Modulatory potential of Spirulina fusiformis on carcinogen metabolizing enzymes in Swiss albino mice

Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Compounds from Arthrospira platensis and Its Effects on Tissue and Blood Cells—An Overview

The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) is a natural source of considerable amounts of ingredients that are relevant for nutra- and pharmaceutical uses. Different hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances can be obtained by extraction from the biomass. The respective extraction techniques determine the composition of substances in the extract and thus its biological activity. In this short review, we provide an overview of the hydrophilic compounds (phenols, phycobiliproteins, polysaccharides, and vitamins) and lipophilic ingredients (chlorophylls, vitamins, fatty acids, and glycolipids) of Arthrospira platensis. The principal influences of these substances on blood and tissue cells are briefly summarized.

Limnospira indica PCC 8005 or Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG Dietary Supplementation Modulate the Gut Microbiome in Mice

While dietary supplements can have beneficial effects on the health of the intestine, these effects can come with unresolved issues in terms of therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action. In this study, the model probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 and the anciently used dietary supplement Limnospira indica strain PCC 8005 were compared for their effects on murine intestinal ecology. Healthy male mice received either saline or suspensions of living cells of L. indica PCC 8005 or L. rhamnosus GG daily along a two-week intervention period, followed by a two-week washout period. Both bacteria-based solutions appeared able to transiently shift the microbial community, which were characterized by a higher relative abundance of members of the butyrate producing Lachnospiraceae and Porphyromonadaceae families.

Protective effect of Spirulina platensis against physiological, ultrastructural and cell proliferation damage induced by furan in kidney and liver of rat

The modulatory role of the Spirulina platensis (SP) against furan-induced (FU) hepatic and renal damage was assessed in this study. For achieving this, sixty rats were distributed into six groups: control group, SP-administered group (300 mg/kg b.wt orally for 28 days), a FU-intoxicated group (16 mg/kg b.wt, orally, daily for 28 days), protective co-treated group SP/F (administered SP 300 mg/kg b.wt, one week before, and concurrently with FU intoxication), therapeutic co-treated group FU/SP (administered SP 300 mg/kg b.wt, one week after FU intoxication for 28 days) and protective/therapeutic co-treated group SP/FU/SP (administered SP one week before and after, concurrently with FU intoxication). Subsequently, the biochemical responses and the histology of hepatic and renal tissues in treated rats were assessed. The results indicated that FU intoxication induced a significant hepato- and nephropathy represented by the elevation in the values of tissue injury biomarkers and reduction in protein levels. Histologically, a wide range of morphological, cytotoxic, inflammatory, and vascular alterations as well as downregulation in the immunoexpression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the proliferation-associated nuclear antigen (Ki-67) were induced by FU intoxication. Oral SP administration, particularly in the protective/therapeutic co-treated group, markedly supressed the serum levels of the tissue injury biomarkers, diminished the inflammatory response, restored the cytotoxic alterations, upregulated the immunoexpression of PCNA and Ki-67, and restored the perturbed morphology of the hepatic and renal tissues. In conclusion, the obtained data demonstrated that SP co-administration elicits both protective and therapeutic potential against the FU-induced hepato- and nephropathy.

Effect of dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis on Atrazine-induced oxidative stress- mediated hepatic damage and inflammation in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The present study evaluated the potential modulatory effect(s) of dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis (SP) on Atrazine (ATZ)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Common carp was exposed to ATZ (428μg/L) and SP (1%), either alone or in combination, for 40 days. Subsequently, the treatment groups were evaluated for ATZ-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage and the potential antioxidant effect(s) of SP supplementation. The results indicated that ATZ exposure led to a significant increase in the oxidative stress as suggested by the increased levels of lipid and DNA oxidative damage markers and the significant decline of antioxidant status biomarkers. Further, a real-time PCR analysis of the liver tissues revealed that the ATZ exposure resulted in the significant modulation of the mRNA expression of cytokines involved in the inflammatory response pathway in the liver, such as Interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-10. The expression of IL-1ß mRNA was up-regulated while that of IL-10 mRNA was down-regulated. The group subjected to supplementation with SP exhibited a significant decrease in ATZ-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatotoxic and inflammatory responses; however, these did not attain the levels of the control group. Owing to its ability for protecting against ATZ-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage in carps, SP could be a potentially effective and promising candidate as a feed additive for carps in aquaculture.

Antioxidant Effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima on Chronic Inflammation Induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant in Rats

One of the major mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation is the excessive production of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, and therefore, oxidative stress. Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima has marked antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro, as well as anti-inflammatory activity in certain experimental models, the latter activity being mediated probably by the antioxidant activity of this cyanobacterium. In the present study, chronic inflammation was induced through injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) in rats treated daily with Spirulina (Arthrospira) maxima for 2 weeks beginning on day 14. Joint diameter, body temperature, and motor capacity were assessed each week. On days 0 and 28, total and differential leukocyte counts and serum oxidative damage were determined, the latter by assessing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content. At the end of the study, oxidative damage to joints was likewise evaluated. Results show that S. maxima favors increased mobility, as well as body temperature regulation, and a number of circulating leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes in specimens with CFA-induced chronic inflammation and also protects against oxidative damage in joint tissue as well as serum. In conclusion, the protection afforded by S. maxima against development of chronic inflammation is due to its antioxidant activity.

Assessment of pharmacokinetic interaction of spirulina with glitazone in a type 2 diabetes rat model

The objective of the current study was to assess the possible pharmacokinetic interactions of spirulina with glitazones in an insulin resistance rat model. Wistar male albino rats were equally divided into five groups: insulin resistant rats+spirulina (500 mg/kg)+pioglitazone (10 mg/kg), insulin resistant rats+pioglitazone (10 mg/kg), insulin resistant rats+spirulina (500 mg/kg)+rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg), insulin resistant rats+rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg), and insulin resistant rats+spirulina (500 mg/kg). Described doses of pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, or spirulina were per orally administered and the plasma drug concentrations were determined. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as Tmax, Cmax, AUC(0-α), t1/2, and Kel were determined by plotting the drug concentration as a function of time. The data observed in this acute study indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters (Tmax, Cmax, AUC(0-α), t1/2, and Kel) of glitazones (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone) or spirulina, when they were coadministered. Given the promising results, this study concludes that the coadministration of spirulina does not influence the pharmacokinetics of glitazones in a type 2 diabetes rat model. Further chronic in vivo studies are recommended to assess the real time effect.

Modulation of DNA damage and alteration of gene expression during aflatoxicosis via dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira) and Whey protein concentrate

Spirulina (SPN) and Whey protein (WPC) are being touted as functional foods with a number of health benefits. SPN is blue green algae while WPC is a protein complex derived from milk and both have strong antioxidant activity and provoke a free radical scavenging enzyme system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of SPN and WPC to regulate the alteration of genes' expression and counteract oxidative stress in rats during aflatoxecosis. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups, which included the control group, the group fed with aflatoxins (AFs)-contaminated diet (2.5 mg/kg diet) for 30 day, the group treated orally with WPC (300 mg/kg b.w.), the group treated orally with SPN (50 mg/kg b.w), the group treated orally with WPC plus SPN and the groups fed with AFs-contaminated diet and treated orally with WPC, SPN and/or WPC. Oxidative stress markers and gene expression were assayed in liver and testis and the damage of DNA was evaluated by DNA fragmentation and micronucleus tests. The results demonstrated that supplementation of SPN and/or WPC reduced the oxidative stress induced by AFs as indicated by decreased lipid peroxidation level, increased glutathione content and up-regulated PHGPx gene expression. Both agents succeed to inhibit DNA damage as indicated by the down-regulation of Fas gene expression, and decreased the percentage of DNA fragmentation and micronucleated erythrocytes. Moreover, WPC was found to be effective than SPN and the combined treatment was more effective than the single treatment. It could be concluded that both SPN and WPC induced a protective action and regulated the alteration of genes expression induced by AFs; however, the combined treatment may be useful than the single treatment.

The hepatoprotective potential of Spirulina and vitamin C supplemention in cisplatin toxicity

Spirulina platensis is a microalgae with potent dietary phyto-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. We investigated the mechanism of cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity and whether this natural antioxidant provided protection against cisplatin hepatotoxicity. The study was carried out in a mice model where the animals were segregated into different groups according to their treatments, e.g. control group with no treatment, cisplatin treated, cisplatin + Spirulina treated, cisplatin + vitamin C treated and cisplatin + Spirulina + vitamin C treated. The liver marker enzymes were found to be elevated following cisplatin treatment, signifying hepatotoxicity. The supplementation of Spirulina and vitamin C could effectively bring down the levels of these enzymes. Light microscopy also showed that cisplatin treatment induced liver injury and that histopathological abnormalities were prevented by Spirulina and vitamin C supplementation. This protective effect was further substantiated by the estimation of antioxidant levels and extent of lipid peroxidation in the Spirulina, vitamin C and Spirulina + vitamin C supplemented groups as compared to cisplatin alone.

Spirulina protects against rosiglitazone induced osteoporosis in insulin resistance rats

AIM

The study was undertaken to assess the protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis extract against Rosiglitazone induced osteoporosis and pharmacodynamic effects of Rosiglitazone with Spirulina in treating hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia of insulin resistance rat.

METHOD

For this aim, 30 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into five groups as control (C), diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes mellitus+Rosiglitazone (DM+R), diabetes mellitus+Spirulina (DM+S), and diabetes mellitus+Rosiglitazone+Spirulina (DM+R+S). Serum glucose, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and insulin concentrations were estimated by routine standard methods in blood samples collected on 21th day. Integrity of the bone surface was examined by scanning electronic microscopy, and bone strength was measured by micro-hardness test on 45th day.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in total bone mineral density was observed in group DM+R rats (p<0.05). The number and depth of resorptive pits on surface of the bone in Rosiglitazone treated rats improved clearly with Spirulina administration. The intactness and integrity of the bone surface as well as the bone strength improved due to the high content of calcium and phosphorous in Spirulina. Besides, chromium and gamma-linoleic acid in Spirulina helped to decrease the fasting serum glucose, HDL, LDL and triglycerides levels in insulin resistance rats.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that combination therapy of Rosiglitazone with Spirulina reduced the risk of osteoporosis in insulin resistance rats. Additionally, Spirulina complemented the antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic activity of Rosiglitazone.

Chemoprevention of rat liver toxicity and carcinogenesis by Spirulina

Spirulina platensis (SP) is a filamentous cyanobacterium microalgae with potent dietary phyto-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties. The present study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive effect of SP against rat liver toxicity and carcinogenesis induced by dibutyl nitrosamine (DBN) precursors, and further characterized its underlying mechanisms of action in HepG2 cell line. Investigation by light and electron microscopy showed that DBN treatment induced severe liver injury and histopathological abnormalities, which were prevented by SP supplementation. The incidence of liver tumors was significantly reduced from 80 to 20% by SP. Immunohistochemical results indicated that both PCNA and p53 were highly expressed in the liver of DBN-treated rats, but were significantly reduced by SP supplementation. Molecular analysis indicated that SP treatment inhibited cell proliferation, which was accompanied by increased p21 and decreased Rb expression levels at 48hrs post-treatment. In addition, SP increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression, indicating induction of apoptosis by 48hrs. This is the first report of the in vivo chemopreventive effect of SP against DBN-induced rat liver cytotoxicity and carcinogenesis, suggesting its potential use in chemoprevention of cancer.

Spirulina platensis protects against renal injury in rats with gentamicin-induced acute tubular necrosis

The present study was carried out to evaluate the renoprotective antioxidant effect of Spirulina platensis on gentamicin-induced acute tubular necrosis in rats. Albino-Wistar rats, (9male and 9 female), weighing approximately 250 g, were used for this study. Rats were randomly assigned to three equal groups. Control group received 0,9 % sodium chloride intraperitoneally for 7 days at the same volume as gentamicin group. Gentamicin group was treated intraperitoneally with gentamicin, 80 mg/kg daily for 7 days. Gentamicin+spirulina group received Spirulina platensis 1000 mg/kg orally 2 days before and 7 days concurrently with gentamicin (80 mg/kg i.p.). Nephrotoxicity was assessed by measuring plasma nitrite concentration, stabile metabolic product of nitric oxide with oxygen. Plasma nitrite concentration was determined by colorimetric method using Griess reaction. For histological analysis kidney specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. Plasma nitrite concentration and the level of kidney damage were significantly higher in gentamicin group in comparison both to the control and gentamicin+spirulina group. Spirulina platensis significantly lowered the plasma nitrite level and attenuated histomorphological changes related to renal injury caused by gentamicin. Thus, the results from present study suggest that Spirulina platensis has renoprotective potential in gentamicin-induced acute tubular necrosis possibly due to its antioxidant properties.

Spirulina fusiformis provides protection against mercuric chloride induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Oxidative stress induced by mercuric chloride (5 mg/kg body weight i.p.) in mice substantially increases the lipid peroxidation level along with corresponding decrease in the reduced glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes in liver and increase in serum transaminases activity. Supplementation of Spirulina (800 mg/kg body weight orally, in olive oil, along with mercuric chloride) for 40 days resulted in decreased LPO level, serum glutamate oxaloacetate and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity along with increase in liver GSH level. The activities of antioxidants enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were also concomitantly restored to near normal level by Spirulina supplementation to mercuric chloride intoxicated mice. The results clearly demonstrate that Spirulina treatment augments the antioxidants defense mechanism in mercuric chloride induced toxicity and provides evidence that it may have a therapeutic role in free radical mediated diseases.

Evaluation of protective efficacy of Spirulina fusiformis against mercury induced nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice

The toxicity of mercury to animals and man is well established and this depends greatly on the form of the mercury compounds. In most animals' species, including man, the kidney is the main site of deposition of inorganic mercury and target organ for its toxicity. In the present study Spirulina fusiformis (a cyanobacterium, belongs to family--Oscillatoriaceae) has been investigated as a possible modifier of mercury induced renal damages in Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into four groups. (i) Control group--only vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was administered as i.p. (ii) HgCl(2) treated group--5.0 mg/kg b.wt. HgCl(2) was administered as i.p. (iii) Spirulina treated group--800 mg/kg b.wt. Spirulina extract was administered orally. (iv) Combination group--S. fusiformis was administered 10 days before mercuric chloride administration and continued upto 30 days after mercuric chloride administration (5.0 mg/kg b.wt.). The animals were autopsied on 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days after treatment and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and MDA (malondialdehyde) level were measured in kidney homogenates. The results indicated that there was a time-dependent significant enhancement in MDA content and ACP activity and decrease in LDH and ALP activity observed after HgCl(2) treatment. Mercury intoxication also induces pathological alterations in the kidney such as degeneration of glomerulus, proximal and distal tubules. A dose-dependent mortality was also observed following administration of different doses of HgCl(2). In combined treatment of Spirulina with HgCl(2), a significant decrease in MDA content and ACP activity and elevation in LDH and ALP activity was observed as compared to HgCl(2) treated group. Spirulina pre- and post-treatment with mercury also significantly reduces pathological alterations in kidney. Thus, the results from the present study suggest that S. fusiformis can significantly modify the renal damages against mercuric chloride induced toxicity.

Spirulina attenuates cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cyclosporine (CsA) causes a dose-related decrease in renal function in experimental animals and humans. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. It was previously shown that Spirulina, a blue-green algae, with antioxidant properties effectively attenuated the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice and cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. The present study investigated the nephroprotective role of Spirulina against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Spirulina (500 mg kg(-1) b.w.) was administered orally for 3 days before and 14 days concurrently with CsA (50 mg kg-1 b.w.). Rats treated with CsA showed nephrotoxicity as evidenced from a significant elevation in plasma urea, creatinine, urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (beta-NAG) and a decrease in creatinine and lithium clearance. Pretreatment with Spirulina protected the rats from CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. The CsA-induced rise in plasma urea and creatinine and the decrease in creatinine and lithium clearance were attenuated by Spirulina. There was a significant increase in plasma and kidney tissue MDA with CsA. Spirulina prevented the rise in plasma and kidney tissue MDA. Histopathology of the kidney from CsA-treated rats showed severe isometric vacuolization and widening of the interstitium. However, pretreatment with Spirulina prevented such changes, and the kidney morphology was comparable to that of the control. Spirulina treatment did not alter the blood CsA levels. These results suggest that Spirulina has a protective effect against nephrotoxicity induced by CsA. This study further supports the crucial role of the antioxidant nature of Spirulina in protecting against CsA-induced oxidative stress.

Evaluation of chemopreventive action of Ginsenoside Rp1

We evaluated the chemopreventive properties of Ginsenoside Rp1 on 7,12-Dimethyl benz (a) anthracene (DMBA) skin papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice. A significant reduction in values of tumor incidence, tumor burden, and cumulative number of papilloma was observed in mice treated orally with Ginsenoside Rp1 continuously at pre-, peri- and post-initiational stages of papillomagenesis as compared to the control group. Chemopreventive potential of Ginsenoside Rp1 was also observed on the skin metabolizing enzymes in Swiss albino mice. Ginsenoside Rp1 produced a significant elevation in the skin microsomal cytochrome p-450 and cytochrome b5, glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), DT-diaphorase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels in the group of mice treated with Ginsenoside Rp1 for seven consecutive days. However, there was significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level in Ginsenoside Rp1 treated group.

Modification of mercury-induced biochemical alterations in blood of Swiss albino mice by Spirulina fusiformis

The present investigation has been undertaken to evaluate the role of Spirulina fusiformis in modifying the mercury-induced biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into four groups: (i) control group - only vehicle (0.9% NaCl/olive oil) was given; (ii) HgCl(2) treated group - 5.0mg/kg b.w. HgCl(2) administered as i.p.; (iii) Spirulina treated group - 800mg/kg b.w. Spirulina extract was administered orally; (iv) combination group -S. fusiformis was administered 10 days before mercuric chloride administration and continued up to 30 days after mercuric chloride administration (5.0mg/kg b.w.). The animals were sacrificed on 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days and the activity of serum alkaline and acid phosphatase, serum iron level, serum calcium level, blood lipid peroxidation content and blood glutathione (GSH) level were measured. In the present investigation, mercury intoxication causes significant increase (P<0.001) in calcium level, acid phosphatase and lipid peroxidation content and significant decrease in iron level, alkaline phosphatase and glutathione level. Spirulina pre- and post-treatment with mercury prevented or reduces mercury-induced alterations in terms of calcium level, iron level, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in serum, and lipid peroxidation and GSH level in blood. Thus from the present investigation, it can be concluded that Spirulina pre- and post-treatment with HgCl(2) significantly modulate or modify mercury-induced biochemical alteration in blood of Swiss albino mice.

Protective effect ofSpirulina against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

The generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to determine whether Spirulina, a blue-green algae, could serve as a cardioprotective agent during DOX treatment in a mouse model. Mice were treated with DOX (4 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally), weekly, for 4 weeks. Spirulina was administered orally for 3 days twice daily, then for 7 weeks along with the four equal injections of DOX. Cardiotoxicity was assessed, at 3 weeks after the end of the DOX-treatment period, by mortality, volume of ascites, liver congestion, oxidative stress and ultrastructural changes of heart tissue. The DOX-treated animals showed higher mortality (53%) and more ascites. Myocardial damage, as assessed by ultrastructural changes, showed loss of myofibrils, cytoplasmic vacuolization and mitochondrial swelling. Myocardial superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased and lipid peroxidation was increased. Pretreatment with Spirulina significantly protected the mice from DOX-induced cardiotoxic effects as evidenced from lower mortality (26%), less ascites, lower levels of lipid peroxidation, normalization of antioxidant enzymes and ultrastructural studies showing minimal damage to the heart. In vitro cytotoxic studies using ovarian cancer cells demonstrated that Spirulina did not compromise the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin. These results suggest that Spirulina has a protective effect against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX and it may, therefore, improve the therapeutic index of DOX.

Protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis on chemical-induced genotoxicity in mice

Spirulina fusiformis given by oral route to mice at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1) significantly inhibit the genotoxicity induced by cisplatin and urethane. In addition, a significant reduction in the extent of lipid peroxidation with concomitant increase in the liver enzymatic (GPx, GST, SOD, CAT) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants were observed.

Induction of heme oxygenase-1 by phenylarsine oxide. Studies in cultured primary liver cells

Heme oxygenase-1, the major inducible isoform of heme oxygenase (HO), can be induced by heme and numerous other physical and chemical factors, many of which cause cellular 'stress'. This has led to the realization that HO-1 is a major highly conserved stress or heat shock protein. Recent work has implicated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and other kinases in the mechanism of induction of HO-1, and suggested that signal transduction pathways through tyrosine kinases are involved in induction of HO-1 gene expression by stress inducers. We hypothesized that phenylarsine oxide (PAO), an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), might up-regulate the HO-1 gene. Here, we show that a remarkably brief (1-15 min) exposure of normal hepatocytes to low concentrations (0.5-3 microM) of PAO produces a marked increase in mRNA and protein of HO-1. This increase is comparable to the level obtained by addition of heme (20 microM), and occurs without producing changes in cellular glutathione levels or stabilization of HO-1 message. Preincubation of cells with inhibitors of protein synthesis decreased the ability of PAO to increase levels of HO-1 mRNA, suggesting that the inductive effect requires de novo protein synthesis. Addition of thiol donors abrogated the PAO-mediated induction of HO-1 in a dose dependent fashion. Addition of genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blunted the induction produced by both PAO and heme. After brief incubations with PAO or heme, cell extracts showed comparable increases in levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in general, and specifically in ZAP70 kinase. Our results are consistent with the proposition that induction of HO-1 by PAO involves inhibition of specific PTP(s), and that the mechanisms of induction of HO-1 by PAO and by heme may share some common pathways.

Effect of Spirulina fusiformis on cyclophosphamide and mitomycin-C induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

Spirulina fusiformis was tested for its possible in vivo protective effects against cyclophosphamide (CP) and mitomycin-C (MMC) induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice. Pre-treatment with S. fusiformis (250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1), p.o., daily for 5 days) significantly reduced the chromosomal damage and lipid peroxidation with concomitant changes in antioxidants and detoxification systems. All the three tested doses were effective in exerting a protective effect against CP and MMC.