Role of apoptosis in CNS emphasizing spinal cord injuries: a commentary

Apoptosis is a kind of programmed cell death that is naturally necessary for homeostasis and some processes like organogenesis and implantation of embryo; so it is not pathologic and harmful all the time. The purpose of this commentary was to describe the ways of stimulating and inhibiting the apoptosis process; because rather in the therapeutic protocols we should stimulate or inhibit the process in order to minimize the effects of the traumas and injuries. For using the first results in therapeutic protocols; for example, in order to take action against tumors, we should stimulate apoptosis with chemotherapeutic drugs or other alternatives. On the contrary, in physical traumas of spinal cord, we should inhibit apoptosis with chemical drugs or other alternatives in order to reduce secondary paralysis and other side effects. By collecting the present results and comparing them with our previous original articles, we reached some ideas for the future original research and therapeutic proposals

Effect of sodium selenite on lipid peroxidation and glutathione in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Diabetes-related dysfunctions are the major causes of mortality and morbidity for diabetic patients. Selenium is a potent antioxidant. In the present study, we examined antioxidative activities of sodium selenite and possible protective effect of it on serum, liver and kidney lipid peroxidation and glutathione in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats. In this experimental study 40 Sprage Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups randomly; group I as control, group II as sham treated with sodium selenite [1 mg/kg i.p. daily], group III as diabetic untreated, and group IV as diabetic treated with sodium selenite [1 mg/kg i.p. daily] after induce diabetes, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the 3rd and 4th groups by alloxan injection [s.c.]. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, liver and kidney were then removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until analysis. Blood samples were also collected before killing of the rats to measure the lipid peroxidation and glutathione level. Liver and kidney content of lipid peroxidation decreased in diabetic treated group compared with untreated group. Kidney content of glutathione significantly increased in diabetic treated group compared with untreated group. Serum level of glutathione and liver content of it slightly increased in diabetic treated group compared with untreated group. This study showed that sodium selenite might be a potent antioxidant and exert beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation and glutathione in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats

Amelioration of altered antioxidant enzyme activity by Satureja khuzistanica essential oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To examine the possible protective effect of Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKE) on antioxidant enzyme activity in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.@*METHOD@#Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups randomly; group one as control, group two diabetic, with no treatment, and group three treatment with SKE at 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After eight weeks, animals were anaesthetized. Blood samples were also collected before killing to measure antioxidant enzymes activity.@*RESULTS@#SKE significantly increased the serum level of glutathione and the serum activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group.@*CONCLUSION@#The findings showed that SKE exerts beneficial effects on the antioxidant enzymes activity in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Amelioration of glomerulosclerosis by satureja khozestanica essential oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Satureja khuzestanica, an endemic plant of Iran, has been reported to be used traditionally to treat diabetes. We examined possible protective effect of Satureja khozestanica essential oil [SKE] on glomerulosclerosis in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 30 Sprage-dawley male rats were divided into 3 groups randomly; group 1 as control, group 2 diabetic untreated, and group 3 treatments with SKE by 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized; livers and kidneys were then removed immediately. Kidney paraffin sections were prepared and stained by periodic acid Schiff method. Glomerular volume and leukocyte infiltration were estimated by stereological rules and glomerular sclerosis was studied semi-quantitatively. Flow treatment of diabetic animals with SKE could significantly inhibit glomerular hypertrophy [22%] leukocyte infiltration [31%] and glomerulosclerosis [20%] in comparison with the diabetic untreated group. The findings showed that SKE alleviates loss of glomerular volume, leukocyte infiltration, and glomerulosclerosis and exerts beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats

Effects of coenzyme Q[10] on LDL oxidation in vitro

Coenzyme Q[10], a lipid soluble benzoquinone, has excellent antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties in the cardiac tissue. The present study investigated the effects of coenzyme Q[10] on in vitro LDL oxidation quantitavely. The formation of conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde [MDA] and electrophoretic mobility were monitored as markers of the oxidation of LDL, respectively. Coenzyme Q[10] showed a decrease the formation of conjugated dienes and MDA, respectively, against oxidation in vitro. Coenzyme Q[10] also reduced electrophoretic mobility of the oxidized human LDL. Thus, results showed that the coenzyme Q10 exhibits strong antioxidant activity in CuSO[4]-mediated oxidation of LDL [P<0.05] in vitro. The inhibitory effects of the coenzyme Q[10] on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 20 nM to 300 nM. Moreover, the effects of coenzyme Q[10] on LDL oxidation were compared with vitamin E and vitamin C. This study showed that coenzyme Q[10] is a potent antioxidant to protect LDL against oxidation in vitro and may be a good alternative to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease and other free radical associated health problems

Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of satureja khozestanica essential oil in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing around the world. Oxidative stress is one of the risk factors in diabetes. The purpose of this study is to examine the protective effects of the essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica on the level of serum lipids and atherogenic indices in the male rats with diabetes. This experimental study was conducted on thirty male rats randomly divided into three groups including: 1- control group, 2- rats with untreated diabetes 3- rats with treated diabetes [through orally intake of water containing 500 ppm of the essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica]. The second and third groups also developed diabetes through injection of alloxan tetrahydrate [120 mg/kg]. After eight weeks of treatment, their blood sample was taken, and then the levels of glucose, lipids and atherogenic indices of the serum were measured. The levels of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL], very low density lipoprotein [VLDL] and atherogenic indices of plasma in treated diabetic group were significantly decreased. The amount of high density lipoprotein [HDL] was significantly increased in the treated group. The results obtained from this study showed that the essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica has beneficial effects on the level of serum lipids and atherogenic indices of rats with type 1 diabetes

Cerium lanthanide effect on growth of AGS cell line with the presence of transferrin in vitro

Cerium is a trace element and a member of the lanthanide group. Cerium cation is similar to ferric ions with regard to transferring binding, suggesting transferrin-receptor mediated transport could be possible to uptake the element. Therefore the aim of the present study was to survey of cytotoxic activity of cerium in the presence of transferring on growth of adenocarcinoma gastric stomach [AGS] cell line in vitro. Adenocarcinoma gastric stomach cells obtained from Pasteur institute were cultured on RPMI-1640 medium and the effect of cerium lanthanide with 0.1, 1, 10, 100 [micro M] concentration with and without transferrin in 24 h and 48 h incubation periods was investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide [MTT] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] assay. The results obtained from LDH assay showed that cerium without transferrin and cerium with transferrin decreased survival AGS cells significantly. Also results obtained from MTT assay showed that cerium without transferrin and cerium with transferrin decreased survival AGS cells significantly. In our results cerium could induce the inhibition of cell growth but the percent of growth inhibition could be higher with presence of transferrin. Our results indicate that at a certain concentration, the cerium compounds could inhibit the growth of cancer cells

Relation of menopausal with total Antioxidant capacity, Super Oxide dismutase and catalase activity enzymes

Background: Regarding estrogen role in free radical scavenging, secretion cessation of estrogen in menopause is considered as the source of ROS increase. due to deficiency of estrogen, antioxidant defence system seems to be affected in this phase. The aim of this study was Assay of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in menopausal women

Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 75 postmenopausal women as a case group and 74 volunteer premenopausal women as a control was performed. Serum enzyme activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity was measured in the fasting state

Results: The amount of total antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal [11.4 +/- 4.4 mM Trolox] compared to the control group [10.3 +/- 1.2 mM Trolox] were significantly decreased [p<0.05]. The activity of superoxide dismutase in postmenopausal [1.92 +/- 0.14 Unit/mg-protein] compared to the control group [2.07 +/- 0.09 Unit/mg-protein] were significantly decreased [p<0.05]

Conclusion: The obtained data showed that total antioxidant capacity and activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes decrease in the postmenopausal women. Increasing of Oxidative stress cause probably result in reduction of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase enzymes activity

Antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects of Satureja khozestanica essential oil on LDL oxidation induced-CuSO(4) in vitro

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess various antioxidative activities of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) and its effect on oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by CuSO4 in vitro by monitoring the formation of conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde (MDA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The formation of conjugated dienes, lag time and MDA were measured. Inhibition of this Cu-induced oxidation was studied in the presence of several concentrations of SKE. Also total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging of SKE were determinated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was demonstrated that SKE was able to inhibit LDL oxidation and decrease the resistance of LDL against oxidation. The inhibitory effects of SKE on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 µg/mL. Total antioxidant capacity of SKE was (3.20±0.40) nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g SKE. The SKE showed remarkable scavenging activity on 2, 2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl, IC50 (5.30±0.11) ng/mL.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study shows that SKE is a source of potent antioxidants and prevents the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.</p>

Hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects of satureja khuzestanica essential oil in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats

In the present study, we examined the antioxidative activities of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil [SKE] and possible protective effect of SKE on lipid profile, atherogenic index and liver enzyme markers in Alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats. Thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups; group one as control, group two diabetic untreatment, and group three treatments with SKE by 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, the levels of fasting blood glucose [FBG], triglyceride [TG], cholesterol [C], low density lipoprotein [LDL], very low density lipoprotein [VLDL], high density lipoprotein [HDL], atherogenic index and the activities of alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] of all groups were analyzed. Data were analyzed through non-parametric Man Whitney test [using SPSS 13 software] and p < 0.05 was considered significant. SKE inhibited significantly the activities of ALT and ALP and decrease FBG, TG, C, LDL and VLDL. HDL level was significantly increased when treated with the extract. The activities of AST stayed unaltered. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity of SKE was 3.20 +/- 0.40 nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g SKE. This study showed that SKE is a source of potent antioxidants. The findings of the present study also suggest that SKE exert beneficial effects on the lipid profile, atherogenic index and liver enzymes activity in Alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats

Effects of olive leaves extract on LDL oxidation induced-CUSO[4] in vitro

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein [LDL] has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The use of some natural antioxidant and herbal medicine may lead to the inhibition of production of oxidized LDL and may decrease both the development and the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Olive leaves ethanol extract [OLE] on LDL oxidation induced-CuSO[4] quantitatively in vitro. Low-density lipoprotein was incubated with CuSO[4] and the formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]. Inhibition of this Cu-induced oxidation was studied in the presence of vitamin E and various concentration of OLE. It was demonstrated that OLE reduced the formation of conjugated dienes and TBARS of LDL against oxidation in vitro [P<0.05]. The inhibitory effects of the OLE on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from [2microg/ml] to [200microg/ml]. Moreover, we compared effects of OLE on LDL oxidation with vitamin E as positive control. This study showed that OLE is a source of potent antioxidants and prevented the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications

Anti-inflammatory effect of the epigallocatechin gallate following spinal cord trauma in rat

Spinal cord injury [SCI] stimulates an inflammatory reaction that causes substantial secondary damage inside the injured spinal tissue. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG] on traumatized spinal cord. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into four groups of 12 rats each as follow: sham-operated group, trauma group, and EGCG-treatment groups [50 mg/kg, i.p., immediately and 1 hour after SCI]. Spinal cord samples were taken 24 hours after injury and studied for determination of myeloperoxidase [MPO] activity, histopathological assessment and immunohistochemistry of tumor necrosis factor-a [TNF-alpha], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1beta], Nitrotyrosine, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], and poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase [PARP]. The results showed that MPO activity was significantly decreased in EGCG-treatment groups. Attenuated TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, Nitrotyrosine, iNOS, COX-2, and PARP expression could be detected in the EGCG treated rats. Also, EGCG attenuated myelin degradation. On the basis of these findings, we propose that EGCG may be effective in protecting rat spinal cord from secondary damage by modulating the inflammatory reactions

Effect of oleuropein on tissue myeloperoxidase activity in experimental spinal cord trauma

Neutrophil infiltration plays an important role in inflammatory reactions following spinal cord injury [SCI] and these cells cause substantial secondary tissue damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oleuropein [OE] on myeloperoxidase [MPO] activity as an index of neutrophil infiltration. Rats were randomly divided into four groups of 7 rats each as follows: sham-operated group, trauma group, and OE treatment groups [20 mg/kg, i.p., immediately and 1 hour after SCI]. Spinal cord samples were taken 24 hours after injury and studied for determination of MPO activity. The results showed that MPO activity was significantly decreased in OE-treated rats. On the basis of our findings, we propose that OE may be effective in protecting rat spinal cord from secondary damage by modulating of neutrophil infiltration

Lipid peroxidation is not associated with adipocytokines in preeclamptic women

The association between lipid peroxidation biomarkers and adipocytokines is hypothesized in preeclampsia but little is known about it. The present study was undertaken to determine the association of lipid peroxidation biomarkers measured by the levels of 8-isoprostane and malondialdehyde with adipocytokines leptin and adiponectin in maternal serum of preeclamptic women. A cross-sectional study was designed. The study population consisted of 30 preeclamptic patients and 30 healthy pregnant women. Serum levels of 8-Isoprostane, total leptin and total adiponectin were assessed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. The amount of malondialdehyde was determined by the thiobarbituric acid assay. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Both 8-Isoprostane and malondialdehyde were significantly higher in preeclamptic group than those in normal pregnant women. Serum levels of leptin were significantly increased in preeclamptic patients compared with normal group, while adiponectin levels were decreased. Serum levels of 8-Isoprostane and malondialdehyde did not show any significant correlation with leptin and adiponectin. In preeclamptic women, maternal serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were not correlated with lipid peroxidation

Comparative effects of copper, iron, vanadium and titanium on low density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein [LDL] has been strongly implicated in the phathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The use of oxidants in dietary food stuff may lead to the production of oxidized LDL and may increase both the development and the progression of atherosclerosis. The present work investigated the effects of some elements including: copper [Cu], iron [Fe], vanadium [V] and titanium [Ti] on in vitro LDL oxidation quantitatively. The first LDL fraction was isolated from fresh plasma by single vertical discontinuous density gradient ultracentrifugation. The formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increase in electrophoretic mobility of LDL were monitored as markers of the oxidation of LDL. It was demonstrated that Cu, Fe, V and Ti exhibited strong oxidant activity in this respect [P<0.001]. Oxidation of LDL in the presence of Cu was more and appeared to be in this order Cu>Fe> V>Ti. Discussion: Cu, Fe, V and Ti are redox-active transition metals that may cause oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA molecules. We suggest that these elements may also influence the oxidation of LDL in vivo, which could increase both the development and progression of atherosclerosis