Pilose Antler Protein Relieves UVB-Induced HaCaT Cells and Skin Damage

Extended exposure to UVB (280-315 nm) radiation results in oxidative damage and inflammation of the skin. Previous research has demonstrated that pilose antler extracts have strong anti-inflammatory properties and possess antioxidant effects. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of pilose antler protein in repairing photodamage caused by UVB radiation in HaCaT cells and ICR mice. Pilose antler protein (PAP) was found to increase the expression of type I collagen and hyaluronic acid in HaCaT cells under UVB irradiation while also inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress in vitro. In vivo, the topical application of pilose antler protein effectively attenuated UVB-induced skin damage in ICR mice by reducing interleukin-1β (IL-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inhibiting skin inflammation while alleviating UVB-induced oxidative stress. It was shown that pilose antler protein repaired UVB-induced photodamage through the MAPK and TGF-β/Smad pathways.

Inhibitory Effect of Lotus Leaf-Enriched Flavonoid Extract on the Growth of HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells through the Expression of PI3K-Related Molecules

Objectives

Lotus leaf is rich in flavonoids, and this study is aimed at examining the inhibitory effect of lotus leaf-enriched flavonoid extract (LLEFE) on HT-29 colon cancer cells through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) expression regulation.

Methods

Lotus leaves were extracted by ethanol and purified using FL-3 macroporous resin to create the LLEFE. HT-29 colon cancer cells were tested using various methods: their proliferation was observed by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, their survival status was observed by fluorescence staining, their oxidative stress level was observed by biochemical kits, and their mRNA expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Additionally, the composition of the flavonoids in lotus leaf was determined by HPLC.

Results

The results showed that the proliferation of NCM460 normal human colon cells was not affected by 0-500 μg/mL LLEFE but the proliferation of HT-29 human colon cancer cells decreased. LLEFE increased the LDH level in an HT-29 colon cancer cell culture medium; also increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and glutathione (GSH) level in HT-29 cells; and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Further experimental results showed that LLEFE upregulated the expression of SOD1, CAT, and GSH mRNA and downregulated the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in HT-29 cells. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that kaempferin, hyperoside, astragaloside, phloridzin, and quercetin were the main chemical constituents of lotus leaf.

Conclusion

Lotus leaves contain functional flavonoids that inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 colon cancer cells and regulate the expression of PI3K/Akt through five important chemicals.

Full Spectrum Lighting Induces Behavioral Changes and Increases Cortisol Immunoreactivity in Captive Arachnids

The use of full spectrum illumination, including ultraviolet (UV), during captive husbandry of arachnids is common practice. The effect of this on captive arachnids has not been previously investigated. Comparison of key behavioral changes and hemolymph cortisol immunoreactivity was undertaken with and without full spectrum lighting. King baboon spiders, Pelinobius muticus and Indian giant scorpions, Heterometrus swammerdami were selected for the study. Both organisms spent all their time hidden when exposed to full spectrum light compared to low-level ambient light except for one instance. There was no significant difference in burrowing and webbing in P. muticus when exposed to full spectrum lighting. There was a decrease in the number of behaviors or postures expressed in full spectrum lighting compared to ambient light for both species. Cortisol immunoactivity of both species were significantly elevated after exposure to full spectrum lighting. This study provides the first evidence of detectable cortisol immunoactivity in arachnid hemolymph. These levels changed in response to full spectrum illumination and were linked to behavioral changes. This suggests that a common husbandry practice may be detrimental to arachnids.

Protective Effect of Lemon Peel Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage to Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells Through Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Lemon peel can be used as traditional Chinese medicine. Flavonoids are the most important components in lemon peel, which can be developed as natural medicine without side effects. This study investigated the protective effect of lemon peel polyphenols (LPP) on human keratinocyte HaCaT cells under oxidative stress. The active components of LPP were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The abilities of LPP to scavenge DPPH and ABTS+ free radicals were studied for detection of antioxidation in vitro. Cell survival rates were determined by MTT assay. The antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant index of cells were determined using kit. The mRNA and protein expression of cells were determined by qPCR and western blot. The ability of LPP to scavenge DPPH and ABTS+ free radicals were stronger than those of vitamin C (Vc) at the same concentration. As expected, compared with the normal group of cells, the model group had decreased cell survival, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. qPCR and western blot results indicated that the expression of Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax), caspases-3, erythroid-derived nuclear factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were decreased and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was increased in the model group, compared with the normal group. LPP treatment improved cell survival rate, reduced intracellular LDH and MDA levels, increased intracellular SOD, CAT, GSH levels, down-regulated Bax, caspases-3, Nrf2, HO-1 expression, and up-regulated Bcl-2 expression. Component analyses found that LPP contains gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, (+)-catechin, caffeic acid, (-)-Catechin gallate, isochlorogenic acid A, rosmarinic acid, and protocatechuic acid. LPP was found to regulate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway through 8 active substances to protect HaCaT cells against oxidative stress in vitro.

Selenium protection against mercury toxicity on the male reproductive system of Clarias gariepinus

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective role of Selenium (Se) (0.1 ppm) on the male reproductive system of the catfish Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal doses of Mercury (Hg) (0.04 and 0.12 ppm) for 30 days. Indicators of seminal and gonadal hormone disruption (testosterone, estradiol and 11 keto testosterone), antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity (TAO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation (LPO), percentage of DNA fragmentation, carbonylated proteins (CP) and nitric oxide (NO)) and histopathological alterations in testicles of Clarias gariepinus were determined. The exposure to Hg resulted in a high accumulation of residues of this metal in testicular tissues. The results showed a significant decrease in sperm count, activity and motility and in all gonadal hormones in Hg exposed groups. Hg exposure also induced a decline in TAO, SOD, CAT and GPx, whereas LPO, DNA fragmentation, CP and NO significantly increased in testicles of C. gariepinus respect to the control group. Although exposure to Se did not reduce the degree of mercury bioconcentration in the testicles, the sperm quality parameters were recovered. Moreover, TAO levels and GPx activity significantly increased after fish exposure to Se, whereas CP levels decreased. LPO, NO, CAT and SOD were also partially normalized when compared with the groups exposed to only Hg. In conclusion, the results showed that Hg, even in the small doses is capable to induce reproductive toxicity in the male catfish. Se exposure partially restored the values of biochemical parameters and sperm quality in Hg-treated fish suggesting protective effects against Hg reproductive toxicity.

Response of the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle to Acute Heat Stress: Insights From the Systematic Antioxidant Defense

Understanding the responses of animals to acute heat stress can help to reveal and predict the effect of more frequent extreme hot weather episodes on animal populations and ecosystems in the content of global climate change. Antioxidant defenses can help to protect animals against oxidative stress caused by intense temperature variation. In the present study, systematic antioxidant responses to acute heat stress (Δ15°C and maintained for 12 h) and subsequent recovery were assessed by evaluating gene transcript levels and relative enzyme activities in tissues of Pelodiscus sinensis, a subtropical freshwater turtle. Targets included nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, the upstream transcription factor), antioxidant enzymes, and the glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) systems. Results showed three main patterns of expression change among antioxidant genes: (1) gene expression of Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx 4), and catalase (CAT) increased in response to heat stress or recovery in the liver; (2) transcripts of most genes did not change in brain, liver, and kidney of P. sinensis; and (3) expression of several GST isoforms were affected by heat stress or recovery in brain and kidney. However, relative enzyme activities involved in antioxidant defense were little affected by acute heat stress and recovery, indicating a relatively conservative antioxidant response in P. sinensis. Furthermore, results for malondialdehyde (MDA) levels indicated that acute heat stress and recovery did not cause a net increase in oxidative damage in turtle tissues and, in particular, MDA levels in spleen decreased along with increased splenic ascorbic acid concentration. Overall, the present study revealed a conservative antioxidant response in P. sinensis, which may be indicative of a high basal stress tolerance and relate with adaptation to climate change in freshwater turtles.

Marine macroalgae as a dietary source of genoprotection in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) against endogenous and exogenous challenges

DNA integrity and stability are essential to organisms' health and survival. However, it has been neglected in what concerns to fish farming, disregarding the potential impact of endogenous/ exogenous factors. As marine macroalgae constitute a source of natural compounds with a large spectrum of biological activities, this study, situated in the interface of nutritional-genetic research and development of algae practical applications, aimed to evaluate the genoprotective properties of a macroalgae-enriched diet (total percentage of 5%, incorporating equal percentages of Ulva rigida, Gracilaria gracilis and Fucus vesiculosus) in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Protection was assessed in relation to a basal genome integrity and against an exogenous genotoxic challenge (cyclophosphamide; CP). Fish were reared for 30 days with the supplemented diet, being then injected with CP and sampled at days 3 and 10 post-injection (p.i.). To evaluate whether the favorable effects remain after the end of supplementation, a fish subgroup previously fed with algae-enriched diet was submitted to a diet reversion at day 3 p.i., being thereafter fed with the standard diet. Genetic damage was evaluated through the erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) and comet assays and complemented by the assessment of the antioxidant system. Results pointed out that algae-enriched feed exhibits anti-genotoxic properties, mostly expressed in relation to the exogenous pressure, manifest in relation to DNA strand breaks and chromosomal lesions, also reducing oxidative DNA damage. Nonetheless, blood antioxidants were only punctually altered by the supplemented diet (e.g. catalase and glutathione-S-transferase). Analyzing the effect persistence, it was perceived that 7 days without algae uptake was enough to partially reduce the protection efficacy. Overall, these findings are promising towards the benefits of macroalgae inclusion in fish diet, and thus, to invigorate mariculture activity and the commercial use of algae, also providing new insights on the DNA protection mechanisms.

Ultraviolet A-induced hematotoxic and genotoxic potential in Nile tilapiaOreochromis niloticus

Fish as an aquatic organism could be harmed by various levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVA).

Sunlight damage to cellular DNA: Focus on oxidatively generated lesions

The routine and often unavoidable exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation makes it one of the most significant environmental DNA-damaging agents to which humans are exposed. Sunlight, specifically UVB and UVA, triggers various types of DNA damage. Although sunlight, mainly UVB, is necessary for the production of vitamin D, which is necessary for human health, DNA damage may have several deleterious consequences, such as cell death, mutagenesis, photoaging and cancer. UVA and UVB photons can be directly absorbed not only by DNA, which results in lesions, but also by the chromophores that are present in skin cells. This process leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species, which may indirectly cause DNA damage. Despite many decades of investigation, the discrimination among the consequences of these different types of lesions is not clear. However, human cells have complex systems to avoid the deleterious effects of the reactive species produced by sunlight. These systems include antioxidants, that protect DNA, and mechanisms of DNA damage repair and tolerance. Genetic defects in these mechanisms that have clear harmful effects in the exposed skin are found in several human syndromes. The best known of these is xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), whose patients are defective in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) and translesion synthesis (TLS) pathways. These patients are mainly affected due to UV-induced pyrimidine dimers, but there is growing evidence that XP cells are also defective in the protection against other types of lesions, including oxidized DNA bases. This raises a question regarding the relative roles of the various forms of sunlight-induced DNA damage on skin carcinogenesis and photoaging. Therefore, knowledge of what occurs in XP patients may still bring important contributions to the understanding of the biological impact of sunlight-induced deleterious effects on the skin cells.