The importance of free radicals and catalytic metal ions in human diseases

Protein Oxidation in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Brain

Proteins are essential molecules that play crucial roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and carrying out biological functions such as catalyzing biochemical reactions, structural proteins, immune response, etc. However, proteins also are highly susceptible to damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). In this review, we summarize the role of protein oxidation in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The major emphasis of this review article is on the carbonylation and nitration of proteins in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The oxidatively modified proteins showed a strong correlation with the reported changes in brain structure, carbohydrate metabolism, synaptic transmission, cellular energetics, etc., of both MCI and AD brains compared to the controls. Some proteins were found to be common targets of oxidation and were observed during the early stages of AD, suggesting that those changes might be critical in the onset of symptoms and/or formation of the pathological hallmarks of AD. Further studies are required to fully elucidate the role of protein oxidation and nitration in the progression and pathogenesis of AD.

Biosynthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, its advantages, various aspects and risk assessment to maintain the sustainable agriculture: Emerging technology in modern era science

The current review aims to gain knowledge on the biosynthesis and characterization of nanoparticles (NPs), their multifactorial role, and emerging trends of NPs utilization in modern science, particularly in sustainable agriculture, for increased yield to solve the food problem in the coming era. However, it is well known that an environment-friendly resource is in excessive demand, and green chemistry is an advanced and rising resource in exploring eco-friendly processes. Plant extracts or other resources can be utilized to synthesize different types of NPS. Hence NPs can be synthesized by organic or inorganic molecules. Inorganic molecules are hydrophilic, biocompatible, and highly steady compared to organic types. NPs occur in numerous chemical conformations ranging from amphiphilic molecules to metal oxides, from artificial polymers to bulky biomolecules. NPs structures can be examined by different approaches, i.e., Raman spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and solid-state NMR. Nano-agrochemical is a unification of nanotechnology and agro-chemicals, which has brought about the manufacture of nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-herbicides, nano-insecticides, and nano-fungicides. NPs can also be utilized as an antimicrobial solution, but the mode of action for antibacterial NPs is poorly understood. Presently known mechanisms comprise the induction of oxidative stress, the release of metal ions, and non-oxidative stress. Multiple modes of action towards microbes would be needed in a similar bacterial cell for antibacterial resistance to develop. Finally, we visualize multidisciplinary cooperative methods will be essential to fill the information gap in nano-agrochemicals and drive toward the usage of green NPs in agriculture and plant science study.

Long-Term Paracetamol Treatment Impairs Cognitive Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adult Rat Brain

Paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) is known as a safe pain reliever; however, its negative effects on the central nervous system have gradually been reported. We examined alterations in learning and memory, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the frontal cortex and hippocampus at different durations of APAP treatment in rats. Novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) paradigms were used to assess learning and memory in rats fed with 200 mg/kg APAP at single-dose, 15-day or 30-day treatments. BDNF expression was evaluated through immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The single-dose APAP treatment did not alter the NOR performance. However, deficits in the NOR and MWM capacities were detected in the rats with longer durations of APAP treatment. An analysis of BDNF expression revealed no significant change in BDNF expression in the single-dose APAP treatment, while rats given APAP for extended periods as treatment showed a significant decrement in this protein in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Short-term APAP treatment has no effect on learning and memory, or BDNF expression; however, long-term APAP exposure causes cognitive impairment. The diminishment of the BDNF level in the frontal cortex and hippocampus due to the long period of treatment with APAP may at least in part be involved in altered learning and memory in rats.

Anti-inflammatory potential of berberine-rich extract via modulation of inflammation biomarkers

Berberine-rich extract (BRE) prepared from Berberis lycium root bark using green extraction approach and its marker compound berberine has a broad spectrum of clinical applications. Berberine's potential pharmacological effects include anticancer, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. In current work, BRE and berberine were evaluated for their therapeutic prospects in inflammation models. The comparative effect of BRE and berberine against inflammation was determined through in vitro chemiluminescence technique. The in vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation of BRE and berberine (25, 75, and 125 mg/kg) compared to diclofenac (10 mg/kg) was performed in carrageenan and formaldehyde-induced inflammation in Wistar rats. Histopathological and biochemical studies were conducted to find the comparative anti-inflammatory potential of BRE and berberine on pathological hallmarks induced by formaldehyde. Moreover, the modulatory effects on inflammatory biomarkers were also investigated through qPCR. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay test assay) was performed to investigate the expression of pathological protein biomarkers like TNF-α and IL-6 and levels of antioxidant enzymes were estimated in liver homogenates. Both BRE and berberine markedly (p < .001) reduced paw diameter and inflammation in carrageenan and formaldehyde-induced inflammation. The levels of antioxidant enzymes were recovered (p < .001) by BRE and berberine treatments, and compared to the formaldehyde-treated inflammation model. Both BRE and berberine remarkably downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory biomarkers. BRE similar to berberine mitigated the level of antioxidant enzymes in liver homogenate. The undertaken study suggests that BRE, a natural, green, and therapeutically bioequivalent to berberine could be used as an economical phytomedicine in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDS are associated with serious adverse effects like gastrointestinal ulcer, worsening of preexisting cardiovascular disorders, and renal failure. Therefore, there is a constant demand to develop novel, inexpensive therapeutic strategies to treat the inflammatory disorder with the least harmful effects. Pure phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory potential are costly and hard to isolate, therefore green microwave-assisted extraction technique is developed to get the rich bioequivalent extract. Berberis lycium a medicinal plant with berberine as a major bioactive constituent, has wide acceptance in traditionally used medicine and as food. Pharmacological studies revealed its hepatoprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive activities. BRE was prepared by green microwave-assisted extraction and enrichment by resin column to get a higher yield of berberine. The comparative anti-inflammatory effect of BRE and berberine was determined by in vitro and in vivo studies. Results obtained from this experimental work contribute beneficial guidance that reinforces the use of the BRE to treat inflammatory disorders.

Reflections of an Aging Free Radical Part 2: Meeting Inspirational People

Significance: During my long career in the field of redox biology, I met many inspiring people, especially Lester Packer. Recent Advances: This special issue of Antioxidants & Redox Signaling is dedicated to Lester Packer. Critical Issues: In this short review, I explore how Lester and other pioneers helped to develop the redox biology field and how I interacted with them. Future Directions: In our research to advance the field of redox biology, we stand on the shoulders of giants, including Lester Packer.

Changes in cardiac proteome and metabolome following exposure to the PAHs retene and fluoranthene and their mixture in developing rainbow trout alevins

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is known to affect developing organisms. Utilization of different omics-based technologies and approaches could therefore provide a base for the discovery of novel mechanisms of PAH induced development of toxicity. To this aim, we investigated how exposure towards two PAHs with different toxicity mechanisms: retene (an aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 (Ahr2) agonist), and fluoranthene (a weak Ahr2 agonist and cytochrome P450 inhibitor (Cyp1a)), either alone or as a mixture, affected the cardiac proteome and metabolome in newly hatched rainbow trout alevins (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In total, we identified 65 and 82 differently expressed proteins (DEPs) across all treatments compared to control (DMSO) after 7 and 14 days of exposure. Exposure to fluoranthene altered the expression of 11 and 19 proteins, retene 29 and 23, while the mixture affected 44 and 82 DEPs by Days 7 and 14, respectively. In contrast, only 5 significantly affected metabolites were identified. Pathway over-representation analysis identified exposure-specific activation of phase II metabolic processes, which were accompanied with exposure-specific body burden profiles. The proteomic data highlights that exposure to the mixture increased oxidative stress, altered iron metabolism and impaired coagulation capacity. Additionally, depletion of several mini-chromosome maintenance components, in combination with depletion of several intermediate filaments and microtubules, among alevins exposed to the mixture, suggests compromised cellular integrity and reduced rate of mitosis, whereby affecting heart growth and development. Furthermore, the combination of proteomic and metabolomic data indicates altered energy metabolism, as per amino acid catabolism among mixture exposed alevins; plausibly compensatory mechanisms as to counteract reduced absorption and consumption of yolk. When considered as a whole, proteomic and metabolomic data, in relation to apical effects on the whole organism, provides additional insight into PAH toxicity and the effects of exposure on heart structure and molecular processes.

On 'Oxygen free radicals and iron in relation to biology and medicine: Some problems and concepts' by Barry Halliwell and John M.C.Gutteridge

This commentary describes a highly-cited paper by John Gutteridge and myself that appeared in Arch. Biochem. Biophys. It is dedicated to the memory of John Gutteridge, my frequent co-author and a lifelong friend, who sadly passed away on July 5, 2021.

Redox Pioneer: Professor Valerian Kagan

Professor Valerian Kagan (PhD, 1972, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University; DSci, 1981, USSR, Academy of Sciences, Moscow) is recognized as a Redox Pioneer because he has published 4 articles in the field of redox biology that have been cited >1000 times and 138 articles in this field have been cited between 100 and 924 times. The central and most important impact of Dr. Kagan's research is in the field of redox lipidomics-a term coined for the first time by Dr. Kagan in 2004-and consequently the definition of signaling pathways by oxidatively modified phospholipids; this acquires further significance considering that oxygenated phospholipids play multifunctional roles as essential signals coordinating metabolism and physiology. Some examples are the selective oxidation of cardiolipin (CL) by a cytochrome c peroxidase activity leading to the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway; the hydroperoxy-arachidonoyl/adrenoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) species, driven by 15-lipoxygenases (15-LOX), as death signals leading to ferroptotic cell death; the regulation of ferroptosis by iNOS/NO^• in pro-inflammatory conditions by a novel mechanism (realized via interactions of 15-LOX reaction intermediates formed from arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine [PE] species) and Ca²⁺-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA₂β; via elimination of peroxidized PE); the involvement of oxygenated (phospho)lipids in immunosuppression by myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment; hydrolysis of peroxidized CL by Ca²⁺-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA₂γ) leading to pro- and anti-inflammatory signals and lipid mediators. Kagan continues his investigations to decipher the roles of enzyme-linked oxygenated phospholipids. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 813-823.

Exposure to retene, fluoranthene, and their binary mixture causes distinct transcriptomic and apical outcomes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) yolk sac alevins

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely spread environmental contaminants which affect developing organisms. It is known that improper activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by some PAHs contributes to toxicity, while other PAHs can disrupt cellular membrane function. The exact downstream mechanisms of AhR activation remain unresolved, especially with regard to cardiotoxicity. By exposing newly hatched rainbow trout alevins (Oncorhynchus mykiss) semi-statically to retene (32 µg l^-1; AhR agonist), fluoranthene (50 µg l^-1; weak AhR agonist and CYP1a inhibitor) and their binary mixture for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days, we aimed to uncover novel mechanisms of cardiotoxicity using a targeted microarray approach. At the end of the exposure, standard length, yolk area, blue sac disease (BSD) index and PAH body burden were measured, while the hearts were prepared for microarray analysis. Each exposure produced a unique toxicity profile. We observed that retene and the mixture, but not fluoranthene, significantly reduced growth by Day 14 compared to the control, while exposure to the mixture increased the BSD-index significantly from Day 3 onward. Body burden profiles were PAH-specific and correlated well with the exposure-specific upregulations of genes encoding for phase I and II enzymes. Exposure to the mixture over-represented pathways related to growth, amino acid and xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress responses. Alevins exposed to the individual PAHs displayed over-represented pathways involved in receptor signaling: retene downregulated genes with a role in G-protein signaling, while fluoranthene upregulated those involved in GABA signaling. Furthermore, exposure to retene and fluoranthene altered the expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in calcium- and potassium ion channels, which suggests affected heart structure and function. This study provides deeper understanding of the complexity of PAH toxicity and the necessity of investigating PAHs as mixtures and not as individual components.

Commentary for "Oxygen free radicals and iron in relation to biology and medicine: Some problems and concepts"

This commentary describes a highly-cited paper by John Gutteridge and myself that appeared in Arch. Biochem. Biophys. It is dedicated to the memory of John Gutteridge, my frequent co-author and a lifelong friend, who sadly passed away on July 5, 2021.

Administration of particulate oxygen generators improves skeletal muscle contractile function after ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat hindlimb

Extended tourniquet application, often associated with battlefield extremity trauma, can lead to severe ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in skeletal muscle. Particulate oxygen generators (POGs) can be directly injected into tissue to supply oxygen to attenuate the effects of I/R injury in muscle. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a sodium percarbonate (SPO)-based POG formulation in reducing ischemic damage in a rat hindlimb during tourniquet application. Male Lewis rats were anesthetized and underwent tourniquet application for 3 h at a pressure of 300 mmHg. Shortly after tourniquet inflation, animals received intramuscular injections of either 0.2 mg/mL SPO with catalase (n = 6) or 2.0 mg/mL SPO with catalase (n = 6) directly into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. An additional Tourniquet-Only group (n = 12) received no intervention. Functional recovery was monitored by in vivo contractile testing of the hindlimb at 1, 2, and 4 wk after injury. By the 4 wk time point, the Low-Dose POG group continued to show improved functional recovery (85% of baseline) compared with the Tourniquet-Only (48%) and High-Dose POG (56%) groups. In short, the low-dose POG formulation appeared, at least in part, to mitigate the impact of ischemic tissue injury, thus improving contractile function after tourniquet application. Functional improvement correlated with maintenance of larger muscle fiber cross-sectional area and the presence of fewer fibers containing centrally located nuclei. As such, POGs represent a potentially attractive therapeutic solution for addressing I/R injuries associated with extremity trauma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Skeletal muscle contraction was evaluated in the same animals at multiple time points up to 4 wk after injury, following administration of particulate oxygen generators (POGs) in a clinically relevant rat hindlimb model of tourniquet-induced ischemia. The observed POG-mediated improvement of muscle function over time confirms and extends previous studies to further document the potential clinical applications of POGs. Of particular significance in austere environments, this technology can be applied in the absence of an intact circulation.

Role of Oxidative Stress in Retinal Disease and the Early Intervention Strategies: A Review

The retina, owing to its cellular anatomy and physical location, is susceptible to generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are associated with several major retinal diseases. When ROS exceeds the body's natural antioxidants, the retina is in a state of oxidative stress, which is recognized as the pathogenesis of retinal diseases. The early stage of the pathogenic process is an adaptive change in which oxidative stress and endogenous defense mechanisms occur. If no treatment is applied, the retinal diseases will progress to the pathological stage with neuronal and vascular dysfunction or damage and even blindness. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress in several common retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity. In addition, we discuss the early intervention strategies for these diseases. An outline is provided to identify potential intervention targets for further research. Early intervention for retinal diseases is necessary and urgent and may offer hope to improve patients' quality of life through functional vision.

Tuning the enzyme-like activities of cerium oxide nanoparticles using triethyl phosphite ligand

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) depict excellent in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties, determined by the redox switching of surface cerium ions between its two oxidation states (Ce3+ and Ce4+)....

Protective effects of Dialium guineense pulp on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in albino rats

The numerous challenges and detrimental effects connected with the treatment of peptic ulcers in the world today calls for alternative attention. Ethnomedicinally, Dialium guineense pulp (DAGP) has numerous pharmacological activities. This study investigated the anti-ulcer activities of Dialium guineense pulp on gastric mucosa injury induced with aspirin in albino Wistar rats. DAGP extract was orally administered at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw (mg per kg of the body weight) per day for 3 or 7 days followed by 400 mg/kg bw oral aspirin administration. Ulcer indices were determined, followed by a biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzymes using gastric mucosal tissue from the stomach. Student's t-test was used to compare significant differences among groups of animals at P ≤ 0.05. The results showed that Dialium guineense pulp caused a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the ulcer index in aspirin induced rats. This decrease in ulcer index is dose dependent and 1000 mg/kg bw per day caused the highest decrease in 7 days. The results showed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in lipid peroxidation and a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in antioxidant enzymes activities in the aspirin-induced ulcerated rats. Oral administration of DAGP increased antioxidant enzymes activities and decreased injury in the gastric mucosa in ulcer induced rats. Therefore, this study showed that DAGP exhibited anti-ulcer potential and that the gastrointestinal protection may be through the scavenging action of free radicals by its constituent antioxidants. Thus, Dialium guineense pulp has ameliorative medicinal potential for the curing of gastric disorders.

Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Responses to Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Inoculation under Drought Stress Conditions

Abiotic constraints such as water deficit reduce cereal production. Plants have different strategies against these stresses to improve plant growth, physiological metabolism and crop production. For example, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM)—bread wheat association has been shown to improve tolerance to drought stress conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of AM inoculation on plant characteristics, lipid peroxidation, solute accumulation, water deficit saturation, photosynthetic activity, total phenol secretion and enzymatic activities including peroxidise (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in two bread wheat cultivars (PAN3497 and SST806) under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions in plants grown under greenhouse conditions, to determine whether AM can enhance drought tolerance in wheat. AM inoculation improved morphological and physiological parameters in plants under stress. The leaf number increased by 35% and 5%, tiller number by 25% and 23%, chlorophyll content by 7% and 10%, accumulation of soluble sugars by 33% and 14%, electrolyte leakage by 26% and 32%, PPO by 44% and 47% and PO by 30% and 37% respectively, in PAN3497 and SST806, respectively. However, drought stress decreased proline content by 20% and 24%, oxidative damage to lipids measured as malondialdehyde by 34% and 60%, and total phenol content by 55% and 40% respectively, in AM treated plants of PAN3497 and SST806. PAN3497 was generally more drought-sensitive than SST806. This study showed that AM can contribute to protect plants against drought stress by alleviating water deficit induced oxidative stress.

Hydroxyl radical is a significant player in oxidative DNA damage in vivo

Recent publications have suggested that oxidative DNA damage mediated by hydroxyl radical (˙OH) is unimportant in vivo, and that carbonate anion radical (CO3˙-) plays the key role. We examine these claims and summarize the evidence that ˙OH does play a key role as an important member of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo.

Influences of Selenium-Enriched Yeast on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Antioxidant Capacity in Weaned Pigs Exposure to Oxidative Stress

This study elucidated the function role of dietary selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) supplementation on growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in weaned pigs exposure to oxidative stress. Thirty-two similarity weight pigs were randomly divided into four treatments: (1) nonchallenged control, (2) control+SeY, (3) control+diquat, and (4) control+SeY+diquat. The period of experiment was 21 days; on day 16, pigs were injected with diquat or sterile saline. Results revealed that oxidative stress was notably detrimental to the growth performance of piglets, but SeY supplementation ameliorated this phenomenon, which might be regarding the increasing of body antioxidant capacity and immune functions. In details, SeY supplementation improved the digestibility of crude protein (CP), ash, and gross energy (GE). Moreover, the serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT), and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) were reduced via SeY supplemented, and serum concentrations of immunoglobulins A (IgA), IgG, and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) ,and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were improved in the diquat-challenged pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, SeY supplementation acutely enhanced the activities of these antioxidant enzymes in the liver and thymus upon diquat challenge, which involved with the upregulation of the critical genes related antioxidant signaling such as the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (P < 0.05). Importantly, we also found that SeY supplementation apparently reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the liver, thymus, and serum (P < 0.05). Specifically, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the liver and thymus were downregulated by SeY upon diquat challenge. These results suggested that SeY can attenuate oxidative stress-induced growth retardation, which was associated with elevating body antioxidant capacity, immune functions, and suppressed inflammatory response.

Impacts of Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress on the Milk Protein Biosynthesis of Dairy Cows

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most important factors posing harm to the economic wellbeing of dairy industries, as it reduces milk yield as well as milk protein content. Recent studies suggest that HS participates in the induction of tissue oxidative stress (OS), as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in dairy cows exposed to hot conditions. The OS induced by HS likely contributes to the reduction in milk protein content, since insulin resistance and apoptosis are promoted by OS and are negatively associated with the synthesis of milk proteins. The apoptosis in the mammary gland directly decreases the amount of mammary epithelial cells, while the insulin resistance affects the regulation of insulin on mTOR pathways. To alleviate OS damages, strategies including antioxidants supplementation have been adopted, but caution needs to be applied as an inappropriate supplement with antioxidants can be harmful. Furthermore, the complete mechanisms by which HS induces OS and OS influences milk protein synthesis are still unclear and further investigation is needed.

Reflections of an aging free radical

In this mini-reflection, I explain how during my doctoral work in a Botany Department I first became interested in H2O2 and later in my career in other reactive oxygen species, especially the role of "catalytic" iron and haem compounds (including leghaemoglobin) in promoting oxidative damage. The important roles that H2O2, other ROS and dietary plants play in respect to humans are discussed. I also review the roles of diet-derived antioxidants in relation to human disease, presenting reasons why clinical trials using high doses of natural antioxidants have generally given disappointing results. Iron chelators and ergothioneine are reviewed as potential cytoprotective agents with antioxidant properties that may be useful therapeutically. The discovery of ferroptosis may also lead to novel agents that can be used to treat certain diseases.

Anxiolytic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of goji berry polysaccharides in ovariectomized rats: experimental evidence from behavioral, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses

Recent studies have indicated that polysaccharides, the main component of the Lycium barbarum L. fruit, have beneficial effects (e.g., anxiolytic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective) on humans and rodents. However, the effects of different dosages of such polysaccharides on ovariectomized rats and their underlying mechanisms in the brain have not been evaluated in the literature. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the high and low doses of polysaccharides obtained from Lycium barbarum fruits (HD-LBP and LD-LBP, respectively) on anxious behaviors via behavioral (using the OFT and EPM), biochemical (using ELISA), and immunohistochemical (using immunohistochemical staining) measures in detail. Two weeks after ovariectomy, the rats were randomly assigned to either the treatment conditions [control (DW, 3 mL/kg, p.o., per day), LD-LBP (20 mg/kg, 3 mL/kg, p.o., per day), HD-LBP (200 mg/kg, 3 mL/kg, p.o., per day), 17 β-ES (1 mg/kg, 3 mL/kg, p.o., per day), DZ(1 mg/kg, 3 mL/kg, p.o., per day)] or operation type [SHAM (pseudo-ovariectomized) and OVX (ovariectomized)]. The treatments were applied for 30 consecutive days, and then serum and brain tissue samples of all rats were collected. Biochemical (SOD, CAT, GPX, MDA, and 17 β-ES) and immunohistochemical (BDNF, SER, and apoptosis) analyses of the samples were performed as well. The rats administered HD-LBP and LD-LBP were less anxious than the control groups. The HD-LBP-treated rats had high levels of SOD and low levels of MDA in their serum samples. Moreover, HD-LBP and drug-treated groups had a high number of SER receptors and BDNF-positive cells and a low number of TUNEL-positive cells in their hippocampal brain tissues. The HD-LBP treatments decrease anxious behavior by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities, hippocampal SER and BDNF neurotransmitter levels and decreasing the TUNEL-positive cell count of ovariectomized rats. Given these findings, we suggest that menopause-induced symptoms of anxiety can be reduced by polysaccharides obtained from goji berry fruits, and that these findings will be beneficial for the production studies of natural herbal-origin antianxiety (anxiolytic) drugs in the future.

Hydrogen peroxide as a signal for skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise: What do concentrations tell us about potential mechanisms?

Hydrogen peroxide appears to be the key reactive oxygen species involved in redox signalling, but comparisons of the low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that are calculated to exist within cells with those previously shown to activate common signalling events in vitro indicate that direct oxidation of key thiol groups on "redox-sensitive" signalling proteins is unlikely to occur. A number of potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain how cells overcome this block to hydrogen peroxide-stimulated redox signalling and these will be discussed in the context of the redox-stimulation of specific adaptations of skeletal muscle to contractile activity and exercise. It is argued that current data implicate a role for currently unidentified effector molecules (likely to be highly reactive peroxidases) in propagation of the redox signal from sites of hydrogen peroxide generation to common adaptive signalling pathways.

Imbalances in the disposition of estrogen and naphthalene in breast cancer patients: a potential biomarker of breast cancer risk

Elevation of naphthoquinones and estrogen quinones, which are reactive metabolites of naphthalene and estrogen, is thought to be an important indicator of naphthalene- and estrogen-induced carcinogenesis. We compared background levels of naphthalene and estrogen quinone-derived adducts in serum albumin (Alb) from 143 women with breast cancer and 119 healthy controls. Cysteinyl adducts of naphthoquinones, including 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NPQ) and 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NPQ), and estrogen quinones, including estrogen-2,3-quinones (E₂-2,3-Q) and estrogen-3,4-quinones (E₂-3,4-Q), were characterized after adduct cleavage. Levels of estrogen quinones and naphthoquinones were positively correlated in healthy controls, but not in breast cancer patients (p < 0.05). Compared with controls, levels of 1,2-NPQ and E₂-3,4-Q were elevated by two- to ten-fold in cancer patients (p < 0.001). To explore the correlation between estrogen- and naphthalene-derived quinone adducts and disease status, we performed linear discriminant analysis of the ratio of 1,2-NPQ-Alb to (1,2-NPQ-Alb plus 1,4-NPQ-Alb) versus the ratio of E₂-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb to (E₂-2,3-Q-4-S-Alb plus E₂-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb) in patients and controls. These two groups were separable using albumin adducts of estrogen quinones and naphthoquinones, with 99.6% overall correct classification rate (overall accuracy). The findings of this study suggest that differences in the disposition of estrogen and naphthalene, and the subsequent elevation of cumulative E₂-3,4-Q and 1,2-NPQ may serve as biomarkers of breast cancer risk.

In Depth Natural Product Discovery from the Basidiomycetes Stereum Species

Natural metabolites from microorganisms play significant roles in the discovery of drugs, both for disease treatments in humans, and applications in agriculture. The Basidiomycetes Stereum genus has been a source of such bioactive compounds. Here we report on the structures and activities of secondary metabolites from Stereum. Their structural types include sesquiterpenoids, polyketides, vibralactones, triterpenoids, sterols, carboxylic acids and saccharides. Most of them showed biological activities including cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, radical scavenging activity, autophagy inducing activity, inhibiting pancreatic lipase against malarial parasite, nematocidal and so on. The syntheses of some metabolites have been studied. In this review, 238 secondary metabolites from 10 known species and various unidentified species of Stereum were summarized over the last seven decades.

Integrating Ultra-Weak Photon Emission Analysis in Mitochondrial Research

Once regarded solely as the energy source of the cell, nowadays mitochondria are recognized to perform multiple essential functions in addition to energy production. Since the discovery of pathogenic mitochondrial DNA defects in the 1980s, research advances have revealed an increasing number of common human diseases, which share an underlying pathogenesis involving mitochondrial dysfunction. A major factor in this dysfunction is reactive oxygen species (ROS), which influence the mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk and the link with the epigenome, an influence that provides explanations for pathogenic mechanisms. Regarding these mechanisms, we should take into account that mitochondria produce the majority of ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), an aspect that is often ignored - this type of emission may serve as assay for ROS, thus providing new opportunities for a non-invasive diagnosis of mitochondrial dysfunction. In this article, we overviewed three relevant areas of mitochondria-related research over the period 1960-2020: (a) respiration and energy production, (b) respiration-related production of free radicals and other ROS species, and (c) ultra-weak photon emission in relation to ROS and stress. First, we have outlined how these research areas initially developed independently of each other - following that, our review aims to show their stepwise integration during later stages of development. It is suggested that a further stimulation of research on UPE may have the potential to enhance the progress of modern mitochondrial research and its integration in medicine.

Proteomic analysis identifies mechanism(s) of overcoming bortezomib resistance via targeting ubiquitin receptor Rpn13

Our prior study showed that inhibition of 19S proteasome-associated ubiquitin receptor Rpn13 can overcome bortezomib resistance in MM cells. Here, we performed proteomic analysis of Rpn13 inhibitor (RA190)-treated MM cells and identified an antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD1) as a mediator of Rpn13 signaling. SOD1 levels are higher in MM patient cells versus normal PBMCs; and importantly, SOD1 expression correlates with the progression of disease and shorter survival. Functional validation studies show that RA190-induced cytotoxicity in bortezomib-sensitive and -resistant MM cells is associated with decrease in SOD1 levels; conversely, forced expression of SOD1 inhibits RA190-induced cell death. Genetic knockdown and biochemical blockade of SOD1 with LCS-1 sensitizes bortezomib-resistant MM cells to bortezomib. SOD1 inhibitor LCS-1 decreases viability in MM cell lines and patient cells. LCS-1-induced cell death is associated with: (1) increase in superoxide and ROS levels; (2) activation of caspases, and p53/p21 signaling; (3) decrease in MCL-1, BCL_xL, CDC2, cyclin-B1, and c-Myc; (4) ER stress response; and (5) inhibition of proteasome function. In animal model studies, LCS-1 inhibits xenografted bortezomib-resistant human MM cell growth and prolongs host survival. Our studies therefore show that targeting Rpn13 overcomes bortezomib resistance by decreasing cellular SOD1 levels, and provide the rationale for novel therapeutics targeting SOD1 to improve patient outcome in MM.

Evolution of the Knowledge of Free Radicals and Other Oxidants

Free radicals are chemical species (atoms, molecules, or ions) containing one or more unpaired electrons in their external orbitals and generally display a remarkable reactivity. The evidence of their existence was obtained only at the beginning of the 20th century. Chemists gradually ascertained the involvement of free radicals in organic reactions and, in the middle of the 20th century, their production in biological systems. For several decades, free radicals were thought to cause exclusively damaging effects . This idea was mainly supported by the finding that oxygen free radicals readily react with all biological macromolecules inducing their oxidative modification and loss of function. Moreover, evidence was obtained that when, in the living organism, free radicals are not neutralized by systems of biochemical defences, many pathological conditions develop. However, after some time, it became clear that the living systems not only had adapted to the coexistence with free radicals but also developed methods to turn these toxic substances to their advantage by using them in critical physiological processes. Therefore, free radicals play a dual role in living systems: they are toxic by-products of aerobic metabolism, causing oxidative damage and tissue dysfunction, and serve as molecular signals activating beneficial stress responses. This discovery also changed the way we consider antioxidants. Their use is usually regarded as helpful to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals but sometimes is harmful as it can block adaptive responses induced by low levels of radicals.

Protective Effects of Pomegranate in Endothelial Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Punica granatum L. is an infructescence native of occidental Asia and Mediterranean Europe, popularly referred to as pomegranate. It has been used in ethnomedicine for several applications, including the treatment of obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and the regulation of blood lipid parameters. Thus, pomegranate has been linked to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that have endothelial dysfunction as a common factor acting mainly against oxidative stress due to its high polyphenol content. Its biocomponents have antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote cardiovascular protection through the improvement of endothelial function.

METHODS

Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to uncover the literature of interest.

CONCLUSION

This review article presents updated information on the role of pomegranate in the context of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that pomegranate, or rather its components (e.g., tannins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, anthocyanins, alkaloids, etc.), have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, improving parameters such as oxidative stress and the enzymatic antioxidant system, reducing reactive oxygen species formation and acting in an anti-inflammatory way. Thus, this review may contribute to a better understanding of pomegranate's beneficial actions on endothelial function and possibly to the development of strategies associated with conventional treatments of cardiovascular diseases.

INVESTIGATING THE ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF IRANIAN CHILI PEPPER EXTRACT

Stress oxidative factors are known to causes diseases resulting from metabolic disorders. Therefore, preventing, or at least decreasing the amount of these factors may have a positive impact on prevention or improvement of the metabolic problems. Recently, the herbal medicines are more considered due to more effectiveness. The application of synthetic antioxidants has been reduced recently due to their adverse effects on human health. The present research aims at evaluating the antioxidant power of chili pepper. Some solvents such as water, ethanol and water-ethanol solution, with or without ultrasound wave application, are used to provide the chili pepper extracts. The amount of tocopherol and phenol compounds in the extracts has been measured using stoichiometry method and the antioxidant power of the extracts was measured and analyzed by beta-carotene and DPPH tests. Finally, the extracts’ oxidative stability was determined. The data was statically analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range Test. The P level of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed that the amount of phenol compounds in terms of Gallic acid in different extracts are between 1066.3 and 1172.27 mg/kg, and the amount of tocopherol compounds in terms of alpha-tocopherol is between 693.52 and 867.65 mg/ml. the oxidative stability index in different extracts was between 5.55 and 7.23 hours. The inhibitory percentage of Linoleic acid oxidation in the extract varied between 57.2 and 83.6%, and the inhibitory percentage of DPPH radicals in different extracts varied between 71.33 and 91.87%. The maximum and minimum efficiency for phenol and tocopherol compound extraction were obtained using ethanol and water solvents, respectively. With a high antioxidant power, chili pepper can find a wide application in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Antioxidant Properties and Redox-Modulating Activity of Chitosan and Its Derivatives: Biomaterials with Application in Cancer Therapy

Many studies have shown that mitochondrial metabolism has a fundamental role in induction of carcinogenesis due to the influence of increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in all steps of oncogene transformation and cancer progression. It is widely accepted that the anticancer effect of conventional anticancer drugs is due to induction of oxidative stress and elevated intracellular levels of ROS, which alter the redox homeostasis of cancer cells. On the other hand, the harmful side effects of conventional anticancer chemotherapeutics are also due to increased production of ROS and disruption of redox homeostasis of normal cells and tissues. Therefore, there is a growing interest toward the development of natural antioxidant compounds from various sources, which could impact the redox state of cancer and normal cells by different pathways and could prevent damage from oxidant-mediated reactions. It is known that chitosan exhibits versatile biological properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, and a less toxic nature. Because of its antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory activities, the biopolymer has been used in a wide variety of pharmaceutical, biomedical, food industry, health, and agricultural applications and has been classified as a new physiologically bioactive material.

Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on the thyroid status, vitellogenin, and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the Murray River rainbowfish

Perfluorooctanoic acid's (PFOA) widespread use, presence and persistence in the aquatic environment has led to an increasing number of studies focusing on its toxicological effects. In Australia, PFOA has been detected in the aquatic environment, however its effects on Australian native fauna are unknown. In this study, male Australian native fish Murray River rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) were exposed to four different concentrations of PFOA (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg L^-1). Variations in thyroid hormones (Triiodothyronine (T3)/Thyroxine (T4)) and the presence of vitellogenin were determined in plasma. Oxidative stress responses were evaluated in gills and liver. Exposure of male fish to PFOA resulted in altered T3/T4 ratios and the presence of vitellogenin in the plasma. Activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione- S-transferase (GST) were significantly increased in the gills and significantly reduced in the liver. Lipid peroxidation was observed in both tissues showing that vital organs could not neutralize the peroxides generated by oxidative stress resulting from exposure to PFOA. In natural populations exposed to PFOA, such hormonal disturbances can have negative effects, notably through altered capacity to respond to changes in environmental conditions.

Mechanistic models to guide redox investigations and interventions in musculoskeletal ageing

Age is the greatest risk factor for the major chronic musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (sarcopenia). Dramatic advances in understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying the ageing process are being exploited to understand the causes of these age-related disorders and identify approaches to prevent or treat these disorders. This review will focus on one of these fundamental mechanisms, redox regulation, and the role of redox changes in age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (sarcopenia). Key to understanding the role of such pathways has been the development and study of experimental models of musculoskeletal ageing that are designed to examine the effect of modification of ROS regulatory enzymes. These have primarily involved genetic deletion of regulatory enzymes for ROS in mice. Many of the models studied show increased oxidative damage in tissues, but no clear relationship with skeletal muscle aging has been seen The exception to this has been mice with disruption of the superoxide dismutases and, in particular, deletion of Cu,ZnSOD (SOD1) localised in the cytosol and mitochondrial intermembrane space. Studies of tissue specific models lacking SOD1 have highlighted the potential role that disrupted redox pathways can play in muscle loss and weakness and have demonstrated the need to study both motor neurons and muscle to understand age-related loss of skeletal muscle. The complex interplay that has been identified between changes in redox homeostasis in the motor neuron and skeletal muscle and their role in premature loss of muscle mass and function illustrates the utility of modifiable models to establish key pathways that may contribute to age-related changes and identify potential logical approaches to intervention.

Physical exercise and catecholamines response: benefits and health risk: possible mechanisms

Beneficial effect of regular moderate physical exercise (PE) and negative effect of severe exercise and/or overtraining as an activator of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) have been shown in numerous aspects of human health, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, depression, and some types of cancer. Moderate-to-vigorous PE stimulates the SNS activation, releasing catecholamines (CATs) adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine that play an important regulatory and modulatory actions by affecting metabolic processes and the immune system. Summary of the dispersed literature in this area and explanation of the biological mechanisms operating between PE-CATs and the immune system would lead to a better understanding of the beneficial and negative effects of PE on health. This overview aimed to: demonstrate representative literature findings on the exercise released CATs levels, major functions performed by these hormones, their interactions with the immune system and their effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Also, mechanisms of cytotoxic free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during CATs oxidation, and molecular mechanisms of CATs response to exercise are discussed to demonstrate positive and negative on human health effects. Owing to the large body of the subject literature, we present a representative cross-section of the published studies in this area. The results show a significant role of CATs in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, immunity and as generators of ROS, depending on PE intensity and duration. Further investigation of the PE-CATs relationship should validate CATs levels to optimize safe intensity and duration of exercise and individualize their prescription, considering CATs to be applied as markers for a dose of exercise. Also, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms is also needed.

Elucidating the Possible Involvement of Maize Aquaporins and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in the Plant Ammonium and Urea Transport under Drought Stress Conditions

This study investigates the possible involvement of maize aquaporins which are regulated by arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) in the transport in planta of ammonium and/or urea under well-watered and drought stress conditions. The study also aims to better understand the implication of the AM symbiosis in the uptake of urea and ammonium and its effect on plant physiology and performance under drought stress conditions. AM and non-AM maize plants were cultivated under three levels of urea or ammonium fertilization (0, 3 µM or 10 mM) and subjected or not to drought stress. Plant aquaporins and physiological responses to these treatments were analyzed. AM increased plant biomass in absence of N fertilization or under low urea/ ammonium fertilization, but no effect of the AM symbiosis was observed under high N supply. This effect was associated with reduced oxidative damage to lipids and increased N accumulation in plant tissues. High N fertilization with either ammonium or urea enhanced net photosynthesis (AN) and stomatal conductance (gs) in plants maintained under well-watered conditions, but 14 days after drought stress imposition these parameters declined in AM plants fertilized with high N doses. The aquaporin ZmTIP1;1 was up-regulated by both urea and ammonium and could be transporting these two N forms in planta. The differential regulation of ZmTIP4;1 and ZmPIP2;4 with urea fertilization and of ZmPIP2;4 with NH4+ supply suggests that these two aquaporins may also play a role in N mobilization in planta. At the same time, these aquaporins were also differentially regulated by the AM symbiosis, suggesting a possible role in the AM-mediated plant N homeostasis that deserves future studies.

Functional metagenomic exploration identifies novel prokaryotic copper resistance genes from the soil microbiome

Functional metagenomics is a premise-free approach for exploring metal resistance genes, enabling more profound effects on the development of bioremediation tools than pure culture based selection. Six soil metagenomic libraries were screened for copper (Cu) resistance genes in the current study through conventional functional genomics. Clones from the six metagenomic libraries were randomly selected from solid medium supplied with Cu, resulting in 411 Cu resistance clones. Thirty-five clones with the strongest Cu resistance were sequenced and 12 unique sequences harboring 25 putative open reading frames were obtained. It is inferred by bioinformatic analysis that putative genes carried by these recombinant plasmids probably function in the pathways of responding to Cu stress, including energy metabolism, integral components of membrane, ion transport/chelation, protein/amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate/fatty acid metabolism, signal transduction and DNA binding. The sequenced clones were re-transformed into Escherichia coli strain DH5α, and the host's biomass and the metal sorption under Cu stress were subsequently determined. The results showed that the biomass of eight of the clones was significantly increased, whereas four of them were significantly reduced. A negative correlation (R = 0.86) was found between the biomass and Cu sorption capacity. The 12 positive clones were further transferred into a Cu-sensitive E. coli strain (ΔCopA), among which nine restored the host's Cu resistance substantially. The Cu resistant genes explored in this study by functional metagenomics possess a potential capacity for developing novel bioremediation strategies, and the findings imply a vast diversity of microbial Cu resistance genetic factors in soil yet to be discovered.

The impact of elevated temperature and CO2 on growth, physiological and immune responses of Polypedates cruciger (common hourglass tree frog)

BACKGROUND

Amphibians are one of the most susceptible groups to climate change as their development occurs in aquatic environments or in microhabitats with high humidity. Accordingly, our primary objective was to investigate the chronic physiological responses seen in early larval to adult stages of Polypedates cruciger (Common hourglass tree frog) to future climate change based on continuous exposure to elevated temperature and elevated CO2 -induced low water pH. Free-swimming and free-feeding tadpoles were observed until metamorphosis under four experimental treatments; two elevated temperatures, one elevated CO2 (reduced pH) and a control maintained at ambient temperature (29 °C ± 1 °C) and CO2 (pH = 7). Elevated temperature treatments were maintained at 32 °C ± 0.5 °C and 34 °C ± 0.5 °C to represent respectively, the future climate scenarios RCP2.6 (Representative Concentration Pathway 2.6, the 'base-case' scenario) and RCP8.5 ('business-as-usual' scenario) according to the 5th Assessment Report of the IPCC. Elevated CO2 treatment was maintained within the pH range of 5.5-5.6 representing the range expected between RCP8.5 and RCP2.6.

RESULTS

Compared to the control, elevated CO2 accelerated phenological progression of tadpoles through Gosner stages, thus resulting in lower body size at metamorphosis. Both elevated temperatures significantly delayed the development and reduced the growth of tadpoles. 100% mortality was observed in 34 °C treatment before metamorphosis (before Gosner stage 36) while all the tadpoles died after metamorphosis (at Gosner stage 46) in 32 °C treatment. Elevated CO2 increased tadpole activity, in terms of their swimming speed, while both of the elevated temperatures reduced it compared to the control. Catalase activity increased at elevated CO2. Ammonia excretion by tadpoles was decreased by elevated CO2, but increased under temperature elevation. Both Elevated CO2 and temperature treatments reduced the white blood cell count and its percentage of thrombocytes. Percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils were increased at 32 °C, while lymphocyte percentage and lysozyme activity were increased at elevated CO2. Several deformities were observed in tadpoles at elevated temperature and CO2.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated temperatures and reduced pH due to elevated CO2, being major features of climate change, increase the vulnerability of amphibians, who are already one of the most threatened vertebrate groups. Based on our observations on the model amphibian species P. cruciger, increased vulnerability to climate change occurs by reducing their growth, body size and motility while also reducing their immunity and inducing physical deformities. These impacts are highly-likely to reduce the foraging, competitive and reproductive capabilities in their natural habitats. We conclude further that even the 'best-case' scenario of future climate change can impose significant physiological impacts that could threaten amphibian populations on broader spatial and temporal scales.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Measurement of Respiratory Burst Products, Released or Retained, During Activation of Professional Phagocytes

Activation of professional phagocytes, potent microbial killers of our innate immune system, is associated with an increased cellular consumption of molecular oxygen (O₂). The O₂ molecules consumed are reduced by electrons delivered by a membrane localized NADPH-oxidase that initially generate one- and two electron reduced superoxide anions (O₂^-) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), respectively. These oxidants can then be processed into other highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can kill microbes, but that may also cause tissue destruction and drive other immune cells into apoptosis. The development of basic techniques to measure and quantify ROS generation by phagocytes is of great importance, and a large number of methods have been used for this purpose. A selection of methods (including chemiluminescence amplified by luminol or isoluminol, absorbance change following reduction of cytochrome c, and fluorescence increase upon oxidation of PHPA) are described in detail in this chapter with special emphasis on how to distinguish between ROS that are released extracellularly, and those that are retained within intracellular organelles. These techniques can be valuable tools in research spanning from basic phagocyte biology to diagnosis of diseases linked to the NADPH-oxidase and more clinically oriented research on innate immune mechanisms and inflammation.

Hemorheology and oxidative stress in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer following I-131 ablation/metastasis treatment

BACKGROUND

Although radioiodine theraphy (RAIT) is thought to affect blood cells and oxidative stress, hemorheological alterations following dose-dependent RAIT remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of RAIT on hemorheological and oxidative stress parameters in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC).

METHODS

Totally 31 DTC patients (mean age 46.32±11.15 years) and 26 healthy controls (mean age 50.50±6.22 years) were included. Venous blood samples were collected from each patient before and after treatment (7th day, 1th month and 6th month). Erythrocyte aggregation-deformability and oxidative stress parameters were determined. p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Erythrocyte deformability of the patients determined at 16.87 and 30 Pascal were significantly lower than healthy individuals. Erythrocyte aggregation index (AI) of the patients was higher, whereas erythrocyte aggregation half-time (t½) was lower compared to control. Erythrocyte deformability values and AI were not significantly different from the pre- and post-radioiodine treatment groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the oxidative stress parameters before and after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients were in a worse hemorheological condition compared to healthy individuals. After RAIT, RBC deformability and aggregation were not affected and no significant change in oxidative stress parameters was detected.

Prenatal exposure to oxcarbazepine increases hippocampal apoptosis in rat offspring

This study assessed apoptosis in the offspring of rats exposed to oxcarbazepine (OXC) from day 7 to 15 of gestation. Three groups of pregnant Wistar rats were used: 1) Control, treated with saline solution; 2) treated with 100 mg/kg OXC; 3) treated with 100 mg/kg of carbamazepine (CBZ, as a positive control for apoptosis); the route of administration was intragastric. Apoptosis was detected at three postnatal ages using the TUNEL technique in the CA1, and CA3 regions of the hippocampus and in the dentate gyrus (DG); neurogenesis was assessed in the DG using an antibody against doublecortin. The litter characteristics were recorded. OXC increased apoptosis in all regions (p < 0.01) at the three ages evaluated. Lamination disruption occurred in CA1 and CA3 due to the neuron absence and to ectopic neurons; there were also malformations in the dorsal lamina of the DG in 38% and 25% of the pups born from rats treated with OXC and CBZ respectively. CBZ also increased apoptosis. No clear effect on neurogenesis in the DG was observed. The size of the litter was smaller (p < 0.01) in the experimental groups. Nineteen-day OXC fetuses had low weight (p < 0.01), but 21 and 30 postnatal days old CBZ and OXC pups were overweight (p < 0.01). The results demonstrate that OXC administered during gestation is pro-apoptotic, alters the cytoarchitecture of the hippocampus, reduces litter size, and probably influences postnatal weight. We provide evidence of the proapoptotic effect of CBZ when administered early in gestation.

The effect of maternal treatment with diclofenac sodium and thymoquinone on testicular parameters in rat offspring

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Diclofenac sodium (DS) can have toxic effects on various tissues and organs, as well as causing foetal and new-born malformations. Thymoquinone (TQ), the basic bioactive compound of black seed oil, is an antioxidant and antineoplastic substance. The aim of our study was to explore the effects of DS and TQ exposure during gestation on offspring rat testicular histology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mother pregnant rats were divided into five groups: control, saline, DS, TQ and DS plus TQ (DS+TQ) four animals for each group. They were then treated as follows between day of 5 and 15 of gestation: the control group received no treatment. The saline group received physiological saline (1mg/kg/d) via the intraperitoneal (IP) route; the DS group received an intramuscular (IM) injection of DS (6.1mg/kg/d); the TQ group received TQ (5mg/kg/d) dissolved in drinking water; and the DS+TQ group received DS (6.1mg/kg/d) and TQ (5mg/kg/d) dissolved in water. After birth, the male rats were fed for four weeks, and at the end of this period offspring were sacrificed. Stereological methods, physical disector and Cavalieri principle were used for particle counting and volume estimation respectively.

RESULTS

The results revealed a significant decrease in the total number of Sertoli and Leydig cells in 4-week-old rats in the DS group (p<0.05), and TQ not have provide protection against this adverse effect of DS.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, DS at a dose of 6.1mg/kg, equivalent to a dose of 1mg/kg in humans, decreased the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells, and TQ did not have a protective effect against the adverse effect of DS during the gestation period. These results show that new dose depend studies on TQ and DS interaction are requested to see protective effect of TQ.

Mycelium Polysaccharides from Termitomyces albuminosus Attenuate CCl4-Induced Chronic Liver Injury Via Inhibiting TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB Signal Pathways

A major fraction (MPT-W), eluted by deionized water, was extracted from mycelium polysaccharides of Termitomyces albuminosus (MPT), and its antioxidant, anti-fibrosis, and anti-inflammatory activities in CCl₄-induced chronic liver injury mice, as well as preliminary characterizations, were evaluated. The results showed that MPT-W was a polysaccharide of α- and β-configurations containing xylose (Xyl), fucose (Fuc), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal), and glucose (Glc) with a molar ratio of 0.29:8.67:37.89:35.98:16.60 by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Its molecular weight (Mw), obtained by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), was 1.30 × 10⁵ Da. The antioxidant assays in vitro showed that MPT-W displayed scavenging free-radical abilities. Based on the data of in vivo experiments, MPT-W could inhibit TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB pathways; decrease the level and activity of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), malonaldehyde (MDA) and serum enzyme; activate the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway; and increase antioxidant enzymes to protect the liver in CCl₄-induced chronic liver injury mice. Therefore, MPT-W could be a potentially natural and functional resource contributing to antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects with potential health benefits.

Edaravone, a free radical scavenger, protects against ferroptotic cell death in vitro

Ferroptosis is characterized by an iron-dependent cell death with increased lipid peroxidation and is typically induced by either a decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels due to an insufficient supply of cysteine (Cys) or the inhibition of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (Gpx4). While lipid peroxides are the direct trigger for ferroptosis, the issue of how radical species involve in the cytocidal process remains unclear. To gain insights into this issue, we employed edaravone, a free radical scavenger that is clinically approved for the treatment of acute ischemic strokes and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), against ferroptotic cell death caused by various situations, notably under cystine deprivation. We initially investigated the effects of edaravone on ferroptosis in mouse hepatoma Hepa 1-6 cells cultivated in cystine-free medium and found that edaravone largely suppressed ferroptosis. Ferroptosis that was induced in the cells by the use of inhibitors for xCT or Gpx4 was also suppressed by edaravone. Moreover, edaravone also suppressed ferroptosis in xCT-knockout mouse-derived embryonic fibroblasts, which usually die in normal cultivating conditions due to the depletion of intracellular Cys and GSH. Although the edaravone treatment had no effects on the intracellular levels of Cys and GSH, both of which remained low in Hepa 1-6 cells under conditions of cystine deprivation, the causative factors for ferroptosis, including ferrous iron and lipid peroxide levels, were significantly suppressed. Collectively, these results indicate that radical species produced at the initial stage of the cytocidal process under Cys-deprived conditions trigger ferroptosis and scavenging these radicals by edaravone represents a promising treatment.

Effects of ocean acidification on life parameters and antioxidant system in the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus

Ocean acidification (OA) is caused by alteration of global ocean carbon chemistry due to the increased pCO₂ in the atmosphere and caused deleterious impacts on the marine ecosystem. Although various detrimental effects of OA were reported in marine organisms, the potential impact of OA on aquatic invertebrates still remains largely unknown. Here, we examined changes in life parameters and antioxidant system in response to low pH (7.5 and 7) in the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Exposures to lower pHs (pH 7.5 and 7.0) of copepods resulted in lengthening of the developmental time with decreased fecundity and body length. Also, they showed increased reactive oxygen species contents with enhanced glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities but decreased glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in pH-dependent manner, indicating that OA exposure caused disturbance of the redox system in T. japonicus. Among several oxidative stress-related genes, GSTs2b was significantly up-regulated in response to OA. These findings will be helpful for a better understanding on the potential impact of OA on life parameters and antioxidant system in the marine copepod T. japonicus.

Exercise training initiated at old stage of lifespan attenuates aging-and ovariectomy-induced cardiac and renal oxidative stress: Role of baroreflex

BACKGROUND

The association of aging and menopause is a potent risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. We studied the impact of aerobic exercise training (ET) initiated in the old stage of lifespan in hemodynamics, metabolic, autonomic and oxidative stress.

METHODS

Aged (18 months old) female Wistar rats were divided into: ovariectomized and untrained (AG-OVX), and ovariectomized and trained (AG-OVXt, ET for 8 weeks). Intact aged (AG) and young female rats (3 months old; Y) were also studied. Blood pressure and metabolic parameters were measured. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was studied by bradycardic (BR) and tachycardic (TR) responses to vasoactive drugs. Cardiac and renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthatione peroxidase (GPx), and gluthatione redox balance (GSH/GSSG) were analyzed.

RESULTS

AG-OVXt group increased aerobic performance in 35%, decreased adipose tissue and triglycerides in 36% and 27%, respectively, and improved insulin tolerance in 50% in comparison to AG-OVX. AG-OVX presented hypertensive levels of blood pressure (systolic: 155 ± 5, diastolic: 111 ± 3 mmHg). In contrast, AG-OVXt presented blood pressure values similar to Y rats (systolic: 129 ± 3, diastolic: 112 ± 3 mmHg). TR and BR were reduced by 70% and 46%, respectively, in AG-OVX vs. Y. Once more, AG-OVXt presented similar results to Y. ET decreased LPO in the heart and kidney. In the latter, renal CAT and SOD were corrected by ET, while cardiac redox balance was partially recovered. Improved BRS was correlated with improved oxidative stress markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Even when initiated after aging and ovariectomy deleterious effects, ET is able to normalize BRS and highly improve cardiac and renal oxidative stress.