Anti oxidative/neuro-inflammation properties of Withania somnifera root extract on rotenone induced stress in rat brain.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition that worsens with age (i.e., 1% of people over 65) with no permanent cure. Hence, finding a disease-modifying agent with fewer undesirable side effects is urgently needed. Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology results in the degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons by accumulating lewy bodies, alpha-synuclein (-syn), lowering anti-oxidants, increasing neuronal inflammation, and altering neuron shape. A well-researched natural substance called Withania somnifera (WS) has a potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neurodegenerative impact. WS, sometimes called as Indian Ginseng, is a subtropical undershrub of the Solanaceae family together with Ashwagandha. In the current work, EWSR's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective efficacy was assessed in relation to rotenone-induced oxidative stress (i.e., LPO, CAT, and SOD and GSH), microglial activation, and neurodegeneration in the rotenone rat PD model. In ROT-induced brains, EWSR therapy resulted in a considerable decrease in LPO and increased levels of the antioxidants SOD, CAT, and GSH. Furthermore, our research showed that the intraperitoneal treatment of EWSR (40 mg/kg) in rotenone-induced rats reduced microglial activation and neuron loss in the substantia nigra (SN) and hippocampus caused by rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. Based on the observations, EWSR can be considered as an excellent source for neuroprotection, due to its significant anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative and anti-microglial properties when administered individually and in combination with known anti-inflammatory compounds (Doxycycline and Ellagic acids). But, further research is required before replacing the known neuroprotective treatments with phytochemical treatments.

Estimation of salivary malondialdehyde Levels in smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis-A cross sectional clinico biochemical study / Estimación de los niveles de malondialdehído salival en masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica: un estudio bioquímico clínico transversal

ABSTRACT: Despite the reported effects of smokeless tobacco (ST) on the periodontium and high prevalence of ST use in rural populations and in males studies on this specific topic are limited. The purpose of this cross-sectional investigation was to measure lipid peroxidation (as an end product of oxidative stress) end product i.e. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in saliva of patients with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and to assess the influence of smokeless tobacco on Salivary Malondialdehyde (S-MDA). Total 30 patients with gingivitis, 30 with chronic periodontitis and 30 Smokeless Tobacco Chewers with Chronic Periodontitis and 30 periodontally healthy subjects were included in the study. Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Pocket Depth (PD), and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) were recorded followed by stimulated Saliva sample collection. Salivary MDA Levels were assessed by UV Spectrophotometry. There was a statistically significant increase in the salivary MDA levels in gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and in smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis when compared with healthy group. Higher salivary MDA levels in gingivitis group, chronic periodontitis, and smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis reflects increasedoxygen radical activity during periodontal inflammation.

RESUMEN: A pesar de los efectos reportados del tabaco sin humo (TS) sobre el periodonto y la alta prevalencia del uso de TS en poblaciones rurales y en hombres, los estudios sobre este tema específico son limitados. El propósito de esta investigación transversal fue medir el producto final de la peroxidación lipídica (como producto final del estrés oxidativo), es decir, malondialdehído (MDA) en la saliva de pacientes con gingivitis, periodontitis crónica y evaluar la influencia del tabaco sin humo en el malondialdehído salival (S-MDA). Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 30 pacientes con gingivitis, 30 con periodontitis crónica y 30 masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica y 30 sujetos periodontalmente sanos. Se registraron el índice de placa (PI), el índice gingival (GI), la profundidad de la bolsa de sondeo (PD) y la pérdida de adherencia clínica (CAL), seguidos de la recogida de muestras de saliva estimuladas. Los niveles de MDA en saliva se evaluaron mediante espectrofotometría UV. Hubo un aumento estadísticamente significativo en los niveles de MDA en saliva en gingivitis, periodontitis crónica y en masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica en comparación con el grupo sano. Los niveles más altos de MDA en saliva en el grupo de gingivitis, periodontitis crónica y masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica reflejan un aumento de la actividad de los radicales de oxígeno durante la inflamación periodontal.

Epiphytic PGPB Bacillus megaterium AFI1 and Paenibacillus nicotianae AFI2 Improve Wheat Growth and Antioxidant Status under Ni Stress.

The present study demonstrates the Ni toxicity-ameliorating and growth-promoting abilities of two different bacterial isolates when applied to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as the host plant. Two bacterial strains tolerant to Ni stress were isolated from wheat seeds and selected based on their ability to improve the germination of wheat plants; they were identified as Bacillus megaterium AFI1 and Paenibacillus nicotianae AFI2. The protective effects of these epiphytic bacteria against Ni stress were studied in model experiments with two wheat cultivars: Ni stress-tolerant Leningradskaya 6 and susceptible Chinese spring. When these isolates were used as the inoculants applied to Ni-treated wheat plants, the growth parameters and the levels of photosynthetic pigments of the two wheat cultivars both under normal and Ni-stress conditions were increased, though B. megaterium AFI1 had a more pronounced ameliorative effect on the Ni contents in plant tissues due to its synthesis of siderophores. Over the 10 days of Ni exposure, the plant growth promotion bacteria (PGPB) significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation (LPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and proline content in the leaves of both wheat cultivars. The PGPB also increased peroxidase (POX) activity and the levels of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the wheat leaves. It was concluded that B. megaterium AFI1 is an ideal candidate for bioremediation and wheat growth promotion against Ni-induced oxidative stress, as it increases photosynthetic pigment contents, induces the antioxidant defense system, and lowers Ni metal uptake.

Increased Lipid Peroxidation May Be Linked to Ferritin Levels Elevation in Adult-Onset Still's Disease.

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and hyper-ferritinemia are involved in inflammatory responses. Although hyper-ferritinemia is a characteristic of AOSD, its link to LPO remains unclear. We investigated the association between LPO and ferritin expression, and evaluated the relationship between LPO-related metabolites and inflammatory parameters. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of LPO (C11-Biodipy581/591)-expressing PBMCs/monocytes in AOSD patients and healthy control (HC) subjects was determined by flow-cytometry analysis. Expression of ferritin and cytokines on PBMCs/macrophages was examined by immunoblotting. Plasma levels of LPO-related metabolites and cytokines were determined by ELISA and the MULTIPLEX platform, respectively. LPO MFI on PBMCs/monocytes were significantly higher in patients (median 4456 and 9091, respectively) compared with HC (1900, p < 0.05, and 4551, p < 0.01, respectively). Patients had higher ferritin expression on PBMCs (mean fold, 1.02) than HC (0.55, p < 0.05). Their ferritin expression levels on PBMCs stimulated with LPO inducers erastin or RSL3 (2.47 or 1.61, respectively) were higher than HC (0.84, p < 0.05, or 0.74, p < 0.01). Ferritin expression on erastin-treated/IL-1ß-treated macrophages from patients were higher than those from HC (p < 0.001). The elevated levels of LPO-related metabolites, including malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals, were positively correlated with disease activity scores, suggesting LPO involvement in AOSD pathogenesis. Increased ferritin expression on PBMCs/macrophages stimulated with LPO inducers indicates a link between LPO and elevated ferritin.

Multi-organ Toxicity Attenuation by Cerium Oxide and Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticles: Comparing the Beneficial Effects on Tissues Oxidative Damage Induced by Sub-acute Exposure to Diazinon.

BACKGROUND: Excessive use of diazinon, as an organophosphate pesticide (OP), contributes to cytotoxic and pathologic cellular damage and, in particular, oxidative stress. However, metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs), such as cerium oxide (CeO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), with the property of free radical scavenging demonstrated beneficial effects in the alleviation of oxidative stress biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study include evaluating beneficial effects of CeO2 NPs, Y2O3 NPs, and their combination against diazinon-induced oxidative stress in different tissues of brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and spleen. METHODS: Eight randomized groups of 6 adult male Wistar rats were formed. Each group of rats administered a different combination of diazinon, CeO2 and Y2O3 NPs daily and levels of oxidative stress markers, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol molecules (TTM) and total anti-oxidant power (TAP) and catalase enzyme, were measured after 2 weeks of the treatment. RESULTS: Measurements of the mentioned markers in the brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and spleen showed that the administration of NPs could significantly alleviate the oxidative stress induced by diazinon. However, the findings of this study illustrated that the combination of both CeO2 and Y2O3 NPs led to a better reduction in oxidative stress markers. CONCLUSION: Sub-acute exposure of diazinon in rats led to increased levels of oxidative stress markers in pivotal tissues such as the brain, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and spleen. CeO2 and Y2O3 NPs neutralize the oxidative stress to compensate diazinon-induced tissue damages. Lay Summary: Organophosphate pesticides (OPs), which are mainly used for pest control, are responsible for the entry of pesticides into the human food cycle. Organophosphate such as diazinon increases the molecular biomarkers of oxidative stress inside the cells of vital tissues such as the heart, liver, lungs, etc. Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as cerium oxide (CeO2) and yitrium oxide (Y2O3) can have free radical scavenging potential under oxidative stress and through various mechanisms. Although these nanoparticles reduce oxidative stress, it should be borne in the design of the study that additional doses of these substances reverse the beneficial effects.

The Association of Major Depressive Disorder with Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome, Lipid Peroxidation, and Total Antioxidant Capacity.

Increasing number of studies indicates that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play an essential role in pathophysiology and some symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). In the present study, the inflammasome activity and oxidative stress status in untreated and antidepressant-treated MDD patients were compared to the healthy group. Blood samples were taken from 20 MDD patients receiving treatment, 20 first-episode MDD patients not receiving treatment, and 20 healthy controls. The expression level of NLRP3 and caspase-1 was measured by real-time PCR and the serum TAC and MDA were examined in the patients and the control groups. The results showed that the mRNA level of NLRP3 and caspase-1 genes was significantly elevated in MDD groups compared with that in the healthy volunteers (P < 0.005). The expression level of NLRP3 and caspase-1 has slightly decreased in the treated group compared with that in the untreated one, but it was not a meaningful decrease. Moreover, the serum MDA was significantly higher and TAC statistically was lower in untreated MDD patients compared with those in the healthy control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.001). It can be concluded that NLRP3 inflammasome is upregulated in MDD patients. Statistically significant reduction in the level of TAC along with increased lipid peroxidation was detectable in MDD patient's plasma. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the treated and non-treated groups in terms of oxidative stress (P = 0.6, P = 0.1). Our results suggested that inflammasome signaling pathway is a therapeutic potential for MDD.

[Justification of a use of additional antioxidant therapy in experimental models of chronic bacterial prostatitis].

AIM: To study the changes of the main parameters of the oxidative status in prostate after standard antimicrobial monotherapy and to justify a use of additional antioxidant therapy in various experimental models of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 outbred adult male healthy rats weighing 180-200 grams were used in the experiment. In a control group, 20 intact rats were included. Two experimental groups of 20 animals each were formed and in each group two subgroups (n=10) were distinguished. Two series of experiments were performed in the episodic and relapse models of CBP (based on the Nickel J.C. (1990) and Goto T. (1991)), respectively, with an evaluation of the efficiency of antimicrobial monotherapy (levofloxacin 12.5 mg/kg/day per os for 20 days) in each of the subgroups. In prostate homogenates the levels of CFUs, active forms of oxygen (ROS), diene conjugates and malonic dialdehyde, as well as an activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)) were evaluated. RESULTS: The microbiological efficiency of standard antimicrobial monotherapy in the episodic model of CBP was higher than in the recurrent model (90.0% vs 80.0, respectively, p<0.05). The degree of free radical aggression and a severity of lipid peroxidation in recurrent CBP were significantly higher, and the activity of SOD and SDH was significantly lower than in the episodic model of CBP (p<0.05). In both models, residual oxidative stress persisted in the prostate tissue after antimicrobial therapy, indicating an incompleteness (in the case of episodic model of CBP) or decompensation (in case of recurrent CBP) of the antioxidant defense system. CONCLUSION: A persisting of residual oxidative stress after a course of etiotropic antimicrobial monotherapy in the prostate has justified a necessity of the additional administration of antioxidants (antihypoxants) for a combined pharmacotherapy of CBP.

Oxidative stress potential of the herbicides bifenox and metribuzin in the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The widespread presence of herbicides in the aquatic environment has raised awareness about the need to develop further in depth ecotoxicological risk assessments, more specifically on potential effects on photosynthetic organisms as microalgae. The majority of the information available regarding the toxicity of herbicides towards microalgae is related to traditional toxicological and regulatory-relevant endpoints such as growth inhibition, leaving a significant gap on knowledge regarding underlying interactions and damage to biological targets. In this context, this study aimed to supplement the general toxicity information of bifenox and metribuzin in the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using a battery of selected high-throughput methods. This multiple-endpoint approach included the measurement of formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alterations in reduced glutathione (GSH) content, formation of lipid peroxidation (LPO), photosystem II (PSII) performance and loss of photosynthetic pigments after 24 h exposure. Results obtained showed that both herbicides caused a concentration-dependent increase in ROS formation, with bifenox showing higher but less reactive ROS. This increase in ROS production by bifenox and metribuzin was followed by alterations in the antioxidant capacity of algae, oxidative damage in the form of LPO and alterations in pigment content. Furthermore, both herbicides impacted the photosynthetic activity of algae, as seen by alterations in the maximum and effective quantum efficiency of PSII, PSII photochemistry and energy dissipation pathways, impact in the water-splitting apparatus and reduction in the electron transport rate. The inhibitory effect of metribuzin on photosynthetic processes/components was larger than that seen for bifenox. The impact of bifenox and metribuzin in the photosynthetic processes of C. reinhardtii seems to be in close association with the formation of ROS and consequent oxidative stress and damage in algal cells. Overall, this study showed that the high-throughput methods developed could successfully characterise both potential Modes of Action and adverse effects of bifenox and metribuzin in C. reinhardtii.

Vanadium and Oxidative Stress Markers - In Vivo Model: A Review.

This review article is an attempt to summarize the current state of knowledge of the impact of Vanadium (V) on Oxidative Stress (OS) markers in vivo. It shows the results of our studies and studies conducted by other researchers on the influence of different V compounds on the level of selected Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)/Free Radicals (FRs), markers of Lipid peroxidation (LPO), as well as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. It also presents the impact of ROS/peroxides on the activity of antioxidant enzymes modulated by V and illustrates the mechanisms of the inactivation thereof caused by this metal and reactive oxygen metabolites. It also focuses on the mechanisms of interaction of V with some nonenzymatic compounds of the antioxidative system. Furthermore, we review the routes of generation of oxygen-derived FRs and non-radical oxygen derivatives (in which V is involved) as well as the consequences of FR-mediated LPO (induced by this metal) together with the negative/ positive effects of LPO products. A brief description of the localization and function of some antioxidant enzymes and low-molecular-weight antioxidants, which are able to form complexes with V and play a crucial role in the metabolism of this element, is presented as well. The report also shows the OS historical background and OS markers (determined in animals under V treatment) on a timeline, collects data on interactions of V with one of the elements with antioxidant potential, and highlights the necessity and desirability of conducting studies of mutual interactions between V and antioxidant elements.

An investigation on the seasonal variations of the biomarkers of oxidative stress response and their correlations to Polonium-210 in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and common sole (Solea solea) from Izmir Bay, Turkey.

It is well known that the marine organisms are used as biological indicators for environmental pollution studies. Among these studies, the research on oxidative stress has been increasing in recent years. In this study, mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and fish (Solea solea) samples were collected seasonally from Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey. This station was in an area where fishing is carried out for human consumption. The relationship between 210Po and oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation (LPO), H2O2 and proline) was investigated in the mussel tissue (digestive gland, gills) and fish tissue (liver, gills) samples. The present study indicated that H2O2 accumulated with increasing 210Po concentration in mussel samples. Statistically significant correlation were found between H2O2 and 210Po and LPO and proline in mussel samples. This correlation between LPO and proline can be attributed to common environmental parameters (other than 210Po) affecting expression of both LPO and proline levels. There was not a significant correlation between 210Po and LPO levels. Similarly, a significant correlation was not found between 210Po and proline.

Melatonin application in targeting oxidative-induced liver injuries: A review.

It is believed that oxidative stress is a key causing factor of liver damage induced by a variety of agents, and it is a major contributing factor in almost all conditions compromising liver function, including ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver is the organ that high concentration of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) accumulates, and it is the sole organ where circulating melatonin is metabolized. Melatonin is one of the best antioxidants that protects liver, and its metabolites also have antioxidative function. Melatonin exerts its antioxidative function directly through its radical scavenging ability and indirectly through stimulation of antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidative response from melatonin in liver affects from various factors, including its dosage, route, time and duration of administration, the type of oxidative-induced agent and species aging. This indoleamine is also an effective and promising antioxidative choice for targeting liver IRI, NAFLD, NASH, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC.

Oxidative stress in the algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exposed to biocides.

The toxicity of biocides can be associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative damage, interfering with the normal function of photosynthetic organisms. This study investigated the formation and effects of ROS in the unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exposed to three environmentally relevant biocides, aclonifen, dichlofluanid and triclosan. After a first screening to identify which biocides induced ROS, a 24h multi-endpoint analysis was used to verify the possible consequences. A battery of high-throughput methods was applied in algae for measuring ROS formation, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), photosystem (PS) II performance and pigments (chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids). Results show that only aclonifen induced ROS after the first 6h exposure, with the other two biocides not showing any ROS formation. Aclonifen, a Protox and carotenoid inhibitor, induced a concentration-dependent ROS formation, LPO and interfered with algae pigments content, while no alterations were detected in GSH content. A significant effect was also seen in the photosynthetic process, especially a reduction in the maximum and effective quantum yields, accompanied by alterations in energy dissipation in PSII reaction centers and the impairment of the electron transport rate. This study demonstrated the successful use of a battery of high-throughput methods for quickly screening biocides capacity to induce the formation of ROS and the subsequent effects in C. reinhardtii, thus revealing their mode of action (MoA) at concentrations before an impact on growth can become effective.

The presence of MWCNTs reduces developmental toxicity of PFOS in early life stage of zebrafish.

Both carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are used widely. There is considerable concern regarding their ecotoxicity. CNTs might interact with PFOS in water and result in different impacts compared with those after single exposures. To our knowledge, the developmental toxicity of PFOS in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the early life stage of zebrafish (from 3 h post fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf) was investigated for the first time in this study. The embryos and larvae were exposed to PFOS (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/L), MWCNTs (50 mg/L), and a mixture of both. Compared with PFOS exposure, the adverse effects induced by PFOS on the hatching rate of zebrafish embryos and the heart rate and body length of zebrafish larvae were reduced in the presence of MWCNTs, and mortality and malformation were also alleviated. In addition, zebrafish larvae exposed to PFOS showed decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as decreased levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, in the presence of MWCNTs, indicating that oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation was relieved. Thus, the presence of MWCNTs reduces the developmental toxicity of PFOS in the early life stage of zebrafish.

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography and 4-hydroxynonenal-histidine immunohistochemistry reveal differential onset of lipid peroxidation in primary lung cancer and in pulmonary metastasis of remote malignancies.

The Aim of the study was to reveal if PET-CT analysis of primary and of secondary lung cancer could be related to the onset of lipid peroxidation in cancer and in surrounding non-malignant lung tissue. METHODS: Nineteen patients with primary lung cancer and seventeen patients with pulmonary metastasis were involved in the study. Their lungs were analyzed by PET-CT scanning before radical surgical removal of the cancer. Specific immunohistochemistry for the major bioactive marker of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), was done for the malignant and surrounding non-malignant lung tissue using genuine monoclonal antibody specific for the HNE-histidine adducts. RESULTS: Both the intensity of the PET-CT analysis and the HNE-immunohistochemistry were in correlation with the size of the tumors analyzed, while primary lung carcinomas were larger than the metastatic tumors. The intensity of the HNE-immunohistochemistry in the surrounding lung tissue was more pronounced in the metastatic than in the primary tumors, but it was negatively correlated with the cancer volume determined by PET-CT. The appearance of HNE was more pronounced in non-malignant surrounding tissue than in cancer or stromal cells, both in case of primary and metastatic tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Both PET-CT and HNE-immunohistochemistry reflect the size of the malignant tissue. However, lipid peroxidation of non-malignant lung tissue in the vicinity of cancer is more pronounced in metastatic than in primary malignancies and might represent the mechanism of defense against cancer, as was recently revealed also in case of human liver cancer.

Seasonal and size-related variation of subcellular biomarkers in quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) inhabiting sites affected by moderate contamination with complex mixtures of pollutants.

The size-related differences in subcellular biomarker responses were assessed in Dreissena bugensis mussels inhabiting harbours moderately affected by pollution with complex mixtures of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Adult D. bugensis samples were collected from three harbours of Lake Balaton (Hungary) characterized by moderate shipping activity, and as reference site, from a highly protected remote area of the lake. Biomarkers of exposure (metallothioneins (MTs), ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD)), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA strand breaks (DNAsb)) and possible endocrine disruption (vitellogenin-like proteins (VTG)) were analysed in whole-tissue homogenates of differently sized groups of mussels in relation to environmental parameters and priority pollutants (heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Integrated biomarker response (IBR) indices were calculated for biomarker responses gained through in situ measurements to signalize critical sites and to better distinguish natural tendencies from biological effects of contaminants. Biomarker responses showed close positive correlation in case of MT, EROD, LPO, and DNAsb and negative correlation with VTG levels with mussel shell length in autumn, when higher levels of biomarkers appeared, possibly due to natural lifecycle changes of animals.

Toxicity of atrazine, glyphosate, and quinclorac in bullfrog tadpoles exposed to concentrations below legal limits.

This work sought to ascertain survival and possible changes in levels of glycogen, triglycerides, total lipids, cholesterol, protein, and lipid peroxidation in gills, liver, and muscle of bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) exposed to low concentrations of atrazine (2.5 µg L(-1)), glyphosate (18 µg L(-1)), and quinclorac (0.025 µg L(-1)) at laboratorial conditions. Tadpoles showed a reduction of glycogen and triglyceride in all organs and an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) compared with control animals. Total lipid in gills and muscle increased in exposure to atrazine, and gills alone in exposure to glyphosate, but decreased in gills, liver, and muscle after quinclorac. Cholesterol increased in gills and liver after atrazine, in gills and muscle after glyphosate, and decreased in liver after quinclorac. Total protein in gills decreased after exposure to all herbicides, increased in muscle after atrazine, and in liver and muscle after quinclorac. These findings show that at concentrations of these herbicides tested can lead to an increase in energy expenditure to maintain homeostasis and survival of these animals despite the increase in lipid peroxidation levels in all organs analyzed. Responses observed can be one of the factors responsible for the decline in the number of amphibians around the world.

Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Capparis spinosa.

Caper plant (Capparis spinosa) extracts have been associated with diverse biological activities including anti-oxidant properties. In this work, we characterized the hydro-ethanolic extract obtained from C. spinosa leaves [hydroethanolic extract of C. spinosa (HECS)] by analyzing the content in anti-oxidant compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Further, we evaluated HECS antioxidant activities in vitro using bleaching of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and ABTS test as well as by pretreatment of HeLa cells exposed to Fe(2+) or H2O2. Our findings indicate that HECS contains high amount of total phenolic compounds and high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, HECS exhibited antioxidant activity in both chemical and biological tests. Specially, pretreatment of HeLa cells with different concentrations of the extract conferred protection against lipid peroxidation and modulated activities of two antioxidant enzymes, SOD and catalase. These results revealed HECS antioxidant effects and suggest that C. spinosa leaves are a potential source of natural antioxidant molecules with possible applications in industry and medicine.

Protective antioxidative effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in the thyroid and the liver are similar to those caused by melatonin.

BACKGROUND: Whereas oxidative reactions occur in all tissues and organs, the thyroid constitutes such an organ, in which oxidative processes are indispensable for physiological functions. In turn, numerous metabolic reactions occurring in the liver create favourable conditions for huge oxidative stress. Melatonin is a well-known antioxidant with protective effects against oxidative damage perfectly documented in many tissues, the thyroid and the liver included. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a component of honeybee propolis, has been suggested to be also an effective antioxidant. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of CAPE on Fenton reaction-induced oxidative damage to membrane lipids (lipid peroxidation, LPO) in porcine thyroid and liver, and to compare the results with protective effects of melatonin. METHODS: Thyroid and liver homogenates were incubated in the presence of CAPE (500; 100; 50; 10; 5.0; 1.0 µM) or melatonin (500; 100; 50; 10; 5.0; 1.0 µM), without or with addition of FeSO4 (30 µM) + H2O2 (0.5 mM). The level of lipid peroxidation was measured spectrophotometrically and expressed as the amount of MDA + 4-HDA (nmol) per mg of protein. RESULTS: Whereas CAPE decreased the basal LPO in a concentration-dependent manner in both tissues, melatonin did not change the basal LPO level. When antioxidants were used together with Fenton reaction substrates, they prevented - in a concentration-dependent manner and to a similar extent - experimentally-induced LPO in both tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Protective antioxidative effects of CAPE in the thyroid and the liver are similar to those caused by melatonin. CAPE constitutes a promising agent in terms of its application in experimental and, possibly, clinical studies.

Assessment of persistent organic pollutants accumulation and lipid peroxidation in two reproductive stages of wild silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis).

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in streamwater can sometimes exceed the guidelines values reported for biota and human protection in watersheds with intensive agriculture. Oxidative stress and cytotoxicity are some of the markers of exposure to POPs in fish. Accumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as well as lipid peroxidation (LPO) was assessed in wild silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) from maturation and pre-spawning stages sampled in a typical soybean growing area. Pollutants were quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detection and LPO by the method of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Concentrations of POPs were in the following order: OCPs>PCBs>PBDEs in all organs and stages. Liver, gills and gonads had the highest OCP concentrations in both sexes and stages with a predominance of endosulfan in all samples. Matured individuals, sampled after endosulfan application period, showed higher endosulfan concentrations than pre-spawning individuals. The predominance of endosulfan sulfate could be due to direct uptake from diet and water column, as well as to the metabolism of the parent compounds in fish. The prevalence of p,p'-DDE in liver would also reflect both the direct uptake and the metabolic transformation of p,p'-DDT to p,p'-DDE by fish. The highest levels of PBDEs and PCBs were found in gills and brain of both stages of growth. The pattern BDE-47>BDE-100 in all samples corresponds to pentaBDE exposure. In the case of PCBs, penta (#101 and 110) and hexa-CB congeners (#153 and 138) dominated in the maturation stages and tri (#18) and tetra-CB (#44 and 52) in pre-spawning stages, suggesting biotransformation or preferential accumulation of heavier congeners during gonadal development. Differences in LPO levels in ovaries were associated with growth dilution and reproductive stage. Differences in LPO levels in gills were related with pesticide application periods. As a whole, endosulfan, a current-use pesticide, constituted the main pollutant found in wild silverside reflecting the intense agriculture activity in the study area. Moreover endosulfan was positively correlated with LPO.

The oxidative stress in cataract patients.

BACKGROUND: The recent studies on cataract formation focus on the primary role of the systemic oxidative stress which is generated outside the lens. Our research was directed to assess the oxidative stress by measuring the lipid peroxidation products in the form of the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and the antioxidant enzyme levels in the blood. The antioxidant therapy may have a role to play in delaying the onset and the progression of age related cataracts. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a case control study. It comprised of 100 age matched subjects (50 with cataracts and 50 controls) with their ages ranging from 45- 75 years. Oxidative stresses such as the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and the antioxidant enzymes, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase( GPX ) were investigated in all the patients and the controls. RESULTS: Significantly increased levels of serum lipid peroxide in the form of Malondialdehyde (MDA) (p<0.001) were observed in the cataract patients as compared to the controls. Significantly decreased blood levels of SOD and GPX were observed in all the patients. CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was concluded that oxidative stress plays an important role in the onset and the progression of cataracts. The pro-oxidant i.e. serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in the cataract patients. The blood levels of the enzymatic anti-oxidants, SOD and GPX were decreased. The plasma TBARS can be used as biomarkers of the degeneration in the lens.