Antioxidant potential and radioprotective effect of soy isoflavone against gamma irradiation induced oxidative stress

In-vivo and in vitro assessments of the radioprotective potential natural and chemical compounds: a review

PURPOSE

The study of the radioactive role of natural and chemical substances on human and animal studies has been the subject of research by some researchers. Therefore, the review of some of the past and current studies conducted in this field, can provide helpful information to elucidate of the importance of radioprotective components in reducing radiation exposure side effects.

METHODS

The authors search for keywords including In vitro, In vivo, Radioprotective, Ionizing radiation, and Vitamin in ScienceDirect, Scopus, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases to access previously published articles and search for more reference articles on the role of radioprotective materials from natural and chemical compounds.

RESULTS

Radiation exposure can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, however most of which are eliminated by the body's natural mechanisms, but when the body's antioxidant systems do not have enough ability to neutralize free radicals, oxidative stress occurs, which causes damage to DNA and body tissues. Therefore, it is necessary use of alternative substances that reduce and inhibit free radicals.

CONCLUSION

In general, recommended that antioxidant component(s) can be protect tissue damages in humans or animals, due to the their ability to scavenge free radicals generated by ionizing radiation.

Dietary Freeze-Dried Flaxseed and Alfalfa Sprouts as Additional Ingredients to Improve the Bioactive Compounds and Reduce the Cholesterol Content of Hen Eggs

Eggs are a complete food with high-quality proteins; a 2:1 ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acid (SFA); and a good amount of minerals, as well as vitamins or antioxidant compounds. Seeds or mature plants were usually added to the feed to improve egg quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of alfalfa and flax freeze-dried sprouts supplementation in diets of laying hens on egg oxidative status and key bioactive compounds. Thirty Sassò hens were fed with three different diets: standard, standard + 3% freeze-dried alfalfa sprouts, or flaxseed sprouts. Ten pools of 10 egg yolks per group were collected at 0, 4, and 8 weeks and analyzed. Supplementation with sprouts enriched the phytosterols, phytoestrogens, tocols, carotenes, vitamin D, and n-3 fatty acid contents in the eggs. Cholesterol content was lower in both sprout-supplemented groups, and a decrease in its oxidative products was also observed. It was found that a 3% freeze-dried sprouts supplementation of approximately 56 days improves the egg quality. Further studies are necessary to verify higher supplementing doses and the applicability of this strategy in the commercial egg production chain.

The Effect of Liposomes Ethanol Extract of Tekelan Leaves (Chromolaena odorata L.) on the SOD and MDA Level in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress occurs when the quantity of free radical molecules in the body exceeds the number of antioxidant molecules. Tekelan leaf (Chromolaena odorata L.) is an Asteraceae plant with antioxidant qualities that aid in the prevention of oxidative stress. According to, the chemical components contained in tekelan leaves, such as flavones, flavonols, flavonones, chalcones, and hydroxy benzoic acid, are responsible for the antioxidant properties. Tekelan leaf ethanol extract liposomes is one of preparation that can improve the level antioxidant activity of the samples, in the recent research antioxidant activity of liposomes ethanol extract of tekelan leaves (Chromolaena odorata L.) is tested to male rats which induced by Streptozotocin-Nicotinamid than calcilate the level of  SOD and MDA.     AIM: The goal of this study was to see if tekelan leaf ethanol extract liposomes might reduce MDA and SOD levels in male rats caused by STZ-nicotinamide.   METHOS: Rats were given nicotinamide at a dose of 24 mg/200gBW and streptozotocin at a dose of 12 mg/200gBW at day 1, then continue to liposome and extract administration at doses of 20 mg/200gBW, 40 mg/200gBW, and 80 mg/200gBW, respectively for 15 days. At day 16 the blood were drawn and SOD and MDA levels were analyzed using a spectrophotometer.   RESULTS:  The MDA value for liposome preparation at a dose of 80 mg/200gBW were substantially lower (9.81±0.08) than negative control group (15.94±0.45). Furthermore, similar result also reported in SOD value that liposome preparation at a dose of 80 mg/200gBW (89.33±0.30) that higher than negative control group (65.55±0.30).   CONCLUSION: It concluded that the liposomes preparation of the ethanol extract of tekelan leaves showed higher antioxidant activity than extract preparation, it showed dose dependent manner.

The Effects Of Tempe Extract On The Oxidative Stress Marker And Lung Pathology In Tuberculosis Wistar Rat

Background and Objective — Tempe (fermented soybean) has the potential as an affordable nutritional support alternative during tuberculosis (TB) infection. The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of supplementation with the ethanolic extract of Tempe on the oxidative stress markers alleviation and histological changes in male Wistar rats infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Material and Methods — Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups and infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37RV intratracheally. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reaction (TBARS) levels were assessed using a colorimetric method while C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured by Elisa method. The lung damage was scored using histopathological parameters. Results — There were no significant differences in the TBARS levels and CRP concentrations compared to control. Tempe extract increased the TAC level at 200 (p=0.011), 400 (p=0.027), and 800 (p=0.029) kg/body weight concentrations compared to control. Perivasculitis and alveolitis mean scores were lower (p<0.05) than control in all supplement groups. Additionally, the mean scores of peribronchiolitis among supplementation groups were decreased (p<0.05) in the 200 and 800 mg/kg body weight, while the granuloma mean score was lower in the 800 mg/kg body weight compared to control. Conclusions — Tempe extract may have a weak efficacy in improving the antioxidant capacity and lung histological condition in TB rat models.

Soya milk alleviates toxicity caused by citric acid in male mice: Histopathological and hematological studies

This study evaluated the toxicity of citric acid and the benefits of soya milk (SM) for preventing damage in mice. Thirty-five mice were divided into groups: control, mice administered citric acid (CA group) for 30 days, mice administered SM before the administration of citric acid for 30 days (SM + CA group), mice administered citric acid for 15 days and left for recovery (R group), and mice in recovery receiving SM for 15 days (R + SM). Mice in CA and R groups displayed downregulated p53, increased cleavage of caspase 3, and upregulation of Nrf2, CYP1A1, ALT, and AST activity in the liver. In contrast, SM + CA and R + SM treated mice were protected against CA toxicity and showed reversal of p53 downregulation, reduced cleavage of caspase 3, downregulation of Nrf2, and an increase in liver function enzymes. SM administration also restored blood cell and hemoglobin content and general histology of hepatocytes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: CA causes liver damage, increases inflammation, decreases blood cell numbers, and induces apoptosis. Some natural products, such as SM, have been used to scavenge free radicals that can cause liver damage and hemolysis. This study focuses on the effectiveness of SM in ameliorating CA toxicity and may be helpful in the food industry for managing oxidative stress that may be induced by common dietary constituents. SM may help suppress liver damage and inflammation.

Unconventional β-Glucosidases: A Promising Biocatalyst for Industrial Biotechnology

β-Glucosidases primarily catalyze removal of terminal glucosyl residues from a variety of glucoconjugates and also perform transglycosylation and reverse hydrolysis. These catalytic properties can be readily exploited for degradation of lignocellulosic biomass as well as for pharmaceutical, food and flavor industries. β-Glucosidases have been either isolated in the native form from the producer organism or recombinantly expressed and gaged for their biochemical properties and substrate specificities. Although almond and Aspergillus niger have been instantly recognizable sources of β-glucosidases utilized for various applications, an intricate pool of novel β-glucosidases from different sources can provide their potent replacements. Moreover, one can envisage the better efficacy of these novel candidates in biofuel and biorefinery industries facilitating efficient degradation of biomass. This article reviews properties of the novel β-glucosidases such as glucose tolerance and activation, substrate specificity, and thermostability which can be useful for their applications in lignocellulose degradation, food industry, and pharmaceutical industry in comparison with the β-glucosidases from the conventional sources. Such β-glucosidases have potential for encouraging white biotechnology.

Evaluation of the Acute Hepatoprotective Potential of Hydroethanolic Extract of Duranta erecta L. Parts

Liver disease is a major health problem and its treatment is costly in most developing countries with attendant adverse effects. This study aimed at determining the acute hepatoprotective efficacy of Duranta erecta hydroethanolic extracts of leaves, ripe and unripe fruits against CCl₄-, and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in animals. Materials and Methods. CCl₄ (1 mL/kg body weight in olive oil) and acetaminophen (500 mg/kg b.wt) were used to induce hepatotoxicity in the animals. Animals were treated with extracts at 250 mg/kg b.wt and standard drug, silymarin (100 mg/kg), for 7 days. Hepatoprotective efficacy was assessed by assaying serum biochemical markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT), bilirubin (Bil), antioxidative biomarkers including reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxidase (H₂0₂), and nitric oxide (NO), as well as histological observations. Results. Exposure of the animals to CCl₄ and acetaminophen resulted in liver injury as evidenced by elevated ALT, AST, ALP, γGT, Bil, MDA, H₂O₂, and NO levels with resultant derangement in liver microarchitecture. Pretreatment with hydroethanolic extracts, particularly ripe fruits of Duranta erecta, led to a reduction in these indicators and an increase in GSH, GPx, GST, and SOD levels. Biochemical data were supported by improvement in liver structure. Conclusion. The findings suggest that hydroethanolic Duranta erecta ripe fruits extract possesses hepatoprotective and antioxidative activities against CCl₄- and acetaminophen-induced toxicity and could be developed as a potent agent for drug-induced liver diseases.

Is Chickpea a Potential Substitute for Soybean? Phenolic Bioactives and Potential Health Benefits

Legume seeds are rich sources of protein, fiber, and minerals. In addition, their phenolic compounds as secondary metabolites render health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Lowering apolipoprotein B secretion from HepG2 cells and decreasing the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol oxidation are mechanisms related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Likewise, low-level chronic inflammation and related disorders of the immune system are clinical predictors of cardiovascular pathology. Furthermore, DNA-damage signaling and repair are crucial pathways to the etiology of human cancers. Along CVD and cancer, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes is constantly increasing. Screening the ability of polyphenols in inactivating digestive enzymes is a good option in pre-clinical studies. In addition, in vivo studies support the role of polyphenols in the prevention and/or management of diabetes and obesity. Soybean, a well-recognized source of phenolic isoflavones, exerts health benefits by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation related to the above-mentioned chronic ailments. Similar to soybeans, chickpeas are good sources of nutrients and phenolic compounds, especially isoflavones. This review summarizes the potential of chickpea as a substitute for soybean in terms of health beneficial outcomes. Therefore, this contribution may guide the industry in manufacturing functional foods and/or ingredients by using an undervalued feedstock.

Effect of Soybean Isoflavones on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Viral Protein 5 mRNA Expression in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Infectious Bursal Disease Virus

A total of 200 one-day-old male broilers were assigned to five groups, and each group consisted of four replicates with 10 birds per replicate. Chicks were fed the basal diet with 0 (non-infected control), 0 (infected control), 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg soybean isoflavones (SI) for 42 days. At 21 days of age, chickens were inoculated with an infectious bursal dose (causing 50% morbidity) of the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) BC 6/85 strain by the eye-drop and nasal route (except for the non-infected group). Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased (p < 0.05) in broilers infected with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) from 22 to 42 days. However, infected broilers fed 10 and 20 mg SI/kg had the maximum (p <0.05) ADG and ADFI from 1 to 42 days. Body weight (BW) increased (p < 0.05) in infected broilers fed the 10 and 20 mg SI /kg diet. The bursa weight at 7 days post-infection (dpi) was increased (p < 0.05) by the supplemental 10 mg SI/kg diet. Infected broilers showed the highest (p < 0.05) bursa lesions, with an average score of 4.0 ± 0.0, while the severity of bursa lesions was decreased (p < 0.05) at 3 dpi and 7 dpi by the supplemental 20 mg SI/kg diet. Supplemental SI at 20 mg/kg decreased (p < 0.05) the viral protein 5 (VP5) mRNA expression at 3 dpi and 7 dpi. The level of interferon gamma (IFNγ) was elevated (p < 0.05) in the infected group at 3 dpi and 7 dpi as compared with the control group, while its level was decreased (p < 0.05) by supplemental 10 mg/kg SI at 3 dpi. The level of nuclear factor κB in the bursal tissue showed the lowest value (p < 0.05) with supplemental 10 and 20 mg SI/kg diet at 7 dpi. Supplemental 10, 20, 40 mg/kg SI improved (p < 0.05) the serum total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) in infected broilers at 3 dpi. In addition, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (p < 0.05) in the group fed 20 mg/kg SI at 7 dpi. In conclusion, supplemental 10~20 mg/kg SI may have a positive effect on broiler chickens infected with IBDV, probably because SI decrease the severity of bursa lesions and viral protein 5 mRNA expression, and have strong antioxidant activity.

Radio-protective potential of lipoic acid free and nano-capsule against 99mTc-MIBI induced injury in cardio vascular tissue

BACKGROUND

SPECT MPI (Single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging) is an essential tool for diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, but it also involves considerable exposure to ionizing radiation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the radioprotective potential of lipoic acid free and nano-capsule against 99mTc-MIBI-induced injury in cardiovascular tissue.

METHODS

The radioprotective ability was assessed by blood count, histopathology and heart enzymes in different groups of mice. Hearts of mice from all groups were dissected and prepared for oxidative stress analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, levels of DNA damage in heart and bone marrow cells were evaluated by alkaline comet assay technique. The same measurements were estimated after treating the mice with lipoic acid.

RESULTS

Comparing mice injected by radiopharmaceutics with control group showed a significant depression in the count of white blood cells (WBC) by about 40 % at 24 &72 hrs post-radiopharmaceutical administration. Moreover, platelets count was decreased by 27% at 72 hrs post-radiopharmaceutical administration. Radiation also dropped in super oxide dismutase (SOD) and increased in activity of heart enzymes and level of MDA (Malondialdehyde). Additionally, histopathological observation was characterized by focal necrosis of cardiac myocytes. 99mTc-MIBI induced DNA damage had significant increase. Nevertheless, pretreatment with free and lipoic acid nano-capsules (LANC's) prevented the reduction induced in WBCs and platelets, and improved their counts significantly. Conversely pre-treatment with lipoic acid free and nano-capsule significantly increased the activity of SOD and decreased the level of MDA and therefore protected the cardiovascular tissues and reduced DNA strand-break, consequently and enhanced the body weight of the mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the efficacy of lipoic acid free and nano-capsule as a radio protector.

Study of the Potential Radiomitigator Effect of Quercetin on Human Lymphocytes

Several substances of synthetic and natural origin have been studied to determine their ability to protect the body from damage caused by ionizing radiation. Among these substances, quercetin has been shown to be a naturally occurring molecule with high radioprotective and radiomitigator potential due to its antioxidant properties. The objective of this work was to ascertain the potential radiomitigator effect of quercetin on chromosome aberration yield in lymphocytes of in vitro-irradiated human peripheral blood. At first, the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) radical capture test was performed to determine the antioxidant activity of quercetin and to select the concentrations to be tested. The blood was irradiated at doses of 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 Gy and lymphocytes were cultured with quercetin at preselected concentrations of 37.5 and 75 μM. Then, the slides were prepared for scoring unstable chromosome aberrations (dicentrics, rings, and fragments). The results showed that the lymphocytes irradiated and later exposed to quercetin presented a lower frequency of chromosomal alterations compared to the control sample which was irradiated and not exposed to quercetin. The results suggest a potential radiomitigator effect of the flavonoid quercetin on human lymphocytes exposed, in vitro, to ionizing radiation. This effect may be related to decrease in the release of cytokines (INF-γ, PGE2, IL-1β, IL6, IL-8) involved in the proinflammatory processes as well as downregulation of NF-kB and reduction of expression TGF-β.

Germinated soy germ with increased soyasaponin Ab improves BMP-2-induced bone formation and protects against in vivo bone loss in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is frequently induced following menopause, and bone fractures result in serious problems including skeletal deformity, pain, and increased mortality. Therefore, safe and effective therapeutic agents are needed for osteoporosis. This study aimed to clarify the bone protecting effects of germinated soy germ extracts (GSGE) and their mode of action. GSGE increased expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCL) by stimulating the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osterix (Osx) through activation of Smad signaling molecules. Furthermore, germination of soy germ increased levels of nutritional components, especially soyasaponin Ab. The anabolic activity of soyasaponin Ab in GSGE was also evaluated. GSGE and soyasaponin Ab significantly protected against ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss and improved bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) level in mouse serum. These in vitro and in vivo study results demonstrated that GSGE and soyasaponin Ab have potential as therapeutic candidate agents for bone protection in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Effects of moisture and temperature during grain storage on the functional properties and isoflavone profile of soy protein concentrate

The objective of this study was evaluate the effects of moisture and temperature during grain storage on the functional properties and isoflavone profile of soy protein concentrate. The protein concentrate was extracted from soybeans on the first day of storage and after 12months of storage, at 12 and 15% moisture and at temperatures of 11, 18, 25, and 32°C. The protein concentrate obtained from grains stored at 32°C showed decreased extraction yield (51.6% with 15% of moisture) and protein solubility (24.8% with 15% of moisture) with increased emulsifying capacity (52.2% with 12% of moisture) and foam formation, compared with sample obtained at the start of the storage period. The isoflavone profile showed a decrease in the concentrations of glycosylated, malonyl, and acetyl isoflavones and a corresponding increase in the concentrations of aglycone isoflavones, with the magnitude of these changes increasing with increasing storage temperature and moisture content.

Radio-protective effect and mechanism of 4-Acetamido-2,2,6,6- tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl in HUVEC cells

OBJECTIVES

To search for more effective radiation protectors with minimal toxicity, a water-soluble nitroxides Acetamido-Tempol (AA-Tempol) was evaluated for potential radioprotective properties in HUVEC cells (Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial cell line).

METHODS

To study the anti-radiation effect of AA-Tempol in cell culture, the viability of irradiated HUVEC cells using a clonogenic survival assay was examined. The anti-apoptosis effects of AA-Tempol using Annexin V/propidium iodide staining in a flow cytometry assay was also evaluated. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of the anti-apoptosis effect of AA-Tempol against X-radiation induced HUVEC cell apoptosis, the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and p53 and caspase-3 were examined. The changes in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in HUVEC cells after X-radiation were also investigated.

RESULTS

Pretreatment of the HUVEC cells colony with AA-Tempol 1 h before X-radiation significantly increased the colony survival (p < 0.05) compared with the cells without pretreatment. This demonstrates that AA-Tempol provides an effective radiation protection in the irradiated HUVEC cells, thus reducing apoptosis from 20.1 ± 1.3% in 8 Gy X-radiated cells to 12.2 ± 0.9% (1.0 mmol/L-1 AA-Tempol) in AA-Tempo pretreated HUVEC cells. This implies that 1.0 mM AA-Tempol treatment significantly block the increase of caspase-3 activity in radiated HUVEC cells (P < 0.01), causing down-regulation in expressions of Bax and P53 and up-regulation in the expression of Bcl-2. Pretreatment with AA-Tempol also decreased the MDA activities (P < 0.01) and increase the GSH level (P < 0.05) in HUVEC cells compared to the 8Gy X-radiated cells without pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations indicate that AA-Tempol is a potential therapeutic agent against the radiation damage.

Changes occurring in nutritional components (phytochemicals and free amino acid) of raw and sprouted seeds of white and black sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and screening of their antioxidant activities

The present study is the first to investigate the germination properties regarding phytochemicals, amino acids, total phenolics, and antioxidant capacities of white and black sesame seeds. Nutritional components and antioxidant effects showed considerable differences. Sesamine and sesamolin composition decreased (white: 4.21→1.72, 3.57→1.57 mg/g; black: 2.43→0.58, 1.36→0.45 mg/g) during germination. Moreover, catechin displayed the predominant composition in sprouted seeds with values of 13.50 mg/g (white) and 19.09 (black) mg/g followed by (-)-epicatechin and sinapic acid. Total phenolics increased by approximately 4 times upon germination, i.e., 503.1±27.1→ 2085.0±56.7 (white) and 645.8±31.5→2480.1±49.5 (black), mg GAE/g. Amino acids also remarkably increased in sprouted white (7.04→31.69mg/g) and black (6.55→26.97mg/g) seeds, with individual composition occurring in the following order: asparagine>arginine>tryptophan>leucine>alanine. In particular, arginine and tryptophan exhibited the greatest variations. The antioxidant effects against DPPH radical were stronger in sprouted seeds depending on the phytochemicals. Therefore, sprouted sesame can be utilized as an excellent source for functional foods.

Whole body radioprotective effect of phenolic extracts from the fruits of Malus baccata (Linn.) Borkh

This study was designed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of phenolics extracted from the fruits of Malus baccata (Linn.) Borkh. (MBP-3b) against damage induced by (60)Co γ-irradiation in vivo. MBP-3b could significantly improve the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and the T-AOC, as well as reduce the MDA level in the liver and kidneys of irradiated mice. In addition, pretreatment with MBP-3b at a dose of 150 mg per kg bw could significantly enhance immunomodulation activity by promoting the proliferation of spenocytes and monocyte phagocytosis. The administration of MBP-3b prevented the decline induced by radiation of haematological parameters (WBC, RBC, PLT and HGB). Furthermore, MBP-3b could protect spenocytes from radiation-induced damage by inhibiting cell apoptosis. The results indicated that MBP-3b possesses strong whole body radioprotective and immunomodulatory activities. The main constituents of MBP-3b were tentatively identified as delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, chlorogenic acid, proanthocyanidin C1, quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-xyloside/arabinoside, phloretin-2-xyloseglucoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside and phlorizin. MBP-3b could be used as a probable radioprotector against gamma radiation induced oxidative damage.

Effects of soybean isoflavone on intestinal antioxidant capacity and cytokines in young piglets fed oxidized fish oil

To investigate the effect of glycitein, a synthetic soybean isoflavone (ISF), on the intestinal antioxidant capacity, morphology, and cytokine content in young piglets fed oxidized fish oil, 72 4-d-old male piglets were assigned to three treatments. The control group was fed a basal diet containing fresh fish oil, and the other two groups received the same diet except for the substitution with the same dosage of oxidized fish oil alone or with ISF (oxidized fish oil plus ISF). After 21 d of feeding, supplementation of oxidized fish oil increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NO, and Caspase-3 in jejunal mucosa, and decreased the villous height in duodenum and the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and IL-4 in the jejunal mucosa compared with supplementation with fresh oil. The addition of oxidized fish oil plus ISF partially alleviated this negative effect. The addition of oxidized fish oil plus ISF increased the villous height and levels of sIgA and IL-4 in jejunal mucosa, but decreased the levels of IL-1β and IL-2 in jejunal mucosa (P<0.05) compared with oxidized fish oil. Collectively, these results show that dietary supplementation of ISF could partly alleviate the negative effect of oxidized fish oil by improving the intestinal morphology as well as the antioxidant capacity and immune function in young piglets.

Fabrication of BSA-Green Tea Polyphenols-Chitosan Nanoparticles and Their Role in Radioprotection: A Molecular and Biochemical Approach

Normal tissue damage from ionizing radiation during radiotherapy is a major concern in cancer treatment. Tea polyphenols (TPs) have been shown to reduce radiation-induced damage in multiple studies, but their pharmacological application is still limited due to poor bioavailability. The present study was aimed at to increase the TPs bioavailability by nanoformulation by using BSA as the matrix and chitosan as the external shell. Encapsulated TPs nanoparticles were spherical in size and promoted TPs stability in normal and gastrointestinal conditions without losing antioxidant activity. Oral administration of nanoparticles for 3 days prior to irradiation exposure has been shown to protect mice from hematological injuries that result in the reduction of radiation-induced lethality. TPs reduce radiation-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis by restoring the redox status through the Nrf2-ERK pathway and reducing Bax expression, respectively. Regarding potency, encapsulated TPs have shown a significantly higher level of radioprotection than TPs, suggesting that TP nanoparticles can be explored as valuable radioprotective and pharmacotherapeutic agent.

Lack of reversal of oxidative damage in renal tissues of lead acetate-treated rats

Removal of lead from the environment of man or otherwise, the movement of man from lead-contaminated areas has been employed as a means of abatement of the toxic effects of lead. Whether toxic effects in already-exposed individuals subside after lead withdrawal remains unanswered. To understand the reversibility of nephrotoxicity induced by lead acetate, male Wistar rats were orally exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL of lead acetate for 6 weeks. Activities of glutathione-s-transferase, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), and malondialdehyde increased significantly (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly reduced. The pattern of alterations in most of the oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters remained similar in rats from the withdrawal period, although CAT and SOD activities reduced, in contrast to their elevation during the exposure period. Serum creatinine levels were significantly elevated in both exposure and withdrawal experiments whereas serum blood urea nitrogen levels were not significantly different from the control in both exposure and withdrawal periods. The histological damage observed include multifocal areas of inflammation, disseminated tubular necrosis, and fatty infiltration of the kidney tubules both at exposure and withdrawal periods. The results suggest that lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity by induction of oxidative stress and disruption of antioxidant. The aforementioned alterations were not reversed in the rats left to recover within the time course of study.

Radioprotective activity of neutral polysaccharides isolated from the fruiting bodies of Hohenbuehelia serotina

In this study, the radioprotective effect of neutral polysaccharides from Hohenbuehelia serotina (NTHSP) against the damages induced by (60)Co-γ radiation was investigated. The results showed that NTHSP could significantly improve the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and increase the contents of glutathione (GSH) and ceruloplasmin in plasma after treated with 6 Gy-radiation compared with the radiation controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, administration with NTHSP could effectively increase the quantity of marrow DNA (p < 0.05) and reduce the rates of chromosome aberration and micronuclei (p < 0.01) in bone marrows of mice. In addition, NTHSP could markedly inhibit the expressions of Bax protein and promote the expressions of Bcl-2 protein, accordingly inhibit the releases of cytochrome c and expressions of activated Caspase-3, and therefore block the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of splenocytes in mice induced by (60)Co-γ radiation. These results suggested that NTHSP might be a natural radioprotective agent against the injuries induced by radiation.

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.

Assessment of the stability of proanthocyanidins and other phenolic compounds in cranberry syrup after gamma-irradiation treatment and during storage

Shelf life of commercial cranberry syrup irradiated with gamma radiation at a rate of 5 kGy and stored for 6 months at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity (RH) and under accelerated stability conditions was investigated. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was used to characterise cranberry syrup. Afterwards, these compounds were quantified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) assay. A significant increase in the content of procyanidin B isomer 1 (from 4.4 to 7.0 μg/ml) and procyanidin A2 (from 83 to 93 μg/ml) was observed after irradiation and compared with the non-irradiated syrup. Procyanidin B isomers and prodelphinidin were stable at 25 °C during the first month of storage, whereas quercetin and some derivatives remained constant for 3 months of storage at this temperature. In short, after gamma-irradiation in dose of 5 kGy, most compounds were highly stable for a month at 25 °C.

Antioxidant action of soy isoflavones on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in exercised rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Isoflavones are widely believed to be beneficial to human health, in relation to their antioxidant potentials. Exercise can cause an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. This study was conducted in order to investigate the ability of isoflavones in amelioration of oxidative stress induced by exercise.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of four groups: isoflavone-free with no exercise (CON-sd), isoflavone-free with exercise (CON-ex), isoflavone-supplemented with no exercise (ISF-sd), and isoflavone-supplemented with exercise (ISF-ex). Animals exercised on the treadmill for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. TBARS as a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD, GSH-px, and catalase were determined in liver tissue. Serum lipid profile was also examined.

RESULTS

A significant effect of isoflavone alone was observed on abdominal fat pad mass. ISF-ex had significantly less abdominal fat pad than CON-ex. Both exercise and isoflavone treatment had significant effects on lowering plasma triglyceride (TG), thus, the ISF-ex group had a significantly lower TG level than the CON-sd group, by 30.9%. However, no differences were observed in plasma cholesterol, HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. Exercise, isoflavone, and exercise-isoflavone interaction effects were significant on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (P = 0.001, 0.002, and 0.005, respectively). The CON-ex group showed a higher TBARS level than the other three groups. By contrast, in the ISF-ex group, TBARS was restored to the level of the ISF-sd or CON-sd group. Isoflavone had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P = 0.022) and catalase activities (P = 0.049). Significantly higher SOD and catalase activities were observed in ISF-ex than CON-ex. SOD and catalase activities showed an inverse pattern of TBARS. Taken together, isoflavones increased the activities of SOD and catalase with concomitant decreases in TBARS, indicative of decreased oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Isoflavone supplementation enhances antioxidant action with attenuation of exercise-induced oxidative stress, as measured by decreases in TBARS, and inhibits body fat accumulation and plasma TG increase. Antioxidative effects ascribed to isoflavones may be partially exerted via enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities.

Melanogenesis inhibitory effect of aerial part of Pueraria thunbergiana in vitro and in vivo

Melanin is major factor that determines skin color as well as one of the defense systems that prevent the UV-induced damage. In case of abnormal concentration of melanin, skin diseases or problems occur such as albinism, leukoplakia, melasma, freckles, moles, and lentigo. With the lifespan of humans has been extended, importance of ‘life quality’ has been increased. White and clean skin is very important part of the satisfaction of appearance, especially for Asia women. The aim of this study was to find an anti-melanogenesis activity for which the aerial part of Pueraria thunbergiana can be utilized based on the increase in demands for cosmetics, particularly natural products. We demonstrated anti-pigmentation effects of aerial part of P. thunbergiana by measuring melanin content and through staining in the B16F10 melanoma cell line. The aerial part of P. thunbergiana decreased tyrosinase activity significantly in B16F10 cell cultures, while there is no direct effect on enzyme in cell-free conditions. To define the mechanisms, real-time PCR, western blot, glucosidase activity and antioxidant activity assay were implemented. As results, we demonstrated that aerial part of P. thunbergiana has anti-melanogenesis activity via two mechanisms. One is downgrading microphthalmia-associated transcription factor by activating Akt/GSK-3β. Consequently, transcription of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 is decreased. Another is interrupting maturation of tyrosinase through inhibiting α-glucosidase. Furthermore, aerial part of P. thunbergiana showed great efficacy on pigmentation in vivo. These results suggest that aerial part of P. thunbergiana can be used as an anti-melanogenic agent.

Isoflavone aglycone content and the thermal, functional, and structural properties of soy protein isolates prepared from hydrothermally treated soybeans

Soybeans were hydrothermally treated at 2 different temperatures (40 °C and 60 °C) and for 4 different hydration times (4, 8, 12, and 16 h) to (i) increase the isoflavone aglycone content in a soy protein isolate and (ii) evaluate the changes in thermal, functional, and structural properties of a soy protein isolate as a function of hydrothermal treatment conditions. Our study is the first to evaluate aglycone content, extraction yield, β-glucosidase activity, differential scanning calorimetry, protein digestibility, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption capacity (WAC), foaming capacity (FC), and foaming stability of soy protein isolates prepared from hydrothermally treated soybeans. For aglycone enhancement and the extraction yield maintenance of soy protein isolates, the condition of 40 °C for 12 h was the best soybean hydrothermal treatment. The structural rearrangement of proteins that occurred with the hydrothermal treatment most likely promoted the capacity of proteins to bind to aglycone. Moreover, the structure shape and size of soy protein isolates verified by scanning electron microscopy appears to be related to the formation of hydrophobic surfaces and hydrophobic zones at 40 °C and 60 °C, respectively, affecting the protein digestibility, WAC, and FC of soy protein isolates.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The aglycone content in the soy protein isolate can be improved with the hydrothermal treatment of soybeans. The temperature and time used for hydrothermal treatment must be selected in order to achieve a soy protein isolate with high aglycone content, extraction yield, and functionality. This technology is suitable for providing healthier soy protein isolates for food industry with improved functional and structural properties.

Radioprotectors - the evergreen topic

To protect organisms from ionizing radiation (IR), and to reduce morbidity or mortality, various agents, called radioprotectors, have been utilized. Because radiation-induced cellular damage is attributed primarily to the harmful effects of free radicals, molecules with radical-scavenging properties are particularly promising as radioprotectors. Early development of such agents focused on thiol synthetic compounds, known as WR protectors, but only amifostine (WR-2721) has been used in clinical trials as an officially approved radioprotector. Besides thiol compounds, various compounds with different chemical structure were investigated, but an ideal radioprotector has not been found yet. Plants and natural products have been evaluated as promising sources of radioprotectors because of their low toxicity, although they exhibit an inferior protection level compared to synthetic thiol compounds. Active plant constituents seem to exert the radioprotection through antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities. Our research established that plants containing polyphenolic compounds (raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, grape, etc.) exhibit antioxidative activities and protect genetic material from IR.

Toxic effects of lead exposure in Wistar rats: involvement of oxidative stress and the beneficial role of edible jute (Corchorus olitorius) leaves

Lead (Pb) is considered to be a multi-target toxicant. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Corchorus olitorius leaves against Pb-acetate induced toxic manifestation in blood, liver, kidney, brain and heart of Wistar rats. The Pb-acetate (5mg/kg body weight) treated rats exhibited a significant inhibition of co-enzymes Q, antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione levels in the tissues. In addition, the extent of lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and haematological parameters were significantly altered in the Pb-acetate treated rats as compared to control. Simultaneous administration of test extract (25, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight), could significantly restore the biochemical and haematological parameters near to the normal status through antioxidant activity and/or by preventing bioaccumulation of Pb within the tissues of experimental rats. Presence of substantial quantity of phenolics and flavonoids in the extract may be responsible for the observed protective role against Pb-intoxication.

Soyfoods and soybean products: from traditional use to modern applications

Soybean products (soyfoods), reported as potential functional foods, are implicated in several health-enhancing properties, such as easing the symptoms of postmenopausal women, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, preventing cardiovascular disease, and antimutagenic effects. Isoflavone, for example, is one of the most important compounds abundantly found in soybean, mainly accounting for the health-enhancing properties as mentioned earlier. However, most biological activities of isoflavones are mainly attributed to their aglycone forms. It has also been demonstrated that isoflavone aglycones are absorbed faster and in greater amount than their glycosides in human intestines. Fortunately, deglycosylation of isoflavones can be achieved during fermentation process by several strains such as lactic acid bacteria, basidiomycetes, filamentous fungus, and Bacillus subtilis with their β-glucosidase activity. This article presents an overview of soybean's chemistry, application, state-of-the-art advances in soybean fermentation processing and products as well as their applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Different compounds, such as isoflavone, dietary fibers, and proteins which exhibit significant bioactivities, are summarized. The roles of different microorganisms in bioconversion and enhancement of bioactivities of fermented soybean are also discussed.