underwent RAIT routinely. Other patients received 1500 mg vitamin C daily 2 days after (group 2), 2 days before to 2 days after (group 3) and 2 days before RAIT (group 4). Serum oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured immediately before and 2 days after RAIT. A significant increase in MDA after RAIT was observed in all groups (p?<?0.05). The concentrations of MDA were significantly higher in the control group compared to the intervention groups (p?<?0.05). A significant decrease in the control group (p?<?0.05) and increase in group 4 (p?<?0.05) were observed in GSH level after RAIT (p?<?0.05). Mean variation of GSH was significant between control group with groups 3 (p?<?0.01) and 4 (p?<?0.01). The results indicate that activity of SOD remained unchanged in all groups (p?>?0.05). A significant increase was observed in CAT activity after RAIT in all groups (p?<?0.05), which was higher in control group than intervention groups. In groups 3 (p?<?0.05) and 4 (p?<?0.05), this increase in CAT activity was significantly lower than the control group. RAIT causes serum oxidative stress, which can be ameliorated using vitamin C as an antioxidant. These results indicate that radioprotective effect of vitamin C is preferable to its mitigative effect.     

Induction of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic cycle in vitro causes oxidative stress in lymphoblastoid B cell lines

Here, we investigated the effect of induction of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral lytic cycle on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in three lymphoblastoid cell lines: B95-8, Raji, and LCL C1. The induction of the EBV lytic cycle was done by a non-stressing dose of 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (8 nM). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde as a parameter of lipid peroxidation, the levels of glutathione, and the activities of three antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase). After 48 h (peak of lytic cycle), a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity was observed in B95-8, Raji, and LCL C1 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, in B95-8 cells also a significant decrease of catalase activity was detected (P < 0.05). The glutathione peroxidase activity and the glutathione level were not significantly modified by the induction in any of the cell lines. We found a significant rise in malondialdehyde levels in B95-8, Raji, and LCL C1 cells after the induction of the lytic cycle compared to controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, induction of EBV lytic cycle in lymphoblastoid cells causes increased oxidative stress in the host cells within 48 h, a process that could be involved in malignant transformations.     

Assessment of paraquat genotoxicity on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings using molecular and biochemical parameters

The effects of exposure of barley seedlings to different concentration (10^?6 to 10^?3 mol/l) of paraquat on seed germination, root length, antioxidant enzyme activities and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles were investigated. The results revealed that malondialdehyde content significantly increased by exposing paraquat in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). A significant increase in peroxidase and catalase activities in seedlings was observed with increased concentration of paraquat, and then decreased when the value reached 10^?3 mol/l, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase gradually increased with increasing paraquat concentration. Germination and root elongation also decreased with the increase of paraquat concentration. On the other hand, alterations of DNA in barley seedlings were detected using RAPD technique. The changes occurring in RAPD profiles of seedlings following paraquat treatment included loss of bands found in DNA of control seedlings and appearance of new bands. The results of this study showed that paraquat induced DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner and the root cells of barley showed a defense against paraquat-induced oxidative stress by enhancing their antioxidant activities.     

Comparative Analysis of the Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) on Pulmonary Contusion Lung Oxidative Stress and Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Experimental Rat Model

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in the lungs by biochemical and histopathological analyses in an experimental isolated lung contusion model. Eighty-one male Sprague–Dawley rats were used. The animals were divided randomly into four groups: group 1 (n?=?9) was defined as without contusion and without CAPE injection. Group 2 (n?=?9) was defined as CAPE 10 μmol/kg injection without lung contusion. Group 3 (n?=?36) was defined as contusion without CAPE-administrated group which consisted of four subgroups that were created according to analysis between days?0, 1, 2, and 3. Group 4 (n?=?27) was defined as CAPE 10 μmol/kg administrated after contusion group divided into three subgroups according to analysis on days?1, 2, and 3. CAPE 10 μmol/kg was injected intraperitoneally 30 min after trauma and on days?1 and 2. Blood samples were obtained to measure catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and for blood gas analysis. Trace elements such as zinc and copper were measured in serum. The lung tissue was also removed for histopathological examination. Isolated lung contusion increased serum and tissue SOD and CAT activities and MDA levels (p?<?0.05). Both serum and tissue SOD, MDA, and CAT levels on day?3 were lower in group 4 compared to group 3 (p?<?0.05). Further, the levels of SOD, MDA, and CAT in group 4 were similar compared to group 1 (p?>?0.05). CAPE also had a significant beneficial effect on blood gases (p?<?0.05). Both serum zinc and copper levels were (p?<?0.05) influenced by the administration of CAPE. Histopathological examination revealed lower scores in group 4 compared to group 3 (p?<?0.05) and no significant differences compared to group 1 (p?>?0.05). CAPE appears to be effective in protecting against severe oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by pulmonary contusion in an experimental setting. Therefore, we conclude that administration of CAPE may be used for a variety of conditions associated with pulmonary contusion. Clinical use of CAPE may have the advantage of prevention of pulmonary contusion.     

Lophirones B and C Attenuate Acetaminophen‐Induced Liver Damage in Mice: Studies on Hepatic,Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers

Lophirones B and C are chalcone dimers with proven chemopreventive activity. This study evaluates the hepatoprotective effect lophirones B and C in acetaminophen‐induced hepatic damage in mice using biomarkers of hepatocellular indices, oxidative stress, proinflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation. Oral administrations of lophirones B and C significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated acetaminophen‐mediated alterations in serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin and total bilirubin. Similarly, acetaminophen‐mediated decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6‐ phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly attenuated in the liver of mice. Increased levels of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and fragmented DNA were significantly lowered by lophirones B and C. Levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 and 8 were significantly lowered in serum of acetaminophen treated mice by the chalcone dimers. Overall, results of this study show that lophirones B and C halted acetaminophen‐mediated hepatotoxicity.     

Oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis patients: relationship to diseases activity

The aim of this study was to assess the oxidative stress status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by measuring markers of free radical production, systemic activity of disease, and levels of antioxidant. 52 RA patients and 30 healthy controls were included in the study, and clinical examination and investigations were performed and disease activity was assessed. Peripheral blood samples were used for all the assays. We assessed the markers of oxidative stress, including plasma levels of index of lipid peroxidation-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide anion radical (O₂ ^?), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT) and glutathione levels in erythrocytes. In the RA group, levels of H₂O₂, O₂ ^?, and TBARS were significantly higher than in controls (4.08 ± 0.31 vs. 2.39 ± 0.13 nmol/l, p < 0.01; 8.90 ± 1.28 vs. 3.04 ± 0.38 nmol/l, p < 0.01, 3.65 ± 0.55 vs. 1.06 ± 0.17 μmol/l, p < 0.01). RA patients had significantly increased SOD activity compared with healthy controls (2,918.24 ± 477.14 vs. 643.46 ± 200.63UgHbx103, p < 0.001). Patients had significantly higher levels of pro-oxidants (O₂ ^?, H₂O₂, and TBARS) compared to controls, despite significantly higher levels of SOD. Significant differences were also observed in serum levels of NO in patients with high-diseases activity. Our findings support an association between oxidative/nitrosative stress and RA. Stronger response in samples with higher diseases activity suggests that oxidative/nitrosative stress markers may be useful in evaluating the progression of RA as well as in elucidating the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.     

Effectiveness of Maifanite in Reducing the Detrimental Effects of Cadmium on Growth Performance, Cadmium Residue, Hematological Parameters, Serum Biochemistry, and the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of cadmium and to evaluate the effectiveness of maifanite in preventing cadmium-induced adverse effects. Thirty-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large white, sex balanced, 17.25?±?0.07 kg average body weight) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments in a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement, with eight replicates per treatment and one pig per replicate. The dietary treatments included two cadmium (as CdCl₂) doses (0.32 and 30.49 mg/kg) and two maifanite doses (0 and 1 %). The results showed that pigs treated with cadmium decreased their average daily feed intake (P?<?0.05) and increased (P?<?0.05) the feed/gain ratio. Cadmium was found in the tissues of pigs that were fed with cadmium-contaminated diets, but the level of cadmium was much lower when maifanite was added to the cadmium-contaminated diets. Ingestion of diets that were artificially contaminated with cadmium (30.49 mg/kg of cadmium) reduced (P?<?0.05) the number of lymphocytes, the total erythrocyte count, the hemoglobin level, and the hematocrit. However, the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase were increased (P?<?0.05). The total protein level was lower (P?<?0.05) in pigs fed with cadmium-contaminated diets. The contents of malondialdehyde increased (P?<?0.05), while the total antioxidant capacity and the activities of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase decreased (P?<?0.05) in pigs fed with cadmium-contaminated diets. Dietary addition of maifanite can, to some extent, prevent the negative effects associated with feeding cadmium diets (30.49 mg/kg of cadmium) to pigs.     

Catalase,carbonic anhydrase and xanthine oxidase activities in patients with mycosis fungoides

Abstract

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In several studies the relationship between catalase (CAT), human cytosolic carbonic anhydrases (CA; hCA-I and hCA-II) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme activities have been investigated in various types of cancers but carbonic anhydrase, catalase and xanthine oxidase activities in patients with MF have not been previously reported. Therefore, in this preliminary study we aim to investigate CAT, CA and XO activities in patients with MF. This study enrolled 32 patients with MF and 26 healthy controls. According to the results, CA and CAT activities were significantly lower in patients with mycosis fungoides than controls (p?<?0.001) (p?<?0.001). There was no significant difference in XO activity between patient and control group (p?=?0.601). Within these findings, we believe these enzyme activity levels might be a potentially important finding as an additional diagnostic biochemical tool for MF.     

Germination and ROS detoxification in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under NaCl stress and treatment with microalgae extracts

We evaluated the salt tolerance of hybrids of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) during germination. Treatments were applied at 0, 25, and 50 mM NaCl with preparations of supplemental extracts of the microalgae Dunaliella salina and Phaeodactylum tricornutum to determine the percentage germination rate as well as measured indicators of oxidative stress caused by the salt treatments during seed germination. We found that root growth was favorably influenced by the microalgae leading to increased germination rate. Tissues were analyzed in terms of superoxide radical production, lipid peroxidation, and activity of antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Our results suggest that application of microalgae extracts significantly reduced (p?<?0.05) superoxide radical production, as well as lower lipid peroxidation in comparison to plants without extracts of microalgae. The antioxidant enzymes increased in the presence of microalgae showing a significant difference (p?<?0.05). The results suggest differences in oxidative metabolism in response to the magnitude of salt stress and concentrations of microalgae help mitigate salt stress in plants during the germination process.     

Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in multiple sclerosis and the effect of hyperbaric oxygen

The activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, were not significantly different from normal whereas that of superoxide dismutase was decreased (P<0.05) in erythrocytes from patients with multiple sclerosis. Assay of the lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde, after incubation of erythrocytes with 10 mM H₂O₂ under carefully controlled conditions (peroxide stress test) demonstrated that MS erythrocytes are significantly (P<0.001) less susceptible to H₂O₂-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro. This finding suggests that the level of an endogenous antioxidant, possibly vitamin E, may be elevated in MS red cells. After treatment with hyperbaric O₂, the activity of MS erythrocyte catalase is significantly (P<0.01) elevated by 2–6-fold.