Enhanced antioxidant effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and Trolox in combination against radiation induced-oxidative stress. Chem Biol Interact. 2014;207:7-15. [PMID: 24211618 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.10.022]

Implications of atrazine concentrations in drinking water from Ijebu-North, Southwest Nigeria on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

There is an increasing overdependence and use of atrazine herbicide for the control of pre-and post-emergence broad leaf weeds on maize farms in rural agricultural communities in Nigeria. We carried out a survey of atrazine residue in 69 hand-dug wells (HDW), 40 boreholes (BH) and 4 streams from all the 6 communities (Awa, Mamu, Ijebu-Igbo, Ago-Iwoye, Oru and Ilaporu) in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Southwest Nigeria. The effect of the highest concentration of atrazine detected in the water from each of the communities on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of albino rats was investigated. Varying concentrations of atrazine were detected in the HDW, BH and stream waters sampled. The highest concentration of atrazine recorded in the water from the communities ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/L. Although there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum levels of corticosterone, aldosterone and ROS of rats exposed to 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L concentrations of atrazine compared to control, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed at 0.08 mg/L. Catalase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) only at 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L of atrazine exposure. Butyrylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation and serum ACTH of rats exposed to all the atrazine concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) compared to control. Atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L detected in the water may not affect the HPA axis, attention should be given to 0.08 mg/L, which increases the serum corticosterone and aldosterone of the exposed rats.

Thymoquinone enhances the antioxidant and anticancer activity of Lebanese propolis

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by multiple cellular processes and are maintained at optimal levels in normal cells by endogenous antioxidants. In recent years, the search for potential exogenous antioxidants from dietary sources has gained considerable attention to eliminate excess ROS that is associated with oxidative stress related diseases including cancer. Propolis, a resinous honeybee product, has been shown to have protective effects against oxidative stress and anticancer effects against several types of neoplasms.

AIM

To investigate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of Lebanese propolis when applied alone or in combination with the promising anticancer compound Thymoquinone (TQ) the main constituent of Nigella sativa essential oil.

METHODS

Crude extracts of Lebanese propolis collected from two locations, Rashaya and Akkar-Danniyeh, were prepared in methanol and the total phenolic content was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and to inhibit H₂O₂-induced oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes. The anticancer activity was evaluated by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] MTT assay against HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

RESULTS

The total phenolic content of propolis extract from Rashaya and Akkar-Danniyeh were 56.81 µg and 83.503 µg of gallic acid equivalent /mg of propolis, respectively. Both natural agents exhibited strong antioxidant activities as evidenced by their ability to scavenge DPPH free radical and to protect erythrocytes against H₂O₂-induced hemolysis. They also dose-dependently decreased the viability of both cancer cell lines. The IC₅₀ value of each of propolis extract from Rashaya and Akkar-Danniyeh or TQ was 22.3, 61.7, 40.44 µg/mL for breast cancer cells at 72 h and 33.3, 50.9, 33.5 µg/mL for colorectal cancer cells at the same time point, respectively. Importantly, the inhibitory effects of propolis on DPPH radicals and cancer cell viability were achieved at half its concentration when combined with TQ.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that Lebanese propolis extract has antioxidant and anticancer potential and its combination with TQ could possibly prevent ROS- mediated diseases.

A facile synthesis of CuBi2O4 hierarchical dumbbell-shaped nanorod cluster: a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of caffeic acid

The present study reports on the synthesis of Cu-bismuth oxide (CuBi₂O₄)-based nanorods by using a simple co-precipitation method for the photocatalytic degradation of caffeic acid (CA). The incorporation of Cu metal ions during the synthesis of CuBi₂O₄ nanorods might be advantageous to avoid the aggregation and control the leach out of metal ions. The calculated bandgap values of ~ 1.04, 1.02, and 0.94 eV were observed for CuBi₂O₄ with different amounts of Cu 1.0, 0.50, and 0.25 g, respectively. Varying the quantity of Cu metal ions easily tuned the bandgap value within the CuBi₂O₄-based nanorods. However, a further decrease in the bandgap value increased the recombination rate, and the less photocatalyst performance was observed. The CA degradation could be explained based on the species distribution. The CA pKa was mainly located between pKa₁ and pKa₂ of 4.43 and 8.6, respectively. The Cu within the CuBi₂O₄-based nanorods changed the electronic properties and the antibacterial ability. Therefore, the synthesized CuBi₂O₄-based nanorod cluster might be a promising material for the photocatalytic degradation of CA.

Antiaging agents: safe interventions to slow aging and healthy life span extension

Human longevity has increased dramatically during the past century. More than 20% of the 9 billion population of the world will exceed the age of 60 in 2050. Since the last three decades, some interventions and many preclinical studies have been found to show slowing aging and increasing the healthy lifespan of organisms from yeast, flies, rodents to nonhuman primates. The interventions are classified into two groups: lifestyle modifications and pharmacological/genetic manipulations. Some genetic pathways have been characterized to have a specific role in controlling aging and lifespan. Thus, all genes in the pathways are potential antiaging targets. Currently, many antiaging compounds target the calorie-restriction mimetic, autophagy induction, and putative enhancement of cell regeneration, epigenetic modulation of gene activity such as inhibition of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases, are under development. It appears evident that the exploration of new targets for these antiaging agents based on biogerontological research provides an incredible opportunity for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The present review focus on the properties of slow aging and healthy life span extension of natural products from various biological resources, endogenous substances, drugs, and synthetic compounds, as well as the mechanisms of targets for antiaging evaluation. These bioactive compounds that could benefit healthy aging and the potential role of life span extension are discussed.

Evaluating the role of propolis and bee venom on the oxidative stress induced by gamma rays in rats

Honeybee products consist of many substances, which have long been known for their medicinal and health-promoting properties. This study set out to appraise the protective potential of Egyptian propolis (EP) and bee venom (BV) separately or combined against total body irradiation (TBI) induced oxidative injury in rats. Besides, we assessed the bioactive components in EP and BV using HPLC and UPLC/ ESI-MS analysis in the positive ion mode. The animals were subjected to a source of gamma ionizing radiation at a dose of 6 Gy. Propolis and BV were administered independently and in combination before 14 days of γ-irradiation. Liver and kidney functions were estimated besides, DNA damage index (8- OHdG) by ELISA. Antioxidants, including glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were detected. Gene expression technique investigated for BAX, BCL2, and in plasma also miR125b expression in serum of rats. Besides, the histopathological for the brain, liver, kidney, and heart were investigated. In addition, lipid peroxidation was investigated in plasma and in the previous organs. The present results provide opportunities to advance the use of bee products as promising medicinal sources.

Water-soluble caffeic acid-dopamine acid-base complex exhibits enhanced bactericidal, antioxidant, and anticancer properties

Despite the highly potent biological characteristics, the poor water-solubility of caffeic acid (CA) limits its applications in various domains. Here, we present a facile approach, wherein CA has been treated with dopamine hydrochloride (Dopa.HCl) to obtain a water-soluble acid-base complex, which does not possess any covalent bond between the individual components and thus retains their nativity. Simple mixing of CA and Dopa.HCl did not provide water solubility to CA, but the complex became readily soluble in water when the mineral acid was scavenged using sodium bicarbonate. The obtained CA-Dopa complex had been characterized using FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, 2D ¹H-¹H NOESY NMR, XPS, and DSC techniques. The complex was found to exhibit excellent bactericidal, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anticancer properties in the physiologically relevant pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The results have revealed the high potential of the simple acid-base complex of CA in diverse domains.

Chemical and biological basis for development of novel radioprotective drugs for cancer therapy

Ionizing radiation (IR) causes chemical changes in biological systems through direct interaction with the macromolecules or by causing radiolysis of water. This property of IR is harnessed in the clinic for radiotherapy in almost 50% of cancers patients. Despite the advent of stereotactic radiotherapy instruments and other advancements in shielding techniques, the inadvertent deposition of radiation dose in the surrounding normal tissue can cause late effects of radiation injury in normal tissues. Radioprotectors, which are chemical or biological agents, can reduce or mitigate these toxic side-effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients and also during radiation accidents. The desired characteristics of an ideal radioprotector include low chemical toxicity, high risk to benefit ratio and specific protection of normal cells against the harmful effects of radiation without compromising the cytotoxic effects of IR on cancer cells. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the major contributors of IR mediated toxicity, plethora of studies have highlighted the potential role of antioxidants to protect against IR induced damage. However, owing to the lack of any clinically approved radioprotector against whole body radiation, researchers have shifted the focus toward finding alternate targets that could be exploited for the development of novel agents. The present review provides a comprehensive insight in to the different strategies, encompassing prime molecular targets, which have been employed to develop radiation protectors/countermeasures. It is anticipated that understanding such factors will lead to the development of novel strategies for increasing the outcome of radiotherapy by minimizing normal tissue toxicity.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester-Incorporated Radio-Sensitive Nanoparticles of Phenylboronic Acid Pinacol Ester-Conjugated Hyaluronic Acid for Application in Radioprotection

We synthesized phenylboronic acid pinacol ester (PBPE)-conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA) via thiobis(ethylamine) (TbEA) linkage (abbreviated as HAsPBPE conjugates) to fabricate the radiosensitive delivery of caffeic acid phenetyl ester (CAPE) and for application in radioprotection. PBPE was primarily conjugated with TbEA and then PBPE-TbEA conjugates were conjugated again with hyaluronic acid using carbodiimide chemistry. CAPE-incorporated nanoparticles of HAsPBPE were fabricated by the nanoprecipitation method and then the organic solvent was removed by dialysis. CAPE-incorporated HAsPBPE nanoparticles have a small particle size of about 80 or 100 nm and they have a spherical shape. When CAPE-incorporated HAsPBPE nanoparticles were irradiated, nanoparticles became swelled or disintegrated and their morphologies were changed. Furthermore, the CAPE release rate from HAsPBPE nanoparticles were increased according to the radiation dose, indicating that CAPE-incorporated HAsPBPE nanoparticles have radio-sensitivity. CAPE and CAPE-incorporated HAsPBPE nanoparticles appropriately prevented radiation-induced cell death and suppressed intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). CAPE and CAPE-incorporated HAsPBPE nanoparticles efficiently improved survivability of mice from radiation-induced death and reduced apoptotic cell death. We suggest that HAsPBPE nanoparticles are promising candidates for the radio-sensitive delivery of CAPE.

Antioxidant effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in experimentally induced periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of systemically administered caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, lipopolysaccharide-induced experimental periodontitis (LPS), CAPE 5: LPS+5 μmol/kg/day CAPE, and CAPE 10: LPS+10 μmol/kg/day CAPE. Following lipopolysaccharide-induced experimental periodontitis, CAPE was administered intraperitoneally for 28 days. Gingival and serumal total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Gingival tissue TAS was significantly higher with CAPE application compared with the LPS group and was highest in the CAPE 10 group (p<0.05). Gingival tissue TOS was highest in the LPS group, and both of the CAPE dosages decreased the gingival tissue TOS, with the highest decrease in the CAPE 10 group (p<0.05). The differences were not significant for serumal TAS or TOS levels (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of CAPE on increased TAS and decreased TOS levels in inflamed gingival tissue indicates the antioxidant therapeutic potential of CAPE in periodontitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Within the limitations of this study, CAPE may be suggested as an effective host modulator agent for reducing oxidative stress in gingival tissue and might be considered as an adjunctive therapy in periodontitis.

DJ-1 plays a neuroprotective role in SH-SY5Y cells by modulating Nrf2 signaling in response to lidocaine-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis

To investigate the effects of DJ-1 on lidocaine-induced cytotoxicity in neurons and the link with Nrf2 signaling, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 1, 4, 8, and 16 mM lidocaine. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry analysis. The mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and GSH/GSSG ratio were determined with specific kits. Expression of DJ-1, Nrf2, and Nrf2 downstream signaling proteins (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1], catalase [CAT], and glutathione reductase [GR]), was determined by western blot and qRT-PCR. The cell viability was dramatically decreased, while levels of apoptosis, ROS and Cys106-oxidized DJ-1 were significantly enhanced following treatment with lidocaine (concentration 4-16 mM), and increases were observed in a dose-dependent manner. After treatment with 8 mM lidocaine, DJ-1, and nuclear Nrf2, as well as antioxidative stress-related proteins, GPx, GR, HO-1, and CAT, were all significantly inhibited. Overexpression of DJ-1 suppressed lidocaine-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells and activated Nrf2 signalling at the same time, and these effects were reversed by the inhibition of Nrf2. DJ-1 could protect SH-SY5Y cells from lidocaine-induced apoptosis through inhibition of oxidative stress via Nrf2 signaling.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester attenuates changes in pancreatic tissue damage biomarkers induced by cisplatin

Application of cisplatin (CP) for the treatment of different cancers is known to cause pancreatitis through an increase in reactive oxygen species production and promotion of inflammation. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), the main activity carrier of propolis extracts, was previously found to possess numerous beneficial properties. This study aims to determine for the first time the potential of CAPE in preventing CP-induced pancreatic tissue damage by studying the changes occurring on both biochemical and microscopic levels. The levels of serum α-amylase and a panel of pancreatic tissue biomarkers related to tissue injury (reduced glutathione, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonylated concentration) and inflammation (myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and umor necrosis factor alpha) were studied in male Wistar rats treated with either CP alone or with CP and CAPE. Additionally, microscopic analysis of pancreatic tissue would be conducted as well. Application of CAPE together with CP statistically significantly prevented the disturbance in all here-studied pancreatic tissue damage and inflammation-related biomarkers. The changes in pancreas biochemical status was followed by morphological disturbance. The results of the present study suggest that CAPE could act as a protective agent in pancreatic damage that arises after CP application.

Oxidative and Inflammatory Events in Prion Diseases: Can They Be Therapeutic Targets?

Prion diseases are a group of incurable infectious terminal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the aggregated misfolded PrPsc in selected mammals including humans. The complex physical interaction between normal prion protein PrPc and infectious PrPsc causes conformational change from the α- helix structure of PrPc to the β-sheet structure of PrPsc, and this process is repeated. Increased oxidative stress is one of the factors that facilitate the conversion of PrPc to PrPsc. This overview presents evidence to show that increased oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the progression of this disease. Evidence is given for the participation of redoxsensitive metals Cu and Fe with PrPsc inducing oxidative stress by disturbing the homeostasis of these metals. The fact that some antioxidants block the toxicity of misfolded PrPc peptide supports the role of oxidative stress in prion disease. After exogenous infection in mice, PrPsc enters the follicular dendritic cells where PrPsc replicates before neuroinvasion where they continue to replicate and cause inflammation leading to neurodegeneration. Therefore, reducing levels of oxidative stress and inflammation may decrease the rate of the progression of this disease. It may be an important order to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at the same time. This may be achieved by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes by activating the Nrf2 pathway together with simultaneous administration of dietary and endogenous antioxidants. It is proposed that a mixture of micronutrients could enable these concurrent events thereby reducing the progression of human prion disease.

Increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and glutamate: Potential preventive and therapeutic targets for hearing disorders

Hearing disorders constitute one of the major health concerns in the USA. Decades of basic and clinical studies have identified numerous ototoxic agents and investigated their modes of action on the inner ear, utilizing tissue culture as well as animal and human models. Current preventive and therapeutic approaches are considered unsatisfactory. Therefore, additional modalities should be developed. Many studies suggest that increased levels of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and glutamate play an important role in the initiation and progression of damage to the inner ear leading to hearing impairments. To prevent these cellular deficits, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antagonists of glutamate receptor have been used individually or in combination with limited success. It is essential, therefore, to simultaneously enhance the levels of antioxidant enzymes by activating the Nrf2 (a nuclear transcriptional factor) pathway, dietary and endogenous antioxidant compounds, and B12-vitamins in order to reduce the levels of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and glutamate at the same time. This review presents evidence to show that increased levels of these cellular metabolites, biochemical or factors are involved in the pathogenesis of cochlea leading to hearing impairments. It presents scientific rationale for the use of a mixture of micronutrients that may decrease the levels of oxidative damage, chronic inflammation, and glutamate at the same time. The benefits for using oral administration of proposed micronutrient mixture in humans are presented. Animal and limited human studies indirectly suggest that orally administered micronutrients can accumulate in the inner ear. Therefore, this route of administration may be useful in prevention, and in combination with standard care, in improved management of hearing problems following exposure to well-recognized and studied ototoxic agents, such as noise, cisplatin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and advanced age.

Discovery of potent telomerase activators: Unfolding new therapeutic and anti-aging perspectives

Telomere length, a marker of cellular aging, decreases with age and it has been associated with aging‑related diseases. Environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle factors, affect the rate of telomere shortening which can be reversed by telomerase. Telomerase activation by natural molecules has been suggested to be an anti‑aging modulator that can play a role in the treatment of aging‑related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural compounds on telomerase activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The tested compounds included Centella asiatica extract formulation (08AGTLF), Astragalus extract formulation (Nutrient 4), TA‑65 (containing Astragalus membranaceus extract), oleanolic acid (OA), maslinic acid (MA), and 3 multi‑nutrient formulas (Nutrients 1, 2 and 3) at various concentrations. The mean absorbance values of telomerase activity measured following treatment with some of the above‑mentioned formulations were statistically significantly higher compared to those of the untreated cells. In particular, in order of importance with respect to telomerase activation from highest to lowest, 08AGTLF, OA, Nutrient 4, TA‑65, MA, Nutrient 3 and Nutrient 2, triggered statistically significant increase in telomerase activity compared to the untreated cells. 08AGTLF reached the highest levels of telomerase activity reported to date, at least to our knowledge, increasing telomerase activity by 8.8 folds compared to untreated cells, while Nutrient 4 and OA were also potent activators (4.3‑fold and 5.9‑fold increase, respectively). On the whole, this study indicates that the synergistic effect of nutrients and natural compounds can activate telomerase and produce more potent formulations. Human clinical studies using these formulations are required to evaluate their mode of action. This would reveal the health benefits of telomerase activation through natural molecules and would shed new light onto the treatment of aging‑related diseases.

Nitrone-Trolox conjugate as an inhibitor of lipid oxidation: Towards synergistic antioxidant effects

Free radical scavengers like α-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox) have been widely used as protective agents in various biomimetic and biological models. A series of three amphiphilic Trolox and PBN derivatives have been designed by adding to those molecules a perfluorinated chain as well as a sugar group in order to render them amphiphilic. In this work, we have studied the interactions between these derivatives and lipid membranes to understand how they influence their ability to prevent membrane lipid oxidation. We showed the derivatives better inhibited the AAPH-induced oxidation of 1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLiPC) small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) than the parent compounds. One of the derivatives, bearing both PBN and Trolox moieties on the same fluorinated carrier, exhibited a synergistic antioxidant effect by delaying the oxidation process. We next investigated the ability of the derivatives to interact with DLiPC membranes in order to better understand the differences observed regarding the antioxidant properties. Surface tension and fluorescence spectroscopy experiments revealed the derivatives exhibited the ability to form monolayers at the air/water interface and spontaneously penetrated lipid membranes, underlying pronounced hydrophobic properties in comparison to the parent compounds. We observed a correlation between the hydrophobic properties, the depth of penetration and the antioxidant properties and showed that the location of these derivatives in the membrane is a key parameter to rationalize their antioxidant efficiency. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations supported the understanding of the mechanism of action, highlighting various key physical-chemical descriptors.

Comparative studies on endogenic stress hormones, antioxidant, biochemical and hematological status of metabolic disturbance in albino rat exposed to roundup herbicide and its active ingredient glyphosate

There have been growing concerns and uncertainty about reports attributing the metabolic disturbance induced by a commercial formulation of glyphosate-based herbicide to its active ingredient. We therefore compared the effects of Roundup Original® and its active ingredient glyphosate on some hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hormones and oxidative stress markers, biochemical and hematological profiles in 56 adult male albino rats randomly assigned to seven treatments of eight rats per treatment. The rats were orally exposed to Roundup Original® and its active ingredient daily at 3.6 mg/kg body weight (bw), 50.4 and 248.4 mg/kgbw of glyphosate equivalent concentrations for 12 weeks, while control treatment received distilled water. Serum concentrations of corticosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, aldosterone and concentration of oxidative stress marker, biochemical and hematological profiles in the blood were determined. Concentrations of corticosterone and aldosterone were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rats treated with Roundup in a dose-dependent manner. Reduced glutathione concentration, catalase, and butyrylcholinesterase activities reduced significantly in rats treated with Roundup relative to those treated with the active ingredient. Lipid peroxidation was observed in rats treated with Roundup. Biochemical and hematological profiles of rats treated with Roundup were significantly altered (p < 0.05). However, significant changes in only acid phosphatase, lactase dehydrogenase, bilirubin, and white blood cells in rats treated with the active ingredient at 50.4 mg/kg were observed. The severe metabolic disturbance and stress observed in rats treated with the commercial formulation of Roundup herbicide may not be associated with the mild changes induced by the active ingredient.

Anthocyanin Encapsulated by Ferulic Acid-Grafted-Maltodextrin (FA-g-MD) Microcapsules Potentially Improved its Free Radical Scavenging Capabilities Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity and release behavior of anthocyanin (ANC) loaded within FA-g-MD wall (ANC-FA-g-MD microcapsule) in vitro. The microencapsulation of ANC was prepared by spray drying and displayed a biphasic release profile. The combination of ANC and FA-g-MD (0.0625–1 mg/mL) showed a higher antioxidant activity than that of both individuals. A possible intermolecular interaction between ANC and FA-g-MD was studied by UV-vis spectra. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, and protein expression of quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), glutathione reductase (GSR) and γ-glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (γ-GCLC) were measured through human colon cancer cells (HT-29). After a 24-hour incubation of the HT-29, the combinations (0–60 μg/mL) exhibited a high potential to diminish the ROS level. And the distinct upregulated expressions of GCLC and NQO1 of HT-29 were detected after treatment with combinations compared to those of single ones. These results suggested that the ANC-FA-g-MD microcapsules exerts enhanced antioxidant effect with capability of the modulation of GCLC and NQO1.

Betaine and ascorbic acid modulate indoor behavior and some performance indicators of broiler chickens in response to hot-dry season

Heat stress causes lipid peroxidation in poultry, necessitating antioxidant administration. The experiment evaluated the modulating effects of betaine and ascorbic acid (AA) on indoor behavior and some performance parameters of broiler chickens during the hot-dry season. Experimental groups were: Group I (control) was daily given sterile water; Group II, betaine at 250 mg/kg; Group III, AA (50 mg/kg), and Group IV, betaine (250 mg/kg) + AA (50 mg/kg), orally for 42 days. The natural occurring dry-bulb temperature (28.0-37.0 °C), relative humidity (69.0-93.0%), and temperature-humidity index (27.9-36.1 °C) were predominantly outside the thermo-neutral zone for broiler chickens, indicating heat stress conditions. Scan test, used to assess the percentage of birds sitting/lying, panting, feeding, drinking and spreading wings, was performed at 06:00 h, 13:00 h and 18:00 h on each of days 35 and 42. Feed intakes (FD), water consumption (WC), body weight, average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed-to-gain ratio (FGR) were obtained. Betaine+AA reduced (P < 0.05) percentage of birds panting; AA decreased (P < 0.05) percentage of birds spreading wing, compared with control. Finisher phase: betaine and/or AA, decreased FGR, increased ADG (P < 0.05); betaine reduced (P < 0.01) FD compared with control. Grower phase: betaine, either alone or with AA, lowered FGR and FD (P < 0.01); AA reduced (P < 0.01) FD, compared with control. Starter phase: betaine and/or AA decreased WC (P < 0.05); AA lowered FGR, compared with controls. Betaine administration decreased (P < 0.05) FD at 4 week-old, but its administration, either alone or with AA, reduced WC at 1 week-old, compared with control. Overall, betaine and/or AA group lowered FGR compared with controls. In conclusion, administration of betaine and/or AA to broiler chickens modulated indoor behavior, some performance indicators and water consumption during the hot-dry season.

Factors Affecting the Radiosensitivity of Hexaploid Wheat to γ-Irradiation: Radiosensitivity of Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) [Corrected]

Understanding the radiosensitivity of plants, an important factor in crop mutation breeding programs, requires a thorough investigation of the factors that contribute to this trait. In this study, we used the highly radiosensitive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety HY1 and J411, a γ-irradiation-insensitive control, which were screened from a natural population, to examine the factors affecting radiosensitivity, including free radical content and total antioxidant capacity, as well as the expression of TaKu70 and TaKu80 (DNA repair-related genes) as measured by real-time PCR. We also investigated the alternative splicing of this gene in the wild-type wheat ecotype by sequence analysis. Free radical contents and total antioxidant capacity significantly increased upon exposure of HY1 wheat to γ-irradiation in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, in J411, the free radical contents exhibited a similar trend, but the total antioxidant capacity exhibited a downward trend upon increasing γ-irradiation. Additionally, we detected dose-dependent increases in TaKu70 and TaKu80 expression levels in γ-irradiated HY1, while in J411, TaKu70 expression levels increased, followed by a decline. We also detected alternative splicing of TaKu70 mRNA, namely, intron retention, in HY1 but not in J411. Our findings indicate that γ-irradiation induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in hexaploid wheat, resulting in growth retardation of seedlings, and they suggest that TaKu70 may play a causal role in radiosensitivity in HY1. Further studies are required to exploit these factors to improve radiosensitivity in other wheat varieties.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits liver fibrosis in rats

AIM: To investigate the hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in rats with liver fibrosis.

METHODS: A total of 75 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups: a normal group (n = 10), a vehicle group (n = 10), a model group (n = 15), a vitamin E group (n = 10), and three CAPE groups (CAPE 3, 6 and 12 mg/kg, n = 10, respectively). Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by injecting CCl₄ subcutaneously, feeding with high fat forage, and administering 30% alcohol orally for 10 wk. Concurrently, CAPE (3, 6 and 12 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered daily for 10 wk. After that, serum total bilirubin (TBil), aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured to assess hepatotoxicity. To investigate antioxidant activity of CAPE, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in liver tissue were determined. Moreover, the effect of CAPE on α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a characteristic hallmark of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key transcription factor for antioxidant systems, was investigated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Compared to the model group, intraperitoneal administration of CAPE decreased TBil, ALT, and AST levels in liver fibrosis rats (P < 0.05), while serum TBil was decreased by CAPE in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the liver hydroxyproline contents in both the 6 and 12 mg/kg CAPE groups were markedly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). CAPE markedly decreased MDA levels and, in turn, increased GSH levels, as well as CAT and SOD activities in liver fibrosis rats compared to the model group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CAPE effectively inhibited α-SMA expression while increasing Nrf2 expression compared to the model group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The protective effects of CAPE against liver fibrosis may be due to its ability to suppress the activation of HSCs by inhibiting oxidative stress.

Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx counteracts UVC-caused impairments in rats

CONTEXT

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) was reported to cause oxidative stress. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) calyx is commonly used in traditional Asian and African medicines and possesses strong antioxidant capacity due to its anthocyanin (ANTH) content.

OBJECTIVE

This study researched the possible protective role of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract (HSCE) in UVC exposure of rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Levels of serum enzymes, renal function tests, and some oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers of skin, lens, and retina tissues were monitored. Rats were exposed to UVC 4 h daily for 40 d and simultaneously received HSCE containing 2.5, 5, and 10 mg doses of ANTH in drinking water.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.05) increases in the levels of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid were noted after UVC exposure. In skin, lens, and retina tissues, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation escalated markedly (p < 0.05) whereas total antioxidant status, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase decreased dramatically (p < 0.05) related to UVC. Co-administration of HSCE with each ANTH dose significantly (p < 0.05) reversed aforementioned parameters (except total oxidant status) almost in all tissues. The LD50 of HSCE in rats was determined to be above 5000 mg/kg.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our data revealed that HSCE has a remarkable potential to counteract UVC-caused impairments, probably through its antioxidant and free radical-defusing effects. Therefore, HSCE could be useful against some cutaneous and ocular diseases in which UV and oxidative stress have a role in the etiopathogenesis.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester reduces the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor through the inhibition of the ROS, PI3K and HIF-1α signaling pathways in human retinal pigment epithelial cells under hypoxic conditions

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) can lead to progressive and severe visual loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the development of CNV. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a biologically active component of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) propolis, has been demonstrated to have several interesting biological regulatory properties. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with CAPE results in the inhibition of the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells) under hypoxic conditions and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. An in vitro experimental model of hypoxia was used to mimic an ischemic microenvironment for the RPE cells. Human RPE cells (ARPE-19) were exposed to hypoxia with or without CAPE pre-treatment. ARPE-19 cells were used to investigate the pathway involved in the regulation of VEGF production under hypoxic conditions, based on western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The amount of VEGF released from the hypoxia-exposed cells was significantly higher than that of the normoxic controls. Pre-treatment with CAPE suppressed the hypoxia-induced production of VEGF in the ARPE-19 cells, and this effect was inhibited through the attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression. These in vitro findings suggest that CAPE may prove to be a novel anti-angiogenic agent for the treatment of diseases associated with CNV.

Synergistic radiation protective effect of purified Auricularia auricular-judae polysaccharide (AAP IV) with grape seed procyanidins

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic antioxidant potential and protective effect of grape seed procyanidins (GSP) in combination with Auricularia auricular-judae polysaccharides (AAP IV) on radiation injury in splenocytes. Rat splenocyte irradiation resulted in significantly higher apoptosis rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.005), reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01); cell viability, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (p < 0.01), catalase (CAT) (p < 0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) (p < 0.05), activity and glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.01) levels were significantly reduced, compared with the control group. "GSP + AAP IV" treatment of rat splenocytes at doses of "GSP (0.3 μg/mL) + AAP IV (50 μg/mL)" displayed higher radioprotective and antioxidative effects than the administration of either GSP or AAP IV, as evident by lower levels of MDA (p < 0.001) concentration, as well as higher cell viability and T-SOD (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.005), GSH-PX (p < 0.01) and GSH content compared to the radiation group. In addition, in vivo studies have shown that "GSP + AAP IV" significantly ameliorated the decrease of spleen index (p < 0.005) and spleen GSH (p < 0.005) levels and significantly inhibited the increase of MDA (p < 0.005) levels of spleen with radiation-induced damage, compared with the non-treated group. The in vivo and in vitro results suggested that GSP and AAP IV have a synergistic protective effect against radiation-induced injury by improving the antioxidant and immunomodulation activities.

Caffeic acid derivatives, analogs and applications: a patent review (2009-2013)

INTRODUCTION

Caffeic acid (CA) is broadly distributed in several species of the plant kingdom and is widely consumed in human diet. CA and derivatives have been extensively studied in the past years, which unveiled a broad spectrum of biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. As a result, there has been an upsurge in the development of new chemical entities based on the CA scaffold.

AREAS COVERED

The scope of this review is to revisit the therapeutic potential of CA and derivatives. It provides an overview of patented processes and applications thereof between 2009 and 2013.

EXPERT OPINION

The phenylpropanoid framework is currently considered a valid structure for drug discovery programs. Actually, CA has been widely used as a template for the development of new chemical entities with potential therapeutic interest in human diseases associated with oxidative stress. Additionally, the applicability of CA derivatives expands to the realms of cosmetic industry due to its stabilizing properties. The synthesis of esters, amides and hybrids with currently marketed drugs is a trending strategy for the development of derivatives with therapeutic application. It is our opinion that the innovative artwork currently being developed involving this chemical scaffold will yield new and effective therapeutic agents in a foreseeable future.

Enhanced antioxidant capacity and anti-ageing biomarkers after diet micronutrient supplementation

A growing number of studies confirm an important effect of diet, lifestyle and physical activity on health status, the ageing process and many metabolic disorders. This study focuses on the influence of a diet supplement, NucleVital^®Q10 Complex, on parameters related to redox homeostasis and ageing. An experimental group of 66 healthy volunteer women aged 35–55 supplemented their diet for 12 weeks with the complex, which contained omega-3 acids (1350 mg/day), ubiquinone (300 mg/day), astaxanthin (15 mg/day), lycopene (45 mg/day), lutein palmitate (30 mg/day), zeaxanthine palmitate (6 mg/day), L-selenomethionine (330 mg/day), cholecalciferol (30 µg/day) and α-tocopherol (45 mg/day). We found that NucleVital^®Q10 Complex supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity of plasma and activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, with slight effects on oxidative stress biomarkers in erythrocytes; MDA and 4-hydroxyalkene levels. Apart from the observed antioxidative effects, the tested supplement also showed anti-ageing activity. Analysis of expression of SIRT1 and 2 in PBMCs showed significant changes for both genes on a mRNA level. The level of telomerase was also increased by more than 25%, although the length of lymphocyte telomeres, determined by RT-PCR, remained unchanged. Our results demonstrate beneficial effects concerning the antioxidant potential of plasma as well as biomarkers related to ageing even after short term supplementation of diet with NucleVital^®Q10 Complex.