Functional food science and defence against reactive oxidative species

Biological and therapeutic properties of bee pollen: a review

Natural products, including bee products, are particularly appreciated by consumers and are used for therapeutic purposes as alternative drugs. However, it is not known whether treatments with bee products are safe and how to minimise the health risks of such products. Among others, bee pollen is a natural honeybee product promoted as a valuable source of nourishing substances and energy. The health-enhancing value of bee pollen is expected due to the wide range of secondary plant metabolites (tocopherol, niacin, thiamine, biotin and folic acid, polyphenols, carotenoid pigments, phytosterols), besides enzymes and co-enzymes, contained in bee pollen. The promising reports on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticariogenic antibacterial, antifungicidal, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, immune enhancing potential require long-term and large cohort clinical studies. The main difficulty in the application of bee pollen in modern phytomedicine is related to the wide species-specific variation in its composition. Therefore, the variations may differently contribute to bee-pollen properties and biological activity and thus in therapeutic effects. In principle, we can unequivocally recommend bee pollen as a valuable dietary supplement. Although the bee-pollen components have potential bioactive and therapeutic properties, extensive research is required before bee pollen can be used in therapy. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Note: A Comparative Study on the in Vitro Antiradical Activity and Hydroxyl Free Radical Scavenging Activity in Aged Red Wines

The antiradical and hydroxyl free radical scavenging activities were estimated in twenty-five, aged red wines from different areas in Greece. The antiradical activity (AAR) was determined by means of the wellknown DPPH• method, and its values ranged from 24.7 to 125.1. A novel, chemiluminescence-based, highly sensitive assay was applied for determination of the hydroxyl free radical scavenging activity (SAHFR), which varied from 1.62 to 12.22 mM quercetin equivalents. The values from the two assays correlated very well (r2 =0.8542, P<0.001), which confirmed an important relationship between SAHFR and AAR. This tendency in aged red wines, which may be significant in evaluating the antioxidant behaviour of red wine polyphenols, is discussed on the basis of previous research and relevant data.

Preventive effects of Resveratrol against azoxymethane-induced testis injury in rats

To evaluate the protective effects of Resveratrol (RES) on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced testicular damage using histopathology and biochemical analyses, 28 male rats were randomly divided into four groups. Groups were control, RES, AOM and ARES. At the end of the 7 weeks, following routine tissue processing procedure, testis sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis of testosterone, total oxidative stress, total antioxidant status and oxidative stress index. Degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules such as atrophy, loss in the number of germ cells and arrested spermatogenic cell, and increase in the connective tissue of the tunica albuginea in the groups with AOM treatment were found. RES treatment (ARES) reduced the number of affected seminiferous tubules significantly (p < .05) compared to AOM alone. The testosterone levels in AOM group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < .05). The total oxidative stress levels were significantly higher in AOM group compared to control group (p < .05). The total antioxidant status levels in ARES group were significantly higher than in the AOM group (p < .05). This study results suggest that an antioxidant like Resveratrol may be useful for decreasing the harmful effects of azoxymethane.

Antioxidant Potential and In Situ Analysis of Major and Trace Element Determination of Ood-saleeb, a Known Unani Herbal Medicine by ICP-MS

The intention of the present research work was to investigate the antioxidant activity and trace element analysis of Ood-saleeb, a known herbal medicine. Preliminary screening of phytochemicals showed that the extract of Ood-saleeb had flavonoids and phenolics. The significant activities in all antioxidant assays were observed in the extract of Ood-saleeb in comparison with the standard antioxidant with respect to dose of Ood-saleeb. Incredible activities to scavenge reactive oxygen species were also observed by the extract of Ood-saleeb. The IC50 values of all factors were determined using ascorbic acid as a standard. The inductive coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was employed for the estimation of trace elements in Ood-saleeb extract. The concentrations of up to 18 elements were detected successfully. Silicon was found in high concentration (85.3 μg/g) while lithium was in low concentration (3 ng/g). The trace elements in the sample were found at different percentage levels which play a key role in the treatment of diseases.

Selenium and Preeclampsia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Conflicting results exist between selenium concentration and preeclampsia. The role of selenium in the development of preeclampsia is unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the blood selenium level in patients with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women, and to determine the effectiveness of selenium supplementation in preventing preeclampsia. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, and relevant references for English language literature up to November 25, 2014. Mean difference from observational studies and relative risk from randomized controlled trials were meta-analyzed by a random-effect model. Thirteen observational studies with 1515 participants and 3 randomized controlled trials with 439 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Using a random-effect model, a statistically significant difference in blood selenium concentration of -6.47 μg/l (95 % confidence interval (CI) -11.24 to -1.7, p = 0.008) was seen after comparing the mean difference of observational studies. In randomized controlled trials, using a random-effect model, the relative risk for preeclampsia was 0.28 (0.09 to 0.84) for selenium supplementation (p = 0.02). Evidence from observational studies indicates an inverse association of blood selenium level and the risk of preeclampsia. Supplementation with selenium significantly reduces the incidence of preeclampsia. However, more prospective clinical trials are required to assess the association between selenium supplementation and preeclampsia and to determine the dose, beginning time, and duration of selenium supplementation.

Freedom-to-operate analysis of a transgenic multivitamin corn variety

In this article, we explore the intellectual property (IP) landscape relevant to the production and commercialization of Carolight(™) , a transgenic multivitamin corn variety created on humanitarian grounds to address micronutrient deficiencies in low-and-middle-income countries. The successful production of this variety requires IP rights risk management because there is a strong protection on inventions and processes via patent portfolios in both developing and industrialized countries. The IP framework is complex, and specialist patent lawyers are usually employed to perform such analysis, but the costs cannot always be met by small, publicly funded projects. We report an alternative strategy, a do-it-yourself patent analysis, to produce a review with limited legal value that can nevertheless lay the foundations for a subsequent more in-depth professional freedom-to-operate opinion.

About Face

The physician’s general survey is an invaluable method for quickly assessing a patient’s overall health and demeanor. Recent studies in psychology have found that qualities of one’s face—including skin coloration and facial adiposity—are associated with one’s underlying health. Subtle variations in these features can indicate serious health problems but can be detected with the untrained eye. Here, we describe how these facial traits link to health and discuss how such cues could be incorporated into the physician’s general survey. In light of research on the barriers preventing physicians from implementing new approaches in their practice, we also consider how scans of facial cues to health could be rapidly and effortlessly integrated into a physician’s current general survey. Integrating assessments of facial cues to health into the general survey would be a simple, low-risk, and low-cost way to detect, monitor, and track possible health concerns, particularly in the burgeoning field of telemedicine.

Oxidative Stress during Ovarian Torsion in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: Changing The Perspective of The Disease

Among the different causes of gynecological acute pelvic pain, ovarian torsion represents a surgical emergency. It is a rare case in the pediatric/adolescent aged group that must be included in the differential diagnosis of any girl with abdominal pain or pelvic/abdominal mass. Current recommendations suggest that laparoscopic detorsion should be performed in order to preserve the integrity of the ovaries and fertility, although oophoropexy may be considered in case of severe necrosis. Nevertheless, maintaining the circulation of the ovary after detorsion deteriorates the tissue injury and leads to a pathologic process called ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which is characterized by oxidative stress. During the detorsion process, an excess amount of molecular oxygen is supplied to the tissues, and reactive species of oxygen (ROS) such as superoxide radical (O₂^-), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl radical (OH•), as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are produced in excess. ROS, RNS and their toxic products cause DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in the cellular and mitochondrial membranes, leading to cell death. In spite of attention on this topic, currently there is no shared and clear evidence about the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents to prevent I/R damage after laparoscopic ovarian detorsion. Considering this element, future research should aim to develop shared protocols for the clinical use (route of application, dosage and time of application) of antioxidants after laparoscopic management of this condition.

Comparison and combination effects on antioxidant power of curcumin with gallic acid, ascorbic acid, and xanthone

Curcumin has been extensively reported as a potential natural antioxidant. However, there was no data on activity comparison as well as the biological interactions of curcumin with other natural antioxidants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant power of curcumin in comparison with three important natural antioxidants; gallic acid, ascorbic acid, and xanthone on free radical scavenging action and their combination effects on this activity. The results indicated that the activities of these compounds were dose-dependent. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of curcumin was found to be 11 μg/mL. Curcumin showed significantly higher antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid and xanthone but less than gallic acid. Interestingly, curcumin revealed synergistic antioxidant effect when combined with gallic acid whereas the antagonistic effect occurred in curcumin combination with ascorbic acid or xanthone. These results suggest that curcumin-gallic acid combination is the potential antioxidant mixture to be used in place of the individual substance whereas using of curcumin in combination with ascorbic acid or xanthone should be avoid.

Ameliorative effect of naringin against doxorubicin-induced acute cardiac toxicity in rats

CONTEXT

Doxorubicin (Dox) is one of the most active chemotherapeutic agents used to treat various types of cancers. Its clinical utility is compromised due to fatal cardiac toxicity characterized by an irreversible cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the cardioprotective potential of naringin (NR) against Dox-induced acute cardiac toxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. NR (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) daily from 0 to 14 d. Doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was given as a single dose on the 10th day. On the 14th day, all animals were sacrificed and oxidative stress parameters that include malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and all mitochondrial complexes (I-IV) activities were evaluated along with histopathological studies of the heart.

RESULTS

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was confirmed by increased (p < 0.05) MDA, decreased (p < 0.05) GSH levels, SOD, and CAT activities, mitochondrial complexes (I-IV) activities in the heart tissue. NR (100 mg/kg) showed cardioprotection as evident from significant decreased MDA (p < 0.001) level, raised (p < 0.001) GSH level, SOD and CAT activities and increased mitochondrial complexes I (p < 0.01), II (p < 0.001), III (p < 0.001), and IV (p < 0.05) activities. Further, Dox-induced cardiotoxicity was confirmed by histopathological studies. These obtained results indicated the protective role of NR against Dox-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.

CONCLUSION

NR can be used in combination with Dox due to its high cardioprotective effect against Dox-induced cardiomyopathy.

Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Vitamin C supplementation may help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and maternal anaemia. There is a need to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of vitamin C supplementation, alone or in combination with other separate supplements on pregnancy outcomes, adverse events, side effects and use of health resources.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 March 2015) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating vitamin C supplementation in pregnant women. Interventions using a multivitamin supplement containing vitamin C or where the primary supplement was iron were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-nine trials involving 24,300 women are included in this review. Overall, 11 trials were judged to be of low risk of bias, eight were high risk of bias and for 10 trials it was unclear. No clear differences were seen between women supplemented with vitamin C alone or in combination with other supplements compared with placebo or no control for the risk of stillbirth (risk ratio (RR) 1.15, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.89 to 1.49; 20,038 participants; 11 studies; I² = 0%; moderate quality evidence), neonatal death (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.08; 19,575 participants; 11 studies; I² = 0%), perinatal death (average RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.49; 17,105 participants; seven studies; I² = 35%), birthweight (mean difference (MD) 26.88 g, 95% CI -18.81 to 72.58; 17,326 participants; 13 studies; I² = 69%), intrauterine growth restriction (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.06; 20,361 participants; 12 studies; I² = 15%; high quality evidence), preterm birth (average RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.10; 22,250 participants; 16 studies; I² = 49%; high quality evidence), preterm PROM (prelabour rupture of membranes) (average RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.36; 16,825 participants; 10 studies; I² = 70%; low quality evidence), term PROM (average RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.56; 2674 participants; three studies; I² = 87%), and clinical pre-eclampsia (average RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.05; 21,956 participants; 16 studies; I² = 41%; high quality evidence).Women supplemented with vitamin C alone or in combination with other supplements compared with placebo or no control were at decreased risk of having a placental abruption (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.92; 15,755 participants; eight studies; I² = 0%; high quality evidence) and had a small increase in gestational age at birth (MD 0.31, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.61; 14,062 participants; nine studies; I² = 65%), however they were also more likely to self-report abdominal pain (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.37; 1877 participants; one study). In the subgroup analyses based on the type of supplement, vitamin C supplementation alone was associated with a reduced risk of preterm PROM (average RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.91; 1282 participants; five studies; I² = 0%) and term PROM (average RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.94; 170 participants; one study). Conversely, the risk of term PROM was increased when supplementation included vitamin C and vitamin E (average RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.23; 3060 participants; two studies; I² = 0%). There were no differences in the effects of vitamin C on other outcomes in the subgroup analyses examining the type of supplement. There were no differing patterns in other subgroups of women based on underlying risk of pregnancy complications, timing of commencement of supplementation or dietary intake of vitamin C prior to trial entry. The GRADE quality of the evidence was high for intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and placental abruption, moderate for stillbirth and clinical pre-eclampsia, low for preterm PROM.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The data do not support routine vitamin C supplementation alone or in combination with other supplements for the prevention of fetal or neonatal death, poor fetal growth, preterm birth or pre-eclampsia. Further research is required to elucidate the possible role of vitamin C in the prevention of placental abruption and prelabour rupture of membranes. There was no convincing evidence that vitamin C supplementation alone or in combination with other supplements results in other important benefits or harms.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Haskap Cultivars is Polyphenols-Dependent

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries have long been used for their health promoting properties against chronic conditions. The current study investigated the effect of Canadian haskap berry extracts on pro-inflammatory cytokines using a human monocytic cell line THP-1 derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Methanol extracts of haskap from different growing locations in Canada were prepared and characterized for their total phenolic profile using colorimetric assays and liquid chromatography—Mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Human THP-1 monocytes were seeded in 24-well plates (5 × 10⁵/well) and treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 0.1 μg/mL) for 48 h to induce macrophage differentiation. After 48 h, the differentiated macrophages were washed with Hank’s buffer and treated with various concentrations of test compounds for 4 h, followed by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation (18 h). Borealis cultivar showed the highest phenolic content, flavonoid content and anthocyanin content (p < 0.05). A negative correlation existed between the polyphenol concentration of the extracts and pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin (PGE₂), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. Borealis exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects to COX inhibitory drug, diclofenac. The results showed that haskap berry polyphenols has the potential to act as an effective inflammation inhibitor.

Regulation of ascorbic acid metabolism by blue LED light irradiation in citrus juice sacs

In the present study, the effects of red and blue LED lights on the accumulation of ascorbic acid (AsA) were investigated in the juice sacs of three citrus varieties, Satsuma mandarin, Valencia orange, and Lisbon lemon. The results showed that the blue LED light treatment effectively increased the AsA content in the juice sacs of the three citrus varieties, whereas the red LED light treatment did not. By increasing the blue LED light intensity, the juice sacs of the three citrus varieties accumulated more AsA. Moreover, continuous irradiation with blue LED light was more effective than pulsed irradiation for increasing the AsA content in the juice sacs of the three citrus varieties. Gene expression results showed that the modulation of AsA accumulation by blue LED light was highly regulated at the transcription level. The up-regulation of AsA biosynthetic genes (CitVTC1, CitVTC2, CitVTC4, and CitGLDH), AsA regeneration genes (CitMDAR1, CitMDAR2, and CitDHAR) and two GSH-producing genes (CitGR and CitchGR) contributed to these increases in the AsA content in the three citrus varieties.

Dissection of the binding ofl-ascorbic acid to trypsin and pepsin using isothermal titration calorimetry, equilibrium microdialysis and spectrofluorimetry

Clear and quantitative information on the nature ofl-ascorbic acid interaction with trypsin/pepsin should provide a firm base for its rational use in clinical practice.

Fe(3+)-Fe(2+) transformation method: an important antioxidant assay

If we look at the multitude of varied and interesting reaction that constitute biochemistry and bioorganic chemistry, it is possible to classify a great many as either oxidation or reduction reactions. The reducing agent transfers electrons to another substance and is thus it oxidized. And, because it gives electrons, it is also called an electron donor. Electron donors can also form charge transfer complexes with electron acceptors. Reductants in biochemistry are very diverse. For example ferric ions (Fe(3+)) are good reducing agents. Also, different bioanalytical reduction methods are available such as Fe(3+)-ferrous ions (Fe(2+)) reduction method, ferric reducing antioxidant power reducing assay. In this section, Fe(3+)-Fe(2+) transformation will be discussed. Recently there has been growing interest in research into the role of plant-derived antioxidants in food and human health. The beneficial influence of many foodstuffs and beverages including fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and cacao on human health has been recently recognized to originate from their antioxidant activity. For this purpose, the most commonly method used in vitro determination of reducing capacity of pure food constituents or plant extracts is Fe(3+) reducing ability. This commonly used reducing power method is reviewed and presented in this study. Also, the general chemistry underlying this assay was clarified. Hence, this overview provides a basis and rationale for developing standardized antioxidant capacity methods for the food, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement industries. In addition, the most important advantages of this method were detected and highlighted. The chemical principles of these methods are outlined and critically discussed. The chemical principles of methods of Fe(3+)-Fe(2+) transformation assay are outlined and critically discussed.

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of ampelopsin and its protective effect in lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress piglets

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of ampelopsin (APS) by using various methods in vitro, as well as to determine effects of APS on LPS-induced oxidative stress in piglets. The results showed that APS exhibited excellent free radical scavenging by DPPH, ABTS, O₂•⁻, H₂O₂ and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Ampelopsin also protected pig erythrocytes against AAPH-induced apoptosis and hemolysis, decreased total superoxide dismutase activity, and increased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore the results demonstrated that APS enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and decreased the malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents in LPS-treated piglets. The results of the present investigation suggest that APS possesses a strong antioxidant activity and alleviates LPS-induced oxidative stress, possibly due to its ability to prevent reactive oxygen species.

The protective effect of hispidin against hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells through Akt/GSK-3β and ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Hispidin, a phenolic compound from Phellinus linteus (a medicinal mushroom), has been shown to possess strong anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-dementia properties. However, the cardioprotective efficacy of hispidin has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of hispidin against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. While the treatment of H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells with hydrogen peroxide caused a loss of cell viability and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, hispidin significantly protected the cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death without any cytotoxicity as determined by XTT assay, LDH release assay, Hoechst 33342 assay, and Western blotting of apoptosis proteins such as caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. Our data also shows that hispidin significantly scavenged intracellular ROS, and markedly enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 and catalase, which was accompanied by the concomitant activation of Akt/GSK-3β and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. The effects of hispidin on Akt and ERK phosphorylation were abrogated by LY294002 (a PI3K/Akt inhibitor) and U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor). The effect of hispidin on GSK-3b activities was also blocked by LY294002. Furthermore, inhibiting the Akt/GSK-3β and ERK1/2 pathway by these inhibitors significantly reversed the hispidin-induced Bax and Bcl-2 expression, apoptosis induction, and ROS production. These findings indicate that hispidin protects against apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide through reducing intracellular ROS production, regulating apoptosis-related proteins, and the activation of the Akt/GSK-3β and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

New thiosemicarbazides and 1,2,4-triazolethiones derived from 2-(ethylsulfanyl) benzohydrazide as potent antioxidants

New thiosemicarbazide derivatives 2–6 were synthesised by reacting 2-(ethylsulfanyl)benzohydrazide with various aryl isothiocyanates. The cyclisation of compounds 2–6 under reflux conditions in a basic medium (aqueous NaOH, 4 N) yielded compounds 7–11 that contain a 1,2,4-triazole ring. All of the synthesised compounds were screened for their antioxidant activities. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 showed better radical scavenging in a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, with IC₅₀ values of 1.08, 0.22, and 0.74 µg/mL, respectively, compared to gallic acid (IC₅₀, 1.2 µg/mL). Compound 3 also showed superior results in a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (3054 µM/100 g) compared to those of ascorbic acid (1207 µM/100 g).

Mulberry fruit extract protects pancreatic β-cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis via antioxidative activity

Among the many environmental stresses, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ensuring oxidative stress are known to cause significant cellular damage. This has clinical implications in the onset of type 1 diabetes, which is triggered by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells and is associated with oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective and antioxidative effects of mulberry extract (ME) in insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. We found that ME protects pancreatic β-cells against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress and the associated apoptotic cell death. ME treatment significantly reduced the levels of H₂O₂-induced 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and lipid peroxidation and intracellular ROS accumulation. In addition, ME inhibited DNA condensation and/or fragmentation induced by H₂O₂. These results suggest that ME protects pancreatic β-cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.

Mechanisms of testicular torsion and potential protective agents

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency most commonly seen in adolescence, involving a decrease in blood flow in the testis resulting from torsion of the spermatic cord that can result in gonad injury or even loss if not treated in time. Testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury represents the principle pathophysiology of testicular torsion, with ischaemia caused by twisting of the spermatic cord, and reperfusion on its subsequent release. Many cellular and molecular mechanisms are involved in ischaemia-reperfusion injury following testicular torsion. Studies have investigated the use of pharmacological agents as supportive therapy to surgical repair in order to prevent the adverse effects of testicular torsion. Numerous substances have been proposed as important in the prevention of post-ischaemia-reperfusion testicular injury. A range of chemicals and drugs has been successfully tested in animal models for the purpose of mitigating the dangerous effects of ischaemia-reperfusion in testis torsion.

Compartmentation and localization of bioactive metabolites in different organs of Allium roylei

To investigate the involvement of Allium roylei metabolites in the plant's defenses, a comprehensive analysis of the content of cysteine sulfoxides, flavonols, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and saponins was carried out in the various organs of this species. Metabolomics high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectral-based analysis, and histochemcial studies have given important insight to the validity of saponins as a key component involved in plant protection. The root-basal stem, bulb, and leaf extracts exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with inhibition concentration (IC(50)) ranging from 0.649 to 0.757 mg/mL. The antimicrobial properties of the saponin and flavonoid crude extracts were evaluated. The saponin extracts demonstrated significant antifungal activity depending on the applied concentration, and the growth inhibition rate of the tested fungal pathogens ranged from 1.07 to 47.76%. No appreciable antibacterial activity was recorded in the same sample.

Evaluation of the In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Potentials of Aframomum melegueta Methanolic Seed Extract

Aframomum melegueta Schum (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herb widely cultivated for its valuable seeds in the tropical region of Africa. The present study evaluated the antioxidant effects of methanolic seed extract of A. melegueta. The antioxidant effects were evaluated using in vitro, 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay and in vivo serum catalase, superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay method. The extract (25–400 μg/mL concentration) produced concentration dependent increase in antioxidant activity in 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activity when compared with the control group. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the serum level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that the seed of A. melegueta has potent antioxidant activity which may be responsible for some of its reported pharmacological activities and can be used as antioxidant supplement.

Furan fatty acids efficiently rescue brain cells from cell death induced by oxidative stress

Treatment of rat brain C6 astroglioma cells with furan fatty acid F6 prior to exposure to hydrogen peroxide shows a strong protective effect of F6 against cell death resulting from oxidative stress. This protective effect is obtained only for F6 administered as a free fatty acid and with an intact furan ring. It is proposed that brain cells are rescued by F6 scavenging radicals elicited by lipid peroxidation within the cell membrane. Oxidative processes outside the cell membrane, such as protein carbonylation, are not affected by F6. Furan fatty acids such as those present in fish oils and marine organisms are likely beneficial for consumption in reducing the risk of diseases that have been implicated to arise from oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Oxysterols and symptomatic versus asymptomatic human atherosclerotic plaque

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of mortality in the Western world, contributing to about 50% of all deaths. Atherosclerosis is characterized by deposition of lipids onto the coronary or carotid arterial wall and formation of an atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerotic plaques are categorized into two groups: symptomatic and asymptomatic. The symptomatic plaques tend to be unstable and prone to rupture, and are associated with an increase in ischemic events. Oxysterols, products of cholesterol oxidation, are cytotoxic materials. Their level and type may be associated with plaque formation, development and stability. Oxysterols stimulate the formation of foam cells, advance atherosclerotic plaque progression, and contribute to plaque vulnerability and instability due to their cytotoxicity and their ability to induce cell apoptosis. Studies indicate that plasma 7β-OH CH level can be used as a biomarker for detecting carotid and coronary artery disease. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the potential of oxysterols for use as biomarkers for plaque vulnerability and instability. The identification of biomarkers in the blood that can distinguish between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques remains an unresolved issue.

Potential protective effect of highly bioavailable curcumin on an oxidative stress model induced by microinjection of sodium nitroprusside in mice brain

The protective effects of conventional curcumin or highly bioavailable curcumin, Theracurmin^®, against oxidative stress is investigated using our in vivo oxidative stress model.

Protective effect of aquacultured flounder fish-derived peptide against oxidative stress in zebrafish

This study investigates the protective effect of aquacultured flounder fish-derived peptide (AFFP) against 2,2-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage in a zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were evaluated for the protective effect by heartbeat rate, survival rate, ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. In the results, the AAPH group showed a low survival rate, whereas the AFFP and AAPH co-treated group increased a survival rate. Also, AFFP dose-dependently reduced AAPH-induced intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation, and decreased cell death in AAPH-induced zebrafish. These results revealed that AFFP could be used as a natural antioxidant, and that the zebrafish provides an alternative in vivo model to efficiently evaluate the antioxidative effects of peptides on fishes.