Rapid regulatory effect of tri-iodothyronine (T3) on antioxidant enzyme activities in a fish Anabas testudineus (Bloch): short-term in vivo and in vitro study

The short-term action of thyroid hormone tri-iodothyronine (T3) was studied in vivo and in vitro on antioxidant enzyme activities in a teleost Anabas testudineus (Bloch). T3 injection in vivo (200 ng) in normal fish decreased the lipid peroxidation products and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities after 30 min. T3 in vitro (10(-6) M) increased the antioxidant activities of catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), GPx and glutathione level after 15/30 min, except SOD, substantiating in vivo effects in normal fish. The results suggest a rapid regulatory effect of thyroid hormone in vivo and in vitro, in the removal of reactive oxygen species in A testudineus.     

Triiodothyronine and melatonin influence antioxidant defense mechanism in a teleost Anabas testudineus (Bloch): in vitro study

The effect of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and melatonin on antioxidant defense system was studied in 6-propyl thiouracil (6-PTU)-treated or photoperiod-exposed teleost Anabas testudineus. 6-PTU (2 microg/g) treatment or photoperiod exposure (24 h) increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) concentrations, indicating increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the experimental conditions. T3 or melatonin (10(-6) M) treatment for 15 min in vitro in PTU-treated fish reversed the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione content. T3-treated group showed no change in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, whereas melatonin treatment decreased its activity. T3 inhibited glutathione reductase (GR) activity. Photoperiod exposure (physiological pinealotomy) induced a stressful situation in this teleost, as evidenced by LPO products and antioxidant enzyme activities. Melatonin and T3 treatment for 15 min in vitro also reversed the effect of photoperiod on peroxidation products and the SOD and catalase activities. GR activity decreased in photoperiod-exposed group and melatonin and T3 treatment reversed the activities. The antioxidant enzymes responded to the stress situation after 6-PTU treatment and photoperiod exposure by altering their activities. The study suggested an independent effect of T3 and melatonin on antioxidant defence mechanism in different physiological situations in fish.     

Combined effects of 2,4-D and azinphosmethyl on antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in liver of Oreochromis niloticus

This study aims to investigate the effects of the herbicide 2,4-D and the insecticide azinphosmethyl on hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in tilapia. Fish were exposed to 27 ppm 2,4-D, 0.03 ppm azinphosmethyl and to a mixture of both for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Activities of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione-S-transferase (GST, EC 2.5.1.18) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver of Oreochromis niloticus exposed to 2,4-D and azinphosmethyl, both individually and in combination, were not affected by the pesticide exposures. However, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD, EC 1.1.1.49) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) activities in individual and combined treatments, increased significantly compared to controls. Furthermore, glutathione peroxidase (GPx, EC 1.11.1.9) activity increased in individual treatment, while the same enzyme activity decreased in combination. 2,4-D did not affect the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), but the activity of this enzyme in azinphosmethyl treatment decreased, while its activity increased in combination. Combined treatment of the pesticides exerted synergistic effects in the activity of SOD, while antagonistic effects were found in the activities of G6PD, GPx, GR. The results indicate that O. niloticus resisted oxidative stress by antioxidant mechanisms and prevented increases in lipid peroxidation.     

Tri-iodo thyronine regulates antioxidant enzyme activities in different cell fractions through a mechanism sensitive to actinomycin D in a teleost, Anabas testudineus (Bloch)

The present study evaluated the effects of hyperthyroid state on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in the crude (CF), post nuclear (PNF) and mitochondrial fractions (MF) of the fish liver. The in vivo injection of T3 (200ng) did not change the lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD), while actinomycin D (10microg), a potent mRNA inhibitor when administered with T3 increased them. The antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) had an increased activity in CF and MF of hyperthyroid group to compete the increased oxidative stress, but actinomycin D partially inhibited the T3-induced activity. SOD and CAT activities in PNF of hyperthyroid group had no change, the glutathione concentration varied depending on the GPx and GR activity. Hyperthyroidism decreased the protein content, while simultaneous administration of actinomycin D inhibited the T3 action of elevating the protein content. The results suggest that the antioxidant defense status in A. testudineus is modulated by thyroid hormone, through an action sensitive to actinomycin D.     

The Role of the Antioxidant Enzymes in Erythrocytes in the Development of Arterial Hypertension among Humans Exposed to Lead

The study population included employees of metal works, with significant exposure to lead (Pb) for about 20 years (mean blood lead level PbB = 43 μg/dl), divided into four groups: normotensive (Pb-normotensive), high-normotensive, first (HT-1), and second degree (HT-2) of hypertension. The control group comprised of 30 office workers with normal blood pressure and no history of occupational exposure to lead. In erythrocytes, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation (measured as concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA)) was estimated. MDA concentration, glutathione peroxide (GPx), and superoxide dimutase (SOD) activities were significantly higher in Pb-normotensive group when compared to the normotensive control. Body mass index, age, duration of exposure to lead, and PbB were higher in both hypertensive groups than in Pb-normotensive or high-normotensive groups. MDA increased in HT-1 group by 48% and in HT-2 by 72%, and the activity of GPx decreased significantly in HT-1 group, by 30% and in HT-2 by 43%. No significant differences were observed in their activity of SOD, catalase, and glutathione reductase in erythrocytes. Arterial blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), age, lead exposure duration, PbB, MDA, and negatively correlated with GPx. There was no significant correlation between BMI and MDA, BMI and GPx, age and MDA, AND age and GPx. In conclusion: (1) lead increases erythrocyte MDA concentration and the activity of GPx as well as SOD in normotensive subjects. (2) Among individuals exposed to lead, with arterial hypertension diagnosed, higher body mass index, age, values of blood lead level, and prolonged exposure to lead have been noticed, accompanied by intensified oxidative stress and the decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. The reasons for increase of blood pressure in lead exposure remain unrecognized.     

Is There a Correlation Between In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and In Vivo Effect of Carvacryl Acetate Against Oxidative Stress in Mice Hippocampus?

This study investigated in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of carvacryl acetate (CA), a derivative of carvacrol, monoterpenic component of oregano. The correlation between in vitro and in vivo CA effects was also determined. In vitro tests measured thiobarbituric acid reactive species content, nitrite formation and hydroxyl radical levels. In vivo tests measured thiobarbituric acid reactive species content, nitrite concentration and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were measured, using mice hippocampus. The CA administrations for in vivo tests were intraperitoneally and acutely improved. CA reduced lipid peroxidation, nitrite and hydroxyl radical contents in vitro as well as lipid peroxidation and nitrite content in vivo. It also increased reduced GSH levels and GPx as well as catalase activities. Moreover, CA required a lower concentration to inhibit 50 % of free radicals measured in vitro than trolox. There was significant negative correlation between in vitro nitrite levels and in vivo reduced GSH levels; in vitro nitrite content and in vivo GPx activity as well as in vitro hydroxyl radical levels and in vivo SOD activity. To date, this is the first study which suggests vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential to this monoterpene and the correlation between these parameters.     

Antioxidant Enzymatic System in Neuronal and Glial Cells Enriched Fractions of Rat Brain After Aluminum Exposure

The aim of this work was to investigate as to how neurons and glial cells separated from the brain cortex respond to oxidative stress induced by aluminum. Female SD rats were exposed to aluminum at the dose level of 100 mg/kg b.w. for 8 weeks. Neuronal and glial cell-enriched fractions were obtained from rat cerebral cortex by sieving the trypsinated homogenate through a series of nylon meshes, followed by centrifugation on ficoll density gradient. Total glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) along with antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase were estimated in neuronal and glial-enriched fractions in both control (N-c and G-c) and aluminum exposed animals (N-a and G-a). Secondary products of lipid peroxidation that is MDA levels were estimated by measuring the (TBARS) levels. Our results indicate that TBARS levels were significantly higher in glial cell fraction of unexposed controls (Gc) than the neuronal cells (Nc). Correspondingly the glial cells had higher levels of GSH, GSSG, GPx and GST where as neurons had higher levels of catalase, SOD and GR. Following aluminum exposures significant increase in the TBARS levels was observed in neurons as compared to glial cells which also showed a significant decrease in SOD and catalase activity. The decrease in the TBARS levels in the glial cells could be related to the increase in the GSH levels, GR activity, and GST activity which were found to be increased in glial enriched fractions following aluminum exposure. The increase in activity of various enzymes viz GR, GST in glial cells as compared to neurons suggests that glial cells are actively involved in glutathione homeostasis. Our conclusion is that glial and neurons isolated from rat cerebral cortex show a varied pattern of important antioxidant enzymes and glial cells are more capable of handling the oxidative stress conditions.     

The association between oxidative stress and obstructive lung impairment in patients with COPD

An oxidant/antioxidant imbalance is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesized that antioxidant capacity reflected by erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and serum levels of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), may be related to the severity of obstructive lung impairment in patients with COPD. Erythrocyte GPx, SOD and CAT activities, and serum levels of MDA were measured in 79 consecutive patients with stable COPD. Pulmonary functional tests were assessed by body plethysmography. Moderate COPD (FEV1 50-80%) was present in 23, and severe COPD (FEV1 < 50%) in 56 patients. Erythrocyte GPx activity was significantly lower, and serum MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with severe COPD compared to patients with moderate COPD (GPx: 43.1+/-1.5 vs. 47.7+/-2.9 U/gHb, p<0.05, MDA: 2.4+/-0.1 vs. 2.1+/-0.1 nmol/ml, p<0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant direct relationship between FEV1 and erythrocyte GPx activity (r = 0.234, p<0.05), and a significant inverse relationship between FEV1 and serum MDA levels (r = -0.239, p<0.05). However, no differences were observed in the erythrocyte SOD and CAT activities between the two groups of patients with different severity of COPD. Findings of the present study suggest that antioxidant capacity reflected by erythrocyte GPx activity and serum levels of the lipid peroxidation product MDA are linked to the severity of COPD.     

Tissue-specific oxidative stress responses in fish exposed to 2,4-D and azinphosmethyl

Species- and tissue-specific defenses against the possibility of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation were compared in adult fish, Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio, exposed to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), azinphosmethyl and their combination for 96 h. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activities were monitored in kidney, brain and gill. In all exposure groups there was a marked increase in SOD activity in gill tissues in both fish species, while it was at the control level in other tissues. The highest elevation of SOD activity by combined treatment was observed in C. carpio. Individual and combined treatments caused an elevation in catalase and GPx activities in kidney of C. carpio. Catalase activity was unaffected in brain of O. niloticus, while GPx activity was decreased after all treatments. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was higher than the control levels in kidney of both fish exposed to pesticides. No significant changes were observed in malondialdehyde level in kidney and brain of C. carpio. Our results indicate that the toxicities of azinphosmethyl and 2,4-D may be related to oxidative stress. Also, the results show that SOD activity in gill and GST activity in kidney may be used as biomarkers for pollution monitoring and indicate that the activities of certain biomarkers in C. carpio are more sensitive to pesticides than those in O. niloticus.     

Activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes in workers exposed to lead

The aim of this study was to estimate the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in erythrocytes in healthy male employees of zinc and lead steelworks who were occupationally exposed to lead over a long period of time (about 15 yr). Workers were divided into two subgroups: the first included employees with low exposure to lead (LL) (n=75) with blood lead level PbB=25–40 μg/dL and the second with high exposure to lead (HL) (n=62) with PbB over 40 μg/dL. Administration workers (n=35) with normal levels of PbB and zinc protoporphyrin in blood (ZPP) in blood were the control group. The activity of GPx significantly increased in LL when compared to the control group (p<0.001) and decreased when compared to the HL group (p=0.036). There were no significant changes in activity of GR in the study population. MDA erythrocyte concentration significantly increased in the HL group compared to the control (p=0.014) and to the LL group (p=0.024). For the people with low exposure to lead (PbB=25–40 μg/dL), the increase of activity of GPx by about 79% in erythrocytes prevented lipid peroxidation and it appears to be the adaptive mechanism against the toxic effect of lead. People with high exposure to lead (with PbB over 40 μg/dL) have shown an increase in MDA concentration in erythrocytes by about 91%, which seems to have resulted from reduced activity of GPx and the lack of increase in activity of GR in blood red cells.     

Chronic Exposure to Tributyltin Induces Brain Functional Damage in Juvenile Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Tributyltin (TBT) on brain function and neurotoxicity of freshwater teleost. The effects of long-term exposure to TBT on antioxidant related indices (MDA, malondialdehyde; SOD, superoxide dismutase; CAT, catalase; GR, glutathione reductase; GPx, glutathione peroxidase), Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and neurological parameters (AChE, acetylcholinesterase; MAO, monoamine oxidase; NO, nitric oxide) in the brain of common carp were evaluated. Fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of TBT (75 ng/L, 0.75 μg/L and 7.5 μg/L) for 15, 30, and 60 days. Based on the results, a low level and short-term TBT-induced stress could not induce the notable responses of the fish brain, but long-term exposure (more than 15 days) to TBT could lead to obvious physiological-biochemical responses (based on the measured parameters). The results also strongly indicated that neurotoxicity of TBT to fish. Thus, the measured physiological responses in fish brain could provide useful information to better understand the mechanisms of TBT-induced bio-toxicity.     

Biomarkers in Ruditapes decussatus: a potential bioindicator species.

The clam Ruditapes decussatus is distributed worldwide and due to its ecological and economical interest has been proposed as a bioindicator in areas where mussels are not available. The accumulation of several anthropogenic compounds in their tissues suggests that they possess mechanisms that allow them to cope with the toxic effects of these contaminants. Besides pollutant uptake, the use of biomarkers is pointed out in this paper since it is a promising approach to monitor the effect of these contaminants in the marine environment. Biomarkers complement the information of the direct chemical characterization of different types of contaminants. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the role of several biomarkers: (metallothioneins (MT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) (total and selenium-dependent), lipid peroxidation (measured as MDA, one of the final products of lipid peroxidation), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), measured in different tissues of the clam R. decussatus, in laboratory conditions and under various environmental stresses, in two ecosystems (Ria Formosa lagoon- Portugal) and Bizerta lagoon (Tunisia) in a perspective of a multibiomarker approach to assess environmental changes. Experiment and field studies are in good agreement since MT levels, especially in the gills, the first target tissue of these contaminants, can be used as biomarker of exposure to Cd. GPx and MDA may also be determined in this respect. AChE activity is inhibited by pesticide and, to a less extent, by metal exposure in the gills and whole soft body of clams. However, the induction of GST isoforms experimentally demonstrated is not observed in the field because only global GST activity was determined. The whole set of results opens new research perspectives for the use of this species to assess the effect of mixtures of pollutants in the aquatic environment.     

Seasonal changes in antioxidant defence system of liver and gills of Salmo trutta caspius, Salmo trutta labrax and Salmo trutta macrostigma

Seasonal changes in antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD, EC 1.15.1.1; catalase, CAT, EC 1.11.1.16; glutathione peroxidase, GPx, EC 1.11.1.9; glutathione reductase, GR, EC 1.6.4.2; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PD, EC 1.1.1.49 and glutathione S -transferase, GST, EC 1.5.1.18) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels of livers and gills of female Caspian trout Salmo trutta caspius , Black Sea trout Salmo trutta labrax and mountain trout Salmo trutta macrostigma were investigated. SOD, CAT, GPx, G6PD and GST activities were higher in liver compared to gills of all sub-species; concomitantly, the GR activity was also higher in the livers of S. t. caspius and S. t. labrax , but the reverse was seen in S. t. macrostigma . LPO levels were higher in the gills compared to the liver of all sub-species. There was no general trend in the seasonal changes in the gill antioxidant enzyme (AE) activities or LPO levels. Higher AE activities, however, were found in the liver of each sub-species during autumn, and this coincided with an increase in the gonado-somatic index.     

Age-dependent variations in mitochondrial and cytosolic antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in different regions of central nervous system of guinea pigs

The age-related changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes of mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions were measured in different regions of the central nervous system (CNS) in 10 and 32 months old guinea pigs. In old animals, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were reduced (p < 0.05) in all the regions of CNS studied but catalase (CAT) declined significantly only in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and cerebellum. Glutathione reductase (GRd) activity declined in cerebral cortex and hypothalamus in the cytosolic fractions and only in cerebellum in the mitochondrial fraction. It is concluded that age-related decline in the activities of antioxidant enzymes is both region and enzyme specific. The endogenous lipid peroxide was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 32 month old animals whereas, lipid peroxidation after incubating the tissue homogenate in air was found to be lower (p < 0.05). The in vitro mitochondrial lipid peroxidation decreased with age. The results indicate that accumulation of lipid peroxides takes place with ageing but the susceptibility of lipid peroxidation decreases in the older animals.     

Effects of cadmium exposure on lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant system in fourth-instar larvae of Propsilocerus akamusi (Diptera: Chironomidae) under laboratory conditions

Enzymatic antioxidants such as selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutases (SOD), as well as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA, an indicator of lipid peroxidation) were determined to identify which antioxidant enzymes participate in the efficient scavenging of ROS generated upon exposure to high doses of Cd2+ in fourth-instar Propsilocerus akamusi (Tokuna) (Diptera: Chironomidae) larvae after 72-h exposure. A significant increase in MDA levels and a change in GR and GPx activities in the Cd(2+)-treated P. akamusi were observed. The MDA in 25.0 and 50.0 mmol/liter treatments was significantly higher than that of the control dose after 72 h exposure. GPx activity was significantly induced by Cd2+ exposure only in the 50.0-mmol/liter treatment with a 0.59-fold increase in the control. All doses of Cd2+ significantly suppressed GR activity compared with the findings for the control dose, with an inhibited rate up to 0.55-fold in the 25.0 mmol/liter Cd2+ treatment. SOD and GST activities were not altered. The results indicate that Cd2+ can induce oxidative stress as indicated by the changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status. For P. akamusi, an increase in the dose that the threshold needed for defense (namely, MDA level and GPx activity) activation was achieved. From this, organisms can be hypothesized to enable cells to avoid oxidant stress up to a certain extent where damage is again measurable (higher Cd2+ concentration).     

Anti-oxidant defences and peroxidation in liver and brain of aged rats.

Old rats (28 months), when compared with young adults (9 months), did not show differences in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or selenium-dependent and -independent glutathione peroxidases (GPx), or in levels of GSH, GSSG, GSSG/GSH and endogenous peroxidation in liver and brain. Rates of stimulated peroxidation in vitro were decreased in the livers of old rats. Old animals showed decreased levels of hepatic catalase and glutathione reductase. Nevertheless, when enzyme activities were referred to cytochrome oxidase activity these decreases disappeared, and GPx and SOD (brain) were even increased in old rats.     

Biomarkers in Ruditapes decussatus: a potential bioindicator species

The clam Ruditapes decussatus is distributed worldwide and due to its ecological and economical interest has been proposed as a bioindicator in areas where mussels are not available. The accumulation of several anthropogenic compounds in their tissues suggests that they possess mechanisms that allow them to cope with the toxic effects of these contaminants. Besides pollutant uptake, the use of biomarkers is pointed out in this paper since it is a promising approach to monitor the effect of these contaminants in the marine environment. Biomarkers complement the information of the direct chemical characterization of different types of contaminants. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the role of several biomarkers: (metallothioneins (MT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) (total and selenium-dependent), lipid peroxidation (measured as MDA, one of the final products of lipid peroxidation), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), measured in different tissues of the clam R. decussatus, in laboratory conditions and under various environmental stresses, in two ecosystems (Ria Formosa lagoon- Portugal) and Bizerta lagoon (Tunisia) in a perspective of a multibiomarker approach to assess environmental changes. Experiment and field studies are in good agreement since MT levels, especially in the gills, the first target tissue of these contaminants, can be used as biomarker of exposure to Cd. GPx and MDA may also be determined in this respect. AChE activity is inhibited by pesticide and, to a less extent, by metal exposure in the gills and whole soft body of clams. However, the induction of GST isoforms experimentally demonstrated is not observed in the field because only global GST activity was determined. The whole set of results opens new research perspectives for the use of this species to assess the effect of mixtures of pollutants in the aquatic environment.     

Biomarkers in Ruditapes decussatus: a potential bioindicator species

The clam Ruditapes decussatus is distributed worldwide and due to its ecological and economical interest has been proposed as a bioindicator in areas where mussels are not available. The accumulation of several anthropogenic compounds in their tissues suggests that they possess mechanisms that allow them to cope with the toxic effects of these contaminants. Besides pollutant uptake, the use of biomarkers is pointed out in this paper since it is a promising approach to monitor the effect of these contaminants in the marine environment. Biomarkers complement the information of the direct chemical characterization of different types of contaminants. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the role of several biomarkers: (metallothioneins (MT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) (total and selenium-dependent), lipid peroxidation (measured as MDA, one of the final products of lipid peroxidation), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), measured in different tissues of the clam R. decussatus, in laboratory conditions and under various environmental stresses, in two ecosystems (Ria Formosa lagoon- Portugal) and Bizerta lagoon (Tunisia) in a perspective of a multibiomarker approach to assess environmental changes. Experiment and field studies are in good agreement since MT levels, especially in the gills, the first target tissue of these contaminants, can be used as biomarker of exposure to Cd. GPx and MDA may also be determined in this respect. AChE activity is inhibited by pesticide and, to a less extent, by metal exposure in the gills and whole soft body of clams. However, the induction of GST isoforms experimentally demonstrated is not observed in the field because only global GST activity was determined. The whole set of results opens new research perspectives for the use of this species to assess the effect of mixtures of pollutants in the aquatic environment.     

Effect of dibenzo[a,c]cyclooctene lignans isolated from Fructus schizandrae on lipid peroxidation and anti-oxidative enzyme activity.

The effect of nine dibenzo[a,c]cyclooctene lignans isolated from Fructus schizandrae on in vitro and in vivo lipid peroxidation of liver microsomes as well as on anti-oxidative enzyme activities were studied. Seven of the nine lignans (1 mM) were shown to inhibit Vit C/NADPH induced lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA) formation) of rat liver microsomes. Of these compounds, schisanhenol (Sal), S(-)schizandrin C (S(-)sin C) and S(-)schizandrin B (S(-)sin B) were shown to be more potent than Vit E at the same concentration. Sal and Sin B were able to inhibit gossypol-induced superoxide anion generation in rat liver microsomes. In addition, oral administration of Sal and Sin B markedly reduced liver MDA formation induced by ethanol, 15 ml/kg in mice, and increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in rat liver cytosol. The data of this paper are in favor of the conclusion that some lignans, like Sal, have strong anti-oxidant activity. The mechanisms of anti-oxidant activity of the lignans were discussed.     

Photooxidation and antioxidant responses in the earthworm Amynthas gracilis exposed to environmental levels of ultraviolet B radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation leads to photooxidation in various organisms. Our previous study demonstrated that ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation is lethal for particular species of earthworms, but the mechanisms responsible for the lethality are unclear. In our current study, we investigated that ultraviolet light causes photooxidative damage and reduces antioxidant responses in the earthworm Amynthas gracilis. Intact earthworms and skin/muscle tissue extracts were exposed to UV-B radiation for in vivo and in vitro studies. Both in vitro and in vivo results showed that the products of photooxidative damage, MDA and H₂O₂, increased after UV-B exposure. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase were inhibited immediately after exposure to high doses (3000 J/m²) of UV-B radiation in vivo. Catalase activity was increased following a low UV-B dose (500 J/m²) in vivo, but decreased in response to all dosage levels in vitro. These data indicate that a relationship exists between UV-B induced damage and photooxidation and also that catalase and GPx act as important antioxidants to prevent photooxidation. According to these data, A. gracilis exhibits high sensitivity to environmental levels of UV-B. Therefore, A. gracilis represents a sensitive and cost-effective model organism for investigations of UV-radiation damage and environmental UV stress.