A novel automated direct measurement method for total antioxidant capacity using a new generation, more stable ABTS radical cation

Novel Anti-tumor Strategy for Breast Cancer: Synergistic Role of Oleuropein with Paclitaxel Therapeutic in MCF-7 Cells

BACKGROUND

The side effects of conventional therapeutics pose a problem for cancer treatment. Recently, combination treatments with natural compounds have attracted attention regarding limiting the side effects of treatment. Oleuropein is a natural polyphenol in olives that has antioxidant and anticancer effects.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress effect of a combination of Paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent, and Oleuropein in the MCF-7 cell line.

METHODS

The xCELLigence RTCA method was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of Oleuropein and Paclitaxel in the MCF-7 cell line. The Total Oxidant and Total Antioxidant Status were analyzed using a kit. The Oxidative Stress Index was calculated by measuring Total Oxidant and Total Antioxidant states. The levels of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde, which are oxidative stress markers, were also measured by ELISA assay kit.

RESULTS

As a result of the measurement, IC50 doses of Oleuropein and Paclitaxel were determined as 230 μM and 7.5 μM, respectively. Different percentages of combination ratios were generated from the obtained IC50 values. The effect of oxidative stress was investigated at the combination rates of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% which were determined to be synergistic. In terms of the combined use of Oleuropein and Paclitaxel on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense increased, and Oxidative Stress Index levels decreased.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that the doses administered to the Oleuropein+Paclitaxel combination group were lower than those administered to groups using one agent alone (e.g. Paclitaxel), the results of which reduce the possibility of administering toxic doses.

Strategies to improve the postharvest management of flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) from aquaculture using the short-term storage and package in an innovative closed-circuit system

This study aimed to improve postharvest management of flat oysters reared in a longline system in the mid Adriatic Sea, using short-term storage and package in an innovative closed-circuit system. For the trial, 870 oysters were employed, divided into three experimental groups (A, B, and C), N = 270 oysters each group, whereas the remaining 60 oysters were used for the 2 controls. Each group differed in relation to the time spent in the depuration tank and the time of packaging: group A was packed and immediately transferred to the cell; group B was depurated in a tank for 48 h, then packed and transferred to the cell; group C was depurated in a tank for 48 h and then packed, depurated for another 24 h and transferred to a cell. Samples of each group were sampled at different times of permanence in cell (t0) up until 12 days (t12) for biomorphometric, sensorial, nutritional, and microbiological analysis. Although the nutritional and sensorial quality of the oysters was more pronounced in group A, B and C groups also showed good results. In these two groups, thanks to the use of the modern water recirculation system the quality and safety of oysters was improved by reducing the presence of sludge and eliminating fecal contaminants completely than A treatment and seawater control. These results were also confirmed by the tank control, where a more extended depuration period positively influenced the same parameters emphasizing the importance of the adequate depuration processes in oyster production.

The ameliorative effects of cannabidiol on methotrexate-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic agent and has neurotoxic effects. It exerts its toxic effect on the brain by triggering inflammation and apoptosis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an agent known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects in various tissues. The aim of this study is to examine the protective effects of CBD treatment in various brain structures from MTX damage and to evaluate the effect of intracellular pathways involved in apoptosis. Thirty-two adult Wistar Albino female rats were divided into four groups as control, MTX (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.]), MTX + CBD (0.1 mL of 5 mg/kg i.p.), and CBD (for 7 days, i.p.). At the end of the experiment, brain tissues collected for biochemical analyses as total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index (OSI), histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serotonin, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) staining, genetic analyses as caspase-9 (Cas-9), caspase-12 (Cas-12), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and cytochrome-c (Cyt-c) gene expressions. In the histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation, hyperemia, microhemorrhage, neuronal loss, and significant decreasing expressions of seratonin were observed in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum regions in the MTX group. mTOR, TNF-α, Cas-9, Cas-12, CHOP, and Cyt-c expressions with TOS and OSI levels were increased in the cortex. It was observed that these findings were reversed after CBD application in all regions. MTX triggers neuronal apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress while destroying serotonergic neurons. The reversal of the pathological changes with CBD treatment proves that it has anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic activity in brain.

Songbirds avoid the oxidative stress costs of high blood glucose levels: a comparative study

Chronically high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) can compromise healthy ageing and lifespan at the individual level. Elevated oxidative stress can play a central role in hyperglycaemia-induced pathologies. Nevertheless, the lifespan of birds shows no species-level association with blood glucose. This suggests that the potential pathologies of high blood glucose levels can be avoided by adaptations in oxidative physiology at the macroevolutionary scale. However, this hypothesis remains unexplored. Here, we examined this hypothesis using comparative analyses controlled for phylogeny, allometry and fecundity based on data from 51 songbird species (681 individuals with blood glucose data and 1021 individuals with oxidative state data). We measured blood glucose at baseline and after stress stimulus and computed glucose stress reactivity as the magnitude of change between the two time points. We also measured three parameters of non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, total antioxidants and glutathione) and a marker of oxidative lipid damage (malondialdehyde). We found no clear evidence for blood glucose concentration being correlated with either antioxidant or lipid damage levels at the macroevolutionary scale, as opposed to the hypothesis postulating that high blood glucose levels entail oxidative costs. The only exception was the moderate evidence for species with a stronger stress-induced increase in blood glucose concentration evolving moderately lower investment into antioxidant defence (uric acid and glutathione). Neither baseline nor stress-induced glucose levels were associated with oxidative physiology. Our findings support the hypothesis that birds evolved adaptations preventing the (glyc)oxidative costs of high blood glucose observed at the within-species level. Such adaptations may explain the decoupled evolution of glycaemia and lifespan in birds and possibly the paradoxical combination of long lifespan and high blood glucose levels relative to mammals.

Design, synthesis, and molecular docking studies of benzimidazole-1,3,4-triazole hybrids as carbonic anhydrase I and II inhibitors

In this study, with an aim to develop novel heterocyclic hybrids as potent enzyme inhibitors, we synthesized a series of 10 novel 2-(4-(4-ethyl-5-(2-(substitutedphenyl)-2-oxo-ethylthio)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-phenyl)-5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole (5a-5j) derivatives and characterized by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and HRMS. These compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against hCA I and hCA II. All the compounds exhibited good hCA I and hCA II inhibitory activities with IC50 values in range of 1.288 μM-3.122 μM. Among all these compounds, compound 5e, with an IC50 value of 1.288 μM is the most active against carbonic hCA I. Compound 5h with an IC50 value of 1.532 μM is the most active against carbonic hCA-II. Compounds 5a-5j were also evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on the L929 mouse fibroblast (normal) cell line. The compounds were also analyzed for their antioxidant capacity by TAS, FRAP, and DPPH activity. Enzyme inhibition kinetics showed all compounds 5a-5j to inhibit the enzyme by non-competitive. The most active compound 5e for hCA I and compound 5h for hCA-II were subjected to molecular docking, which revealed their binding interactions with the enzyme's active site, confirming the experimental findings.

How Supplementation with SOD-Rich Plant Extract, Combined with Gliadin, Can Affect Oxidative Stress Markers and Zonulin Levels in Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the influence of supplementation with a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich plant extract on markers of oxidative stress, zonulin levels and the performance of elite athletes. Participants were 30 international-level rowers, divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The rowers performed a maximal effort incremental test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the study. Markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, bilirubin, uric acid, albumin and zonulin) were determined in serum. A lower TOS (p = 0.010) and OSI (p = 0.004), a lower MDA (p = 0.001) and a higher level of SH groups (p = 0.031) were observed in the experimental group after supplementation. Physical performance was evaluated through metabolic efficiency, taking lactate levels and power output on the ergometer into account. After 6 weeks of supplementation, the relative increase in metabolic efficiency at a 4 mmol/L lactate concentration and maximal effort was significantly higher in the experimental group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.015, respectively). These results suggest that supplementation with a SOD-rich extract promotes lower oxidative stress, better antioxidant protection and, consequently, the better work performance of athletes.

Oxidant and antioxidant balance in children with bacteremia

BACKGROUND

There is a crucial balance between oxidant and antioxidant defense mechanisms. We aimed to evaluate the role of the balance of these systems in children with bloodstream infection.

METHODS

We analyzed prospectively oxidant and antioxidant stress parameters from serum samples of children with BSI besides demographic and clinical data of children. Serum levels of the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), albumin, plasma thiol, disulphide, catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, ferroxidase and arylesterase (ARES) activity were evaluated in both patients and healthy controls.

RESULTS

A total of 113 children were evaluated, 50 of them had bacteremia and the remaining 63 were healthy subjects. The median TOS values were 18.5 µmol H2O2/L and 13.1 µmol H2O2/L in patient and control groups, respectively with a statistically significant difference between groups. The mean serum IMA levels were 0.8±0.1 absorbance unit (ABSU) in patients and 0.5±0.09 ABSU in control, the difference between groups was statistically significant. The native thiol, total thiol levels and the disulphide levels were significantly lower in the patient group as compared with the control group. The myeloperoxidase level was 136 U/L in patients and 107 in controls with a statistically significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TOS, IMA, MPO, and particularly plasma thiols seem good candidates for accurate diagnosis of bacteremia in children.

Serum Endocan Levels in Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome

Aim: Studies that explored endocan (as a novel marker of endothelial dysfunction) in relation to metabolic syndrome (MetS) are scarce and show discordant results. Importantly, no study has yet examined serum endocan levels in exclusively postmenopausal women with MetS and free of diabetes. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the key features of MetS and consequently cardiovascular diseases. Hence, we aimed to explore the potential relationship between endocan, oxidative stress [i.e., determined by total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB)], inflammation, and MetS in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 126 postmenopausal women were included consecutively. MetS was diagnosed following the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: Higher serum endocan levels were found in MetS group as compared with MetS-free counterparts [6.03 (3.47-10.37) pg/mL vs. 2.27 (1.49-3.50) pg/mL, P < 0.001]. Endocan showed good discriminatory ability toward MetS [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.809]. Besides age, the inclusion of oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers, such as PAB and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), the AUC for discrimination postmenopausal women with MetS from MetS-free women was 0.845. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with MetS exhibited almost 2.7 times higher serum endocan level as compared with MetS-free middle-aged women. Endocan showed good discriminatory ability toward MetS and could be a diagnostic marker in MetS. Similar results were confirmed when added an age, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers (i.e., PAB and hsCRP) were included for the discrimination of postmenopausal with MetS from MetS-free women.

Effects of garlic powder-supplemented milk on growth and health indicators in Holstein calves

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding different doses of garlic powder (GP) into milk on the growth and health parameters of Holstein calves. Thirty Holstein calves were randomly divided into groups as follows: control (CON), T1 (10 mg GP/kg live weight (LW)), and T2 (30 mg GP/kg LW). Four days old calves were used as animal material. The calves were weaned when they consumed 800 g of starter for 3 consecutive days. The experiment was terminated when the calves reached 8-week age. Starter and water were available ad libitum. Both GP doses significantly decreased respiratory score, the number of illness days, and diarrheal days (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant improvement was observed in the general appearance of calves that received both GP doses (p < 0.05). Garlic powder created a significant decrease in oxidative stress index at 28 days old and total oxidative status at the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). Garlic powder was not significantly effective for the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria growth at the 28-day-old and the end of the experiment. The application of 30 mg/kg LW GP significantly reduced the incidence of cases such as diarrhea and respiratory diseases, which are common during the suckling period.

Investigation of cardioprotective effect of lercanidipine on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Although doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anti-neoplastic drug for many types of cancer, particularly dose-related cardiotoxicity limits the use of the drug. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the protective effect of lercanidipine (LRD) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In our study, 40 Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as control, DOX, LRD 0.5 (DOX + 0.5 mg/kg LRD), LRD 1 (DOX + 1 mg/kg LRD), and LRD 2 (DOX + 2 mg/kg LRD). At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and their blood, heart, and endothelial tissues were examined biochemically, histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and genetically. According to our findings, necrosis, tumor necrosis factor alpha activity, vascular endothelial growth factor activity, and oxidative stress were increased in the heart tissues of the DOX group. In addition, DOX treatment caused the deteriorations in biochemical parameters, and levels of autophagy-related proteins, Atg5, Beclin1, and LC3-I/II were detected. Significant dose-related improvements in these findings were observed with LRD treatment. Besides, Atg5, LC3-I/II, and Beclin1 levels evaluated by western blot revealed that LRD exerts a tissue protective effect by regulating autophagy in endothelial tissue. LRD treatment, which is a new-generation calcium channel blocker, showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties in heart and endothelial tissue in a dose-dependent manner and also showed protective activity by regulating autophagy in endothelial tissue. With studies evaluating these mechanisms in more detail, the protective effects of LRD will be revealed more clearly.

Developmental programming: Impact of preconceptional and gestational exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture on maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus in sheep

BACKGROUND

Gestational exposure to environmental chemicals (ECs) is associated with adverse, sex-specific offspring health effects of global concern. As the maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus can have critical effects on pregnancy outcomes and the programming of diseases in offspring, it is important to study the impact of real-life EC exposure, i.e., chronic low levels of mixtures of ECs on these milieus. Sheep exposed to biosolids, derived from human waste, is an impactful model representing the ECs humans are exposed to in real-life. Offspring of sheep grazed on biosolids-treated pasture are characterized by reproductive and metabolic disruptions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if biosolids exposure disrupts the maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus, in a fetal sex-specific manner.

METHODS

Ewes were maintained before mating and through gestation on pastures fertilized with biosolids (BTP), or inorganic fertilizer (Control). From maternal plasma collected mid-gestation, 19 steroids, 14 cytokines, 6 oxidative stress markers were quantified. Unpaired t-test and ANOVA were used to test for differences between control and BTP groups (n = 15/group) and between groups based on fetal sex, respectively. Correlation between the different markers was assessed by Spearman correlation.

RESULTS

Concentrations of the mineralocorticoids - deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, the glucocorticoids - deoxycortisol, cortisol, cortisone, the sex steroids - androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, 16-OH-progesterone and reactive oxygen metabolites were higher in the BTP ewes compared to Controls, while the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-17A and anti-inflammatory IL-36RA were decreased in the BTP group. BTP ewes with a female fetus had lower levels of IP-10.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that pre-conceptional and gestational exposure to ECs in biosolids increases steroids, reactive oxygen metabolites and disrupts cytokines in maternal circulation, likely contributors to the aberrant phenotypic outcomes seen in offspring of BTP sheep - a translationally relevant precocial model.

Liver Oxidative Status, Serum Lipids Levels after Bariatric Surgery and High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet in Animal Model of Induced Obesity

Nutritional status is a major determinant of hepatocyte injuries associated with changed metabolism and oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the relations between oxidative stress, bariatric surgery, and a high-fat/high-sugar (HFS) diet in a diet-induced obesity rat model. Male rats were maintained on a control diet (CD) or high-fat/high-sugar diet (HFS) inducing obesity. After 8 weeks, the animals underwent SHAM (n = 14) or DJOS (n = 14) surgery and the diet was either changed or unchanged. Eight weeks after the surgeries, the activity of superoxide dismutase isoforms (total SOD, MnSOD, and CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and lutathione S-transferase, as well as the thiol groups (-SH) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative stress (TOS) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration liver tissue were assessed. The total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations were measured in the serum. The total SOD and GPX activities were higher in the SHAM-operated rats than in the DJOS-operated rats. The MnSOD activity was higher in the HFS/HFS than the CD/CD groups. Higher CuZnSOD, GST, GR activities, -SH, and MDA concentrations in the liver, and the triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in the serum were observed in the SHAM-operated rats than in the DJOS-operated rats. The CAT activity was significantly higher in the HFS-fed rats. Lower TAC and higher TOS values were observed in the SHAM-operated rats. Unhealthy habits after bariatric surgery may be responsible for treatment failure and establishing an obesity condition with increased oxidative stress.

Pinealectomy and melatonin administration in rats: their effects on pulmonary edema induced by α-naphthylthiourea

We aimed to observe the possible effects of melatonin (MLT) deprivation (pinealectomy) and exogenous MLT administration on pulmonary edema induced by alpha-naphthylthiourea (ANTU), a toxic chemical agent, in rats. Seventy animals were assigned to seven groups: control, sham pinealectomy (PINX), PINX, ANTU (10 mg/kg intraperitoneal on day 30), ANTU + MLT (10 mg/kg/day i.p. for 30 days), ANTU + PINX, and ANTU + PINX + MLT.In this study, pleural effusion (PE) formation, lung weight/body weight (LW/BW) and PE/BW ratios (fluid accumulation and weight values in the lungs) increase detected. Pre-ANTU MLT administration led to significant decreases in PE, LW/BW, and PE/BW levels. The inhibited glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and high malondialdehyde (MDA) levels that ANTU increase lipid peroxidation in the study. MLT administration eliminated oxidative stress by reducing MDA and ameliorating GSH and SOD levels.Pre-ANTU MLT administration led to a significant decrease in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the lung when compared to the ANTU group without MLT administration. Post-pinealectomy ANTU administration significantly increased IL-1β and TNF-α levels when compared to ANTU and MLT administration without pinealectomy. Diffused inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial pulmonary edema, and histopathological congestion were observed after the administration of ANTU. Severity of the damage was elevated in the ANTU + PINX group. MLT treatment regressed pulmonary effusion and edema and improves lung structure. In brief, the findings suggested that MLT inhibited proinflammatory mediators and could serve as a therapeutic agent to prevent inflammatory disorders.

Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on valproate-induced oxidative damage in muscle

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy worldwide. Depending on usage, it can cause complications such as coagulopathies, hepatotoxicity, and encephalopathy. Moringa oleifera has been shown to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective activities. The current study investigated the effects of Moringa leaves extract (70% ethanol) on antioxidant systems against valproate-induced oxidative damage in muscle tissues of rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I: control group; Group II: animals given only Moringa extract; Group III: animals that received only sodium valproate; Group IV: animals administered with sodium valproate + Moringa extract. Moringa extract and sodium valproate were administered orally. Muscle tissues were collected after sacrificing the animals. Biochemical analysis of muscle tissue homogenates of the valproate group revealed elevated levels/activities of lipid peroxidation, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, sialic acid, protein carbonyl, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase. While glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant status, aryl esterase and sodium/potassium ATPase were decreased. The administration of Moringa extract reversed these biochemical changes. These results indicate that Moringa leaves extract had a protective effect on muscle tissues against valproate-induced damage.

Meta-Analysis of Assessment of Total Oxidative Stress and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Patients with Periodontitis

Background

Periodontitis is intricately linked to oxidative stress-antioxidant (redox) imbalance. The antioxidant system scavenges the oxygen free radicals in biological fluids in patients with periodontitis. However, little is still known about the free radicals mediated oxidative stress and reductive ability of the antioxidant system. Thus, the present meta-analysis aims to quantitatively review the literature that assessed the oxidative stress marker total oxidative stress (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in various biological fluids of patients with periodontitis. Methodology. Electronic databases were searched for studies that assessed TOS and TAC levels in various biological samples of patients with periodontitis.

Results

From the 1,812 articles identified, 1,754 were excluded based on title and abstract screening due to irrelevance to the topic of interest. A full-text assessment of the remaining 58 articles led to the selection of 42 articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Of these, only 24 studies had consistent data for quantitative analysis. The periodontitis group displayed significantly elevated TOS levels (p < 0.05) in serum, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and saliva samples in the studies evaluated. In contrast, the periodontitis group exhibited significantly attenuated TAC levels (p < 0.01) compared to healthy controls in plasma, serum, and GCF samples of the studies evaluated, which was insignificant in salivary samples (p=0.433). At the same time, the periodontitis group displayed insignificantly elevated TAC levels after periodontal therapy (p=0.130).

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis showed significantly higher TOS and lower TAC in periodontitis, reflecting the elevated oxidative stress level than the control group. Clinical Relevance. Scientific rationale for the study: The imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants (oxidative stress (OS)) plays a critical role in the onset and progression of periodontitis; the assessment of the relationship between OS-related biomarkers in regional samples and systemic samples of patients with periodontitis helps us to evaluate the periodontal disease progression. The OS biomarker levels can be used to assess periodontal disease and therapeutic efficacy.

Mechanism of anticancer effect of ETP-45658, a PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor on HT-29 Cells

The PI3K pathway plays a crucial role in tumor cell proliferation across various cancers, including colon cancer, making it a promising treatment target. This study aims to investigate the antiproliferative activity of ETP-45658, a PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor, on colon cancer and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. HT-29 colon cancer cells were treated with varying doses of ETP 45658 and its cytotoxic effect assessed using the XTT cell viability assay.ELISA was also used to measure TAS, TOS, Bax, BCL-2, cleaved caspase 3, cleaved PARP, and 8-oxo-dG levels. Flow cytometry was performed to investigate apoptosis, cell cycle, caspase 3/7 activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, following the administration of DAPI (4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) dye, the cells were visualized using an immunofluorescence microscope. It was observed that ETP-45658 exerted a dose-dependent and statistically significant antiproliferative effect on HT-29 colon cancer cells. Further investigations using the IC50 dose showed that ETP-45658 decreased TAS levels and increased TOS levels and revealed that it upregulated apoptotic proteins while downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins. Our findings also showed that it increased Annexin V binding, arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, induced caspase 3/7 activity, impaired mitochondrial membrane potential, and ultimately triggered apoptosis in HT-29 cells. ETP-45658 shows promise against colon cancer by inducing cell death, and oxidative stress, and arresting the cell cycle. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway with ETP-45658 offers exciting potential for colon cancer treatment.

Serum Oxidative Status in People with Obesity: Relation to Tissue Losses, Glucose Levels, and Weight Reduction

BACKGROUND

This work aims to study the effect of reductions in various body mass components on the oxidative, glycemic, and lipid parameters of people with obesity (PWO).

METHODS

A total of 53 PWO underwent a six-month individualized low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise, during which anthropometric, biochemical, and oxidative parameters were measured. Probands were divided into groups based on weight, visceral fat area (VFA), total body water (TBW), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) losses.

RESULTS

Weight reduction normalizes glycemia, but VFA reduction is less pronounced, while SMM and TBW reductions are more pronounced in patients with higher initial concentrations of glucose and fructosamine. Moreover, changes in oxidative parameters correlate with changes in glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss, regardless of the reduced tissue, decreases cardiovascular risk. We observed a significant change in almost all parameters related to the redox state. In general, parameters responsible for antioxidant action improved, and markers of oxidative damage decreased. Malondialdehyde, lipid peroxides, and total oxidative status levels can be considered biomarkers reflecting only the current severity of reactive oxygen species genesis processes. When considering the glycemic state, the results are not as clear due to the substantial differences between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic patients. Glycemic status is a factor playing a crucial role in weight reduction.

Enhancement of biochemical and genomic pathways through lycopene-loaded nano-liposomes: Alleviating insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and autophagy in obese rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Involvement of SMO, GLI-1, and PTCH-1 genes

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is a prevalent hepatic disorder of global significance that can give rise to severe complications. This research endeavor delves into the potential of nano-liposomal formulated Lycopene (Lip-Lyco) in averting the development of obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are major underlying factors contributing to NAFL. The investigation further scrutinizes the impact of Lip-Lyco on intricate cellular pathways within the liver tissue of rats induced with NAFL, specifically focusing on the progression of steatosis and fibrosis. To establish an obesity-NAFL model, twenty rats were subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) for a duration of twelve weeks, after which they received an oral treatment of Lip-Lyco (10mg/kg) for an additional eight weeks. Another group of sixteen non-obese rats were subjected to treatment with or without Lip-Lyco, serving as a control for comparison. Results: The rats on a hypercaloric diet had high body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance, reflected in disturbed serum adipokines and lipid profiles. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were evident in hepatic tissue, and the autophagic process in hepatocytes was inhibited. Additionally, the hedgehog pathway was activated in the liver tissue of NAFL group. Lip-Lyco was found to counteract all these aspects of NAFL pathogenesis. Lip-Lyco exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antiapoptotic, autophagy-inducing, and Hedgehog signaling inhibitory effects. This study concludes that Lip-Lyco, a natural compound, has promising therapeutic potential in combating NAFLdisease. However, more experimental and clinical studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of lycopene in treating NAFLdisease.

Structural Study of a La(III) Complex of a 1,2,3-Triazole Ligand with Antioxidant Activity

The 1,2,3-triazole derivative 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid with potential anticancer activity was used as a ligand in complex formation with the lanthanum(III) ion. The molecular structure and vibrational spectra of the complex were optimized at three DFT levels, and the scaled IR and Raman spectra were compared to the experimental ones. Several scaling procedures were used. Through a detailed analysis, the structure predicted for the newly synthetized La(III) complex was confirmed by the good accordance of the calculated/experimental IR and Raman spectra. The best DFT method appeared to be M06-2X with the Lanl2mb basis set, followed closely by Lanl2dz. The effect of the lanthanide atom on the molecular structure and atomic charge distribution of the triazole ring was evaluated. The potential free radical scavenging activity of both the ligand and the complex was investigated in several radical-generating model systems. The potential mechanisms of antioxidant action (hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and single-electron transfer (SET)) were elucidated.

The Effects of Probiotic Bacillus Spores on Dexamethasone-Treated Rats

Glucocorticoids are effective anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. Long-term exposure is associated with multiple metabolic side effects. Spore-forming probiotic bacteria have shown modulatory properties regarding glycolipid metabolism and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effects of Bacillus species spores (B. licheniformis, B. indicus, B. subtilis, B. clausii, and B. coagulans) alone and in combination with metformin against dexamethasone-induced systemic disturbances. A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1 served as control (CONTROL), group 2 received dexamethasone (DEXA), group 3 received DEXA and MegaSporeBiotic (MSB), group 4 received DEXA and metformin (MET), and group 5 received DEXA, MSB, and MET. On the last day of the experiment, blood samples and liver tissue samples for histopathological examination were collected. We determined serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and metformin concentration. DEXA administration caused hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, increased inflammation cytokines, and decreased antioxidant markers. Treatment with MSB reduced total cholesterol, suggesting that the administration of Bacillus spores-based probiotics to DEXA-treated rats could ameliorate metabolic parameters.

Immunotoxicity and the mechanisms of aflatoxin B1-induced growth retardation in shrimp and alleviating effects of bile acids

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic mycotoxins prevalent in the environment and food chain, posing severe health risks to humans and animals. Bile acids are natural detergents synthesized from cholesterol and play a key role in the excretion of toxins in vertebrates. Here, pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) served as an animal model to examine the toxicity mechanisms of AFB1 and assess the potential alleviating effects of bile acids against AFB1. Our results revealed that AFB1 exposure significantly inhibited the growth performance and immune response of shrimp, accompanied by AFB1 accumulation and histological damage. Mechanistically, AFB1-induced DNA damage activated DNA repair mechanisms and induced the arrest of cell cycle via the ATR-cyclin B/cdc2 pathway. Additionally, AFB1 directly suppressed the immune response and growth performance of shrimp by inhibiting Toll and IMD pathways and the secretion of digestive enzymes. Notably, dietary bile acids significantly reduced AFB1 accumulation and alleviated AFB1-induced growth retardation and immunotoxicity in shrimp, and CCKAR, ATR, and Relish may be key mediators of the alleviating effects of bile acids. Our study provided new insights into the toxicity mechanisms of AFB1 in invertebrates and highlighted the potential of bile acids to alleviate AFB1 toxicity.

Evaluation of Ocular and Systemic Oxidative Stress Markers in Ocular Rosacea Patients

Purpose

To investigate oxidative stress markers in tears and serum of patients with ocular rosacea and to examine their association with both ocular surface parameters and cutaneous rosacea subtypes.

Methods

This prospective study includes rosacea patients with ocular involvement and healthy controls. We performed ophthalmological examination of all participants and collected tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer, Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores. We quantified the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and arylesterase (ARE) levels from tear and serum samples, and calculated the oxidative stress index (OSI). We also classified patients into phymatous, erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular subtypes.

Results

We included 90 ocular rosacea patients and 30 healthy controls. Oxidative stress (TOS, OSI) levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) and antioxidant levels (TAS, ARE) were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in both tear and serum samples of ocular rosacea patients as compared to controls. We found a significant positive correlation between the tear and serum values regarding oxidative stress parameters (P < 0.05). Besides, OSI was negatively correlated with TBUT and positively correlated with MGD score (meiboscore) and OSDI (P < 0.05). The Schirmer score was not correlated with OSI. No difference was found between the cutaneous subtypes with respect to TAS, TOS, ARE, and OSI results.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified oxidative stress markers in the serum and tears of ocular rosacea patients and showed their correlation with clinical signs of MGD, suggesting that oxidative stress contributes to ocular rosacea pathogenesis and that oxidative stress could be an indicator of MGD severity.

Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived Exopolysaccharides Mitigate the Oxidative Response via the NRF2-KEAP1 Pathway in PC12 Cells

Parabiotics, including L-EPSs, have been administered to patients with neurodegenerative disorders. However, the antioxidant properties of L-EPSs against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in PC12 cells have not been studied. Herein, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant properties of the L-EPSs, their plausible targets, and their mechanism of action. We first determined the amount of L-EPSs in Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus B3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GD2 using spectrophotometry. Afterwards, we studied their effects on TDH, TOS/TAS, antioxidant enzyme activities, and intracellular ROS level. Finally, we used qRT-PCR and ELISA to determine the effects of L-EPSs on the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway. According to our results, the L-EPS groups exhibited significantly higher total thiol activity, native thiol activity, disulfide activity, TAS levels, antioxidant enzyme levels, and gene expression levels (GCLC, HO-1, NRF2, and NQO1) than did the H2O2 group. Additionally, the L-EPS groups caused significant reductions in TOS levels and KEAP1 gene expression levels compared with those in the H2O2 group. Our results indicate that H2O2-induced oxidative stress was modified by L-EPSs. Thus, we revealed that L-EPSs, which regulate H2O2-induced oxidative stress, could have applications in the field of neurochemistry.

What is the ideal preconditioning time to reduce laparoscopic-induced oxidative stress?

Introduction

Ischaemic preconditioning is the most effective method for the prevention of ischaemic-reperfusion injury; however, no study has examined the question of the ideal time for ischaemic preconditioning.

Patients and Methods

The patients were divided into five groups, each group including of 20 patients. The precondition was applied as 1, 5, 10 and 15 min in Groups I, II, III and IV and Group V was the control group. Repeated blood samples were taken to measure the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status and oxidative stress index (OSI) values, just before insufflation, at the end of the operation and at 6 and 24 h of the post-operative period.

Results

A significant difference was observed between the TAS values at the end of the operation and at the sixth post-operative time of the four groups (P = 0.001, 0.000, 0.001, 0.019 and 0.033, respectively). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between TAS values at the post-operative 24th h of Group III and Group V, and also a significant difference was observed between the OSI values at the post-operative 6th h of Groups III and V.

Conclusion

The low OSI and TAS values may interpret as a low degree of oxidative damage. The OSI values at the post-operative 6 h of Groups I and II were lower than those of other groups. We accept this result as low oxidative damage.

Dexpanthenol protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury by restoring aquaporin-2 levels via regulation of the silent information regulator 1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious pathology that causes dysfunction in concentrating urine due to kidney damage, resulting in blood pressure dysregulation and increased levels of toxic metabolites. Dexpanthenol (DEX), a pantothenic acid analog, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in various tissues. This study investigated the protective effects of DEX against systemic inflammation-induced AKI.

METHODS

Thirty-two female rats were randomly assigned to the control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+DEX, and DEX groups. LPS (5 mg/kg, single dose on the third day, 6 h before sacrifice) and DEX (500 mg/kg/d for 3 d) were administered intraperitoneally. After sacrifice, blood samples and kidney tissues were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin, caspase-3 (Cas-3), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) staining were performed on the kidney tissues. The total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status were measured using spectrophotometric methods. Aquaporin-2 (AQP-2), silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS

Histopathological analysis revealed that DEX treatment ameliorated histopathological changes. In the LPS group, an increase in the blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, urea, IL-6, Cas-3, TNF-α, and TOS levels and oxidative stress index was observed compared with the control group, whereas AQP-2 and SIRT1 levels decreased. DEX treatment reversed these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

DEX was found to effectively prevent inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the kidneys via the SIRT1 signaling pathway. These protective properties suggest DEX's potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of kidney pathologies.

Comparison of different intravenous iron preparations in terms of total oxidant and total antioxidant status, single center data

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common and preventable cause of anemia. Oral and parenteral iron preparations can be used for treatment. There are some concerns about the effect on oxidative stress of parenteral preparations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose on short- and long-term oxidant-antioxidant status. The study was designed as a prospective, single-center, observational study. Patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and receiving intravenous iron therapy were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups as those receiving 1000 mg iron sucrose, 1000 mg ferric carboxymaltose, and 1500 mg ferric carboxymaltose. Blood samples were collected for blood tests before treatment, at the 1st hour of the first infusion, and at the 1st month of follow-up. The total oxidant and total antioxidant status were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress and antioxidant status. Fifty-eight patients are included. Nineteen patients received iron sucrose 1000 mg (G1), 21 patients received ferric carboxymaltose 1000 mg (G2), and 18 patients received ferric carboxymaltose 1500 mg (G3). First hour total antioxidant status was higher in the iron sucrose group than in the ferric carboxymaltose group [G1 and G2 (p = 0.027), G1 and G3 (p = 0.004)]. At the 1st hour, total oxidant status was higher in iron sucrose group than in ferric carboxymaltose group [G1 and G2 (p = 0.016), G1 and G3 (p = 0.011)]. There was no difference in total oxidant and antioxidant stress between the three treatment groups at the 1st month evaluation [p: 0.19 and p: 0.12]. Total oxidant and antioxidant status in iron sucrose and ferric carboxymaltose formulations were found to be higher in the iron sucrose group in the acute period at the 1st hour after infusion. There was no significant difference between antioxidant and oxidant total status in all three treatment groups at the 1st month of long-term control. The fact that total oxidant status was lower in the ferric carboxymaltose group containing high-dose treatment compared to iron sucrose according to the 1st hour change showed that high-dose iron did not significantly affect oxidant stress in the short term. In addition, long-term oxidant stress evaluation at the 1st month did not show any difference between iron preparations. In conclusion, it has been shown that high-dose intravenous iron therapy, which is easier to use in clinical practice, has no effect on the oxidant-antioxidant system.

Oxidative brain and cerebellum injury in diabetes and prostate cancer model: Protective effect of metformin

The body can host the spread of prostate cancer cells. Metastases from prostate cancer are more frequently seen in the brain, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. A well-known antidiabetic drug, metformin, is also known to have antitumor effects. Our study focuses on the evaluation of potential metformin protective effects on brain and cerebellum damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and Dunning prostate cancer models. In this investigation, six groups of male Copenhagen rats were created: control, diabetic (D), cancer (C), diabetic + cancer (DC), cancer + metformin, and diabetic + cancer + metformin. The brain and cerebellum tissues of the rats were taken after sacrifice. Oxidative stress markers including reduced glutathione level, lipid peroxidation, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant and total antioxidant status, lactate dehydrogenase, xanthine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase activities, protein carbonyl contents, nitric oxide and OH-proline levels, sodium potassium ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities; glycoprotein levels including hexose, hexosamine, fucose, and sialic acid levels; and histone deacetylase activity as a cancer marker were determined. Oxidative stress markers were impaired and glycoprotein levels and histone deacetylase activity were increased in the D, C, and DC groups. Metformin therapy reversed these effects. Metformin was found to protect the brain and cerebellum of STZ-induced diabetic rats with Dunning prostate cancer from harm caused by MAT-Lylu metastatic cells.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of crocin on the doxorubicin mediated hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Doxorubicin (DXR) is widely used in cancer treatment. However, it has not yet been possible to prevent the side effects of DXR. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of crocin against DXR used in cancer treatment. For this reason; forty Wistar rats (male-250-300 g) were allocated into four groups (n = 10/group): Control, Crocin, DXR and DXR+Crocin. Control and Crocin groups were administered saline and crocin (40 mg/kg, i.p) for 15 days, respectively. DXR group, cumulative dose 12 mg/kg DXR, was administered for 12 days via 48 h intervals in six injections (2 mg/kg each, i.p). DXR+Crocin group, crocin (40 mg/kg-i.p) was administered for 15 days, and DXR was given as in the DXR group. The results revealed that serum liver markers (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly after DXR administration but recovered after crocin therapy. In addition, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) increased after DXR application and the antioxidative defense system (GSH, SOD, CAT) significantly decreased and re-achieved by crocin treatment. Our results conclude that crocin treatment was related to ameliorated hepatocellular architecture and reduced hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with DXR-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia interfere with the determination of two oxidative stress biomarkers in canine serum

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress has been proven to play a role in numerous human and canine diseases. Among the biomarkers of oxidative stress, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) are two of the most widely used. Preanalytical factors are crucial for obtaining accurate results in these assays. Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia (HIL) are common sources of preanalytical errors in the laboratory; however, limited information is available regarding the considerations for canine specimens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential interferences of HIL in the determination of TBARS and TAS in canine serum.

METHODS

Solutions of pooled canine serum samples were prepared by adding increasing concentrations of hemolysate, bilirubin and a synthetic lipid emulsion. TBARS and TAS were determined, and biases from the control value caused by the interfering substances were calculated.

RESULTS

Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia induced significant interferences on TBARS and TAS, albeit to varying degrees depending on the specific biomarker and interfering substance. TBARS appeared to be more susceptible to interferences in this study. Slight hemolysis, moderate icterus and slight lipemia caused notable deviations in TBARS values, surpassing the acceptable threshold for interference. TAS assay was also affected by HIL, although to a lesser extent compared to TBARS. Significant biases from TAS control value were observed when icterus was moderate, and when hemolysis and lipemia were more pronounced.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of our results, we conclude that hemolyzed, icteric and lipemic specimens are not suitable for TBARS and TAS determination in canine serum. Our findings hold considerable practical utility, as a simple visual inspection would be sufficient for identifying and excluding such specimens.

Effects of Dibutylphthalate and Steroid Hormone Mixture on Human Prostate Cells

Phthalates are a family of aromatic chemical compounds mainly used as plasticizers. Among phthalates, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a low-molecular-weight phthalate used as a component of many cosmetic products, such as nail polish, and other perfumed personal care products. DBP has toxic effects on reproductive health, inducing testicular damage and developmental malformations. Inside the male reproductive system, the prostate gland reacts to both male and female sex steroids. For this reason, it represents an important target of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), compounds that are able to affect the estrogen and androgen signaling pathways, thus interfering with prostate homeostasis and inducing several prostate pathologies. The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of DBP, alone and in combination with testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2), and both, on the normal PNT1A human prostate cell-derived cell line, to mimic environmental contamination. We showed that DBP and all of the tested mixtures increase cell viability through activation of both estrogen receptor α (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR). DBP modulated steroid receptor levels in a nonmonotonic way, and differently to endogenous hormones. In addition, DBP translocated ERα to the nucleus over different durations and for a more prolonged time than E2, altering the normal responsiveness of prostate cells. However, DBP alone seemed not to influence AR localization, but AR was continuously and persistently activated when DBP was used in combination. Our results show that DBP alone, and in mixture, alters redox homeostasis in prostate cells, leading to a greater increase in cell oxidative susceptibility. In addition, we also demonstrate that DBP increases the migratory potential of PNT1A cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that DBP, alone and in mixtures with endogenous steroid hormones, acts as an EDC, resulting in an altered prostate cell physiology and making these cells more prone to cancer transformation.

Acute phase proteins and total antioxidant capacity in free-roaming cats infected by pathogenic leptospires

BACKGROUND

Leptospirosis is a neglected but widespread zoonotic disease throughout the world. Most mammals are hosts of Leptospira spp., including domestic cats, species in which no consensus has been reached on the clinical presentation or diagnosis of the disease. The study of acute-phase proteins (APPs) and biomarkers of oxidative status would contribute to knowledge about the disease in cats. This report evaluated four APPs: Serum amyloid A-SAA, Haptoglobin-Hp, albumin and Paraoxonase 1-PON1 and the antioxidant response through Total Antioxidant Capacity-TAC, in 32 free-roaming cats. Cats were classified as seroreactive for anti-leptospiral antibodies (group 1, n = 8), infected with Leptospira spp (group 2, n = 5) and leptospires-free cats (group 3, n = 19).

RESULTS

SAA differences were observed between groups 1 and 2 (p-value = 0.01) and between groups 2 and 3 (p-value = 0.0001). Hp concentration differences were only detected between groups 2 and 3 (p-value = 0.001). Albumin concentrations only differed between groups 1 and 3 (p-value = 0.017) and 2 and 3 (p-value < 0.005). Cats in groups 1 (p-value < 0.005) and 2 (p-value < 0.005) had lower PON1 concentrations than group 3. No statistically significant differences between pairs of groups were detected for TAC concentrations. The principal component analysis (PCA) retained two principal components, (PC1 and PC2), explaining 60.1% of the observed variability of the inflammatory proteins and the antioxidant TAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in Serum SAA, Hp, and decreases in PON1 activity may indicate an active inflammatory state in infected cats (currently or recently infected).

Total Sialic Acid, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, Trace Elements, and Vitamin Status Before and After Surgery in Women with Uterine Myoma and Endometrial Cancer

The objective of present study was to examine endometrial tissue Be, As, Cr, Mo, Sr, Ti, Tl, Cu, Co, Se, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, Pb, Mg, P, erythrocytes CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, MDA, serum retinol, cholecalciferol, phylloquinone, TSA, LSA, TOS, and TAS status and to evaluate the relationships between the variables. The study had 110 participants; of these, 50 were women with uterine myoma (UM), 10 were women with endometrial cancer (EC), and 50 were healthy female subjects. In the study, vitamin analyses by HPLC and element analyses were determined using ICP-OES method. It was observed that EC group was significantly lower than healthy group in terms of levels of cholecalciferol (p < 0.05), phylloquinone (p < 0.01), GSH (p < 0.05), Fe (p < 0.05), and had a significant rise in Mg/Fe (p < 0.01) and Zn/Fe (p < 0.05) in preoperative period. UM group had significantly lower retinol (p < 0.05), phylloquinone (p < 0.001), GSH-Px (p < 0.01), GSH (p < 0.01), Cr (p < 0.01), Cu (p < 0.05), Mg (p < 0.01), and Zn (p < 0.01) levels than control group in preoperative period and significantly higher levels of MDA (p < 0.01), TSA (p < 0.01), and LSA (p < 0.01) than control group. It was found that significant associations were observed between Cu-CA 15-3 (r = 0.558, p = 0.016), Mn-CA 15-3 (r = 0.511, p = 0.030), P-CA 15-3(r =  - 0.502, p = 0.034) and with UM, also between GSH-CA-125 (r =  - 0.825, p = 0.022) and with EC group. The results of correlation analysis observed that concentrations of Cu, Mn, P, and GSH together with CA 15-3 and CA-125 levels might be important for monitoring patients with UM and EC before surgery.

Pancreatic regenerative potential of manuka honey evidenced through pancreatic histology and levels of transcription factors in diabetic rat model

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a commonly occurring metabolic disorder accompanied by high morbidity and alarming mortality. Besides various available therapies, induction of pancreatic regeneration has emerged as a promising strategy for alleviating the damaging effect of diabetes. Honey, a potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agent, has been reported in the literature archive to exhibit favourable results in the regeneration process of several organ systems.

Design

The current research work was intended to explore the potential role of manuka honey in pancreatic regeneration in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by accessing the pancreatic histology and levels of relevant transcription factors, including MAFA, PDX-1, INS-1, INS-2, NEUROG3, NKX6-1, and NEUROD. An equal number of rats were allocated to all four experimental groups: normal, negative control, positive control, and treatment group. Diabetes was induced in all groups except normal through a single intraperitoneal dose of alloxan monohydrate. No subsequent treatment was given to the negative control group, while the positive control and treatment groups were supplemented with metformin (150 mg/kg/day) and manuka honey (3 g/kg/day), respectively.

Results

Statistical comparison of glucose and insulin levels, oxidative stress indicators, changes in the architecture of pancreatic islets, and expression levels of regeneration-associated transcription factors advocated the potential role of manuka honey in ameliorating the alloxan-induced hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia, oxidative stress, and necrotic changes in islets along with significant upregulation of relevant transcription factors.

Conclusion

This suggests to us the auspicious role of antioxidants in honey in pancreatic regeneration and advocates the favourable role of manuka honey in combating diabetes mellitus.

Propolis Enhances 5-Fluorouracil Mediated Antitumor Efficacy and Reduces Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer: An in Vitro and in Vivo Study

In this study, we investigated the combined treatment of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Anatolian propolis extract (PE) on colorectal cancer (CRC)using in vitro and in vivo studies. We exposed luciferase-transfected (Lovo-Luc CRC) cells and healthy colon cells (CCD-18Co) to varying concentrations of 5-FU and PE to assess their genotoxic, apoptotic, and cytotoxic effects, as well as their intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) levels. We also developed a xenograft model in nude mice and evaluated the anti-tumor effects of PE and 5-FU using various methods. Our findings showed that the combination of PE and 5-FU had selectivity against cancer cells, particularly at higher doses, and enhanced the anti-tumor effectiveness of 5-FU against colon CRC. The results suggest that PE can reduce side effects and increase the effectiveness of 5-FU through iROS generation in a dose-dependent manner.

Novel liposomal formulations for protection and delivery of levodopa: Structure-properties correlation

Liposomes are promising drug carriers for a wide range of central nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), since they can protect active substances from degradation and could be administered intranasally, ensuring a direct access to the brain. Levodopa (LD), the drug commonly used to treat PD, spontaneously oxidizes in aqueous solutions and thus needs to be stabilized. Our investigation focuses on the preparation and the physico-chemical characterization of mixed liposomes to vehiculate LD and two natural substances (L-ascorbic acid and quercetin) that can prevent its oxidation and contribute to the treatment of Parkinson's disease. These co-loaded vesicles were prepared using a saturated phospholipid and structurally related cationic or analogue N-oxide surfactants and showed different properties, based on their composition. In particular, ex-vivo permeability tests using porcine nasal mucosa were performed, denoting that subtle variations of the lipids structure can significantly affect the delivery of LD to the target site.

Principal component analysis of the oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia influence in patients with different levels of glucoregulation

Background

The aim of the study was to explore the mutual relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic biomarkers in subjects with prediabetes (PRE), newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients (NT2D) and overt type 2 diabetes (T2D) using principal component analysis (PCA) as a thorough statistical approach.

Methods

Glycated hemoglobin, lipid parameters, inflammation (IL-6, CRP and fibrinogen) and oxidative stress markers pro-oxidants (AOPP, PAB, TOS) and antioxidants (PON1, tSHG, TAS) were measured. PCA was applied to explore the factors that the most strongly influenced glucoregulation.

Results

A total of 278 subjects were (i.e., 37 PRE, 42 NT2D and 99 T2D) were compared with 100 healthy subjects as a control group (CG). PCA emphasized 4 different factors explaining 49% of the variance of the tested parameters: oxidative stress-dyslipidemia related factor (with positive loading of TG and tSHG, and with negative loading of HDL-c and TAS), dyslipidaemia related factor (i.e., total cholesterol and LDL-c, both with positive loading), Anthropometric related factor (i.e., waist and hip circumference, both with positive loading) and oxidative stressInflammation related factor (i.e., PAB, fibrinogen, and CRP all with positive loading). Out of these 4 factors, only oxidative stress - dyslipidaemia related factor showed a significant predictive capability towards poor glucoregulation. An increase in this factor by one unit showed a 1.6 times higher probability for poor glucoregulation.

Conclusions

Redox imbalance (determined with lower TAS and higher tSHG), in addition to higher TG and lower HDLc was associated with poor glucoregulation.

Altered insulin secretion dynamics relate to oxidative stress and inflammasome activation in children with obesity and insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is considered the main driver of obesity related metabolic complications, and is related to oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn promote each other. There is currently no specific definition of IR in children, rather, that for adult population is used by pediatric endocrinologists instead. Altered insulin secretion dynamics are associated with worse metabolic profiles and type 2 diabetes mellitus development, thus we aimed to test whether insulin response relates to oxidative stress and inflammation in children.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study, including 132 children classified as follows: 33 children without obesity (Lean); 42 with obesity but no IR according to the American Diabetes Association criteria for adults (OBIR-); 25 with obesity and IR and an early insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (EP-OBIR +); 32 with obesity, IR, and a late insulin peak (LP-OBIR +); and studied variables associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and inflammasome activation.

RESULTS

The measured parameters of children with obesity, IR, and an early insulin response were similar to those of children with obesity but without IR. It was late responders who presented an impaired antioxidant system and elevated oxidative damage in erythrocytes and plasma, and inflammasome activation at their white blood cells, despite lower classical inflammation markers. Increased uric acid levels seems to be one of the underlying mechanisms for inflammasome activation.

CONCLUSIONS

It is insulin response to an OGTT that identifies children with obesity suffering oxidative stress and inflammasome activation more specifically. Uric acid could be mediating this pathological inflammatory response by activating NLRP3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Dietary Fruit By-Products Improve the Physiological Status of Nile Tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) and the Quality of Their Meat

By-products from fruit industrialization retain nutritional and functional components; thus, they may find use in animal feeding. This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary fruit industrial by-products on the tilapias blood biochemical and oxidative parameters and on the composition and lipid peroxidation of their fillets. Four diets were supplied to the tilapias: a C-control diet, with no fruit meal, and three diets containing 5% of either acerola (ACM), apple (APM) or grape (GRM) meal. The phenolic compounds and the carotenoids in the meals and their antioxidant capacities were measured. Fish were weighed and measured for the calculation of the growth performance data, their blood was analyzed for health and oxidative status biomarkers and their fillets were analyzed for proximal composition and lipid peroxidation. Grape meal had the highest concentration of phenolics and carotenoids and the highest antioxidant activity, followed by acerola and apple meals. The productive performance was similar among the treatments. The fruit by-product diets either maintained or improved the biochemical biomarkers of health and improved the oxidative status of the fish. The fruit by-product diets increased the concentration of lipids in the fillets and slowed down the onset of the lipid peroxidation during frozen storage.

The protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in the nephrotoxicity induced by α-cypermethrin

Alpha cypermethrin (α-CYP) is an insecticide, a member of the group of synthetic pyrethroid pesticides. This study aims to assess the histopathological and biochemical subacute effects of α-CYP on the renal tissues of 48 male Spraque-Dawley adult rats. In this study, the rats were divided into six groups: control, α-CYP (10 mg kg-1), α-CYP (20 mg kg-1), caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) (10 µmol kg-1), α-CYP + CAPE (10 mg kg-1), and α-CYP + CAPE (20 mg kg-1) groups. The percentage of weight gain was found to be dose-dependent on α-CYP in all groups. As a result of exposure, the normal histological structure of renal tissue was also observed in the control and CAPE groups, while glomerular atrophy and haemorrhage, enlargement of Bowman capsule, glomerular lobulation, and degeneration in distal and proximal tubules were noted in the α-CYP-treated groups with an increased frequency and severity in parallel with the dose increase. Although the severity and intensity of lesions decreased in the α-CYP + CAPE groups, they were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). A decrease in the antioxidant parameter levels and an increase in oxidant parameters were observed in parallel with the negative effects of the antioxidant system in the α-CYP-treated groups. The groups exposed to CAPE in combination with α-CYP exhibited a therapeutic trend towards normalization in biochemical parameters due to the antioxidant character of CAPE. However, considering the statistical difference between the groups treated with α-CYP alone and CAPE alone, it was observed that the therapeutic features of those chemicals were not robust.

Protective role of nebivolol via AKT1/Hif-1α/eNOS signaling pathway: nephrotoxicity caused by methotrexate in a rat model

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory agent, which is used in severe diseases. Its use should be limited due to side effects such as nephrotoxicity, myelotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. Nebivolol (NBV), which is a beta-blocker used in the treatment of hypertension, also contributes to vasodilation in tissues by activating the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme. The purpose of this study is to research the effect of NBV on MTX-induced nephrotoxicity through the AKT1/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-1α)/eNOS signaling pathway. The rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight each. The groups were control, MTX, and MTX + NBV. A single dose of 20 mg/kg MTX was given intraperitoneally to the rats on the first day of the study and 10 mg/kg NBV was given orally to the treatment group for 7 days. At the end of the study, rats' blood and kidney tissues were taken for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. MTX administration significantly decreased the expression levels of AKT1, eNOS, and Hif-1α compared with the control group (p < 0.001 for all), and NBV treatment increased these values compared with the MTX group (p < 0.001 for all). In conclusion, NBV treatment ameliorated the MTX-induced nephrotoxicity via AKT1/Hif-1α/eNOS signaling pathway.

Evaluation of the possible effect of inspiratory muscle training on inflammation markers and oxidative stress in childhood asthma

Airway inflammation characterized as asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of inspiratory muscle training on inflammation markers and oxidative stress levels in childhood asthma. A total of 105 children (age range 8-17 years), including 70 asthmatics and 35 healthy children, participated in the study. The 70 asthma patients were randomly assigned to the inspiratory muscle training (IMT) group (n = 35) and control group (n = 35), and healthy children were assigned to the healthy group (n = 35). The IMT group was treated with the threshold IMT device for 7 days/6 weeks at 30% of maximum inspiratory pressure. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated with a mouth pressure measuring device, and respiratory function was evaluated with a spirometer. In addition, CRP, periostin, TGF-β, and oxidative stress levels were analyzed. The evaluation was performed only once in the healthy group and twice (at the beginning and end of 6 weeks) in asthma patients. In the study, there were significant differences between asthma patients and the healthy group in terms of MIP and MEP values, respiratory function, oxidative stress level, periostin, and TGF-β. Post-treatment, differences were observed in the oxidative stress level, periostin, and TGF-β of the IMT group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

After 6 weeks of training, IMT positively contributed to reducing the inflammation level and oxidative stress. This suggests that IMT should be used as an alternative therapy to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. (Trial Registration: The clinical trial protocol number is NCT05296707).

WHAT IS KNOWN

• It is known that adjunctive therapies given in addition to pharmacological treatment contribute to improving symptom control and quality of life in individuals with asthma.

WHAT IS NEW

• There are no studies about the effect of respiratory physiotherapy on biomarkers in asthmatic children. The sub-mechanism of improvement in individuals has not been elucidated. • In this context, inspiratory muscle training has a positive effect on inflammation and oxidative stress levels in children with asthma and IMT should be used as an alternative treatment for childhood asthma.

1,3-Butanediol Administration Increases β-Hydroxybutyrate Plasma Levels and Affects Redox Homeostasis, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Adipokine Production in Rat Gonadal Adipose Tissue

Ketone bodies (KBs) are an alternative energy source under starvation and play multiple roles as signaling molecules regulating energy and metabolic homeostasis. The mechanism by which KBs influence visceral white adipose tissue physiology is only partially known, and our study aimed to shed light on the effects they exert on such tissue. To this aim, we administered 1,3-butanediol (BD) to rats since it rapidly enhances β-hydroxybutyrate serum levels, and we evaluated the effect it induces within 3 h or after 14 days of treatment. After 14 days of treatment, rats showed a decrease in body weight gain, energy intake, gonadal-WAT (gWAT) weight, and adipocyte size compared to the control. BD exerted a pronounced antioxidant effect and directed redox homeostasis toward reductive stress, already evident within 3 h after its administration. BD lowered tissue ROS levels and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and enhanced tissue soluble and enzymatic antioxidant capacity as well as nuclear erythroid factor-2 protein levels. BD also reduced specific mitochondrial maximal oxidative capacity and induced endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as interrelated processes, leading to changes in the level of adipokines/cytokines involved in inflammation, macrophage infiltration into gWAT, adipocyte differentiation, and lipolysis.

Serum Ferritin in Obese Dogs: Changes and Comparison with Other Analytes

Canine obesity is the most common nutritional disorder and is associated with decreased quality of life and longevity as well as comorbidities including cardiorespiratory, endocrine, oncologic, or orthopaedic disorders. Ferritin is a major acute-phase protein in dogs, increasing during inflammation; however, it could also be affected by other conditions, including trauma, iron metabolism dysregulations, neoplasia, or hypoxia. Higher ferritin levels have been reported in obese humans, but ferritin has not been explored in canine obesity. To evaluate the possible changes in serum ferritin in canine obesity, ferritin levels from lean/normal weight (CG, n = 55) and overweight/obese dogs (OG, n = 37) were measured, together with complete hemogram and biochemical analyses. Statistically significant higher ferritin levels (1.2-fold) were found in OG (median, (interquartile range), 204 (166-227.5) µg/L) in comparison to CG animals (172 (137-210) µg/L)), with median levels of ferritin in OG dogs above the reference range for healthy animals in our laboratory (60-190 µg/L). In addition, statistically significant higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total proteins, globulins, haptoglobin, total ferric fixation capacity (TIBC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), triglycerides, and calcium were observed in OG in comparison to CG. The higher levels in ferritin, together with higher TBIC, haematocrit, and MCV, could indicate tissue hypoxia in obese dogs.

N-acetylcysteine Amide AD4/NACA and Thioredoxin Mimetic Peptides Inhibit Platelet Aggregation and Protect against Oxidative Stress

In the present study, we tested the effect of small-molecular-weight redox molecules on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. We used N-acetylcysteine amide (AD4/NACA), the amide form of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol antioxidant with improved lipophilicity and bioavailability compared to NAC, and the thioredoxin-mimetic (TXM) peptides, TXM-CB3, TXM-CB13, and TXM-CB30. All compounds significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, with TXM-peptides and AD4 being more effective than NAC. The levels of TxB₂ and 12-HETE, the main metabolites derived from the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways following platelet activation, were significantly reduced in the presence of AD4, TXM peptides, or NAC, when tested at the highest concentration (0.6 mM). The effects of AD4, TXM-peptides, and NAC were also tested on the clotting time (CT) of whole blood. TXM-CB3 and TXM-CB30 showed the greatest increase in CT. Furthermore, two representative compounds, TXM-CB3 and NAC, showed an increase in the anti-oxidant free sulfhydryl groups of plasma detected via Ellman's method, suggesting a contribution of plasma factors to the antiaggregating effects. Our results suggest that these small-molecular-weight redox peptides might become useful for the prevention and/or treatment of oxidative stress conditions associated with platelet activation.

Evaluation of the Total Oxidant Status to the Antioxidant Capacity Ratio as a Valuable Biomarker in Breast Cancer Patients

Background

The oxidative balance is a state of equilibrium between oxidants and antioxidants disrupted in various disorders, including BC. This study aimed to assess this equilibrium in breast cancer (BC) patients by looking at the oxidant-to-antioxidant ratio.

Methods

This case-control study comprised 40 women patients with breast cancer and 30 age-matched healthy individuals. The oxidation-reduction colorimetric technique was used to determine serum levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The oxidant-to-antioxidant balance was estimated using the TOS- to- TAC ratio (TOS/TAC).

Results

The mean TOS in healthy individuals was 8.40±2.06 µmol/L, while in BC patients it was 13.31±2.16 µmol/L (P< 0.001). The mean serum level of TAC was 1.43±0.21 mmol/L in healthy individuals and 1.19±0.15 mmol/L in BC patients (P< 0.001). The mean serum TOS/TAC was 6.01±0.32 in the healthy individuals and 11.42±0.41 in the BC patients (P< 0.0001). There were direct correlations between TAC and estrogen receptor (r=0.339, P=0.038). The TOS/TAC level has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83.33%, distinguishing patients with BC from healthy controls (P< 0.001). A significant trend of increasing risk with rising TOS/TAC levels was also seen [OR=3.62, (95 % CI 1.79, 7.35)].

Conclusions

In breast cancer, the serum TOS to TAC ratio can better diagnose oxidative equilibrium than either component alone.

Trace elements as potential modulators of puberty-induced amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation in childhood obesity

Although puberty is known to influence obesity progression, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of sexual maturation in obesity-related complications remains largely unexplored. Here, we delve into the impact of puberty on the most relevant pathogenic hallmarks of obesity, namely oxidative stress and inflammation, and their association with trace element blood status. To this end, we studied a well-characterized observational cohort comprising prepubertal (N = 46) and pubertal (N = 48) children with obesity. From all participants, plasma and erythrocyte samples were collected and subjected to metallomics analysis and determination of classical biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Besides the expected raise of sexual hormones, pubertal children displayed better inflammatory and oxidative control, as reflected by lower levels of C-reactive protein and oxidative damage markers, as well as improved antioxidant defense. This was in turn accompanied by a healthier multielemental profile, with increased levels of essential elements involved in the antioxidant system and metabolic control (metalloproteins containing zinc, molybdenum, selenium, and manganese) and decreased content of potentially deleterious species (total copper, labile free iron). Therefore, our findings suggest that children with obesity have an exacerbated inflammatory and oxidative damage at early ages, which could be ameliorated during pubertal development by the action of trace element-mediated buffering mechanisms.

Cadmium and lead implication in testis cancer; is there a connection?

Testis cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy of young men. Current evidence from studies, alongside genetics and hormonal status, suggests a significant role of toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), in the origin and development of TC. Besides oxidative stress and endocrine disruption, interaction with bioelements is one of the critical mechanisms of Cd and Pb toxicity and malign transformation. This study aimed to investigate metal levels in blood, healthy, and tumor testis tissue and to reveal hormone, oxidative status, and bioelements levels in patients with TC. The study enrolled 52 patients with TC and 61 healthy volunteers. Toxic metals and bioelements levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) while electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and spectrophotometry methods were used for hormone and oxidative parameters evaluation. Significantly higher blood Cd levels were depicted in TC cohort. Furthermore, blood Cd elevation was associated with a 1.98 higher probability of TC developing. However, a metal concentration between healthy and tumor testis tissue did not differ significantly. Lower levels of estradiol and testosterone, established in a cohort of TC patients, followed the significant role of hormones in TC development. At the same time, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) has been recognized as a parameter with very good accuracy as a potential diagnostic marker for TC. The study revealed different distribution patterns of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the three compartments of the patients, as well significant correlation between essential metals Cu/Zn and toxic metals Cd/Pb indicating metal-metal interactions as pivotal mechanisms of metals toxicity.

Development and bioassessment of high nutria-omega 5 cookies through animal modeling

The food industry generates a diverse range of waste byproducts during fruit processing, which can be repurposed to create functional foods and other valuable commodities. In this particular study, leftover agro-waste from pomegranate juice was valorized to obtain pomegranate seed oil (PSO), while utilizing sunflower oilseed cake to produce sunflower meal protein concentrate (SMPC). These two extracted components were then combined as ingredients to produce High Nutria Omega 5 (HNO5) cookies. To ensure the quality and viability of pomegranate seed oil, a comprehensive set of laboratory analytical procedures were employed to evaluate its characteristics. Subsequently, different ratios of pomegranate seed oil and sunflower meal protein concentrate were utilized to develop the HNO5 cookie products. These cookies underwent thorough sensory, physicochemical, storage, and proximate evaluations as well as efficacy studies to assess their overall nutritional quality and shelf-life properties. As compared to the control feed, the findings of the renal and liver functional tests indicated a favorable effect on ALT, AST, ALP, serum urea, creatinine, albumin, globulins, total proteins, and A/G ratio. The results revealed that PSO and SMPC cookies containing 15% PSO and 15% SMPC exhibited stability in numerous physicochemical and sensory assessments. The punicic acid in HNO5 cookies significantly reduced the effects of starvation in rats and progressively improved several metabolic processes and overall health profiles. Graphical Abstract.

Markers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Acne: A Literature Review

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves the overlap between four main processes: alteration of the keratinization, increased sebum production, colonization with Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. The role of oxidative stress (OS) has been intensively studied in inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, or atopic dermatitis. However, the involvement of OS in the pathogenesis of acne is less known. The evidence accumulated over the last decade suggests that in the case of acne patients, there is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. In this review, we analyzed studies that evaluated markers of OS in patients with acne, published in the last ten years, with the aim of providing new insights into the pathogenesis of acne.

Supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf concentrate pellets on nutrient utilization, antioxidant status, and reproductive performance of prolific ewes during extreme summer months in semi-arid tropical conditions

A feeding trial was conducted for a period of 60 days during extreme summer months to observe the effect of supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaves containing concentrate pellets on nutrient utilization, antioxidant status, and reproductive performance in Avishaan ewes reared under semi-arid condition. Forty adult non-pregnant cyclic ewes (2-3 years, 31.8 ± 0.81 kg body weight) were selected and randomly allocated into 2 groups of 20 animals each, viz., G-I (control) and G-II (treatment). The ewes were grazed on natural pasture for 8 h, offered ad libitum Cenchrus ciliaris hay after grazing and concentrate pellets @ 300 g/animal/day. The ewes in G-I were offered conventional concentrate pellets, whereas G-II ewes were offered concentrate pellets containing 15% Moringa leaves. The mean temperature humidity index during the period of study was 27.5 ± 0.3 and 34.6 ± 0.4 at 0700 h and 1400 h, respectively, indicating severe heat stress. Nutrient intake and utilization were comparable between the two groups. The antioxidant status was higher in G-II ewes as the values of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity were higher (P < 0.05) in G-II ewes compared to G-I. The conception rate was higher (100%) in G-II ewes than G-I ewes (70%). Multiple birth percentage was 77.8% in G-II ewes, and it was comparable with the herd average of Avishaan (74.7%). However, ewes in G-I group exhibited a marked decline in multiple birth percentage (28.6%) than the normal herd average. Hence, it can be concluded that inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaves in feeding of prolific Avishaan ewes improved their antioxidant status resulting in optimum reproductive performance during stressful summer months.