Lipid Peroxidation With Implication of Organic Pollution in Autistic Behaviors

Amelioration of propionic acid-induced autism-like behaviors in rats by fenofibrate: A focus on reduction of brain galectin-3 levels

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions and repetitive behaviors. This study examines the effects of fenofibrate on a propionic acid (PPA)-induced rat model of ASD, focusing on behavioral changes, inflammatory markers, and histological findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a group receiving PPA and saline, and a group treated with PPA and fenofibrate for 15 days. Behavioral assessments, including the three-chamber sociability test, open-field test, and passive avoidance learning, were conducted. Biochemical analyses measured TNF-α, NGF, IL-17, IL-2, and galectin-3 levels in brain tissues. Histological evaluations focused on Purkinje neuron counts in the cerebellum and neuronal changes in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, along with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels.

RESULTS

Fenofibrate treatment significantly improved behavioral outcomes, reducing autism-like behaviors compared to the PPA/saline group. Biochemically, the PPA/saline group showed elevated levels of malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-17, and galectin-3, which were reduced following fenofibrate treatment. Histologically, the PPA/saline group exhibited fewer, dysmorphic Purkinje neurons and increased glial activity in the CA1 region, both of which were ameliorated by fenofibrate treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fenofibrate shows promise in mitigating autism-like behaviors in a rat model of ASD, likely due to its antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, which contribute to preserving neuronal integrity and reducing inflammation.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) alleviates inflammation and damage induced by experimental colitis

PURPOSE

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic gastrointestinal disorders associated with significant morbidity and complications. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis model, focusing on inflammation, oxidative stress, and intestinal membrane permeability.

METHODS

Wistar albino rats were divided into Control, Colitis, and Colitis + DHA groups (n = 8-10/group). The Colitis and Colitis + DHA groups received TNBS intrarectally, while the Control group received saline. DHA (600 mg/kg/day) or saline was administered via gavage for six weeks. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of colon tissues were conducted. Parameters including occludin and ZO-1 expressions, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured in colon tissues.

RESULTS

Colitis induction led to significantly higher macroscopic and microscopic damage scores, elevated TOS levels, reduced occludin and ZO-1 intensity, decreased mucosal thickness, and TAS levels compared to the Control group (p < 0.001). DHA administration significantly ameliorated these parameters (p < 0.001). MPO, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were elevated in the Colitis group but significantly reduced in the DHA-treated group (p < 0.001 for MPO, MDA; p < 0.05 for TNF-α and IL-6).

CONCLUSION

DHA demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing reactive oxygen species production, enhancing TAS capacity, preserving GSH content, decreasing proinflammatory cytokine levels, preventing neutrophil infiltration, reducing shedding in colon epithelium, and improving gland structure and mucosal membrane integrity. DHA also upregulated the expressions of occludin and ZO-1, critical for barrier function. Thus, DHA administration may offer a therapeutic strategy or supplement to mitigate colitis-induced adverse effects.

Potential biomarkers of ASD a target for future treatments: oxidative stress, chemokines, apoptotic, and methylation capacity

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to assess the effect of these biomarkers on a sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to help in early diagnosis and intervention.

METHODS

A total of 71 autistic patients and 65 normal controls were enrolled in this study. Their ages ranged from 5 to 11 years (mean ± SD 7.47 ± 3.81). Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was assessed for all patients and controls. Assessment of oxidative stress, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, B-cell lymphoma 2, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and apelin was performed.

RESULTS

Oxidative stress (oxidized low-density lipoprotein and malonaldehyde) increased while antioxidant paraoxonase (PON) decreased. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, B-cell lymphoma 2, and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were all elevated whereas, apelin was downregulated.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to note that many factors that may contribute to ASD including genetic factors. To open the door for novel treatment strategies, it is still necessary to precisely understand how oxidative stress, chemokines, apoptosis, and methylation capability affect the metabolism of people with ASD.

Green synthesis of nanosized N,N'-bis(1-naphthylidene)-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane and its metal (II) complexes and evaluation of their biological activity

Condensation of ecofriendly synthesized 4,4'-methanedianiline with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde produced a (1:1) octopus-like Schiff base mixed ligand. Reaction with Co(OAc)2⋅H2O, NiCl2⋅6H2O, Cu(OAc)2⋅H2O and Zn(OAc)2⋅2H2O metals furnished their complexes in high yield and purity. All new structures were fully characterized by various spectroscopic and spectrometric measurements. The complexes exhibited high thermal stability up to 700 °C, leaving nearly 40% of their mass as residues. Antimicrobial screening results exhibited moderate activities towards all studied microbes. Antioxidant screening was concentration dependent, and their activities were in the order Ni(II) > Zn(II) > Cu(II) > Co(II) complexes. The NO inhibitory effect revealed that the nickel complex exhibited the highest activity, whereas the cobalt complex showed the lowest inhibition. All compounds showed a significant lipid peroxidation inhibitory effect against oxidative stress. The complexes significantly diminished the TBARS level, and the nickel complex exhibited the highest inhibition at p < 0.01. Antioxidants stress the oxidative damage induced by iron, indicating that the nickel complex has the highest reducing activity. The inhibitory effect against acetylcholine esterase showed that the copper complex has the highest activity. Membrane stabilization activities clearly indicated that most compounds can improve the integrity of the cells and stability of their membrane, and this result may be related to their antioxidant capacity to protect against cytotoxicity. The nickel complex exhibited a stronger total antioxidant capacity than the other complexes. The biological and antioxidant capacities of these complexes may make them promising candidates in pharmaceutical applications.