Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Levels and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Burst Fractures

Oxidative and Antioxidative Biomarker Profiles in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Insights for Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies

BACKGROUND Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a significant cause of perinatal and postnatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Catalase (CAT) activity detection is used to determine levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. Glutathione (GSH) is the most critical non-enzymatic endogenous antioxidant. Lipid peroxidation levels marked after hypoxia can be detected based on the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is considered a biomarker for cardiac ischemia and is known to increase in the liver, brain, and kidney in states of insufficient oxygenation. We aimed to explain the results and relations between the oxidant and antioxidants to detail oxidant-antioxidant balance and cellular mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS Serum levels of IMA and MDA, as an oxidative stress marker, and CAT and GSH, as antioxidant enzymes, were measured in first blood samples of 59 neonates diagnosed with HIE, with pH <7, base excess >12, and APGAR scores. RESULTS Neonates who were ≥37 weeks of gestation and had hypoxia were included. Compared with healthy newborns (n=32), CAT was statistically significantly lower in the hypoxia group (P=0.0001), while MDA serum levels were significantly higher in neonates with hypoxia (P=0.01). There was no difference between hypoxic and healthy neonates in GSH and IMA measurements (P=0.054, P=0.19 respectively). CONCLUSIONS HIE pathophysiology involves oxidative stress and mitochondrial energy production failure. Explaining the pathways between oxidant-antioxidant balance and cell death, which explains the pathophysiology of HIE, is essential to develop treatment strategies that will minimize the effects of oxygen deprivation on other body organs, especially the brain.

Renal Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress Induced by Silica Nanoparticles in Male Rats and Its Molecular Mechanisms

Background

The utilization of amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is gaining popularity in various applications, but it poses a potential risk to human and environmental health. However, the underlying causes and mechanisms of SiNPs-induced kidney damage are still largely unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the SiNPs-induced damage in the kidney and further explore the possible mechanisms of SiNPs-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods

Thirty adult male rats were divided into 3 different groups. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were administered SiNPs at 2 dosage levels (25 and 100 mg/kg of body weight), while the rats in the control group received no treatment for 28 days. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase [CAT]), glutathione (GSH) levels, and oxidation markers (such as lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and protein oxidation [protein carbonyl (PCO)]) were analyzed in the kidney tissue. Additionally, renal fibrogenesis was studied through histopathological examination and the expression levels of fibrotic biomarkers.

Results

The findings revealed that in vivo treatment with SiNPs significantly triggered oxidative stress in kidney tissues in a dose-dependent manner. This was characterized by increased production of ROS, elevated levels of MDA, PCO, and nitric oxide (NO), along with a significant decline in the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and reduced GSH. These changes were consistent with the histopathological analysis, which indicated interstitial fibrosis with mononuclear inflammatory cell aggregation, tubular degeneration, glomerulonephritis, and glomerular atrophy. The fibrosis index was confirmed using Masson's trichrome staining. Additionally, there was a significant upregulation of fibrosis-related genes, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2/9), whereas the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) was downregulated.

Conclusions

This study provided a new research clue for the role of ROS and deregulated TGF-β signaling pathway in SiNPs nephrotoxicity.

Investigating antiarthritic potential of polyherbal emulgel

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammation of joints with increased cellularity of synovial tissue. Allopathic drugs possess several adverse effects, which have led to increase in the utilization of herbal medicines. Polyherbal emulgel resolves the bioavailability issue associated with hydrophobic drugs and can be used effectively in the treatment of RA.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed at the formulation of polyherbal emulgel, and evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo antiarthritic activity.

METHODS

Seven emulgels F-1 to F-7 were optimally formulated. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was determined using protein denaturation method employing Diclofenac sodium as the standard. In antiarthritic study Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) model was used. The various parameters were assessed, like paw volume, body weight, hematological parameters, antioxidant parameters, Rheumatic factor (RF), and histopathological study of ankle joint.

RESULTS

F-4 and F-7 were found to be optimized formulations as compared to other formulations. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was found to be highest in F-4 with IC50 7.74 and F-7 with IC50 8.87 in comparison with Diclofenac sodium having IC50 57.0. Both formulations F-7 and F-4 showed a significant reduction in paw volume and normalization of body weights. The formulation F-7 even showed more potent antiarthritic activity than F-4 by decreasing white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, increasing packed cell volume (PCV), neutrophils, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum. This was further confirmed by histopathological study.

CONCLUSION

As an anti-inflammatory agent, this newly developed emulgel was found to possess more therapeutic efficacy than commercially available diclofenac sodium.

Selenium and vitamin E ameliorate lead acetate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via suppression of oxidative stress, mRNA of heat shock proteins, and NF-kB production

BACKGROUND

Lead exposure results in a terrible rise in heat shock protein levels.

OBJECTIVE

This research was conducted to look at the effects of lead poisoning on heat shock response, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in albino rats, as well as the power of selenium and vitamin E to resist lead toxic effects.

METHODS

Eight groups of albino rats are used. Each group contained six rats where the first group represented the negative control, and the other groups were treated with olive oil, vitamin E, selenium, lead, (vitamin E + lead), (selenium + lead), and (vitamin E + selenium + lead). All the treatments lasted for 28 days. Then, the mRNA expression of interested heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, and HSP60) was assessed. For oxidative stress disruption, we investigated nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants activity respectively in rat livers.

RESULTS

our results revealed the synergetic protective effect of the combination of two antioxidants (vitamin E and selenium) against lead poising. This was clear in regulating HSPs expression, inflammatory markers, glucose, lipid profile, liver functions, and antioxidant enzymes more than the treatment with one antioxidant.

CONCLUSION

Pb is a toxic material that can induce HSPs and inflammatory markers expression. Selenium and vitamin E can give excellent effects in ameliorating Pb toxicity when used together.

Modulation of Alveolar Macrophage Activity by Eugenol Attenuates Cigarette-Smoke-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice

This study investigates the role of eugenol (EUG) on CS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and how this compound is able to modulate macrophage activity. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 12 cigarettes/day/5days and treated 15 min/day/5days with EUG. Rat alveolar macrophages (RAMs) were exposed to CSE (5%) and treated with EUG. In vivo, EUG reduced morphological changes inflammatory cells, oxidative stress markers, while, in vitro, it induced balance in the oxidative stress and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine release while increasing the anti-inflammatory one. These results suggest that eugenol reduced CS-induced ALI and acted as a modulator of macrophage activity.

The Associations between Bone Mineral Density and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress plays an essential role in bone health among postmenopausal women. This study aimed to compare the oxidative stress biomarkers among postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years with normal bone mineral density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

METHODS

In this observational study, 120 women with normal bone mineral density, 82 with osteopenia, and 86 with osteoporosis were selected based on the densitometry data obtained from the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using biochemical methods. A binary logistic regression model adjusted for confounders was used to estimate the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the three groups in age, menopausal age, body mass index, and education (P<0.05). According to the binary logistic regression model, higher SOD activity and serum TAC levels were associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.991; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.986 to 0.996; and aOR, 0.373; 95% CI, 0.141 to 0.986, respectively). MDA was a significant risk factor for osteopenia in postmenopausal women (aOR, 1.702; 95% CI, 1.125 to 2.576).

CONCLUSION

Higher SOD activity and serum TAC levels in the studied postmenopausal women were associated with a significantly lower risk of osteoporosis. Moreover, the risk of osteopenia increased significantly with higher serum MDA levels.

Comparison of different treatment methods for supination-lateral rotation ankle fractures

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of fixation with fibular approach, fixation with posterolateral fibular approach, and conservative therapy on supination-lateral rotation ankle fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 189 patients (103 males, 86 females; mean age: 45.7±4.7 years; range, 40 to 51 years) with supination-lateral rotation ankle fractures treated in our hospital between March 2020 and March 2021 were included in this prospective study. The patients were assigned into conservative therapy, fibular approach, and posterolateral approach groups including 63 patients in each group. Clinical conservative therapy was performed for conservative therapy group, while fibular approach and posterolateral approach groups were given fixation with fibular approach and posterolateral fibular approach, respectively. Their routine parameters, body stress, ankle function, treatment efficacy and safety were compared.

RESULTS

The length of hospital stay was shorter in the fibular approach and posterolateral approach groups than the conservative therapy group, particularly in the fibular approach group (p<0.05). The pain stress and oxidative stress were lower in the fibular approach and posterolateral approach groups than the conservative therapy group, particularly in the posterolateral approach group (p<0.05). Compared to the conservative therapy group, the fibular approach and posterolateral approach groups had significantly recovered ankle function, with better recovery in the posterolateral approach group (p<0.05). The response rate was higher in the fibular approach and posterolateral approach groups than the conservative therapy group, being higher in the posterolateral approach group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

For patients with supination-lateral rotation ankle fractures, fixation with posterolateral fibular approach is more effective for expediting the recovery of ankle joints than conservative therapy and fixation with fibular approach, accompanied by higher safety.

V, Chakraborthy A, B. MK, A. VS, Badanthadka M. Protein Malnutrition in BALB/c Mice: An Experimental Model Resembling Clinical Scenario

Objectives The study aims to develop a stable malnourished experimental mice model resembling the human population for future experimental studies.

Materials and Methodology At weaning, female BALB/c mice are separated into two groups: one receiving a low protein diet (LPD, 10% protein) and the other receiving a commercially available normal pellet diet (ND, 18% protein). Model development and stability were assessed using body mass index (BMI), biochemical parameters such as glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus using serum samples at the 12th and 15th weeks of the study, antioxidant assay, and liver histopathology observation. Antioxidant assay and histopathology observation using liver tissue sample excised after euthanasia.

Results LPD mice are categorized under grade I malnutrition based on the body weight change with respect to ND as per the principles of Gomez's classification of malnutrition. A significant long-term decrease in BMI of the malnourished group indicates the development of the stable malnourished model. Elevated serum enzyme levels in the 15th week and decreased antioxidant activity suggest liver injury and oxidative stress at the cellular level in the malnourished group. Histopathology alterations in the liver tissue further strengthen these observations reported in the human population of malnutrition.

Conclusion This study confirms the development of a stable malnourished experimental model using a LPD (10% protein). This model may be used to study the role of malnutrition in the pathophysiology of any disease, drug action, and its kinetics in the future.

The ginger extract could improve diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the expression of e/iNOS and G6PDH, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the retina. It is the result of damage to the small blood vessels and neurons of the retina. Ginger and its phytochemical compounds can improve oxidative damage and inflammation. However, the effects of this plant on ocular expression G6PDH and e/iNOS, eye cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis are not well known in this tissue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ginger extract on rats with type 2 diabetic retinopathy. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into four controlled and treated groups. The serum level of metabolic factors such as lipid profiles, insulin and glucose, and the level of oxidative biomarkers along with the TNF-α level in eye tissue were measured. The expression of NF-κB, VEGF, BAX, Bcl-2, caspase-3, e/iNOS, and G6PDH in eye tissue was measured. Serum levels of lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin, oxidative and inflammatory markers were significantly increased in the diabetic group compared to control. While, treatment with ginger extract could significantly improve these factors in diabetic rats. Moreover, the ocular expression of e/iNOS, G6PDH, VEGF, NF-κB, and genes involved in apoptosis was changed in diabetic rats. However, treatment with ginger extract could ameliorate these changes in the diabetic-treated group. It can be concluded that ginger extract could improve diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting oxidative damage, inflammation, iNOS, VEGF, apoptosis, and improving eNOS and G6PDH. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Microvascular complications of diabetes such as retinopathy can be one of the main causes of disability in people with diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis cause diabetic retinopathy through retinal damage. Ginger, on the other hand, is an available, inexpensive, and uncomplicated medicinal plant that contains more than 20 different phytochemicals, such as gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties. The results of our study showed well that the ginger extract could improve diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the expression of e/iNOS and G6PDH and oxidative damage, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Therefore, ginger and its compounds can be a good option to improve the complications of diabetes.

The Parental Pesticide and Offspring's Epigenome Study: Towards an Integrated Use of Human Biomonitoring of Exposure and Effect Biomarkers

In Morocco, due to the lack of education and the presence of a counterfeit market, pesticides constitute a major problem to be addressed by occupational and environmental health agencies. This paper aims to introduce the PaPOE (Parental Pesticides and Offspring Epigenome) prospective study and its goals, to motivate the study rationale and design, and to examine comprehensively whether multi-residue exposure to commonly used pesticides could induce epigenetic alterations through the oxidative stress pathway. The PaPOE project includes a cross-sectional study assessing the occupational exposure among 300 farmworkers in Meknes, and initiates a birth cohort of 1000 pregnant women. Data and biological samples are collected among farmworkers, and throughout pregnancy, and at birth. Oxidative stress biomarkers include Glutathione, Malondialdehyde, and 8-OHdG. Global and gene-specific DNA methylation is assessed. The study began enrollment in 2019 and is ongoing. As of 30 June 2021, 300 farmworkers and 125 pregnant women have enrolled. The results are expected to showcase the importance of biomonitoring for understanding individual risks, and to identify a number of regions where DNA methylation status is altered in the pesticides-exposed population, paving the way for an integrated biomonitoring system in Morocco and Africa to assess environmental exposures and their long-term health consequences.

Assessing the Antioxidant Activity of Dexmedetomidine by Measuring the Plasma Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, and Superoxide Dismutase During Lumbar Spine Laminectomy

Background: Current knowledge on antioxidant properties of anesthetics is inconclusive. Nevertheless, experiments on different anesthesia-related drugs and techniques are growing. Objectives: The aim of this prospective blinded randomized study was to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) infusion during anesthesia on oxidative stress resulting from lumbar laminectomy. Methods: The antioxidant activity of Dex compared to placebo (normal saline) was evaluated by measuring the antioxidant enzyme activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). A total of 56 patients who underwent laminectomy surgery were allocated into two groups of intervention and control. Dex group received 0.6 µg.kg-1 dexmedetomidine infusion before induction of anesthesia over 15 minutes, followed by 0.4 µg.kg-1.hr-1 maintenance. Control group received the same volume and sequence of normal saline. Anesthesia protocol was similar in both groups. The antioxidant activity of the previously mentioned enzymes was measured at the beginning of the anesthesia (T1) and after surgery (T2). Propofol consumption, hemodynamic indices, shivering, bleeding volume, and pain numeric rating scale (NRS) were recorded. Results: Although the serum levels of CAT and GPX increased during the procedure, these changes were not significant (P-values 0.579 and 0.762, respectively). Also, the mean SOD level did not change over time in any of the groups, and it was not meaningfully different between the groups at any of the predetermined times (P-value 0.665). Conclusions: As expected, Dex decreased propofol consumption, mean heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and pain intensity allover the perioperative period. It seems that adding Dex to anesthesia regimen during laminectomy had no dominant antioxidant effects.

Functionality of apigenin as a potent antioxidant with emphasis on bioavailability, metabolism, action mechanism and in vitro and in vivo studies: A review

Numerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. are linked with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. Apigenin (5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavone) is a widely distributed flavonoid, responsible for antioxidant potential and chelating redox active metals. Being present as glycosides or polymers, the apigenin degrades to variable amount in the digestive tract; during processing, its activity is also reduced due to high temperature or Fe/Cu addition. Although its metabolism remains elusive, enteric absorption occurs sufficiently to reduce plasma indices of oxidant status. Delayed clearance in plasma and slow liver decomposition enhance its systematic bioavailability. Antioxidant mechanism of apigenin includes: oxidant enzymes inhibition, modulation of redox signaling pathways (NF-kB, Nrf2, MAPK, and P13/Akt), reinforcing enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant, metal chelation, and free radical scavenging. DPPH, ORAC, ABTS, and FRAP are the major in vitro methods for determining the antioxidant potential of apigenin, whereas its protective effects in whole and living cells of animals are examined using in vivo studies. Due to limited information on antioxidant potential of apigenin, its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects are, therefore, discussed with action mechanism and interaction with the signaling pathways. This paper concludes that apigenin is a potent antioxidant compound to overcome the difficulties related to oxidative stress and other chronic diseases.

Benazepril hydrochloride protects against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway

Doxorubicin (DOX) stimulates the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby impairing mitochondrial functions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) have been identified to exhibit protective effects on cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that an ACEI benazepril hydrochloride (HCl) may protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The DOX injury model was established using rat embryonic cardiac myoblast cells (H9c2 cell line) treated with DOX in vitro. H9c2 cells were treated with benazepril-HCl, DOX or a mixture of DOX and benazepril-HCl to measure the activities of myocardial enzymes including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, in addition to the concentration of malondialdehyde in the culture medium. Cells without any treatment were used as a control. DOX treatment increased the levels of activity of myocardial enzymes in H9c2 cells compared with those in the untreated control cells. Additionally, co-treatment with benazepril-HCl significantly reduced the levels of apoptosis occurring due to DOX-mediated cellular damage. The mechanistic experiment revealed that pretreatment with benazepril-HCl counteracted the DOX-induced oxidative stress and suppressed the activation of apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. By contrast, an Akt inhibitor (MK2206) inhibited the protective effects of benazepril-HCl against DOX-induced H9c2 cell injury, as revealed by increased LDH release in H9c2 cells. These results suggested that benazepril-HCl may potentially be administered as an adjuvant for DOX in long-term clinical use.

Patients Undergoing Surgery for Hip Fractures Suffer from Severe Oxidative Stress as Compared to Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

Hip fractures are associated with the highest degree of morbidity and mortality of all fractures in elderly patients and pose a major risk for subsequent fractures. Patients with hip fractures also present accelerated bone turnover despite early stable fracture fixation and early mobilization. We aimed to evaluate oxidative stress in two groups of patients (25 patients each, matched for age, side, and BMI) who underwent internal fixation of hip fractures and total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis. Blood samples were taken from all patients during admission, the day of surgery, the 4^th postoperative day, and the 15^th postoperative day. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, GSH/GSSG, catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as a widely used battery of redox biomarkers were recorded from blood samples. Patients with hip fractures who undergo fixation surgery, compared to those with hip osteoarthritis, suffer significant oxidative stress with an active but insufficient first line of oxidative defense, an intensive first line reaction, a very active second line of oxidative defense, and a low plasma antioxidant capacity. Surgery worsened already present lipid- and protein-related tissue damage. The severe oxidative stress observed may explain high morbidity and mortality rates and high bone turnover status, as well as the high incidence of refractures. Furthermore, the question of whether antioxidant therapy measures should be introduced in the management of hip fracture patients is raised.

Blimp-1 inhibits Th9 cell differentiation and attenuates diabetic coronary heart disease

Diabetic coronary heart disease (DM-CHD) poses a major threat to the world. The newly described T cell subset-Th9 cells and related cytokine interleukin (IL)-9 play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes and atherosclerosis. B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) has been indicated to negatively regulate Th9 development in allergic asthma, but its role in DM-CHD remains unclear. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the role of Blimp-1 in DM-CHD and to elucidate whether the mechanism was associated with regulation of Th9 cell differentiation. Our results showed that serum Blimp-1 mRNA level was decreased whereas proportion of Th9 cells (IL-9+ CD4+ T cells) and serum level of Th9-related IL-9 were increased in DM-CHD patients. Furthermore, serum Blimp-1 mRNA level was negatively correlated with IL-9 level in DM-CHD patients. Importantly, administration of lentiviruses expressing Blimp-1 (LV-Blimp-1) significantly inhibited Th9 cell differentiation and alleviated the severity of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and coronary artery, dyslipidemia, inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in DM-CHD model rats. Collectively, Blimp-1 exerts a protective effect in DM-CHD rats and the mechanism might involve inhibition of Th9 cell differentiation.

Barbaloin Treatment Contributes to the Rebalance of Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Mice

Aloe vera L has been shown to possess hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects on type 2 diabetic patients, and its major benefits may be linked to barbaloin, which is a major component of Aloe vera L. This study focused on investigating the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of barbaloin on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The db/+ diabetic mice with GDM were daily orally administered with barbaloin or metformin during the gestational period. The results demonstrated that administration of barbaloin significantly reduced blood glucose levels and increased insulin levels in GDM mice. We further found that barbaloin treatment reduced inflammatory response and ROS levels in the liver. Finally, we revealed that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) / peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway was involved in BAT-mediated beneficial effects on mice with GDM. Our study suggested that barbaloin exerted hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects on GDM mice, via, at least in part, modulation of AMPK/ PGC-1α signaling in GDM mice.

Breviscapine Alleviates Cognitive Impairments Induced by Transient Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion through Its Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Properties in a Rat Model

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury is a common phenomenon of stroke, and the effective treatment for I/R-induced brain tissue damage is limited. Breviscapine has been widely used in China as herbal medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years and has been demonstrated to possess potent cardiovascular pharmacological effects. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of breviscapine on cerebral I/R-induced injury. The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was applied in our study. The cerebral I/R rats received multiple injections of breviscapine. All rats were subject to neurological behavior tests by open field test and Morris water maze test. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress marker levels were determined by ELISA and colorimetric analysis, respectively. We demonstrated that administration of breviscapine dose-dependently ameliorated cerebral I/R-induced injury and improved the neurological performance of cerebral I/R rats. Further studies illustrated that breviscapine treatment effectively attenuated inflammatory cytokine expression, reduced oxidative stress, and pro-apoptosis protein expression and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling and microglia in the I/R injury tissues. Breviscapine may serve as a single drug or a promising adjuvant that can be used in conjunction with other medicine for the treatment of cerebral I/R-induced injury.

Hesperidin ameliorates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury via activation of the Akt pathway

Hesperidin (HDN) is a bioflavonoid that serves a role as an antioxidant in biological systems. However, although HDN has hydrogen radical- and hydrogen peroxide-removal activities, the role of HDN in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of HDN in liver I/R injury. Male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to warm partial liver I/R injury. Liver damage was evaluated by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, cytokine production, oxidative stress indicators, tissue hematoxylin-eosin staining and cell death. The Akt signaling pathway was examined to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. HDN had no effect on ALT levels and tissue damage in WT mice without liver I/R injury. However, HDN significantly ameliorated liver I/R injury as measured by serum ALT levels and necrotic tissue areas. HDN decreased malondialdehyde content, but increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione. In addition, HDN significantly attenuated the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β after liver I/R injury. Furthermore, HDN protected the liver against apoptosis in liver I/R injury by increasing the levels of Bcl-2 and decreasing the levels of cleaved-caspase 3. Mechanistically, the levels of phosphorylated Akt were elevated by HDN during liver I/R injury. In addition, HDN could induce Akt activation in hepatocytes in vitro. Most importantly, treatment with the Akt inhibitor LY294002 in WT mice blocked the hepatoprotective effects of HDN in liver I/R injury. In summary, the results of the present study suggested that HDN may protect against liver I/R injury through activating the Akt pathway by ameliorating liver oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation and preventing hepatocyte apoptosis. HDN may be a useful factor for liver injury protection and a potential therapeutic treatment for liver I/R injury in the future.

Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume and Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. extract combination ameliorate lipid profile and heart oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic mice

Background and Aim:

Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The use of statins has adverse side effects that result in oxidative stress disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of a combination of Cinnamomum burmannii and Eleutherine palmifolia extract in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia mice.

Materials and Methods:

Mice were divided into eight groups (n=4): Control group or healthy mice (normal), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice without any treatment (CE0), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with 3.6 mg/kg body weight (BW) atorvastatin (atorvastatin), and HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with a combination of C. burmannii and E. palmifolia in the following ratios: 300:0 (C300), 225:75 (C225), 150:150 (CE150), 75:225 (E225), and 0:300 (E300). Mice were fed a HFD for 4 months to induce hyperlipidemia. Total cholesterol, cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase aminophenazone (CHOD-PAP), triglyceride-glycerine, and fat serum were analyzed with colorimetric method. The measurement of superoxide dismutase was done with the xanthine oxidase method and malondialdehyde measurement was done with the thiobarbituric acid method.

Results:

Results showed an increase in antihyperlipidemic characteristics as the concentration of E. palmifolia extract (p<0.05) increased. Duncan’s multiple range test also showed an increase in anti-stress oxidation as the concentration of C. burmannii extract (p<0.05) increased.

Conclusion:

The E225 group showed the most potential as a safe, antihyperlipidemic agent characterized by improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant balance.

Nanoparticles of Antroquinonol-Rich Extract from Solid-State-Cultured Antrodia cinnamomea Improve Reproductive Function in Diabetic Male Rats

Purpose

To characterize the nanoparticle of antroquinonol from A. cinnamomea and its ameliorative effects on the reproductive dysfunction in the diabetic male rat.

Material and Methods

The chitosan-silicate nanoparticle was used as the carrier for the delivery of antroquinonol from solid-state-cultured A. cinnamomea extract (AC). The rats were fed with a high-fat diet and intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes. The rats were daily oral gavage by water [Diabetes (DM) and Control groups], three different doses of chitosan-silicate nanoparticle of antroquinonol from solid-state-cultured A. cinnamomea (nano-SAC, NAC): (DM+NAC1x, 4 mg/kg of body weight; DM+NAC2x, 8 mg/kg; and DM+NAC5x, 20 mg/kg), solid-state-cultured AC (DM+AC5x, 20 mg/kg), or metformin (DM+Met, 200 mg/kg) for 7 weeks.

Results

The nano-SAC size was 37.68±5.91 nm, the zeta potential was 4.13±0.49 mV, encapsulation efficiency was 79.29±0.77%, and loading capacity was 32.45±0.02%. The nano-SAC can improve diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction by regulating glucose, insulin, and oxidative enzyme and by increasing the level of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sperm count as well as sperm mobility. In testicular histopathology, the seminiferous tubules of A. cinnamomea-supplemented diabetic rats showed similar morphology with the control group.

Conclusion

The nanoparticle of antroquinonol from Antrodia cinnamomea can be used as an effective strategy to improve diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.

Proteomics-Based Identification of Diagnostic Biomarkers Related to Risk Factors and Pathogenesis of Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is caused by blood clot formation and consequent vessel blockage. Proteomic approaches provide a cost-effective alternative to current diagnostic methods, including computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To identify diagnostic biomarkers associated with ischemic stroke risk factors, we performed individual proteomic analysis of serum taken from 20 healthy controls and 20 ischemic stroke patients. We then performed SWATH analysis, a data-independent method, to assess quantitative changes in protein expression between the two experimental conditions. Our analysis identified several candidate protein biomarkers, 11 of which were validated by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis as novel diagnostic biomarkers associated with ischemic stroke risk factors. Our study identifies new biomarkers associated with the risk factors and pathogenesis of ischemic stroke which, to the best of our knowledge, were previously unknown. These markers may be effective in not only the diagnosis but also the prevention and management of ischemic stroke.

Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume and Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. extract combination ameliorate lipid profile and heart oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic mice

Background and Aim: Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The use of statins has adverse side effects that result in oxidative stress disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of a combination of Cinnamomum burmannii and Eleutherine palmifolia extract in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia mice. Materials and Methods: Mice were divided into eight groups (n=4): Control group or healthy mice (normal), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice without any treatment (CE0), HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with 3.6 mg/kg body weight (BW) atorvastatin (atorvastatin), and HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice treated with a combination of C. burmannii and E. palmifolia in the following ratios: 300:0 (C300), 225:75 (C225), 150:150 (CE150), 75:225 (E225), and 0:300 (E300). Mice were fed a HFD for 4 months to induce hyperlipidemia. Total cholesterol, cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase aminophenazone (CHOD-PAP), triglyceride-glycerine, and fat serum were analyzed with colorimetric method. The measurement of superoxide dismutase was done with the xanthine oxidase method and malondialdehyde measurement was done with the thiobarbituric acid method. Results: Results showed an increase in antihyperlipidemic characteristics as the concentration of E. palmifolia extract (p<0.05) increased. Duncan's multiple range test also showed an increase in anti-stress oxidation as the concentration of C. burmannii extract (p<0.05) increased. Conclusion: The E225 group showed the most potential as a safe, antihyperlipidemic agent characterized by improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant balance.

Aptamer-Conjugated Framework Nucleic Acids for the Repair of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Effective therapy for protecting dying neurons against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a substantial challenge in the treatment of ischemic strokes. Oxidative stress coupled with excessive inflammation is the main culprit for brain IRI that results in neuronal damage and disability. Specifically, complement component 5a (C5a) exacerbates the vicious cycle between oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Herein, we propose that a framework nucleic acid (FNA) conjugated with anti-C5a aptamers (aC5a) can selectively reduce C5a-mediated neurotoxicity and effectively alleviate oxidative stress in the brain. Intrathecal injection of the aC5a-conjugated FNA (aC5a-FNA) was applied for the treatment of rats with ischemic strokes. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was performed to investigate the accumulation of aC5a-FNA in the penumbra and its therapeutic efficacy. Results demonstrated that aC5a-FNA could rapidly penetrate different brain regions after brain IRI. Furthermore, aC5a-FNA effectively protected neurons from brain IRI, as verified by serum tests, tissue staining, biomarker detection, and functional assessment. The protective effect of aC5a-FNA against cerebral IRI in living animals may pave the way for the translation of FNA from bench to bedside and broaden the horizon of FNA in the field of biomedicine.

FK506 Attenuated Pilocarpine-Induced Epilepsy by Reducing Inflammation in Rats

Background: The status epilepticus (SE) is accompanied by a local inflammatory response and many oxygen free radicals. FK506 is an effective immunosuppressive agent with neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects, however, whether it can inhibit the inflammatory response and attenuate epilepsy remains unclear.

Objective: This study aims to clarify the effect of FK506 on inflammatory response in rats with epilepsy.

Methods: A total of 180 rats were randomly and equally divided into the control group, epilepsy group, and FK506 group. The rat SE model in the epilepsy group and FK506 group was induced by lithium chloride combined with pilocarpine. In the FK506 group, FK506 was given before the injection of pilocarpine. The control group was given the same volume of saline. Then the effect of FK506 on epilepsy in rats and the changes of inflammatory factors and free radicals in hippocampus were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blotting.

Results: FK506 ameliorated the course of pilocarpine-induced epilepsy and the neuronal loss in the rat hippocampus after SE. FK506 reduced the increased content of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus after SE. Besides, FK506 also significantly reduced the levels of factors involved in inflammatory response such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Protein Kinase C δ (PKCδ) that rise after epilepsy.

Conclusion: FK506 ameliorated the course of pilocarpine-induced epilepsy, significantly reduced free radical content, and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors, which provided a theoretical basis for the application of FK506 in the treatment of epilepsy.

Effect of Tribulus terrestris in mercuric chloride-induced renal accumulation of mercury and nephrotoxicity in rat

Mercury generates free radicals and subsequently increases oxidative stress, which leads to renal injury. Tribulus terrestris (TT) has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Hydroalcoholic extract of different dose of TT was evaluated against mercuric chloride-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats (n = 6) were treated with TT at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. Drugs were administered orally for 7 days. Single dose of mercuric chloride (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) on the 5^th day caused significant elevation of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, malondialdehyde, liver fatty acid binding protein, kidney injury molecule-1, and kidney mercury level and fall in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and histopathological changes in disease control as compared to normal control group (P < 0.001). Dose of TT 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.001) prevented the renal injury, and mercury accumulation in kidney tissues significantly decreases in higher dose, i.e., 300 mg/kg as compared to control group. Our result indicates that the treatment of TT exerted significant protection against renal damage induced by mercuric chloride possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and by decreasing the renal accumulation of mercury.