A comparative evaluation of thiobarbituric acid methods for the determination of malondialdehyde in biological materials

Monosodium glutamate induces cardiac toxicity via oxidative stress, fibrosis, and P53 proapoptotic protein expression in rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as food additive and flavor enhancer; however, consumption of high dose of MSG provokes oxidative stress in many organs and its safety and side effects on the body are still controversial. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the long-lasting effects of MSG on cardiac muscle functions and structure. Forty male Wister albino rats were assigned into 3 groups. Control group was injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline for 7 days. Second group was injected intraperitoneally with MSG at a dose of 4 mg/g b.w/day for 7 consecutive days and then kept without any treatment till 45th day of the experiment. Third group was injected intraperitoneally with MSG at a dose of 6 mg/g b.w/day for 7 consecutive days and then kept without any treatment till 45th day of the experiment. Monosodium glutamate significantly reduced body weight, force of cardiac muscle contractility, serum level of high-density lipoprotein, and superoxide dismutase activity in cardiac muscle, while it significantly elevated heart rate, serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triacylglycerides, atherogenic index and troponin T, activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-MB, malondialdehyde concentration, and P53 protein expression in cardiac muscle. In addition, it induced myocardial degeneration, cellular infiltration, deposition of collagen in cardiac muscle, and periodic acid-Schiff staining reaction. This study indicated that MSG exerted long-lasting functional and structural alterations in the heart of male albino rats through induction of oxidative stress, atherogenesis, and apoptosis.

Anti-inflammatory and antixidant properties of blend formulated with compounds of Malpighia emarginata D.C (acerola) and Camellia sinensis L. (green tea) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Malpighia emarginata D.C (acerola) and Camellia sinensis L. (green tea) have been studied, particularly as an alternative in medicinal approach for different physio pathological conditions. Here we develop an powder blend formulated with both Malpighia emarginata D.C and Camellia sinensis L. which have in the composition higher content of ascorbic acid and epigallatocathechin-3-gallate respectively. Using different conditions for microencapsulation of biocompounds, we performed the powder production through spray-drying process. After, we evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of blends formulated with Malpighia emarginata D.C and Camellia sinensis L. in an in vitro model of inflammation, using LPS-stimulated RAW-264.7 macrophage cell line. We observed that co-treatment with blends was able to modulate the redox parameters in cells during the in vitro inflammatory response. Moreover, the co-treatment with blends were able to modulate inflammatory response by altering the secretion of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time the synergistic effects antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of Malpighia emarginata D.C and Camellia sinensis L. These results warrant further use of the blend powder for use in the products to heath beneficial, principally in terms of prevention of chronic diseases.

The possible role of NF-κB1 Rs28362491 polymorphism in male fertility of Egyptian population

Male reproductive impairment is responsible for at least 50% of cases of couple infertility. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) has been functionally linked to germ cell apoptosis, which may affect human fertility. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the rs28362491 SNP of the NF-κB1 gene and infertility in Egyptian men. In this case-control study, semen and blood samples of 247 infertile men, constituting the case group, and of 113 fertile healthy men as the control group were analysed. All study participants were genotyped for polymorphism of the NF-κB1 gene (rs28362491) by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Heterozygous I/D genotype of the NF-κB1 rs28362491 polymorphism was associated with a significantly lower risk of poor semen quality, including asthenozoospermia, astheno-teratozoospermia, and oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia, when compared to I/I genotype (odds ratio = 0.25, 0.26, 0.18, p < .0005, <.0005, <.0005) respectively. Overall, the presence of the D allele was associated with a significantly decreased risk of poor sperm quality as compared to the I allele (odds ratio = 0.56, 0.64, 0.49, p = .050, .038, .001). In conclusion, these results suggest that heterozygosity of the NF-κB1 gene may play a protecting role against male infertility in Egyptians.

Overexpression of CsSnRK2.5 increases tolerance to drought stress in transgenic Arabidopsis

Drought is a major factor limiting crop productivity and quality. Sucrose non-fermenting-1 (SNF1)-related protein kinase 2s (SnRK2s) play critical roles in plant abiotic stress responses, especially in drought stress. However, knowledge regarding the functional roles of SnRK2s in drought stress and their underlying mechanisms is relatively limited in tea plant. In this study, CsSnRK2.5, a PEG 6000- and ABA-induced SnRK2 gene from tea plant, was overexpressed in Arabidopsis to investigate its potential function in drought stress response. The results showed that overexpression of CsSnRK2.5 resulted in enhanced drought tolerance, as indicated by an amelioration of the changes in various physiological indexes, including a decreased rate of water loss and decreased accumulation of ROS and MDA. In addition, CsSnRK2.5 overexpression conferred hypersensitivity to exogenous ABA, and transgenic plants exhibited improved ABA-mediated stomatal closure compared to WT plants. Moreover, the expression of some stress response genes, including AtRAB18 and AtRD29b, was more strongly induced in transgenic plants than in the WT when subjected to ABA and drought treatments. Taken together, our results indicate that CsSnRK2.5 is a positive regulator of ABA-regulated drought stress responses.

Triflumuron induces genotoxicity in both mice bone marrow cells and human Colon cancer cell line

Triflumuron (TFM) is an insect growth regulator (IGR), an insecticide commonly used over the world. It is known for its several toxic manifestations, such as reprotoxicity, immunotoxicity and hematotoxicity, which could affect public health. However, studies that reveal its toxic effects on mammalians are limited. To reach this purpose, our study aimed to elucidate the eventual genotoxic effects of TFM in mice bone marrow cells and in HCT 116 cells after a short term exposition. TFM was administered intraperitoneally to Balb/C male mice at doses of 250, 350 and 500 mg/kg bw for 24 h. Genotoxicity was monitored in bone marrow cells using the comet test, the micronucleus test and the chromosome aberration assay. Our results showed that TFM induced DNA damages in a dose-dependent manner. This genotoxicity was confirmed also in vitro on human intestinal cells HCT 116 using the comet test. It was then asked whether this genotoxicity induced by TFM could be due to an oxidative stress. Thus, we found that TFM significantly decreased HCT 116 cell viability. In addition, it induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) followed by lipid peroxidation as revealed by the increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Similarly, the activation of the antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) was also observed. Our results indicated that, in our experimental conditions, TFM had a genotoxic effect on bone morrow cells and in HCT 116 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that this genotoxicity passes through an oxidative stress.

Impact of inorganic salts on vase life and postharvest qualities of the cut flower of Perpetual Carnation

This study was carried out in the laboratory of Shangqiu Institute of Technology, Henan to investigate the effect of a different combination of inorganic salt on the quality and physiological characteristics of cut flowers (CFs) of Perpetual Carnation. Furthermore, to find out the best preservation solution of inorganic salt that can enhance the ornamental value of CFs of Carnation and prolong its vase life. Sucrose, 8-hydroxyquinoline, paclobutrazol, salicylic acid and different kinds of inorganic salts were added as a preservation solution. And the same amount of distilled water was used as control. The effects of these various inorganic salts on the morphological characteristics including vase life, changes in flower stems, fresh weight (FW) and water balance and the physiological characteristics including contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), cell membrane permeability and the contents of proline of carnation were investigated. The CFs placed in vase solution with inorganic salts showed significant changes in its morphology and physiological characteristics as compared to control. The changes in flower diameter (FD), FW, malondialdehyde and cell membrane permeability showed an increasing trend first and then decreasing. The value of water balance was observed with a downward trend. However, the vase life, FD, the contents of malondialdehyde, contents of proline and FW of CFs held in the preservative solution containing inorganic salts were increased than that of control. The fresh preservative solution contained sucrose 3% + 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) (200 mg·L‾1) + paclobutrazol (100 mg·L‾1) + salicylic acid (SA) (25 mg·L‾1) + CaCl2 (100 mg·L‾1) has the best effect on longevity (34 days), FW and FD of carnation CFs. This solution has improved the ornamental and physiological characteristics of fresh carnation CFs.

Antihypertensive Effects of Polyphenolic Extract from Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) Bark in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) bark is a by-product of the wood industry and contains a high level of antioxidative phenolics including flavonoids, which have a variety of beneficial health effects. This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive effects of P. densiflora bark extract (Korean red pine bark extract; KRPBE) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). A group of Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKRs) as a normotensive group was orally fed tap water. Four groups of SHRs were orally fed tap water, captopril (a positive control), 50 mg/kg/day of KRPBE, and 150 mg/kg/day of KRPBE, respectively. Blood pressure of rats was measured once every week for seven weeks of oral administration. After seven weeks, the lungs, kidneys, and serum were collected from rats, then angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, angiotensin II content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were determined. Blood pressure of the captopril- and KRPBE-treated groups was significantly lower than that of the SHR control group. The ACE activity, angiotensin II content, and MDA content significantly decreased in the captopril- and KRPBE-treated groups than those in the SHR control group. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed six phenolics in KRPBE: protocatechuic acid, procyanidin B1, catechin, caffeic acid, vanillin, and taxifolin. KRPBE, which contains plenty of antioxidative phenolics, has antihypertensive effects partly due to reduction of ACE activity and angiotensin II content, and its antioxidative effect.

Neuroprotective Potential of Allium sativum against Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity: Impact on Short-Term Memory, Gliosis, and Oxidative Stress

This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Allium sativum against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity with respect to its impact on short-term memory in rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats were assigned into four groups. The control group received distilled water. The second group was administered Allium sativum powder (200 mg/kg of body weight) orally for 7 successive days, then was left without treatment until the 30th day. The third group was injected intraperitoneally with MSG (4 g/kg of body weight) for 7 successive days, then left without treatment until the 30th day. The fourth group was injected with MSG in the same manner as the third group and was treated with Allium sativum powder in the same manner as the second group, simultaneously. Phytochemical analysis of Allium sativum powder identified the presence of diallyl disulphide, carvone, diallyl trisulfide, and allyl tetrasulfide. MSG-induced excitotoxicity and cognitive deficit were represented by decreased distance moved and taking a long time to start moving from the center in the open field, as well as lack of curiosity in investigating the novel object and novel arm. Moreover, MSG altered hippocampus structure and increased MDA concentration and protein expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calretinin, and caspase-3, whereas it decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissue. However, Allium sativum powder prevented MSG-induced neurotoxicity and improved short-term memory through enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing lipid peroxidation. In addition, it decreased protein expression of GFAP, calretinin, and caspase-3 and increased protein expression of Ki-67 in brain tissues and retained brain tissue architecture. This study indicated that Allium sativum powder ameliorated MSG-induced neurotoxicity through preventing oxidative stress-induced gliosis and apoptosis of brain tissue in rats.

Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by silica exposure in crystal craftsmen

BACKGROUND

Identification of biomarkers associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of silicosis would be highly advantageous in the clinical setting. The aim of this study is to evaluate inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in subjects exposed to silica.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of crystal craftsmen currently (n = 34) or formerly (n = 35) exposed and a group of nonexposed subjects (n = 12) was performed. Personal respirable dust samples were collected. Plasma inflammatory mediators (bone morphogenetic protein- BMP2 and chemokines CXCL16, and CCL5), oxidative stress enzymes (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARs] and superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and nitrite (NO₂ ^- ) were analyzed in parallel with nitric oxide in exhaled breath (FeNO).

RESULTS

Being currently or formerly exposed to silica was related to increased levels of CXCL16 and TBARs. Currently, exposed subjects showed decreased levels of SOD. Thirty-seven craftsmen with silicosis (26 formerly and 11 currently exposed) showed higher levels of CXCL16, which was positively associated with the radiological severity of silicosis. Compared with the nonexposed, subjects with silicosis had higher levels of TBARs and those with complicated silicosis had lower levels of SOD. In multivariate analysis, higher levels of CXCL16 were associated with exposure status and radiological severity of silicosis. Smoking was not a confounder. FeNO did not distinguish between the exposure status and the presence of silicosis.

CONCLUSION

CXCL16 emerged as a potential biomarker that could distinguish both silica exposure and silicosis. TBARs were elevated in exposed individuals. However, their clinical applications demand further investigation in follow-up studies of representative samples.

Vitis vinifera L. Grape Skin Extract Prevents Development of Hypertension and Altered Lipid Profile in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress

This study investigated the protective effect of a Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract (ACH09) on blood pressure, lipid profile, and oxidative status in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels, as well as oxidative damage and antioxidant activity in the plasma and kidney, were evaluated in four experimental groups: control Wistar rats (W-C) and SHR-C that received water, and Wistar rats and SHR treated with ACH09 (200 mg/kg/d) in drinking water for 12 weeks (W-ACH09 and SHR-ACH09, respectively). SBP increased in the SHR group compared with the W groups and the treatment with ACH09 prevented the development of hypertension. Plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased in SHR compared with W-C rats; these changes prevented by treatment with ACH09. Glucose levels did not differ between the groups. The SHR group had increased oxidative damage in plasma, as expressed by 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and this prevented by ACH09. Levels of TBARS in the kidneys were lower in the SHR-ACH09 group than in the SHR-C group. Further, ACH09 increased the superoxide dismutase activity in both the plasma and kidneys of both SHR and Wistar rats. These results suggest that ACH09 is protective against disruption of blood pressures, oxidant status, and lipid profile in SHR, and provide important evidence on the benefits of ACH09 on hypertension and associated cardiovascular complications.

Effects of moderate and high intensity isocaloric aerobic training upon microvascular reactivity and myocardial oxidative stress in rats

Systemic and central cardiovascular adaptations may vary in response to chronic exercise performed with different intensities and volumes. This study compared the effects of aerobic training with different intensities but equivalent volume upon microvascular reactivity in cremaster muscle and myocardial biomarkers of oxidative stress in Wistar rats. After peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) assessment, rats (n = 24) were assigned into three groups: moderate-intensity exercise training (MI); high-intensity exercise training (HI); sedentary control (SC). Treadmill training occurred during 4 weeks, with exercise bouts matched by the energy expenditure (3.0–3.5 Kcal). Microvascular reactivity was assessed in vivo by intravital microscopy in cremaster muscle arterioles, while biomarkers of oxidative stress and eNOS expression were quantified at left ventricle and at aorta, respectively. Similar increasing vs. sedentary control group (SC) occurred in moderate intensity training group (MI) and high-intensity training group (HI) for endothelium-dependent vasodilation (10^-4M: MI: 168.7%, HI: 164.6% vs. SC: 146.6%, P = 0.0004). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (HI: 0.13 U/mg vs. MI: 0.09 U/mg and SC: 0.06 U/mg; P = 0.02), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (HI: 0.00038 U/mg vs. MI: 0.00034 U/mg and SC: 0.00024 U/mg; P = 0.04), and carbonyl protein content (HI: 0.04 U/mg vs. MI: 0.03 U/mg and SC: 0.01 U/mg; P = 0.003) increased only in HI. No difference across groups was detected for catalase (CAT) (P = 0.12), Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (P = 0.38) or eNOS expression in aorta (P = 0.44). In conclusion, higher exercise intensity induced greater improvements in myocardium antioxidant defenses, while gains in microvascular reactivity appeared to rely more on exercise volume than intensity.

Optimal dietary curcumin improved growth performance, and modulated innate immunity, antioxidant capacity and related genes expression of NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) after infection with Aeromonas hydrophila

This study investigated the effects of dietary curcumin on growth performance, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity and related genes expression of NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 525 juvenile grass carps with mean initial body weight of (5.30 ± 0.10) g were randomly distributed into five groups with three replicates each, fed five diets containing graded levels of curcumin (0, 196.11, 393.67, 591.46 and 788.52 mg/kg diet) for 60 days. After feeding trial, fifteen fish per tank were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and the mortalities were recorded for 7 days. The results showed that optimal dietary curcumin (393.67 mg/kg diet) improved the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of juvenile grass carp, reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the mortalities after challenge (P < 0.05). Moreover, optimal dietary curcumin increased the activities of lysozyme (LYZ) and acid phosphatase (ACP), and complement 3 (C3) and C4 levels, decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in serum of grass carp after injection with A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, optimal dietary curcumin up-regulated the mRNA levels of LYZ, C3 and antimicrobial peptides [hepcidin, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2), β-defensin], and anti-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), whereas down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, and nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), IκB kinases (IKKα, IKKβ and IKKγ) mRNA levels in the liver and blood of grass carp after injection with A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). In addition, optimal dietary curcumin increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) content and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR), reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver of grass carp after injection with A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, optimal dietary curcumin up-regulated the mRNA levels of these antioxidant enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), whereas down-regulated Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap) 1a and Keap 1b mRNA levels (P < 0.05) in the liver and blood of grass carp after injection with A. hydrophila. Thus, optimal dietary curcumin supplementation could promote growth of juvenile grass carp, reduce FCR, and enhance disease resistance, innate immunity and antioxidant capacity of fish, attenuating inflammatory response. However, dietary excessive curcumin had negative effect on fish. Based on second-order regression analysis between dietary curcumin contents and weight gain, the optimum requirement of dietary curcumin in juvenile grass carp was determined to be 438.20 mg/kg diet.

Dietary supplementation with garcinol during late gestation and lactation facilitates acid-base balance and improves the performance of sows and newborn piglets1

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary garcinol supplementation during late gestation (from the 90th day of pregnancy; day 90) and lactation on the acid-base balance of the umbilical cord blood and performance of sows and piglets. Sixty sows (Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace; second- or third-parity; n = 20) were randomly divided into 3 gestation (day 90 of pregnancy) or lactation treatments, control diet (CON; basal diet), basal diet with 200 mg garcinol, and basal diet with 600 mg garcinol per kg of feed. The body weight (BW); backfat thickness and litter size of the sows; and birth weight, weaning weight, and mortality of piglets were recorded. Sows' blood and piglets' umbilical cord blood were collected for the measurements of hematological parameters and antioxidative and immune indexes, and acid-base balance parameters, respectively. The colostrum and milk and fecal samples of the sows were also collected for analysis of milk composition and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility. Garcinol had no effect on the BW and backfat thickness of the sows but significantly increased the birth weight and weaning weight of piglets (P < 0.05) and decreased the mortality (P < 0.05). Moreover, the white blood cell counts and neutrophil count, mean cell hemoglobin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity in the plasma of the sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The garcinol treatment significantly increased the pH, HCO3- and base excess values (P < 0.05), whereas it decreased the pCO2 and lactate content (P < 0.05) in the umbilical blood. Dry matter (DM), ash, and ether extract in the colostrum were similar between groups (P > 0.05), whereas the garcinol significantly increased the crude protein (CP) in the milk. In addition, the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the plasma of piglets and in colostrum and milk of sows were increased more significantly (P < 0.05) in the garcinol groups than that in the CON group. The apparent total tract nutrient digestibility was similar between treatments. Collectively, this study indicates that sows fed with garcinol in late gestation and lactation showed improved maternal health and antioxidative status, milk protein content, acid-base balance in the umbilical cord blood, and growth performance in piglets, showing promise in natural plant extract nutrition for sows.

Sex influences in the preventive effects of N-acetylcysteine in a two-hit animal model of schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by patient sex. Mechanisms underlying sex differences in SCZ remain unknown. A two-hit model of SCZ combines the exposure to perinatal infection (first-hit) with peripubertal unpredictable stress (PUS, second-hit). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been tested in SCZ because of the involvement of glutathione mechanisms in its neurobiology.

AIMS

We aim to investigate whether NAC administration to peripubertal rats of both sexes could prevent behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by the two-hit model.

METHODS

Wistar rats were exposed to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (a viral mimetic) or saline on postnatal days (PND) 5-7. On PND30-59 they received saline or NAC 220 mg/kg and between PND40-48 were subjected to PUS or left undisturbed. On PND60 behavioral and oxidative alterations were evaluated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum. Mechanisms of hippocampal memory regulation such as immune expression of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER), α7-nAChR and parvalbumin were also evaluated.

RESULTS

NAC prevented sensorimotor gating deficits only in females, while it prevented alterations in social interaction, working memory and locomotor activity in both sexes. Again, in rats of both sexes, NAC prevented the following neurochemical alterations: glutathione (GSH) and nitrite levels in the PFC and lipid peroxidation in the PFC and striatum. Striatal oxidative alterations in GSH and nitrite were observed in females and prevented by NAC. Two-hit induced hippocampal alterations in females, namely expression of GPER-1, α7-nAChR and parvalbumin, were prevented by NAC.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlights the influences of sex in NAC preventive effects in rats exposed to a two-hit schizophrenia model.

Exogenous melatonin reduces the inhibitory effect of osmotic stress on photosynthesis in soybean

Understanding the relationship between exogenous melatonin and water deficit stress is crucial for achieving high yields and alleviating the effects of water deficit stress on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) plants in agriculture. This study investigated the effects of exogenous melatonin on soybean photosynthetic capacity under water deficit stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000. We conducted a potting experiment in 2018 using the soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivar Suinong 26. We identified the impacts of a concentration of PEG 6000 simulating drought (15%, w/v) and an appropriate melatonin concentration (100 μmol/L) on the growth of soybean seedlings and flowering stages in a preliminary test. We applied exogenous melatonin by foliar spraying and root application to determine the effects on leaf photosynthesis during water deficit stress. Our results indicated that 15% PEG 6000 had an obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of soybean seedlings and flowering stages, causing oxidative stress and damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) (H2O2 and O2·-) accumulation and potentially reducing air exchange parameters and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency. The application of exogenous melatonin significantly relieved the inhibitory effects of PEG 6000 stress on seedlings and flowering growth, and gas exchange parameters, potentially improved PSII efficiency, improved the leaf area index (LAI) and the accumulation of dry matter, slowed down oxidative stress and damage to leaves by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, and CAT), reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and ultimately improved soybean yield. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that application of exogenous melatonin at the seedlings and flowering stages of soybean is effective in alleviating plant damage caused by water deficit stress and improving the drought resistance of soybean plants. In addition, the results showed that application of exogenous melatonin by root is superior to foliar spraying.

The effect of ferulic acid against lead-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in kidney and testes of rats

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants which leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells. Reactive oxygen species contains oxygen radicals that easily react with other molecules in the biological system. For decades, lead acetate (Pb(C₂H₃O2)₂) is used as an additive for many widely used chemical products such as insecticides, hair dyes, and cosmetics; however, contact with lead acetate may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of using ferulic acid to inhibit lead acetate-induced toxicity in rats is investigated. Lead acetate was orally given at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 10 days, either alone or with ferulic acid at dose 25 mg/kg. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) activities were determined. In addition, histopathological changes of testes and kidney were examined. Results showed that administration of lead acetate induced oxidative stress through attenuation of luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum. Moreover, the kidney and testes of lead acetate-treated animals exhibited elevation of ROS level, lipid peroxide levels, as well as lysosomal enzyme activity such acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-β-glucosminidase. DNA fragmentation and histological changes were also observed in lead acetate-treated group. In contrast, ferulic acid treatment reduced the deleterious effects induced by lead acetate in both testes and kidney tissues. These results illustrated that ferulic acid has a protective action against toxicity caused by lead acetate in rats. In conclusions, ferulic acid may have future therapeutic relevance in the prevention of lead acetate-induced testicular and renal toxicity in rats.

Gold nanoparticles potentiates N-acetylcysteine effects on neurochemicals alterations in rats after polymicrobial sepsis

Herein, we report the effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and n-acetylcysteine (NAC) isolated or in association as important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds on brain dysfunction in septic rats. Male Wistar rats after sham operation or caecal ligation and perforation (CLP) were treated with subcutaneously injection of AuNP (50 mg/kg) and/or NAC (20 mg/kg) or saline immediately and 12 h after surgery. Twenty-four hours after CLP, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were obtained and assayed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, cytokines, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls formation, mitochondrial respiratory chain, and CK activity. AuNP + NAC association decreased MPO activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines production, being more effective than NAC or AuNP isolated treatment. AuNP + NAC association and NAC isolated treatment decreased oxidative stress to lipids in both brain structures, while protein oxidation decreased only in the hippocampus of AuNP + NAC association-treated animals. Complex I activity was increased with AuNP + NAC association and NAC isolated in the hippocampus. Regarding CK activity, AuNP and AuNP + NAC association increased this marker in both brain structures after CLP. Our data provide the first experimental demonstration that AuNP and NAC association was able to reduce sepsis-induced brain dysfunction in rats by decreasing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress parameters, mitochondrial dysfunction and CK activity.

Correlation of adenosine deaminase operating under nitro-oxidative stress with tumor and vascularization in patients with advanced gallbladder carcinoma

This study investigates serum redox status and adenosine catabolism markers in relation to tumor and angiogenesis, in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). The level of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities, nitrites (NO2^-), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in sera of 40 GBC patients and 40 healthy donors. In parallel, 15 tumors at TNM stage IV were scored for CD34 expression and microvessel density (MVD). The results showed that XO and ADA activities, nitrites and MDA levels enhanced by 1.26 (p < 0.01), 2.69, 2.0, and 3.2-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, while those of GSH decreased by 44.6% (p < 0.001). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut-off for XO, ADA, MDA, GSH and nitrites were 5.41U/l, 17.02 U/l, 3.72 μM, 36.91 μM and 21.21 μM, respectively. Spearman correlation revealed that ADA activity correlated to nitrites levels (r = 0.3419, p < 0.05) and XO activity (r = 0.5487, p < 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that MDA (OR = 5.78, p < 0.05), ADA (OR = 1.28, p < 0.001) and XO (OR = 2.81, p < 0.05) correlated positively to GBC. CD34 was up expressed in 73.3% of tumors at intermediate to high levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that ADA affected MVD (r = 0.604, p < 0.01). The results suggest that high MDA/GSH ratio is a potential biomarker of GBC. In addition, the oxidative adenosine catabolism indicated that active purine salvage pathway could support tumor progression by sustaining angiogenesis.

Effects of bioactive substance from turmeric on growth, skin mucosal immunity and antioxidant factors in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

Present study evaluated the effects of curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, on Cyprinus carpio growth, skin mucosal immune parameters, immune-related gene expression, and susceptibility to pathogen challenge. Diets containing four various concentrations of curcumin (g Kg^-1): 0 g [basal diet], 5 g [T5], 10 g [T10], and 15 g [T15] were fed to the carp (average weight: 16.37 g) for 8 weeks. Growth parameters were analysed at 4 and 8 weeks post-feeding. Skin mucosal immune responses and expression were examined in 8 weeks post-feeding. Growth performance was significantly higher in T10 and T15, with final weight gain of 102.26 ± 2.31 g and specific growth rate of 3.24 ± 0.37, respectively. The lowest feed conversion ratio (2.35 ± 0.16) was recorded in T15 than in the control (P < 0.05). Among the skin mucosal immune parameters examined, lysozyme (36.8 ± 4.03 U mL^-1), total immunoglobulin (6.74 ± 0.5 mg mL^-1), protein level (18.7 ± 1.62 mg mL^-1), alkaline phosphatase (96.37 ± 6.3 IU L^-1), and protease activity (9.47 ± 0.82%) were significantly higher in T15, while the peroxidase activity was higher in T10 (10.24 ± 0.9 U mg^-1 protein). Further, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in serum and found to be higher in T10 or T15 than in the control (P < 0.05). However, malondialdehyde level decreased significantly in T10 and T15. Furthermore, antioxidant genes (SOD, CAT, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 were upregulated in the head kidney, intestine, and hepatopancreas of fish in T10 and T15. Conversely, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha), signalling molecule NF-κBp65 were down-regulated in the tested tissues of T10 and T15. Expression of Toll-like receptor 22 (TLR22) was down regulated in head-kidney and intestine of T15. Fish from T15 exhibited significantly higher relative post-challenge survival (69.70%) against Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. Results of the present study suggest that dietary supplements of curcumin at 15 g Kg^-1can significantly improve the growth performance, skin mucosal and serum antioxidant parameters, and strengthen the immunity of C. carpio. Therefore, curcumin represents a promising food additive for carps in aquaculture.

Functional domain analysis of LmSAP protein reveals the crucial role of the zinc-finger A20 domain in abiotic stress tolerance

Stress-associated proteins (SAPs), such as A20/AN1 zinc-finger domain-containing proteins, have emerged as a novel class of proteins involved in abiotic stress signaling, and they are important candidates for preventing the loss of yield caused by exposure to environmental stresses. In a previous report, it was found that the ectopic-expression of Lobularia maritima stress-associated protein, LmSAP, conferred tolerance to abiotic and heavy metal stresses in transgenic tobacco plants. This study aimed to investigate the functions of the A20 and AN1 domains of LmSAP in salt and osmotic stress tolerance. To this end, in addition to the full-length LmSAP gene, we have generated three LmSAP-truncated forms (LmSAPΔA20, LmSAPΔAN1, and LmSAPΔA20-ΔAN1). Heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae of different truncated forms of LmSAP revealed that the A20 domain is essential to increase cell tolerance to salt, ionic, and osmotic stresses. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing LmSAP and LmSAPΔAN1 constructs exhibited higher tolerance to salt and osmotic stresses in comparison to the non-transgenic plants (NT) and lines transformed with LmSAPΔA20 and LmSAPΔA20-ΔAN1 constructs. Similarly, transgenic plants overexpressing the full-length LmSAP gene and LmSAPΔAN1 truncated domain maintained higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) enzymatic activities due to the high expression levels of the genes encoding these key antioxidant enzymes, MnSOD, POD, and CAT1, as well as accumulated lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) under salt and osmotic stresses compared to NT and LmSAPΔA20 and LmSAPΔA20-ΔAN1 forms. These findings provide insights into the pivotal role of A20 and AN1 domains of LmSAP protein in salt and osmotic stress tolerance.

Relationship between DYNLT1 and Beclin1 expression and the fertilising potential of human spermatozoa

This study aimed to evaluate dynein light chain type 1 (DYNLT1) mRNA expression in mature spermatozoa and to investigate its association with Beclin1 expression to help in understanding of pathogenesis of male infertility. It included 60 infertile men divided into idiopathic (n = 20), accessory gland inflammation (n = 20), and varicocele (n = 20) groups, and 20 healthy fertile men as a control group. Semen parameters were evaluated according to the 2010 World Health Organization criteria. Mature spermatozoa were isolated by Sil-select gradient. Relative quantification of DYNLT1 and Beclin1 mRNA expression in whole sperm pellet and mature spermatozoa was done using real-time PCR. Beclin1 protein was assessed in whole sperm pellet and mature spermatozoa by ELISA. Beclin1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in spermatozoa from infertile patients of different aetiologies in comparison to healthy controls (p < .05). However, DYNLT1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in infertile groups than controls (p < .05). Mature spermatozoa extracted from all studied subjects showed increased DYNLT1 mRNA and decreased Beclin1 mRNA and protein expression compared with the whole sample. It is concluded that decreased Beclin1 and increased DYNLT1 mRNA expression in mature spermatozoa may provide an insight into the biological processes that are activated or suppressed during sperm maturation.

Cashew apple juice supplementation enhances leukocyte count by reducing oxidative stress after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men

Background

Cashew apple juice (CAJ) was shown to improve immunological mechanisms by regulating a balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant concentrations. However, no study exploring the effects of the CAJ and training status on the immune system and oxidative stress induced by exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CAJ supplementation primarily on leukocyte counts and secondary on oxidative stress and cortisol changes after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men.

Methods

Ten moderately (endurance) trained (Age = 21.5 ± 0.97 yr., VO2max = 45.6 ± 4.12 mL/kgBM/min) and ten sedentary men (Age = 20.4 ± 2.72 yr., VO2peak = 32.2 ± 7.26 mL/kgBM/min) were randomized to ingest either daily CAJ or a placebo at 3.5 mL/kgBM/day for 4 weeks, with a four-week washout period. Before and after each period, they performed 20-min, high-intensity cycling (85% VO2max), with blood samples collected immediately preceding and the following exercise. Samples were analyzed to determine leukocyte counts, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, and cortisol concentrations. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of supplement and training status over time with an alpha level of 0.05.

Results

There was no interaction between supplement and training status on those variables before and after exercise. However, CAJ raised resting neutrophil counts and exercise-induced leukocyte counts in the trained group (all p < 0.05). Besides, CAJ significantly reduced plasma malondialdehyde concentrations at rest and after exercise and reduced the post-exercise plasma 8-isoprostane concentration in both groups of subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAJ reduced plasma cortisol after exercise in the untrained subjects.

Conclusions

We suggest that 4-week CAJ supplementation can enhance exercise-induced leukocyte and resting neutrophil counts in trained men. The possible mechanism is a reduction in oxidative stress. However, the supplementation did not change the immune responses of untrained men, but it did reduce stress hormone concentrations.

Trial registration number

TCTR20181127002 Registered 26 November 2018 “retrospectively registered”.

Antidepressant and Antiaging Effects of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Mice

Depression is a mental disorder that affects 300 million people of all ages worldwide, but fewer than half of those with the condition receive adequate treatment. In addition, the high pharmacological refractoriness (affecting 30%-50% of patients) and toxicity of some classical antidepressants support the pursuit of new therapies. People with this condition show depressed mood, loss of pleasure, high levels of oxidative stress, and accelerated biological aging (decreased telomere length and expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance). Because of the close relationship between depression and oxidative stress, nutraceuticals with antioxidant properties are excellent candidates for therapy. This study represents the first investigation of the possible antidepressant and antiaging effects of commercial samples of clarified açaí (Euterpe oleracea) juice (EO). This fruit is rich in antioxidants and widely consumed. In this study, mice were treated with saline or EO (10 μL/g, oral) for 4 days and then with saline or lipopolysaccharide (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce depressive-like behavior. Only four doses of EO were enough to abolish the despair-like and anhedonia behaviors and alterations observed in electromyographic measurements. The antidepression effect of EO was similar to that of imipramine and associated with antioxidant and antiaging effects (preventing lipid peroxidation and increasing TERT mRNA expression, respectively) in three major brain regions involved in depression (hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex). Additionally, EO significantly protected hippocampal cells, preventing neuronal loss associated with the depressive-like state and nitrite level increases (an indirect marker of nitric oxide production). Moreover, EO alone significantly increased TERT mRNA expression, revealing for the first time a potent antiaging action in the brain that suggests neuroprotection against long-term age-related consequences.

Preventive effect of exercise training on diabetic kidney disease in ovariectomized rats with type 1 diabetes

IMPACT STATEMENT

To date, no studies have been found evaluating the effects of physical exercise on renal function and structure changes in ovariectomized rats with type 1 diabetes. Therefore, this work emerges with an important tool for strengthening and expanding innovative research on exercise with potential for the prevention of renal diseases in ovariectomized diabetic rats, and future development of studies that seek to increase scientific knowledge about the beneficial effects of physical exercise on renal diseases in humans.

Effect of symbiotic supplemented diet on innate-adaptive immune response, cytokine gene regulation and antioxidant property in Labeo rohita against Aeromonas hydrophila

Administration of probiotic, prebiotic or symbiotic supplemented diets boosts the antioxidant property, pro and/or anti-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription, innate-adaptive immunity, growth rate and feed digestibility with very low or no mortality in healthy and infected (both groups) in Labeo rohita against Aeromonas hydrophila is reported. The probiotic diet increased the white blood cell (WBC) count and globulin (GB) level significantly on or after 6th week whereas with the symbiotic diet the increase was noted two weeks earlier in both groups; the total protein (TP) level also increased significantly when fed with probiotic diet on weeks 6 and 8, whereas with symbiotic diet the significant increase manifested earlier at 4th week itself. The serum phagocytic activity (PA), respiratory burst activity (RBA), complement C3 (CC3) level, alternative complement pathway (ACP), lysozyme activity (LA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in head kidney (HK) leucocytes increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both groups fed with probiotic diet on weeks 6 and 8; with symbiotic diet from weeks 2-8; but with prebiotic diet only on 8th week. With probiotic diet the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased significantly (P < 0.05) on weeks 6 and 8; with symbiotic diet from weeks 4-8 but the prebiotics diet only on 8th week. However, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) with probiotic diet on weeks 6 and 8 and with symbiotic diet from weeks 4-8. When healthy fish fed with any supplementation diet for a period of 30 days there was no mortality while 5%, 10%, and 10% mortality was observed in infected group fed with symbiotic, probiotic, and prebiotic supplementation diets. In head kidney (HK) leucocytes, the IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, and NF-κB gene transcriptions were significantly up-regulation in both groups when fed with probiotic diet on weeks 6 and 8, symbiotic diet from weeks 4-8 while the prebiotic diet only on 8th week. The iNOS expression was up-regulation significantly in both groups fed with probiotic and symbiotic diets on weeks 6 and 8; however, with any diet, the relative IL-10 and TGF-β gene expressions were down-regulated. The present study suggested that dietary administration of symbiotic diet elicited earlier antioxidant activity, innate-adaptive immune response, immune related cytokine gene modulation, and disease protection earlier i.e. on 4th week than with probiotic or prebiotic diets in L. rohita against A. hydrophila.

Associations between superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and all-cause mortality in older adults: a community-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is an important theory of aging but population-based evidence has been lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between biomarkers of oxidative stress, including plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), with all-cause mortality in older adults.

METHODS

This is a community-based cohort study of 2224 participants (women:1227, median age: 86 years). We included individuals aged 65 or above and with plasma SOD activity and/or MDA tests at baseline. We evaluated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by multivariable Cox models.

RESULTS

We documented 858 deaths during six years of follow-up. There was a significant interaction effect of sex with the association between SOD activity and mortality (P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quintile, the risk of all-cause mortality was inversely associated with increasing quintiles of plasma SOD activity in women(P-trend< 0.001), with adjusted HRs for the second through fifth quintiles of 0.73 (95% CI 0.53-1.02), 0.52(95% CI 0.38-0.72), 0.53(95% CI 0.39-0.73), and 0.48(95% CI 0.35-0.66). There were no significant associations between SOD activity and mortality in men (P-trend = 0.64), and between MDA and mortality in all participants (P-trend = 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased activity of SOD was independently associated with lower all-cause mortality in older women but not in men. This epidemiological study lent support for the free radical/oxidative stress theory of aging.

Effects of boron, silicon and their interactions on cadmium accumulation and toxicity in rice plants

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal for both animals and plants. Rice consumption is a major source of Cd intake for human. Minimization of Cd accumulation in rice is key to reduce Cd hazard to human. Here we showed alleviating effects of boron (B), silicon (Si) and their mixture on Cd accumulation and toxicity in hydroponically-cultured rice plants. Cd treatment (100 μM) led to Cd accumulation in roots and shoots, as well as significant reduction in plant growth. However, amendment of either B or Si significantly alleviated Cd accumulation and toxicity. Moreover, simultaneous supply of B and Si showed better alleviating effect. However, addition of B and Si alleviated Cd-induced oxidative stress in Cd-treated plants as reflected by reduced MDA, H₂O₂ and O₂^-, as well as increased activities of major antioxidant enzymes. Cd exposure induced the expression of Cd transporter genes of OsHMA2, OsHMA3, OsNramp1 and OsNramp5. In contrast, simultaneous supplement of B and Si in Cd-treated plants compromised the gene expression. Our results show that both B and Si alleviate Cd accumulation and toxicity by improving oxidative stress and suppressing Cd uptake and transport, and the two elements display joint effect.

Combined exercise training improves blood pressure and antioxidant capacity in elderly individuals with hypertension

Background/objective

Although regular exercise plays a role in achieving healthy aging, a specific mode of exercise may be required for elderly individuals with hypertension (HT). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of combined endurance and strength training (CBT) on blood pressure (BP) and antioxidant capacity in elderly individuals with HT.

Methods

In a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 54 older men and women aged 67 ± 5.8 years completed endurance training (ET, n = 13), strength training (ST, n = 13), combined endurance and strength training (CBT, n = 16) or served as controls (CON, n = 12). The intervention was a supervised exercise training (1-h sessions, three per week for 12 weeks), followed by a self-supervised exercise training for 12 weeks. Measurements of BP, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx-), malondialdehyde (MDA), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were obtained before and after the supervised and the self-supervised periods.

Results

After the supervised period, systolic BP (SBP) decreased by 7.9% in the ET (p < 0.05) and 8.2% in the CBT (p < 0.01); GPx activity increased by 41.3% in the ET (p < 0.01), 19.1% in the ST (p < 0.05), and 49.2% in the CBT (p < 0.01); NOx-concentrations increased by 66.2% in the ET and 71.9% in the CBT (both p < 0.01), MDA concentrations decreased by 65.1% in the ST (p < 0.05) and 61% in the CBT (p < 0.01); hs-CRP concentrations decreased by 49.2% in only the CBT (p < 0.05). After the self-supervised period, SBP decreases by 7.5% in only the CBT (p < 0.01); NOx-concentrations increased by 68.5% in the ET and 92.4% in the CBT (both p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in SBP, GPx activity, NOx-, MDA and hs-CRP concentrations between the training groups.

Conclusion

The hypotensive and antioxidant effects of the CBT seem to be similar to the ET after the supervised training period. However, after the self-supervised training period, the CBT program might affect better due to greater exercise adherence and attendance in elderly individuals with HT.

Generation and immunity effect evaluation of biotechnology-derived Aeromonas veronii ghost by PhiX174 gene E-mediated inactivation in koi (Cyprinus carprio koi)

Aeromonas veronii is a conditional pathogen causing high mortality in many freshwater fish species worldwide. Bacterial ghosts are nonliving Gram-negative bacteria devoid of cytoplasmic contents, which induce protective immunity against microbial pathogens. The aims of this study were: a) to produce A. veronii ghost (AVG) constructed by PhiX174 gene E; b) to evaluate the specific, non-specific immune effects and protective immunity of AVG against A. veronii in koi. The lysis plasmid pBBR-E was constructed by cloning PhiX174 gene E into the broad-host-range vector pBBR1MCS2, and then transformed into A. veronii 7231. AVG was generated by increasing the incubation temperature up to 42 °C. Lysis of A. veronii occurred 3 h after temperature induction and completed in 12 h. The efficiency of ghost induction was 99.9998 ± 0.0002%. Koi were immunized intraperitoneally with AVG, formalin-killed bacteria (FKC) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) respectively, and then respiratory burst (RB), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme (LZM), malondialdehyde (MDA), complement 3 (C3) and antibody activities were examined in serum. Compared with negative control of PBS, the RB, MPO, LZM activities were significantly higher in koi immunized with AVG (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the MDA activities of AVG treatment were significantly lower than those of PBS treatment (P < 0.05). The serum agglutination titers and IgM antibody titers in AVG group were significantly higher than those in FKC or PBS groups. After challenged with the parent strain A. veronii 7231, the average mortality of AVG group was significantly lower than that of FKC and PBS groups (P < 0.05) and the relative percent survival (RPS) of AVG group (73.92%) was higher than that of FKC group (43.48%). Therefore, AVG have the potential to induce protective immunity and they may be ideal vaccine candidates against A. veronii in koi.

Eucalyptol promotes lung repair in mice following cigarette smoke-induced emphysema

BACKGROUND

Eucalyptol is a monoterpenoid oil present in many plants, principally the Eucalyptus species, and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

Since the potential effect of eucalyptol on mouse lung repair has not yet been studied, and considering that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, the aim of this study was to investigate eucalyptol treatment in emphysematous mice.

STUDY DESIGN

Male mice (C57BL/6) were divided into the following groups: control (sham-exposed), cigarette smoke (CS) (mice exposed to 12 cigarettes a day for 60 days), CS + 1 mg/ml (CS mice treated with 1 mg/ml eucalyptol for 60 days), and CS + 10 mg/ml (CS mice treated with 10 mg/ml eucalyptol for 60 days). Mice in the CS and control groups received vehicle for 60 days. Eucalyptol (or the vehicle) was administered via inhalation (15 min/daily). Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the completion of the 120-day experimental procedure.

METHODS

Histology and additional lung morphometric analyses, including analysis of mean linear intercept (Lm) and volume density of alveolar septa (Vv[alveolar septa]) were performed. Biochemical analyses were also performed using colorimetric assays for myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, in addition to using ELISA kits for the determination of inflammatory marker levels (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], interleukin 6 [IL-6], keratinocyte chemoattractant [KC], and tumor growth factor beta 1 [TGF-β1]). Finally, we investigated protein levels by western blotting (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 [Nrf2], nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB], matrix metalloproteinase 12 [MMP-12], tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 [TIMP-1], neutrophil elastase [NE], and elastin).

RESULTS

Eucalyptol promoted lung repair at the higher dose (10 mg/ml), with de novo formation of alveoli, when compared to the CS group. This result was confirmed with Lm and Vv[alveolar septa] morphometric analyses. Moreover, collagen deposit around the peribronchiolar area was reduced with eucalyptol treatment when compared to the CS group. Eucalyptol also reduced all inflammatory (MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, KC, and TGF-β1) and redox marker levels (MDA) when compared to the CS group (at least p < 0.05). In general, 10 mg/ml eucalyptol was more effective than 1 mg/ml and, at both doses, we observed an upregulation of SOD activity when compared to the CS group (p < 0.001). Eucalyptol upregulated elastin and TIMP-1 levels, and reduced neutrophil elastase (NE) levels, when compared to the CS group.

CONCLUSION

In summary, eucalyptol promoted lung repair in emphysematous mice and represents a potential therapeutic phytomedicine in the treatment of COPD.

A novel Miscanthus NAC transcription factor MlNAC10 enhances drought and salinity tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis

NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) proteins are key regulators of various plant stress tolerances. However, knowledge of NAC genes remains largely unknown in Miscanthus. Here, we characterized a novel NAC gene MlNAC10 from M. lutarioriparius than plays a role in abiotic stress tolerance. MlNAC10 encodes a nuclear-localized protein with a C-terminal transactivation domain, and has a specific binding affinity to the NAC recognition sequence (NACRS). Ectopic expression of MlNAC10 in Arabidopsis led to increased sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) at early seedling growth stages. In addition, the proline content was significantly increased and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capability was significantly enhanced in MlNAC10 overexpression lines under ABA treatment. Moreover, the drought and salt stress tolerance was significantly improved in MlNAC10 overexpression lines. Consistently, the activities of three antioxidant enzymes, namely catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were dramatically stimulated in the overexpression lines compared to the wild type (WT). Correspondingly, the accumulation of ROS was dramatically decreased and malondialdehyde (MDA) was accumulated at a much lower level in the transgenic lines. Meanwhile, the expression of six abiotic stress-related genes was dramatically stimulated in the overexpression lines in comparison to the WT. Together, our results demonstrated that MlNAC10 acts as an important regulator of drought and salinity stress tolerance by stimulating antioxidant enzymes and alleviating ROS damage via the ABA signaling pathway.

Spondias tuberosa inner bark extract exert antidiabetic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most important medical emergencies of the 21st century. However, commercially available oral drugs with antidiabetic properties have been limited because of potential side effects, such as: hypoglycemia, weight gain, hepatic dysfunction and abdominal discomfort. As well as antidiabetic drugs, many types of medicinal herbal supplements are utilized as alternative treatments for DM and related comorbidities. Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as "umbu", has been used in traditional medicine to treat a vast range of diseases, including DM, infections, digestive disorders, diarrhea and menstrual abnormalities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study evaluated the effect of the hydroethanolic extract of the inner stem bark of Spondias tuberosa (EEStb) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced in rats by a single injection of STZ (40 mg/kg i.p.). Diabetic rats were treated with 250 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg of the EEStb for 21 days. Water intake, urinary volume, body weight, as well as biochemical parameters, such as cholesterol total (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), hepatic and muscle glycogen urea, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, and glucose blood levels, were analyzed. We also determined the hepatic antioxidant state, as well as both of insulin and glucose tolerance.

RESULTS

The extract was evaluated by HPLC, and the major components of EESTb were identified (i.e. gallic acid and quercetin). The 500 mg/kg dosage of EEStb significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and post-prandial glucose. The EEStb also reduced urinary volume, food and water intake, as well as decreased body weight gain. Diabetic rats that received EEStb had a lower loss of muscle mass and white adipose tissue. Additionally, EEStb improved the urinary excretion of urea and glucose. The extract significantly decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol and VLDL in diabetic rats. However, no significant effect was observed on the levels of total and HDL cholesterol. EEStb treatment prevented hepatotoxic diabetic-induced, improved GSH:GSSG ratio, SOD and CAT activity as well as reduced nitrite and TBARs levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that EEStb has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects as well as improves insulin sensibility in diabetic rats. This indicates that S. tuberosa could be a potential resource for alternative therapies in the treatment of hyperglycemic conditions. These results also support the use of EEStb in ethnomedicine for the management of diabetes.

Miscanthus NAC transcription factor MlNAC12 positively mediates abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis

NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) transcription factors play critical roles in plant abiotic stress responses. However, knowledge regarding the functional roles of NACs in abiotic stress tolerance and its underlying mechanisms is relatively limited in Miscanthus. In this study, we functionally characterized a novel Miscanthus NAC gene MlNAC12 by ectopic expression in Arabidopsis. MlNAC12 was localized in the nucleus. It could specifically binds to the NAC recognition sequence (NACRS) and has a transactivation activity in the C-terminus. Overexpression of MlNAC12 in Arabidopsis conferred hypersensitivity to exogenous Abscisic acid (ABA) at seed germination and root elongation stages. In addition, MlNAC12 overexpression enhanced germination and root growth under salt (NaCl) stress. Furthermore, MlNAC12 overexpression lines exhibited significantly enhanced drought stress tolerance, which was evidenced by a higher survival rate and a lower water loss rate compared to the wild type (WT). Accordingly, the stomata aperture was remarkably reduced in MlNAC12 overexpression lines in comparison to the WT under drought stress. Furthermore, the accumulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) under abiotic stresses was significantly decreased, accompanied by dramatically enhanced activities of several antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in the transgenic plants. Correspondingly, the expression of six stress-responsive genes was significantly up-regulated in MlNAC12 overexpression lines. Together, our results indicate that MlNAC12 is a positive regulator of drought and salt stress tolerance through activating ROS scavenging enzymes.

A stress-associated protein, LmSAP, from the halophyte Lobularia maritima provides tolerance to heavy metals in tobacco through increased ROS scavenging and metal detoxification processes

Agricultural soil pollution by heavy metals is a severe global ecological problem. We recently showed that overexpression of LmSAP, a member of the stress-associated protein (SAP) gene family isolated from Lobularia maritima, in transgenic tobacco led to enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress. In this study, we characterised the response of LmSAP transgenic tobacco plants to metal stresses (cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)). In L. maritima, LmSAP expression increased after 12 h of treatment with these metals, suggesting its involvement in the plant response to heavy metal stress. LmSAP transgenic tobacco plants subjected to these stress conditions were healthy, experienced higher seedling survival rates, and had longer roots than non-transgenic plants (NT). However, they exhibited higher tolerance towards cadmium and manganese than towards copper and zinc. LmSAP-overexpressing tobacco seedlings accumulated more cadmium, copper, and manganese compared with NT plants, but displayed markedly decreased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation levels after metal treatment. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were significantly higher in transgenic plants than in NT plants after exposure to metal stress. LmSAP overexpression also enhanced the transcription of several genes encoding metallothioneins (Met1, Met2, Met3, Met4, and Met5), a copper transport protein CCH, a Cys and His-rich domain-containing protein RAR1 (Rar1), and a ubiquitin-like protein 5 (PUB1), which are involved in metal tolerance in tobacco. Our findings indicate that LmSAP overexpression in tobacco enhanced tolerance to heavy metal stress by protecting the plant cells against oxidative stress, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing the intracellular concentration of free heavy metals through its effect on metal-binding proteins in the cytosol.

The involvement of autophagic flux in the development and recovery of doxorubicin-induced neurotoxicity

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anti-cancer agent, whose clinical use is limited by the cytotoxicity in non-target tissues, especially the heart and brain. The drug-induced neuronal damage is primarily mediated by oxidative stress, in which autophagy plays a central role. Although numerous studies indicate the involvement of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury, the evidence concerning autophagic process in Dox-induced neuronal death is limited. We found that repeated Dox administration induced the protein expression of LC3II and P62 and impaired autophagic flux with enhanced autophagasome accumulation in rat hippocampus, whereas two weeks after the cessation of Dox treatment, the autophagic process was restored, even stimulated, with normalized protein levels of LC3II and P62 and enhanced expression of Becline-1, indicating a compensatory response in the recovery state. Likewise, while repeated Dox exposure inhibited the hippocampal expression of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) and cathepsin D (CTSD), and suppressed CTSD activity, the Dox-induced impaired autophagy-lysosome pathway was also restored in rats following two weeks of recovery. To further verify the role of autophagy, the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), was administrated daily for the two weeks of recovery period. Our data demonstrated that while the animals in the recovery state showed a significant trend to decreased oxidative damage, normalized antioxidative system and ameliorated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress compared with Dox-induced toxic model, 3-MA treatment abrogated the recovering process, resulting in sustained oxidative and ER stress and neuronal apoptosis. Collectively, the present study firstly provided the evidence for the involvement of autophagy in both development and recovery of Dox-induced neurotoxicity, highlighting a novel target for mitigating the chemotherapy-induced neuronal damage.

Biochemical and histological alterations in adult zebrafish（Danio rerio）ovary following exposure to the tetronic acid insecticide spirotetramat

As a new tetronic acid derivative insecticide, spirotetramat has been reported to be toxic to an array of aquatic organisms. However, the toxic effects of spirotetramat on zebrafish especially at ovary are still obscure. Hereby, the acute toxicity of spirotetramat towards zebrafish（Danio rerio），as well as the changes on biochemical and histological traits of ovary were investigated. The acute toxicity test results showed that the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) value of spirotetramat were 9.61 mg/L and 7.21 mg/L at 72 h and 96 h, respectively, suggesting spirotetramat has moderate toxicity to zebrafish. In the following sub-lethal toxicity test, the gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and gonadotropic hormone receptor (FSHR and LHR) together with the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in ovary were measured at 14, 21, and 28 days after exposure to 36, 360 and 720 μg/L. Under high concentration treatment (360 and 720 μg/L), MDA content, the relative transcription CAT and SOD gene level increased significantly in ovary (p < 0.05). That indicated sub-lethal doses spirotetramat caused oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in zebrafish ovary during the entire experimental period. Under the exposure to spirotetramat at 720 μg/L after 14 days, the relative transcript FSHR gene level was down regulated, and the relative transcript LHR gene level was up regulated. Moreover, spirotetramat affected the oocyte development especially on the diameter size and maturation during the ovary tissue biopsies at 28 days. Taken together, these findings revealed the adverse effects of spirotetramat on fish from the biochemical and histological aspects.

Mate tea reduces high fat diet-induced liver and metabolic disorders in mice

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity is a worldwide health problem and can cause lipid accumulation in the liver. We evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of mate tea treatment in mice submitted to an HFD. C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 13 weeks with and without mate tea. A separate group of mice was treated with fenofibrate as a positive control (a regular drug for lipid disorders). Histological analyses, glucose tolerance tests (GTT), and quantification of mediators related to lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and blood biomarkers for lipid profile were performed. The weight of animals and major organs related to hepatic steatosis was determined, and proinflammatory cytokines and the participation of the Nrf2 pathway and adiponectin were evaluated. Mate tea prevented the accumulation of lipid droplets in hepatocytes as well as weight gain in animals submitted to the HFD. Mate tea treatment also prevented increases in the liver weight, heart weight and amount of visceral and subcutaneous white adipose tissue. Mate tea was able to prevent the deregulation of glucose uptake, as evaluated by GTT, and improved the indicators of oxidative stress, such as nitrite levels, catalase activity, and oxidative damage, as evaluated by protein carbonylation and the MDA levels. Mate tea had an anti-inflammatory effect, preventing the increase of IL-1β and KC and upregulating the expression of Nrf2. Mate tea prevented insulin increase and HDL cholesterol decrease but did not affect total cholesterol or triglycerides levels. Treatment also prevented adiponectin increase. Mate tea may be a good resource to reduce hepatic steatosis in the future since it has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver.

Effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds to stocker Angus steers on retail quality attributes of beef strip steaks

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds to Angus steers during the stocker phase on the quality attributes of beef strip steaks during retail display. Endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds had no effect on steak surface lean color, myoglobin forms, proximate composition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, aerobic plate count, pH, activity of superoxide dismutase and metmyoglobin reductase, shear force, and sensory attributes (P ≥ 0.087). However, lightness, redness, oxymyoglobin percentage, and MRA decreased from 45.01, 32.60, 67.61%, and 9.54 μM/min/g, respectively, on d 0 to 40.11, 21.83, 48.95%, and 2.30 μM/min/g, respectively, on d 7 (P ≤ 0.001). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased by 30% by d 5 (P = 0.015) and APC was increased by 0.5 log CFU/g by d 7 (P ≤ 0.012).

Compared the physiological response of two petroleum tolerant-contrasting plants to petroleum stress

Petroleum not only benefits the world economy but also contaminates the soil. In order to select the plants tolerant to petroleum, the physiological response of two petroleum tolerant-contrasting plants, Mirabilis jalapa and Orychophragmus violace, were investigated in variation of petroleum-contaminated soils (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 g petroleum per kg soil) for 120 d. Petroleum degradation rate, seeds germination rate, free proline, and superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities of M. jalapa were higher than that of O. violace under petroleum stress. However, the decrease rate of soluble protein, plant height, chlorophyll, and root fresh weight was greater in O. violace as compared to M. jalapa. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was conducted, which indicated that the higher tolerance of M. jalapa was correlated with the higher level of free proline and antioxidative enzyme activities. Besides, the 10 g petroleum per kg soil may be appropriate for petroleum-tolerant plants selection, in which petroleum significantly restrain growth in O. violace but not in M. jalapa.

Antipleuritic and Vascular Permeability Inhibition of the Ethyl Acetate-Petroleum Ether Stem Bark Extract of Maerua angolensis DC (Capparaceae) in Murine

Maerua angolensis has been used traditionally in the management of pain, arthritis, and rheumatism in Ghana and Nigeria but no scientific evidence is currently available to give credence to its folkloric use. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a stem bark extract of Maerua angolensis DC (MAE) in acute inflammatory models. The effects of MAE (30-300 mg kg⁻¹) on neutrophil infiltration, exudate volume, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes in lung tissues and lung morphology were evaluated with the carrageenan induced pleurisy model in Sprague Dawley rats. The effects of MAE (30-300 mg kg⁻¹) on vascular permeability were also evaluated in the acetic acid induced vascular permeability in ICR mice. MAE significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration, exudate volume, and lung tissue damage in carrageenan induced pleurisy. MAE increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in lung tissues. The extract was also able to reduce myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in lung tissues in carrageenan induced rat pleurisy. Vascular permeability was also attenuated by the extract with marked reduction of Evans blue dye leakage in acetic acid induced permeability assay. The results indicated that Maerua angolensis is effective in ameliorating inflammation induced by carrageenan and acetic acid. It also has the potential of increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.

Pulmonary Emphysema Cross-Linking with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Vice Versa: a Non-usual Experimental Intervention with Elastase and Bleomycin

Elastase (PPE) is usually used for emphysema models, whereas bleomycin (BLM) is used for fibrosis models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BLM in PPE-induced emphysema, as well as the effect of PPE in BLM-induced fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: control, PPE, BLM, PPE + BLM, and BLM + PPE. Mice received saline, PPE (3 U/mouse), or BLM (20 U/kg) by intranasal instillation. Mice from the BLM and BLM + PPE groups received BLM on day 0 and saline or PPE on day 21, respectively. Those in the PPE and PPE + BLM groups received PPE on day 0 and saline or BLM on day 21, respectively. Mice were euthanized on day 42. We performed histology, morphometry in lung sections and ELISA, zymography and western blotting in BAL samples or lung homogenates. In the lungs of PPE + BLM and BLM + PPE groups, we observed inflammation, oxidative stress and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. The alveolar enlargement was reduced in the PPE + BLM group, suggesting that the BLM could participate in the alveolar remodeling process. The significance of this result supports future therapeutic approaches targeting extracellular-matrix deposition in patients with emphysema as a way to repair the enlargement of alveoli and airspaces.

Effect of Edible Bird's Nest Extract on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Impairment of Learning and Memory in Wistar Rats

Cognitive disability is a common feature associated with a variety of neurological conditions including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), brain injury, and stroke. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that neuroinflammation plays an important role in the development of cognitive impairment. Current available therapies are relatively ineffective in treating or preventing cognitive disabilities, thus representing an important, unfulfilled medical need. Hence, developing potential treatment is one of the major areas of research interest. Edible bird's nests (EBN) are nests formed by swiftlet's saliva containing sialic acid, which is believed to improve brain function. This present study was embarked upon to evaluate the learning and memory enhancing potential effect of EBN by using Morris water maze test in a Wistar rat model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation. LPS elicited cognitive impairment in the rats by significantly increasing the escape latency while decreasing the number of entries in the probe trial, which are coupled with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and oxidative markers (ROS and TBARS) in the hippocampus. Treatment with EBN (125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg; p.o.) effectively reversed the effect of LPS on escape latency and probe trial and, in addition, inhibited the LPS-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative markers. These findings are suggestive that there is existence of neuroprotective effect contained inside the edible bird's nest.