Follow-up study of lipid peroxides, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the synovial membrane, serum and liver of young and old mice with collagen-induced arthritis

Attenuation of oxidative stress in arthritic rats by ethanolic extract of Albizia procera benth bark through modulation of the expression of inflammatory cytokines

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Albizia procera L. (Leguminosae) commonly known as Konda vagai in Tamil, is used for the treatment of stomach and intestinal disorders. A decoction of the bark is prescribed for rheumatism and haemorrhage. Traditionally, literature claims Albizia procera as a drug to have antirheumatic properties and hence used by Tribal for the management of chronic rheumatism. Consequently, the present study has been undertaken to illustrate the beneficial outcome of Albizia procera in adjuvant induced arthritic rat model with respect to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study is aimed to investigate the oxidative stress and the expression of inflammatory markers in arthritic rats treated with ethanolic bark extract of Albizia procera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanolic bark extract was characterized by HPTLC analysis. Acute oral toxicity study was performed according to the OECD test guideline 423 - Acute toxic class method. The anti-inflammatory effect of ETBE (100, 200 mg/kg/day/p.o.) was evaluated in complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rats using diclofenac as positive control (0.3 mg/kg/day/p. o.). Plasma levels of interleukins TNF- α, IFN-α, IL-2, IL-6, myeloperoxidase and Cathepsin D levels were measured to assess the inflammatory effect of ETBE extract of Albizia procera. Further, the effect of ETBE on superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were assessed in plasma.

RESULTS

HPTLC analysis showed the presence of 0.57% w/w of biochanin-A in ETBE. ETBE did not show any toxic signs up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. It exhibited the significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential and did not show mortality up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. ETBE treatment significantly reduced the levels of TNF- α, IFN-α, IL-2, IL-6 and myeloperoxidase, and increased cathepsin D levels compared to vehicle treated animals. SOD, GSH and GPX levels were significantly restored to normal levels while LPO was significantly reduced at 200 mg/kg b. wt. Treated animals. Histopathological studies showed complete cartilage regeneration and near normal joint in ETBE treated arthritic rats.

CONCLUSION

ETBE demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity by modulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and restoring the antioxidant enzyme levels.

Oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid did not affect lipid peroxidation and antioxidant biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which oxidative stress could play a substantial pathological role. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been known as a “universal” and “ideal” antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant biomarkers in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 70 RA patients were randomized 1:1 to two groups using blocked randomization method and received 1200 mg/day ALA or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and after the intervention to analyze total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and arylesterase (ARE) activities] and malondialdehyde (MDA). We observed significant increase in serum TAC (0.11 mmol/L; p=0.033) and ARE (13.76 U/mL; p=0.046) and significant decline in MDA (−0.36 nmol/L; p=0.002), in ALA group. However, these changes in ALA-treated group were not statistically significant when compared with placebo-treated group (p > 0.05). Also, within- and between-group differences of whole blood SOD and GSH-Px were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, unexpectedly, ALA therapy did not affect the oxidative status of RA patients in the present clinical trial. It seems that more comprehensive clinical trials in RA patients are still warranted to clarify the effectiveness of ALA which has been known as a potent antioxidant.

Effect of γ-tocotrienol in counteracting oxidative stress and joint damage in collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Tocotrienols exhibit a significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect in numerous human diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tocotrienols in arthritic conditions are not well documented. Therefore, the effect of γ-tocotrienol supplementation against oxidative stress and joint pathology in collagen-induced arthritis in rats was investigated in the present study. Adult female Dark Agouti rats were randomly divided into groups: Control, γ-tocotrienol alone, arthritis alone and arthritis with γ-tocotrienol. Arthritis was induced using 4 mg/kg body weight collagen in complete Freund's adjuvant. The rats were treated orally with 5 mg/kg body weight of γ-tocotrienol between day 21 and day 45. After 45 days, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total glutathione (GSH) assays were conducted. γ-tocotrienol significantly reduced the arthritis-induced changes in body weight, CRP, TNF-α, SOD and the total GSH levels. There was a significant reduction in the arthritis-induced histopathological changes in the γ-tocotrienol treatment group. The data indicated that administration of γ-tocotrienol resulted in a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on collagen-induced arthritis; therefore, γ-tocotrienol may have therapeutic potential as a long-term anti-arthritic agent in rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

Cocoa intake attenuates oxidative stress associated with rat adjuvant arthritis

Cocoa contains flavonoids with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of cocoa intake on oxidative stress associated with a model of chronic inflammation such as adjuvant arthritis. Female Wistar rats were fed with a 5% or 10% cocoa-enriched diet or were given p.o. a quercetin suspension every other day for 10 days. Arthritis was induced by a heat-killed Mycobacterium butyricum suspension. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by macrophages, and splenic superoxide dismutase (total, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial) and catalase activities were determined. Clinically, joint swelling in arthritic rats was not reduced by antioxidants; however, the 5% cocoa diet and quercetin administration reduced ROS production. Moreover, the 5% cocoa diet normalized the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. In conclusion, a cocoa diet reduces the oxidative stress associated with a chronic inflammatory pathology, although it was not enough to attenuate joint swelling.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities ofTorenia concolorLindley var.formosanaYamazaki and Betulin in Mice

The present study was intended to examine the analgesic effect of the 70% methanol extract of Torenia concolor Lindley var. formosana Yamazaki (TCMeOH) and betulin using models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test. In addition, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of TCMeOHand betulin using model of λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema. We observed the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx and GR) in the liver and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) in the edema paw. The results showed that TCMeOH(1.0 and 2.0 g/kg) and betulin (30 and 90 mg/kg), significantly inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing response. TCMeOH(2.0 g/kg) and betulin (30 and 90 mg/kg) significantly inhibited formalin-induced licking time during both the early and late phases. TCMeOH(0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg) and betulin (30 and 90 mg/kg) also significantly decreased the paw edema at the 4th hour after λ-carrageenan injection. Furthermore, TCMeOHand betulin treatment also significantly increased the activities of SOD, GR and GPx in the liver while decreasing the level of MDA in the edema paw. Finally, betulin (30 and 90 mg/kg) also caused considerable reduction of NO level in the edema paw. Taken together, the present results indicated that TCMeOHand betulin possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of TCMeOHand betulin may be related to decreasing the levels of MDA and NO in the edema paw by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver.

Modulation of C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor-α in collagen-induced arthritis in Dark Agouti rats: impact of collagen concentration on severity of arthritis

OBJECTIVES

The study investigated the effect of collagen-induced arthritis in Dark Agouti (DA) rats on the level of C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

SUBJECTS

Female Dark Agouti (DA) rats.

METHODS

Three different dosages of (2 mg/kg of body weight, 3 mg/kg of body weight and 4 mg/kg of body weight) collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant suspension were tested. After 45 days, serum C-reactive protein, TNF-α, superoxide dismutase and total glutathione assays were done. Radiographic and histopathological changes in the joints were compared.

RESULTS

All three groups showed signs of arthritic changes, confirmed by histopathological and radiographic changes. Severe arthritic changes were seen in the rats injected with 4 mg/kg of body weight of collagen. There was a significant increase in C-reactive protein, TNF-α, super oxide dismutase and total glutathione levels in the plasma in arthritis rats and the changes were more significant with 4 mg/kg of collagen.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that the optimal dose to inject to experimental animals in order to get server arthritic changes was 4 mg/kg of collagen with complete Freund's adjuvant suspension. Severe arthritis changes induced significant elevation in plasma C-reactive protein and TNF-α levels.

Status of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis

AIM

To assess the oxidative stress status in rheumatoid arthritis by measuring markers of free radical production, systemic activity of disease, free radical mediated tissue destruction and levels of antioxidant.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were used for all the assays. Total nitric oxide (NO) was quantitatively measured using immunoassay kit. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin E were measured by spectrophotometric methods.

RESULTS

Statistically significant changes were observed in the levels of MDA, vitamin E, total NO and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in the patient group. Significant differences were also observed in ESR and vitamin E levels in patients with active disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased oxidative stress status exists, which may lead to connective tissue degradation leading to joint and periarticular deformities in rheumatoid arthritis.

Antioxidants and fatty acids in the amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders

The generation of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) is an important factor in the development and maintenance of rheumatoid arthritis in humans and animal models. One source of free radicals is nitric oxide produced within the synoviocytes and chondrocytes and giving rise to the highly toxic radical peroxynitrite. Several cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) are involved in the formation of free radicals, partly by increasing the activity of nitric oxide synthase. Indeed, nitric oxide may mediate some of the deleterious effects of cytokines on bone resorption. Aspirin, tetracyclines, steroids and methotrexate can suppress nitric oxide synthase. Dietary antioxidants include ascorbate and the tocopherols and beneficial effects of high doses have been reported especially in osteoarthritis. There is also evidence for beneficial effects of beta-carotene and selenium, the latter being a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) include the n-3 compounds, some of which are precursors of eicosanoid synthesis, and the n-6 group which can increase formation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFalpha and interleukin-6, and of reactive oxygen species. Some prostaglandins, however, suppress cytokine formation, so that n-3 PUFA often oppose the inflammatory effects of some n-6-PUFA. gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a precursor of prostaglandin E1, a fact which may account for its reported ability to ameliorate arthritic symptoms. Fish oil supplements, rich in n-3 PUFA such as eicosapentaenoic acid have been claimed as beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis, possibly by suppression of the immune system and its cytokine repertoire. Some other oils of marine origin (e.g. from the green-lipped mussel) and a range of vegetable oils (e.g. olive oil and evening primrose oil) have indirect anti-inflammatory actions, probably mediated via prostaglandin E1. Overall, there is a growing scientific rationale for the use of dietary supplements as adjuncts in the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Photolysis and membrane lipid peroxidation of human erythrocytes by m-chloroperbenzoic acid

The aim of the present work was to investigate the biological hazard of photooxidation products of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA), as a novel photo-sensitizer, on lysis and membrane lipid peroxidation of human red blood cells (RBC). The photohemolysis activity of mCPBA oxidative products was concentration- and exposure time-dependent. Ten minutes photoexposure time and 100 micromol/L of mCPBA concentration were optimum to study the effect of generated superoxide (O2.-) and hydroxyl (.OH) radicals on RBC. The hemolytic effect of mCPBA was highly significantly inhibited by formate (as an .OH radical scavenger) compared with the partial inhibition effect of SOD-like Cu(II) complex (as O2.- radical Scavenger). The MDA value (an end product of membrane lipid peroxidation of RBC) induced by mCPBA was highly significantly decreased by formate. The generation of O2.- radicals by mCPBA was also confirmed by the partial hemolytic effect of phenazine methosulfate (PMS., O2.- radical generation). The data suggest the molecular mechanism of the oxygen radical species (O2.- and .OH through the photosensitization reaction of mCPBA and explain that hydroxyl radicals (.OH) play an active role in the photohemolysis process and peroxidation of membrane lipids of human erythrocytes.

Effect of red wine consumption on rat liver peroxidation

To evaluate the role of wine polyphenols and that of alcohol on lipid peroxidation indexes and membrane composition in the liver, 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were fed for 28 days with a commercial AIN-76 diet to which was added one of four different beverages: red wine, alcohol solution, dealcoholated wine, or water. The beverage provided 26% of the caloric intake. Peroxidation indexes and antioxidative enzymes were determined: no significant differences were detected in catalase and glutathione peroxidase whereas superoxide dismutase was significantly lower in the wine-treated animals (220.3 +/- 15.4 vs. 342.2 +/- 43.0 U/mg protein of controls). The following significant differences in hepatic variables were observed: increased alpha-tocopherol concentration in the alcohol group (0.17 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.11 +/- 0.01 microgram/mg protein of controls); increased concentration of cytochrome P450 in the rats given wine (0.75 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.51 +/- 0.08 nmol/mg protein of the alcohol group); increased concentration of cytochrome b5 in wine and dealcoholated wine treatment groups (0.30 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.02 nmol/mg protein of controls). The liver membrane fatty acid composition of the wine and dealcoholated wine groups was similar and showed an increase in the saturated fatty acid percentage and a decrease in the polyunsaturated one. The data presented indicate that the main action of polyphenols seems to be an induction of cytochrome activity and that the modality of red wine administration adopted combined with an adequate diet does not provoke any apparent physiological effect on the animals.

Effect of aminoethylpyrroles on carrageenan-induced inflammation and on lipid peroxidation in rats: some structural aspects

Nine 3-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrole derivatives were investigated as anti-inflammatory agents in the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model and as antioxidants in the non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation assay. It was found that the derivatives which were substituted with a p-toluenesulphonyl group exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory activity and some also showed antioxidant properties. However, the presence of a p-toluenesulphonyl group did not invariably lead to activity. A structural feature which was essential for both activities was the aminoethyl side chain. Although a relationship between the antiinflammatory and the antioxidant activities was not apparent, the combination of these properties could be useful.

Long-term follow-up study of changes in lipid peroxide levels and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in mouse skin after acute and chronic UV irradiation

Lipid peroxide levels, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the development of tanning in the skin of C57 BL/6 mice were assessed for long periods, from very early to late stages, after acute or chronic UVB irradiation. Acute UVB irradiation produced an increase in lipid peroxide levels that peaked 18 h after irradiation, after which the levels declined to a minimum 2-3 days after irradiation and then gradually rose to baseline. Chronic irradiation caused the lipid peroxide level to fall to a minimum at 0.5-1.0 weeks, after which it gradually returned to baseline by the third week. SOD and GSH-Px activities decreased sharply after acute irradiation, reaching a minimum 18 h after irradiation. Following chronic irradiation, these enzyme levels peaked after 0.5 weeks, and thereafter declined gradually to the original levels 3 weeks after irradiation. In contrast, catalase activity did not change significantly. Tanning began to increase at 1.5 weeks after irradiation, with an accelerated rate of increase from the third week.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Development and characterization of hydrogen peroxide-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell variants--I. Relationship between catalase activity and the induction/stability of the oxidant-resistant phenotype

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-resistant sublines of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were isolated by in vitro exposure to the oxidant (treatment for 1 hr followed by 3 days of growth in peroxide-free medium). Stepwise increase in low level H2O2 concentrations produced variants which were progressively more resistant to the growth inhibitory effect elicited by the oxidant. Removal from H2O2 decreased resistance and the curve describing this process was biphasic in nature. In addition, the rate of loss of the H2O2-resistant phenotype was more rapid for the toxicity elicited by low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, compared to that produced by high concentrations. Changes in total cell proteins were found to parallel the variations in sensitivity to the oxidant, since the protein content constantly increased during the adaptation process and decreases upon removal from H2O2. Catalase activity did not show large variations in resistant sublines with respect to the parental cell line, and these changes were at least partially related to differences in cell size/amount of total cell proteins of the sublines. In addition, the minor changes observed for catalase activity did not correlate with the degree of resistance to growth inhibition elicited by the oxidant. It may therefore be suggested that the H2O2-resistant phenotype of mammalian cells, initially adapted to low--then gradually increased--concentrations of the oxidant, is the result of a complex phenomenon which only partially involves over-expression of catalase.

The effect of lipid peroxides and superoxide dismutase on systemic lupus erythematosus: a preliminary study

Serum lipid peroxide (LPO) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in peripheral blood erythrocytes, serum ANA, anti-dsDNA, and C3 were measured in 83 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in 29 healthy controls. Compared to the controls, LPO levels were significantly increased in active SLE patients while SOD activity was markedly decreased. From the active phase to the inactive phase, a gradual decline in LPO levels and an increase in SOD activity were observed. There was a close correlation between LPO levels and disease activity or the parameters including ANA titers, anti-DNA titers, and C3 levels; a significant negative correlation was found between SOD activity and LPO levels or these parameters. Further, a marked difference in SOD activity was found in untreated active cases with and without nephritis. As the SLE patients improved, LPO levels gradually declined and SOD activity increased. The present study indicates that free radicals and resultantly formed lipid peroxide levels are higher in patients with SLE than those in normal persons, probably contributing to the production of autoantibodies, nephritis, and vasculitis of other organs, and that excessively generated free radicals may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE, which is possibly due to diminished SOD activity.

Changes in lipid peroxide levels and activity of reactive oxygen scavenging enzymes in skin, serum and liver following UVB irradiation in mice

The effect of acute UVB on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin and the induction of ROS scavenging enzymes in situ was examined. Lipid peroxide levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and D-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-P-D) were determined in the skin, serum, and liver of ICR mice subjected to 1400 mJ/cm2 of acute UVB irradiation. In irradiated skin, lipid peroxides were increased at 3 and 24 hr after irradiation, whereas the four ROS scavenging enzymes were generally decreased during the first 48 hr after irradiation. In the serum, lipid peroxides showed an increase at 3 hr, but enzyme activities remained negligible. In the liver, lipid peroxides showed similar behaviour to that in skin. GSH-Px activity in the liver was decreased during the first 24 hr, whereas G-6-P-D showed substantial fluctuation and SOD and catalase activities showed no change. These data are consistent with a model in which lipid peroxides generated in the UVB-irradiated lesions are transported to the liver and there metabolized by the scavenging enzymes induced in situ.

Suppression of pulmonary hypersensitivity granulomas in mice by superoxide dismutase

Pulmonary hypersensitivity granulomas were induced in immunized mice by the intratracheal injection of antigen-coupled agarose beads. Foreign body lung granulomas were induced in mice by the intratracheal injection of dextran beads. Both lesions developed within 1 day, reached peak intensity within 3 days, and gradually declined in size thereafter. Hypersensitivity granulomas were much larger than foreign body lesions. The lung extracts prepared from mice with hypersensitivity lung granulomas, but not foreign body lesions, contained high levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and thiobarbiturate-reactive substances including lipid peroxides. SOD activity and levels of thiobarbiturate-reactive substances in the extracts correlated with sizes of hypersensitive lesions. Hypersensitivity granulomas, but not foreign body lesions, were inhibited by the administration of recombinant human SOD (rh-SOD). Thiobarbiturate-reactive substances were decreased in the lung extracts of mice bearing hypersensitivity granulomas injected with rh-SOD. These results suggest that reactive oxygen intermediates such as superoxide anion may play an important role in the development of hypersensitivity granulomas and that rh-SOD is capable of inhibiting the lesions by its antioxidant action.