Response of arsenic-induced oxidative stress,DNA damage,and metal imbalance to combined administration of DMSA and monoisoamyl-DMSA during chronic arsenic poisoning in rats

Arsenic and its compounds cause adverse health effects in humans. Current treatment employs administration of thiol chelators, such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane 1-sulfonate (DMPS), which facilitate its excretion from the body. However, these chelating agents are compromised by number of limitations due to their lipophobic nature, particularly in case of chronic poisoning. Combination therapy is a new approach to ensure enhanced removal of metal from the body, reduced doses of potentially toxic chelators, and no redistribution of metal from one organ to another, following chronic metal exposure. The present study attempts to investigate dose-related effects of two thiol chelators, DMSA and one of its new analogues, monoisoamyl dimercaptosuccinic acid (MiADMSA), when administered in combination with the aim of achieving normalization of altered biochemical parameters suggestive of oxidative stress and depletion of inorganic arsenic following chronic arsenic exposure. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were given 25 ppm arsenic for 10 weeks followed by chelation therapy with the above chelating agents at a dose of 0.3 mmol/kg (orally) when administered individually or 0.15 mmol/kg and 0.3 mmol/kg (once daily for 5 consecutive days), respectively, when administered in combination. Arsenic exposure led to the inhibition of blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and depletion of glutathione (GSH) level. These changes were accompanied by significant depletion of hemoglobin, RBC and Hct as well as blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) acitivity. There was an increase in hepatic and renal levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, while GSH:GSSG ratio decreased significantly, accompanied by a significant increase in metallothionein (MT) in hepatocytes. DNA damage based on denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed significant loss in the integrity of DNA extracted from the liver of arsenic-exposed rats compared to that of normal animals. These changes were accompanied by a significant elevation in blood and soft-tissue arsenic concentration. Co-administration of DMSA and MiADMSA at lower dose (0.15 mmol/kg) was most effective not only in reducing arsenic-induced oxidative stress but also in depleting arsenic from blood and soft tissues compared to other treatments. This combination was also able to repair DNA damage caused following arsenic exposure. We thus recommend combined administration of DMSA and MiADMSA for achieving optimum effects of chelation therapy.     

Effects of taurine on oxidative stress parameters and chromium levels altered by acute hexavalent chromium exposure in Mice Kidney tissue

The kidney has been regarded as a critical organ of toxicity induced by acute exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] compounds. Reactive intermediates and free radicals generated during reduction process might be responsible for Cr(VI) toxicity. In this study, the effects of pretreatment or posttreatment of taurine on Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress and chromium accumulation in kidney tissue of Swiss albino mice were investigated. Single intraperitoneal (ip) potassium dichromate treatment (20 mgCr/kg), as Cr(VI) compound, significantly elevated the level of lipid peroxidation as compared with the control group (p<0.05). This was accompanied by significant decreases in nonprotein sulfhydryls (NPSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities as well as a significant chromium accumulation (p<0.05). Taurine administration (1 g/kg, ip) before or after Cr(VI) exposure resulted in reduction of lipid peroxidation levels and improvement in SOD enzyme activity (p<0.05). On the other hand, administration of the antioxidant before Cr(VI) exposure restored the NPSH level and CAT enzyme activity and also reduced tissue chromium levels (p<0.05), whereas postreatment had only slight effects on these parameters. In view of the results, taurine seems to exert some beneficial effects against Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress and chromium accumulation in mice kidney tissue.     

Effects of combined administration of captopril and DMSA on arsenite induced oxidative stress and blood and tissue arsenic concentration in rats

We compared the therapeutic efficacy of captopril and a thiol chelating agent, meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) either individually or in combination against arsenite induced oxidative stress and mobilization of metal in rats. Animals were exposed to 100 ppm arsenite as sodium arsenite in drinking water for six weeks followed by treatment with DMSA (50 mg/kg, orally), captopril (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) either alone or in combination, once daily for 5 consecutive days. Arsenite exposure led to a significant depletion of blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, glutathione and platelet levels while significantly increased the level of reactive oxygen species (in RBCs). Hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) level showed a significant decrease while, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels increased on arsenite exposure indicating arsenite induced hepatic oxidative stress. Kidney GSH, GSSG, catalase and TBARS remained unchanged on arsenite exposure. Treatment with DMSA was effective in increasing ALAD activity while, captopril was ineffective when given alone. Captopril when co-administered with DMSA also provided no additional beneficial effect on blood ALAD activity but significant brought altered platelet counts back to the normal value. In contrast, administration of captopril alone provided significant beneficial effects on hepatic oxidative stress, and in combination with DMSA provided a more pronounced recovery in the TBARS level compared to the individual effect of DMSA and captopril. Renal biochemical variables remained insensitive to arsenite and any of the treatments. Interestingly, combined administration of captopril with DMSA had a remarkable effect in depleting total arsenic concentration from blood and soft tissues. These results lead us to conclude that captopril administration during chelation treatment had some beneficial effects particularly on the protection of inhibited blood ALAD activity, and depletion of arsenic level. The study supports our earlier conclusion that a co-administration of an antioxidant is more beneficial than monotherapy with the chelating agents, in order to achieve optimal effects of chelation in arsenite toxicity.     

The effects of exercise load during development on oxidative stress levels and antioxidant potential in adulthood

The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of physical activity during the growth period as well as on oxidative stress and antioxidative potential in adulthood. The experimental animals used were four-week old male Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into three groups. The exercise loads were as follows: control (CON), treadmill exercise (TE), and jumping exercise (JE). The exercise was performed at the same time of day, at a frequency of five days per week, for eight weeks. Derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROSs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were measured during periods of rest prior to commencement of the experiment and after the experiment. Analysis was conducted using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Schaffer’s multiple comparison procedure and the significance level was set at p?相似文献   

Uptake by rice seedlings and in-plant degradation of atrazine as influenced by the oxidative stress induced by added arsenic or phosphate deficiency

The uptake and degradation of atrazine (ATR) by rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) was investigated with and without arsenate and phosphate nutrient in the cultured solution over a period of 48 h. The hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents in plants under different treatments were measured to evaluate the oxidative stress of the plant cell and its influence on the plant uptake and degradation of ATR. Results indicated that the ATR levels and main degradation products, deethylatrazine (DEA) and deisopropylatrazine (DIA), in plants varied significantly in different treatments. Added arsenate in solution increased the level of DEA and the ratios of DEA to the total (ATR, DEA, and DIA) in roots, while it either increased or decreased the H₂O₂ content in roots. Added arsenate increased the ratios of degradation products to the total in shoots, which corresponded to the 110%–285% increase of the H₂O₂ content. In phosphate-deficient systems, the H₂O₂ contents in shoots increased significantly, especially when exposed to a low level of ATR while the ratios of DIA and DEA to the total in shoots increased. The oxidative stress in rice seedlings induced by arsenic coexisting with ATR and by phosphate deficiency affected the plant uptake and degradation of ATR.     

络合型含铁材料对砷胁迫下水稻生理生化特性及砷累积的影响

土壤重金属与农产品质量息息相关.本研究通过设置砷胁迫条件下水稻种植盆栽试验,分析络合型含铁材料不同施用时期和不同施用量对水稻SPAD值、抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、CAT)活性以及水稻砷吸收、累积的影响.结果表明,砷胁迫对水稻SOD、POD、CAT活性有着不同程度的抑制作用,添加络合型含铁材料可以降低水稻MDA含量,缓解砷对水稻光合作用和SOD、POD、CAT活性的抑制;同时能减少水稻对土壤砷的吸收和累积.与移栽前添加络合型含铁材料相比,选择水稻孕穗期前添加络合型含铁材料,水稻砷吸收的抑制效果较好;水稻植株地上部砷含量与络合型含铁材料的添加浓度呈显著负相关,孕穗期前添加0.2 g·kg-1络合型含铁材料对水稻植株砷的吸收抑制效果最好,水稻植株地上部砷含量降低59.22%.     

Study of interaction effect between triacontanol and nitric oxide on alleviating of oxidative stress arsenic toxicity in coriander seedlings

In this study, triacontanol (TRIA) and nitric oxide (NO) interaction on arsenic (As)-induced oxidative stress tolerance in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) plants was investigated. The results showed that As had a significant adverse effect on the plant’s biomass. The seedlings pretreated with TRIA and NO significantly increased growth reduction induced by the metalloid. The obtained results indicated that the application of TRIA and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) generally reduced oxidative markers such as of electrolyte leakage percentage, malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ contents under As toxicity, while application of As treatment without TRIA?+?SNP increased these oxidative parameters compared to the control. The non-enzymatic antioxidant contents such as total phenol, anthocyanin, carotenoid, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione (GSH) were extracted and assayed from both control and treated plants. It was found that TRIA?+?SNP treatments have a profound effect on the antioxidant metabolism and caused an enhancement in non-enzymatic antioxidant potentials under As toxicity in coriander. Moreover, the results revealed a mutually amplifying reaction between TRIA and NO in reducing As-induced damages.     

Effects of a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 on oxidative stress parameters in acute dichlorvos poisoning in rats

This study examined the effects of Y-27632, a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor, on organophosphate-induced acute toxicity in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups as control (corn oil), dichlorvos (30 mg kg(-1) i.p.), 1 and 10 mg kg(-1) Y-27632 + dichlorvos groups. Cholinergic signs (fatigue, tremor, cyanosis, hyper-secretion, fasciculations) were observed in all the rats in the dichlorvos group and the mortality rate was 50%. No cholinergic findings and deaths were observed in the control and Y-27632 groups. Plasma cholinesterase activities were suppressed with dichlorvos and these reductions were attenuated with Y-27632 pretreatment. There was a marked increase in plasma malondialdehyde level in the dichlorvos group, but Y-27632 pretreatment abolished this elevation. Dichlorvos markedly depressed cardiac paraoxonase activity, but these changes were not markedly modified with Y-27632. Total antioxidant capacities, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, total free sulfhydryl groups and catalase activities in plasma and cardiac tissues were not markedly different between the groups. No significant changes were observed with cardiac myeloperoxidase activities or plasma arylesterase and ceruloplasmin activities. In conclusion, our results suggest that Rho-kinase pathway is involved in organophosphate intoxication, and a decrease in cardiac paraoxonase activities may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute organophosphate poisoning in rats.     

替米沙坦及吡哆胺对自发性高血压大鼠脑组织氧化应激的影响

目的:探讨替米沙坦及吡哆胺对自发性高血压大鼠脑组织氧化应激的影响。方法:自发性高血压大鼠24只随机分为4组(n=6):高血压对照组(HC组);替米沙坦组(T组);吡哆胺组(P组);联合治疗组(TP组)。同龄WKY大鼠作为正常对照组(NC组)。药物干预16周,测定各组脑组织中丙二醛(MDA)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸(NADPH)氧化酶p47phox mRNA表达。结果:与NC组比较,HC组脑组织中MDA含量明显升高、SOD活性明显减低(P<0.05);与HC组比较T组、P组、TP组MDA含量明显减低,SOD活性明显升高(P<0.05);与NC组比较HC组(NADPH)氧化酶p47phox mRNA表达显著上调(P<0.01);与HC组比较T组、TP组NADPH氧化酶p47phox mRNA表达明显下调(P<0.01);HC组与P组比较NADPH氧化酶p47phox mRNA表达无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:自发性高血压大鼠脑组织处于氧化应激状态,替米沙坦及吡哆胺可抑制自发性高血压大鼠脑组织的氧化应激水平,联合治疗并不优于替米沙坦单药治疗。     

Protective effects of long term dietary restriction on swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress in the liver, heart and kidney of rat

In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that long term dietary restriction would have beneficial effects on the oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme systems in liver, heart and kidney in adult male rats undergoing different intensities of swimming exercise. Sixty male, Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned as either dietary restricted on every other week day (DR) or fed ad libitum (AL) groups, and each group was further subdivided into sedentary, endurance swimming exercise training (submaximal exercise) and exhaustive swimming exercise (maximal exercise) groups. Animals in the submaximal exercise group swam 5 days/week for 8 weeks, while maximal exercise was performed as an acute bout of exercise. In parallel with the increase in the intensity of the exercise, the degree of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation were increased in both the DR and AL groups; however the rate of increase was lower in the DR group. Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme activities were lower in the DR group than in the AL group. In parallel with the increase in exercise intensity, GSH and GR enzyme activities decreased, whereas an increase was observed in GSH-Px enzyme activity. In conclusion, the comparison between the DR and AL groups with the three swimming exercise conditions shows that the DR group is greatly protected against different swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress compared with the AL group.     

砷胁迫对小麦根系生长及活性氧代谢的影响

在水培和盆载条件下研究了砷对小麦根系生长及活性氧代谢的影响。结果表明：随砷浓度的提高,小麦胚根、次生根条数减少,总根长度、胚芽长度缩短、根体积、干重也较对照冯少超氧物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）活性下降趋势,质脂过氧化产物（ＭＤＡ）含理增加,质膜相对透性增大、泪科越冬期,拔节期、灌浆期表现出同样的趋势。     

The effect of vitamin E and plant extract mixture composed of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin on oxidative stress induced by high PUFA load in young pigs

The objective of our study was to determine the antioxidative potential of a plant extract (PE) mixture composed of carvacrol, capsicum oleoresin and cinnamaldehyde against high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-induced oxidative stress in young pigs. Thirty-two weaned castrated male crossbred pigs (BW 10.9 kg; n = 32) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (n = 8). The negative control diet (Cont) contained 17.2% energy from fat. Oxidative stress was induced in three of the four experimental groups with the inclusion of n-3 PUFA rich linseed oil. Linseed oil substituted wheat starch in the diet to elevate the amount of energy from fat to 34.1%. One of these diets served as a positive control (Oil), one was additionally supplemented with 271.2 mg/kg of PE mixture and one with 90.4 mg/kg α-tocopheryl acetate (Vit E). After 14 days of treatment, blood and urine were collected for the determination of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Lipid peroxidation was studied by plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, 24 h urinary MDA and F2-isoprostane (iPF2α-VI) excretion, total antioxidant status of plasma and glutathione peroxidase assays. Lymphocyte DNA fragmentation and 24 h urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine excretion were measured to determine DNA damage. Consumption of n-3 PUFA rich linseed oil increased the amount of MDA in plasma and urine, and induced DNA damage in lymphocytes, but did not elevate the amount of iPF2α-VI excreted in the urine. The supplementation with PE and with Vit E did not reduce MDA levels in plasma and urine, but it decreased the percentage of DNA damage in lymphocytes (P < 0.001). The PE reduced the urinary iPF2α-VI excretion in comparison to the Cont diet. The results show that PE and Vit E supplemented to pigs in concentrations of 271.2 mg/kg and 90.4 mg/kg, respectively, can effectively protect pig's blood lymphocytes against oxidative DNA damage, thus suggesting their potentially beneficial effects on the immune system under dietary-induced oxidative stress.     

Antioxidant effect of diphenyl diselenide on oxidative stress caused by acute physical exercise in skeletal muscle and lungs of mice

This study was designed to examine if diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)₂, an organoselenium compound, attenuates oxidative stress caused by acute physical exercise in skeletal muscle and lungs of mice. Swiss mice were pre‐treated with (PhSe)₂ (5 mg kg^‐1 day^‐1) for 7 days. At the 7th day, the animals were submitted to acute physical exercise which consisted of continuous swimming for 20 min. The animals were euthanized 1 and 24 h after the exercise test. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), non‐protein thiols (NPSH) and ascorbic acid and the activity of catalase (CAT) were measured in the lungs and skeletal muscle of mice. Glycogen content was determined in the skeletal muscle of mice. Parameters in plasma (urea and creatinine) were determined. The results demonstrated an increase in TBARS levels induced by acute physical exercise in the skeletal muscle and lungs of mice. Animals submitted to exercise showed an increase in non‐enzymatic antioxidant defenses (NPSH and ascorbic acid) in the skeletal muscle. In lungs of mice, activity of CAT was increased. (PhSe)₂ protected against the increase in TBARS levels and ameliorated antioxidant defenses in the skeletal muscle and lungs of mice submitted to physical exercise. These results indicate that acute physical exercise caused a tissue‐specific oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle and lungs of mice. (PhSe)₂ protected against oxidative damage induced by acute physical exercise in mice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of individual and combined exposure to sodium arsenite and sodium fluoride on tissue oxidative stress, arsenic and fluoride levels in male mice

Arsenic and fluoride are potent toxicants, widely distributed through drinking water and food and often result in adverse health effects. The present study examined the effects of sodium meta-arsenite (100 mg/l in drinking water) and sodium fluoride (5 mg/kg, oral, once daily), administered either alone or in combination for 8 weeks, on various biochemical variables indicative of tissue oxidative stress and cell injury in Swiss albino male mice. A separate group was first exposed to arsenic for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of fluoride exposure. Exposure to arsenic or fluoride led to a significant depletion of blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and glutathione (GSH) level. These changes were accompanied by increased level of blood and tissues reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. An increase in the level of liver and kidney thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) along with a concomitant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced GSH content were observed in both arsenic and fluoride administered mice. The changes were significantly more pronounced in arsenic exposed animals than in fluoride. It was interesting to observe that during combined exposure the toxic effects were less pronounced compared to the effects of arsenic or fluoride alone. In some cases antagonistic effects were noted following co-exposure to arsenic and fluoride. Arsenic and fluoride concentration increased significantly on exposure. Interestingly, their concentration decreased significantly on concomitant exposure for 8 weeks. However, the group which was administered arsenic for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of fluoride administration showed no such protection suggesting that the antagonistic effect of fluoride on arsenic or vice versa is possible only during interaction at the gastro intestinal sites. These results are new and interesting and require further exploration.     

The impact of experimentally elevated energy expenditure on oxidative stress and lifespan in the short-tailed field vole Microtus agrestis

Life-history theory assumes that animal life histories are a consequence of trade-offs between current activities and future reproductive performance or survival, because resource supply is limited. Empirical evidence for such trade-offs in the wild are common, yet investigations of the underlying mechanisms are rare. Life-history trade-offs may have both physiological and ecological mediated costs. One hypothesized physiological mechanism is that elevated energy metabolism may increase reactive oxygen species production, leading to somatic damage and thus compromising future survival. We investigated the impact of experimentally elevated energy expenditure on oxidative damage, protection and lifespan in short-tailed field voles (Microtus agrestis) maintained in captivity to remove any confounding ecological factor effects. Energy expenditure was elevated via lifelong cold exposure (7+/-2 degrees C), relative to siblings in the warm (22+/-2 degrees C). No treatment effect on cumulative mortality risk was observed, with negligible effects on oxidative stress and antioxidant protection. These data suggest that in captive animals physiologically mediated costs on life history do not result from increased energy expenditure and consequent elevations in oxidative stress and reduced survival.     

Protective effects of a new metalloporphyrin on paraquat-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in N27 cells

Paraquat （PQ, 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium）,awidely-used herbicide, has been suggested as a potential etiologic factor for the development of Parkinson＇s disease. In recent years, many studies have focused on the mechanism（s） of PQ neurotoxicity. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effect of manganese （Ⅲ） meso-tetrakis （N,N′-diethylimi- dazolium） porphyrin （MnTDM）, a superoxide dismutase/ catalase mimetic, on PQ-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in 1 RB3AN27 （N27） cells, a dopaminergic neuronal cell line. The results indicated that MnTDM significantly attenuated PQ-induced loss of cell viability, glutathione depletion, and reactive oxygen species production. MnTDM also ameliorated PQ-induced morphological nuclear changes of apoptosis and increased rates of apoptosis. In addition, our data provide direct evidence that MnTDM suppressed PQ- induced caspase-3 cleavage, possibly a key event of PQ neurotoxicity. These observations suggested that oxidative stress and apoptosis are implicated in PQ-induced neurotoxicity and this toxicity could be prevented by MnTDM. These findings also proposed a novel therapeutic approach for Parkinson＇s disease and other disorders associated with oxidative stress.     

Effect of resistance training during the month of Ramadan on antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers in recreational bodybuilders

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a hypertrophic training program during Ramadan on levels of circulating antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers in trained bodybuilders. Eight male bodybuilders visited the laboratory two days before the start of Ramadan and on the 29th day of Ramadan (end-Ramadan), to undergo anthropometric measurement, to complete a dietary questionnaire, and to provide fasting blood and urine samples. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and protein-bound carbonyl concentrations were measured in the plasma to indicate lipid and protein oxidation, respectively. These did not change significantly during Ramadan. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, indices of erythrocytes antioxidant status, increased by 24% (p = 0.011) and 12% (p = 0.01), respectively, from before to the end of Ramadan. However, erythrocyte catalase activity did not change significantly. Uric acid values increased by 17% (p < 0.001) from before to the end of Ramadan, but ferric-reducing ability and Vitamin E levels of the plasma remained unchanged. A significant correlation was found between uric acid values and urine specific gravity (r = 0.70; p < 0.05) only at the end of Ramadan. We conclude that continuing a hypertrophic training program during Ramadan fasting does not increase oxidative stress but does increase antioxidant status in bodybuilders.     

Influence of the antioxidants vitamin E and idebenone on retinal cell injury mediated by chemical ischemia, hypoglycemia, or oxidative stress

A role for the antioxidants vitamin E and idebenone in decreasing retinal cell injury, after metabolic inhibition induced by chemical ischemia and hypoglycemia, was investigated and compared with oxidative stress conditions. Preincubation of the antioxidants, vitamin E (20 microM) and idebenone (10 microM), effectively protected from retinal cell injury after oxidative stress or hypoglycemia, whereas the protection afforded after postincubation of both antioxidants was decreased. Delayed retinal cell damage, mediated by chemical ischemia, was attenuated at 10 or 12 h postischemia, only after exposure to the antioxidants during all the experimental procedure. An antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) or a blocker of L-type Ca2+ channels were ineffective in reducing cell injury induced by chemical ischemia, hypoglycemia or oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and hypoglycemia increased (about 1.2-fold) significantly the fluorescence of the probe DCFH2-DA, that is indicative of intracellular ROS formation. Free radical generation detected with the probe dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) was enhanced after oxidative stress, chemical ischemia or hypoglycemia (about 2-fold). Nevertheless, the antioxidants vitamin E or idebenone were ineffective against intracellular ROS generation. Cellular energy charge decreased greatly after chemical ischemia, was moderately affected after hypoglycemia, but no significant changes were observed after oxidative stress. Preincubation with vitamin E prevented the changes in energy charge upon 6 h posthypoglycemia. We can conclude that irreversible changes occurring during chemical ischemia mainly reflect the alterations taking place at the ischemic core, whereas hypoglycemia situations may reflect changes occurring at the penumbra area, whereby vitamin E or idebenone may help to increase cell survival, exerting a beneficial neuroprotective effect.     

Conformational and functional effects of MPA‐CdTe quantum dots on SOD: Evaluating the mechanism of oxidative stress induced by quantum dots in the mouse nephrocytes

The application of quantum dots (QDs) is restricted by the biosafety issue. QDs contribute to the adverse effects of organisms probably because of the ability to induce oxidative stress via changing the activity of antioxidant enzyme, for example, superoxide dismutase (SOD). But the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. This study investigated the harmful effects of oxidative stress induced by mercaptopropionic acid capped CdTe QDs (MPA‐CdTe QDs) on the mouse primary nephrocytes as well as the structure and function of SOD molecule and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. After 24‐hour MPA‐CdTe QD exposure, the activation level of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and cysteinyl‐directed aspartate‐specific proteases (Caspases) significantly increased, which led to the increasing level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis; the group pretreated with ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) significantly reduced the apoptotic cell percentage, indicating that ROS played a critical role in QD‐induced cytotoxicity. Further molecular experiments showed that the interacting processes between the MPA‐CdTe QDs and SOD were spontaneous which changed the conformation, secondary structure of SOD. The interaction significantly resulted in the tightening of polypeptide chains and the shrinkage of SOD, leading to the inhibition of molecular SOD activity. This study demonstrates the adverse effects of QDs, revealing their potential risk in biomedical applications.