Ameliorative effect of vitamin E and selenium against oxidative stress induced by sodium azide in liver, kidney, testis and heart of male mice

Impact of carbimazole combined with vitamin E on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats: oxidative/inflammatory/apoptotic pathways

Thyroid hormones play essential roles in spermatogenesis, but their effects on infertile males remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of combining carbimazole (CBZ) with vitamin E (VE) on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats, focusing on oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. In this experimental study, 64 adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Group I (control-untreated), Group II (CBZ-control), Group III (VE-control), Group IV (CBZ + VE-control), Group V (levothyroxine-induced testicular injury), Group VI (levothyroxine + CBZ-treated), Group VII (levothyroxine + VE-treated), and Group VIII (levothyroxine + CBZ + VE-treated). The study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (Ismailia, Egypt). After cervical decapitation, both testes and epididymis were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Significant differences were observed among groups concerning malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT; all P < 0.001). Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed significant differences in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α ), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl2), p53, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κ B) mRNA levels (all P < 0.001). Hyperthyroid group treated with CBZ alone (Group VI) exhibited testicular side effects, affecting seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis. However, the Group VIII showed improved spermatogenesis and a decrease in testicular side effects. The addition of VE to the treatment of hyperthyroid rats with CBZ reduced testicular side effects and seminiferous tubular affection when potentially improving spermatogenesis. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms fully.

The Role of Selenium in Atherosclerosis Development, Progression, Prevention and Treatment

Selenium is an essential trace element that is essential for various metabolic processes, protection from oxidative stress and proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Se deficiency has long been associated with multiple cardiovascular diseases, including endemic Keshan's disease, common heart failure, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. Through selenoenzymes and selenoproteins, Se is involved in numerous crucial processes, such as redox homeostasis regulation, oxidative stress, calcium flux and thyroid hormone metabolism; an unbalanced Se supply may disrupt these processes. In this review, we focus on the importance of Se in cardiovascular health and provide updated information on the role of Se in specific processes involved in the development and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, vascular calcification and vascular cell apoptosis). We also discuss recent randomised trials investigating Se supplementation as a potential therapeutic and preventive agent for atherosclerosis treatment.

Comparative Biochemical Profiling of Aluminum Chloride and Sodium Azide Induced Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Disturbance

Comorbidities in human beings signify the numerous risk factors that increase the incidences of neuro- and cardio-metabolic disorders. Experimental models depicting comorbidities are important to explore the molecular pathophysiology that can help suggest appropriate treatment strategies. Tissue-accumulating potential and pathological effects of aluminium chloride (AlCl₃)and sodium azide (NaN₃) are well recognized. Hence, in the current work, we have for the first time aimed to investigate the unexplored potential of graded dose effects of AlCl₃ and NaN₃ in inducing early inflammation and cardiometabolic toxicity via comparative biochemical analysis of AlCl₃ and/or NaN₃. Rats were allocated into seven groups (n = 6). Group 1 was normal control. Remaining groups were given graded doses of AlCl₃ and/or NaN₃, as LD-AlCl₃ (AlCl₃ 40 mg), MD-AlCl₃ (AlCl₃ 45 mg), and HD-AlCl₃ (AlCl₃ 50 mg) representing low dose, medium dose, and high dose of AlCl₃, respectively, and the remaining as LD-NaN₃ (NaN₃ 13 mg), MD-NaN₃ (NaN₃ 15 mg), and HD-NaN₃ (NaN₃ 17 mg) representing low dose, medium dose, and high dose of NaN₃, respectively. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, inflammatory mediators like IL-6 and oxidative stress marker, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. Likewise, subacute toxicity parameters were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and histopathology (H&E/Masson's trichrome staining) of brain, heart, and pancreatic tissues were done. ECG pattern of all groups was observed. HD-AlCl₃ was associated with elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers, MDA, and glycemic and lipid profiles, whereas it decreased the insulin levels. HD-NaN₃ also showed the similar effects of aggravated inflammatory biomarkers, impaired glycemic and lipid profiles, but depicted the maximum mortality rate as compared to HD-AlCl₃. IHC showed prominent amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangle formation with MD-AlCl₃ and HD-AlCl₃ as compared to NaN₃-treated groups. Likewise, in brain tissues, vacuolation of white matter, vascular congestion, and hemorrhage were seen in HD-AlCl₃ treated group, while HD-NaN₃ induced death in animals. AlCl₃ exposure resulted in an inverted QRS complex, while exposure to NaN₃ showed ST depression but with increased mortality. AlCl₃ has better controlled results as compared to NaN₃ for induction of comorbid experimental animal model depicting early neuroinflammation and cardiometabolic disruption. These determined efforts facilitate the researchers for the development of clinically effective treatment strategies using such experimental models.

Beneficial Effect of Selenium Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Supplementation on the in vitro Development Competence of Ovine Oocytes

Background

After the synthesis of selenium doped carbon quantum dots (Se/CDs) via a step-by-step hydrothermal synthesis method with diphenyl diselenide (DPDSe) as precursor, the beneficial effects of Se/CDs’ supplementation on the in vitro development competence of ovine oocytes were firstly investigated in this study by the assay of maturation rate, cortical granules’ (CGs) dynamics, mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, epigenetic modification, transcript profile, and embryonic development competence.

Results

The results showed that the Se/CDs’ supplementation during the in vitro maturation (IVM) process not only enhanced the maturation rate, CGs’ dynamics, mitochondrial activity and embryonic developmental competence of ovine oocytes, but remarkably decreased the ROS production level of ovine oocytes. In addition, the expression levels of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 in the ovine oocytes were significantly up-regulated after the Se/CDs’ supplementation, in consistent with the expression levels of 5mC and 5hmC. Moreover, 2994 up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 846 repressed DEGs were found in the oocytes after the Se/CDs’ supplementation. According to the analyses of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), these DEGs induced by the Se/CDs’ supplementation were positively related to the progesterone mediated oocyte maturation and mitochondrial functions. And these remarkably up-regulated expression levels of DEGs related to oocyte maturation, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic modification induced by the Se/CDs’ supplementation further confirmed the beneficial effect of Se/CDs’ supplementation on the in vitro development competence of ovine oocytes.

Conclusion

The Se/CDs prepared in our study significantly promoted the in vitro development competence of ovine oocytes, benefiting the extended research about the potential applications of Se/CDs in mammalian breeding technologies.

Chemical Characterization of Taif Rose (Rosa damascena Mill var. trigentipetala) Waste Methanolic Extract and Its Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects against Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2)-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Potential Anticancer Activities against Liver Cancer Cells (HepG2)

Taif rose (Rosa damascena Mill) is one of the most important economic products of the Taif Governorate, Saudi Arabia. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) is a common environmental pollutant that is widely used in industries and essentially induces many toxicities, including hepatotoxicity. In this study, the major compounds in the waste of Taif rose extract (WTR) were identified and chemically and biologically evaluated. GC–MS analysis of WTR indicated the presence of many saturated fatty acids, vitamin E, triterpene, dicarboxylic acid, terpene, linoleic acid, diterpenoid, monoterpenoid, flavonoids, phenylpyrazoles, and calcifediol (vitamin D derivative). The assessment of potential anticancer activity against HepG2 cells proved that WTR had a high cell killing effect with IC50 of 100–150 µg/mL. In addition, WTR successfully induced high cell cycle arrest at G0/G1, S, and G2 phases, significant apoptosis, necrosis, and increased autophagic cell death response in the HepG2 line. For the evaluation of its anti-CdCl2 toxicity, 32 male rats were allocated to four groups: control, CdCl2, WTR, and CdCl2 plus WTR. Hepatic functions and antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GRx, GPx, and MDA) were examined. Histological changes and TEM variations in the liver were also investigated to indicate liver status. The results proved that WTR alleviated CdCl2 hepatotoxicity by improving all hepatic vitality markers. In conclusion, WTR could be used as a preventive and therapeutic natural agent for the inhibition of hepatic diseases and the improvement of redox status. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted.

The effects of selenium on GPX4-mediated lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in germ cells

Emerging evidence suggests that selenium plays an essential role in sperm maturation. However, the specific signaling pathway by which selenium exerts effect has not been elucidated. To evaluate the effect of selenium on GPX4-mediated lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in germ cells, selenium deficiency was modeled by culturing GC2-spd cells in serum-free medium. Treatment with 0.5-μM sodium selenite (NaSe) or 5.0-μM selenomethionine (SeMet) significantly improved the proliferation rate and GPX4 protein expression after selenium deficiency. Moreover, NaSe and SeMet decreased the MDA content and lipid peroxidation. When adenovirus was used to knockdown the expression of the GPX4 gene (shRNA-GPX4), the early apoptosis rate of the shRNA-GPX4 cells was significantly higher than that of the EGFP cells. Increased expression of Caspase3 and Bax, as well as MDA content were observed in the shRNA-GPX4 cells compared with EGFP cells. In further, overexpression of the GPX4 gene (ORF-GPX4) cells exhibited increased cell proliferation and decreased MDA content. However, there was no significant difference in 12/15-lox expression both in ORF-GPX4 cells and shRNA-GPX4 cells. Conclusively, GPX4 was involved in the regulation of lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in GC2-spd cells. Selenium played a role in promoting cell proliferation by mediating GPX4. The regulation of GPX4 may occur independently of 12/15-Lox. These findings confirmed the effect of selenium on spermatogenesis and offered a potential target for treating abnormal semen quality in men.

Chitosan/Selenium Nanoparticles Attenuate Diclofenac Sodium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats

The detrimental effect of diclofenac sodium (Diclo-Na) on male reproductive organs is reported upon in this paper. Chitosan is a polysaccharide composed of various amounts of glucosamine. Chitosan nanoparticles (CH-NPs) have attracted much attention owing to their biomedical activity. Selenium (Se) has a vital role in nutrition, plays an important role in enhancing male reproduction, and has a wide range of free radical scavenging activities. However, the study of the impact of chitosan nanoparticles in combination with Se (IV) (CH-NPs/Se) on male reproductive toxicity associated with Diclo-Na administration is lacking in recent literature. The current study assessed the ameliorative effects of complexes of CH-NPs/Se (IV) on Diclo-Na and the ways in which they alter reproductive toxicity in male rats. Male rats were treated for 30 days successively, either with Diclo-Na (10 mg/kg) or co-treated with a CH-NPs/Se complex (280 mg/kg). Sperm characteristics, marker enzymes of testicular function, LH, FSH, and testosterone were evaluated in addition to oxidative stress markers and histological alterations. CH-NPs/Se significantly alleviated Diclo-Na-induced decline in sperm count and motility, testicular function enzymes, and levels of LH and testosterone in serum. Additionally, CH-NPs/Se co-administration at 280 mg/Kg, inhibited the Diclo-Na-induced decline of antioxidant enzyme activities and elevated oxidative stress indices and reactive free radicals in testicular homogenates of male rats. CH-NPs/Se (280 mg/kg) alone improved Diclo-Na and ameliorated histological damages in exposed rats. In conclusion, chitosan improved testicular function in Diclo-Na-treated rats by enhancing the testosterone hormone levels, ameliorating testicular tissue, and inhibiting markers of oxidative stress in male rats.

The Potential Protective Effect and Possible Mechanism of Peptides from Oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) Hydrolysate on Triptolide-Induced Testis Injury in Male Mice

Peptides from oyster hydrolysate (OPs) have a variety of biological activities. However, its protective effect and exact mechanism on testicular injury remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of OPs on triptolide (TP)-induced testis damage and spermatogenesis dysfunction and investigate its underlying mechanism. In this work, the TP-induced testis injury model was created while OPs were gavaged in mice for 4 weeks. The results showed that OPs significantly improved the sperm count and motility of mice, and alleviated the seminiferous tubule injury. Further study showed that OPs decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) level and increased antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GPH-Px) activities, attenuating oxidative stress and thereby reducing the number of apoptotic cells in the testis. In addition, OPs improved the activities of enzymes (LDH, ALP and ACP) related to energy metabolism in the testis and restored the serum hormone level of mice to normal. Furthermore, OPs promoted the expression of Nrf2 protein, and then increased the expression of antioxidant enzyme regulatory protein (HO-1 and NQO1) in the testis. OPs inhibited JNK phosphorylation and Bcl-2/Bax-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, OPs have a protective effect on testicular injury and spermatogenesis disorders caused by TP, suggesting the potential protection of OPs on male reproduction.

Assessing the potential value of Rosa Roxburghii Tratt in arsenic-induced liver damage based on elemental imbalance and oxidative damage

Environmental exposure to arsenic is a major public health challenge worldwide. Growing evidence indicates that coal-burning arsenic can cause hepatic oxidative damage. However, the value of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) with antioxidant properties on arsenic-caused hepatic oxidative damage has never been elucidated yet. In this study, the animals were exposed to coal-burning arsenic (10 mg/kg bw) for 90 days and the result showed a loss of body weight, impaired liver function and liver diseases, increased hepatic oxidative damage and metabolic disorder of multiple elements including selenium, copper, zinc which were related to synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. Another finding is that RRT restored the abnormal liver function and alleviated the procedures of liver diseases of arsenic poisoning rats. In addition, it could also effectively reduce the degree of oxidative damage in serum and liver, and restore the activity of some antioxidant enzymes. Importantly, RRT reversed the content of most disordered elements caused by arsenic in liver and reduced the excretion of several essential elements in urine, including selenium, copper and zinc. Our study provides some limited evidence that RRT can alleviate coal-burning arsenic-induced liver damage induced by regulating elemental metabolic disorders and liver oxidation and antioxidant balance. The study provides a scientific basis for further studies of the causes of the arsenic-induced liver damage, and effective intervention strategies.

Effects of vitamin E in a glucocorticoid induced cataract model in chicken embryos

We investigated the antioxidant effects of vitamin E on a glucocorticoid (GC) induced model of cataracts in chick embryos. We used 70 fertilized eggs divided into seven groups as follows: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, olive oil treatment (OO) group, hydrocortisone treatment (HC) group, olive oil and hydrocortisone treatment (OO + HC) group, 50 mg/kg vitamin E and hydrocortisone treatment (HC + VE (50)) group, 25 mg/kg vitamin E and hydrocortisone treatment (HC + VE (25)) group and 15 mg/kg vitamin E and hydrocortisone treatment (HC + VE (15)) group. On day 17, chick embryos were removed from the eggs and lens and liver tissues were excised. Cataract formation was evaluated and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured in lens and liver tissues; MDA was measured only in liver. The lenses in the HC + VE (50) group exhibited significantly higher levels of GPx and TAS, and lower levels of TOS than for HC and OO + HC groups. The livers of the HC + VE (50) group exhibited significantly higher levels of GPx and lower levels of MDA than for the HC and OO + HC groups. The HC + VE (50) group lenses were evaluated as grade 1, because the nuclei were completely free of cataracts, likely due to the antioxidative effect of high dose VE. VE is an effective antioxidant agent that exhibits a dose-response effect, for ameliorating the negative effects of GCs.

Hybrid Pectin-Liposome Formulation against Multi-Resistant Bacterial Strains

This work describes the development of a gastroresistant antimicrobial formulation composed of two carriers, pectin and liposomes, intended to improve the efficiency of norfloxacin (NOR) against multi-resistant bacterial strains. The formulations showed physicochemical stability for 180 days (4 °C) in terms of size, polydispersity, and zeta potential of the vesicles, prolonging the in vitro release of NOR for 11 h. The hybrid nanocarriers improved the in vitro antimicrobial activity against different multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, such as Salmonella sp., Pseudomonasaeruginosa, E. coli and Campylobacterjejuni, in comparison to commercial NOR and liposomal suspensions. The in vivo toxicity assay in chicken embryos revealed that the hybrid systems were not toxic in any of the different parameters analyzed, a result also corroborated by the analyses of biochemical biomarkers of the chicken-embryos liver function.

L-Carnitine and vitamin E ameliorate cardiotoxicity induced by tilmicosin in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the possible mitigating effect of L-carnitine (LC) and/or α-tocopherol (Vit. E) administration against tilmicosin (TIL)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Fifty-six male albino rats were divided into seven groups according to LC, Vit. E, and/or TIL administration. Control, LC, and Vit. E groups were given saline, 150 mg LC/kg body weight (BW)/day and 100 mg Vit. E/kg BW/day, respectively, orally once daily for 15 days. The TIL group was administered saline orally once daily for 15 days and a single dose of TIL (75 mg/kg BW) subcutaneously (SC) on day 14 from the starting of the experimental period (15 days). The TIL-LC, TIL-Vit. E, and TIL-LC-Vit. E groups received 150 mg LC/kg BW/day, 100 mg Vit. E/kg BW/day, and 150 mg LC/kg BW pulse 100 mg Vit. E/kg BW, respectively, orally once daily for 15 days with TIL as described above. The results revealed that the administration of TIL significantly (P ≤ 0.05) raised serum activities of heart injury indicators, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and CK-MB with substantial increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the cardiac contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased in antioxidants. The pathological changes appeared in the form of necrotic muscle fibers and massive inflammatory cellular infiltrations in the cardiac muscle and increased the caspase-3 immunohistochemical expression in the heart tissues as well. These changes were ameliorated by LC and/or Vit. E administration. In conclusion, supplementation of LC and/or Vit. E ameliorated the cardiotoxicity of the TIL SC injection in the rat.

Bifenthrin exerts proatherogenic effects via arterial accumulation of native and oxidized LDL in rats: the beneficial role of vitamin E and selenium

The purpose of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of Bifenthrin (Bif) chronic exposure on plasmatic and aortic lipid parameters disturbance and their pro-atherogenic possibility in Wistar rats. The ameliorative role of vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se) were also targeted. Thus, rats were treated by gastric gavage with combination of Vit E (100 mg/kg/bw) and Se (0.25 mg/kg/bw) in alone and co-treated groups for 90 days. Apart from control and Vit E-Se groups, all the groups were subjected to Bif (3 mg/kg, via gavage) toxicity. Results showed that Bif increased markedly plasmatic and aortic total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, native LDL-apoB-100, and oxidized-LDL, compared to the control. Moreover, Bif treatment significantly increased the plasmatic levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6. In addition, the densitometric quantification of protein bands showed that the amount of hepatic native LDL-receptor protein decreased significantly in the intoxicated rats compared to the control group. The expression of arterial LDL receptors (LDLRs) and scavenger receptors (CD36) was amplified owing to Bif toxicity. This harmful effect was confirmed by histological study using Oil-Red-O staining. Owing to their antioxidant capacities, Vit E and Se have maintained all the changes in plasma and aorta lipids and prevented the pro-atherogenic effect observed in Bif-treated animals.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Pathogenesis and Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the most important causes of liver disease worldwide and probably destined to become the leading cause of end-stage liver disease in the coming decades, affecting both adults and children. Faced with the severe challenges for the prevention and control of NAFLD, this article discusses the understanding and mechanism of NAFLD from Chinese and Western medicine. Moreover, the progress regarding its treatment in both Chinese and Western medicine is also summarized. Both Chinese medicine and Western medicine have their own characteristics and clinical efficacy advantages in treating diseases. The purpose of this article is to hope that Chinese and Western medicine have complementary advantages, complementing each other to improve clinical NAFLD therapy prevention and treatment methods to receive more and more attention throughout the global medical community.

Testicular protective effects of ellagic acid on monosodium glutamate-induced testicular structural alterations in male rats

Ellagic acid (EA) has significant protective and antioxidant effects on several tissues. Monosodium glutamate (MG) is known as a flavor promoter that reversibly influences the male reproductive system. This study aims to assess the ameliorative effect of EA on oxidative stress and testicular damage induced by MG. In total, 48 male rats were included in this study and separated into six groups: control, EA (20 mg/kg), MG (low dose) (17.5 mg/kg), MG (high dose) (60 mg/kg), MG (low dose) combined with EA, and MG (high dose) combined with EA. Testicular antioxidant biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and xanthine oxidase (XO)] were examined. Testes were examined and scored for histological variation as an indicator of testicular damage following administration of MG alone or in combination with EA. Serum testosterone, inhibin B, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (as a marker of DNA damage), and transmission electron microscope sections of the testis were evaluated, and a comet assay was performed. Results showed that administration of EA combined with MG significantly elevated the levels of enzymatic antioxidants and decreased lipid peroxidation compared with MG treatment alone. EA elevated testosterone hormone levels and thus enhanced male reproductive capacity. It is clear from the data that EA inhibits histological and ultrastructure testicular damage and improves the redox state in male rats.

Antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antigenotoxic, and hepatic ameliorative effects of L-carnitine and selenium on cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and alterations in liver cell structure in male mice

L-carnitine (LC) and selenium (Se) have significant protective and antioxidant effects on several tissues. Cadmium (Cd), widely used in some industries and emitted from fossil fuels, is a heavy metal having a number of side effects, including hepatotoxicity. This study aims to assess the ameliorative function of both LC and SeCl₄ on cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced liver toxicity. In total, 70 male mice included in this study were allocated to seven groups: control, CdCl₂, LC, SeCl₄, CdCl₂ plus SeCl₄, CdCl₂ plus LC, CdCl₂ plus SeCl₄ and LC groups. Hepatic aminotransferase (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine transaminase [ALT]) activity and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] levels, as well as the antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione reductase [GRx], glutathione-S-transferase [GST] and catalase [CAT], were examined. Histological and transmission electron microscopic [TEM] variations in the liver were used as indicators of liver damage after the administration of CdCl₂-alone or CdCl₂ with LC, SeCl₄, or both. Genotoxic effects of CdCl₂ were also evaluated and the possible roles of SeCl₄ and/or LC on the expression of the antioxidant enzymes were studied. Results showed that administration of LC and SeCl₄ decreased CdCl₂-induced increase in ALT and AST levels and reduced oxidative stress to normal levels. In addition, LC combined with SeCl₄ had a highly synergistic effect and elevated significantly the enzymatic antioxidants and decreased lipid peroxidation levels compared with those in the CdCl₂-treated group. It is clear from the data that both LC and SeCl₄ inhibit liver injury and improve the redox state in mice.

Neuroprotective Role of Selected Antioxidant Agents in Preventing Cisplatin-Induced Damage of Human Neurons In Vitro

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy and decreases the quality of life of cancer patients. We compared neuroprotective properties of several agents using an in vitro model of terminally differentiated human cells NT2-N derived from cell line NT2/D1. Sodium azide and an active metabolite of amifostine (WR1065) increase cell viability in simultaneous treatment with cisplatin. In addition, WR1065 protects the non-dividing neurons by decreasing cisplatin caused oxidative stress and apoptosis. Accumulation of Pt in cisplatin-treated cells was heterogeneous, but the frequency and concentration of Pt in cells were lowered in the presence of WR1065 as shown by X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). Transition metals accumulation accompanied Pt increase in cells; this effect was equally diminished in the presence of WR1065. To analyze possible chemical modulation of Pt-DNA bonds, we examined the platinum L_III near edge spectrum by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The spectrum found in cisplatin-DNA samples is altered differently by the addition of either WR1065 or sodium azide. Importantly, a similar change in Pt edge spectra was noted in cells treated with cisplatin and WR1065. Therefore, amifostine should be reconsidered as a candidate for treatments that reduce or prevent CIPN.

A Nested Case-Control Study on Plasma Vitamin E and Risk of Cancer: Evidence of Effect Modification by Selenium

BACKGROUND

Evidence from epidemiologic studies has been inconsistent regarding the role of vitamin E in cancer incidence risk.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prospective association between baseline plasma vitamin E levels and subsequent cancer risk in Chinese adults with hypertension, and to identify effect modifiers.

DESIGN

A nested, case-control study was conducted from 20,702 hypertensive participants in the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, conducted from May 2008 to August 2013.

PARTICIPANTS

The current study included 229 new cancer cases and 229 controls matched for age (±1 year), sex, treatment group, and study site.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Plasma vitamin E was measured by liquid chromatography with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometers and plasma selenium was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using Thermo Fisher iCAP Q ICP-MS.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES

Odds ratios (OR) of cancer in relation to plasma concentrations of vitamin E were calculated using conditional logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Median follow-up duration was 4.5 years. Overall, vitamin E was not associated with subsequent risk of total cancer (per 1-mg/L [2.3 μmol/L] increase: OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.09) and non-gastrointestinal cancer (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.24). However, there was a significant, inverse association between vitamin E and gastrointestinal cancer (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.99), particularly esophageal cancer (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.95). Moreover, high vitamin E decreased the risk of total cancer (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.99) and gastrointestinal cancer (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.95) among patients with high selenium levels (median≥83.7 μg/L [1.1 μmol/L]), and increased the risk of total cancer (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.26) and non-gastrointestinal cancer (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.50) among those with low selenium levels (<83.7 μg/L [1.1 μmol/L]).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that higher levels of plasma vitamin E are associated with reduced risk of gastrointestinal cancer. High vitamin E decreased the risk of total cancer among patients with high selenium levels, but increased the risk of total cancer among those with low selenium levels.

Effects of phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity on SD rats and the protection of vitamin E

Currently, public pay more attention to the adverse effect of organophosphate pesticides on human and animal health and on the environment in developing nations. Vitamin E may protect the hepatocyte and increase the function of liver. The study was to investigate the effects of phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity on Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and the protection of vitamin E. SD rats received by gavage 180 mg kg^-1 (per body weight) of phoxim, 200 mg kg^-1 (per body weight) of vitamin E, and phoxim + vitamin E. The results showed that exposure to phoxim elevated liver coefficient; glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total bile acid, and alanine aminotransferase in the serum; ROS in the liver; and the expression of p53, Bax, CYP2E1, ROS, caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3, while phoxim caused a reduction of total protein, albumin, and cholinesterase in the serum; acetylcholinesterase, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione in the liver; and the expression of Bcl-2. Vitamin E modified the phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing the GGT in the serum, malondialdehyde in the liver, and the expression of CYP2E1 significantly. There were no significant changes of globulin in the serum, the activity of catalase in the liver, as well as expression levels of Fas and Bad in the liver. Overall, subacute exposure to phoxim induced hepatic injury, oxidative stress damage, and cell apoptosis. Vitamin E modified phoxim-induced hepatotoxicity slightly. And, vitamin E minimized oxidative stress damage and ultrastructural changes in rat hepatocytes notably.