Role of Mono- and Disaccharide Combination in Cryoprotective Medium for Rooster Semen to Ensure Cryoresistance of Spermatozoa

The combination of saccharides in the composition of a cryopreservation medium may represent a promising method for the preservation of the reproductive cells of male birds. In the current study, cryoprotective media with a combined composition of mono- and di-saccharides were developed. The degree of penetration of reducing saccharide molecules (maltose—Mal20 medium) and non-reducing disaccharide molecules (trehalose—Treh20 medium) from the cryoprotective medium into the cytosol of rooster spermatozoa was studied. LCM control media without disaccharides were used as the control. The number of maltose molecules penetrating from the outside into the cytosol of the spermatozoon was 1.06 × 10⁴, and the number of trehalose molecules was 3.98 × 10⁴. Using a combination of maltose and fructose, the progressive motility of frozen/thawed semen and the fertility rates of eggs were significantly higher ((p < 0.05) 40.2% and 68.5%, respectively) than when using a combination of trehalose and fructose in a cryoprotective diluent (33.4% and 62.4%, respectively). A higher rate of chromatin integrity at the level of 92.4% was obtained when using Treh20 versus 74.5% Mal20 (p < 0.05). Maltose positively affected the preservation of frozen/thawed sperm in the genital tract of hens. On the seventh day from the last insemination when using Mal20, the fertilization of eggs was 42.6% and only 27.3% when using Treh20. Despite the same molecular weight, maltose and trehalose have different physicochemical and biological properties that determine their function and effectiveness as components of cryoprotective media.     

Effects of BPZ and BPC on Oxidative Stress of Zebrafish under Different pH Conditions

To further understand the toxic effects of bisphenol Z (BPZ) and bisphenol C (BPC) on aquatic organisms, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 0.02 mg/L BPZ and BPC mixed solution in the laboratory for 28 days. The impacts of BPZ and BPC on the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, expression of antioxidant genes, and estrogen receptor genes in zebrafish under different pH conditions were studied. The changes of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the zebrafish were detected by spectrophotometry. The mRNA relative expression levels of CAT, GSH, SOD, ERa, and ERb1 in the experimental group were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results showed that SOD activity and MDA content were inhibited under different pH conditions, and the activities of GSH, GSH-Px, and POD were induced. The activities of POD and GSH induced in the neutral environment were stronger than those in an acidic and alkaline environment. The mRNA relative expression levels of SOD and GSH were consistent with the activities of SOD and GSH. The mRNA relative expression levels of CAT were induced more strongly in the neutral environment than in acidic and alkaline conditions, the mRNA relative expression levels of ERa were induced most weakly in a neutral environment, and the mRNA relative expression levels of ERb1 were inhibited the most in a neutral environment.     

Sesbania drummondii cell cultures: ICP-MS determination of the accumulation of Pb and Cu

Sesbania cell cultures grown in the presence of different concentrations of Pb (0-1000 mg/L) and Cu (0-500 mg/L) were assayed for growth, metal accumulations and activities of antioxidative enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). These cultures tolerated Pb up to a concentration of 500 mg/L, registering a fresh weight growth of 500% in 3 weeks. At the same time, cultures registered a growth of 200% in 3 weeks at a Cu concentration of 100 mg/L showing less tolerance than Pb. However, Sesbania cells accumulated more Cu than Pb, as determined by ICP-MS, at all the treatments tested. Cu accumulation reached 3000 mg/kg (dry weight) at a Cu treatment of 100 mg/L, while Pb accumulation was only over 150 mg/kg (dry weight) at 500 mg Pb/L. Metal accumulations were positively correlated with induction of SOD and CAT activities in both the metal treatments. SOD activity of callus was 105 U/mg (fresh weight) at a Pb treatment of 500 mg/L and the corresponding Pb accumulation of 160 mg/kg (dry weight), while the activity rose to 300 U/mg (fresh weight) at a Cu treatment of 100 mg/L and the corresponding Cu accumulation of 3000 mg/kg (dry weight). The pattern of GPX activities was, however, different, particularly in Pb treatments where activities declined with increasing concentrations of Pb in the cells as well as growth medium. This study shows how Sesbania cells withstand heavy metal stress by induction of antioxidative enzyme activities.     

Protective Effect of Polyphenols Extract of Adlay (<em>Coix lachryma-jobi </em>L. var<em>. ma-yuen Stapf</em>) on Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

The present study examines the effect of polyphenols extract of adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) (APE) on high cholesterol diet fed rats (HCD). APE was orally administrated by gavage at doses of 10, 40 and 200 mg total phenolics/kg body weight of rats once a day for 28 days. At the end of four weeks, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and markers of oxidative stress viz., malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum and liver of HCD and normal rats were assessed and compared. The results showed that administration of APE was significantly effective in decreasing the serum levels of TC, LDL-C and MDA, increasing the serum level of HDL-C and antioxidant capacity. In addition, oral gavage of APE could also increase the antioxidant capacity, CAT and GSH-Px activities in liver. These results suggested that APE exerted a high hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant activities, which might be characterized by a protective effect on cardiovascular health in vivo.     

Total Aseptization of Boar Semen,to Increase the Biosecurity of Reproduction in Swine

The aim of the study was to establish the complete microbiological profile of boar semen (Sus scrofa domesticus) and to choose the most effective antiseptic measures in order to control and optimize AI reproduction in pig farms. One hundred and one semen samples were collected and analyzed from several pig farms. The microbiological profile of ejaculates was determined by evaluating the degree of contamination of fresh semen and after dilution with specific extenders. The bacterial and fungal load of fresh boar semen recorded an average value of 82.41/0.149 × 10³ CFU/mL, while after diluting the ejaculates the contamination value was 0.354/0.140 × 10³ CFU/mL. Twenty-four germs (15 bacterial and 9 fungal species) were isolated, the most common being Candida parapsilosis/sake (92%) and Escherichia coli (81.2%). Modification of the sperm collection protocol (HPBC) reduced contamination in raw sperm by 49.85% in bacteria (significant (p < 0.00001) and by 9.67% in fungi (non-significant (p < 0.111491). The load in bacteria and filamentous fungi can be controllable, but not in levuras fungi. Some fluconazole-added extenders (12.5 mg%), ensure fungal aseptization, and even an increase in sperm progressivity (8.39%) for at least a 12 h shelf life after dilution. Validation of sperm aseptization was done by maintaining sow fecundity unchanged after AI (insignificant p > 0.05).     

Protective effect of salidroside from Rhodiolae Radix on diabetes-induced oxidative stress in mice

It has been confirmed that diabetes mellitus (DM) carries increased oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effects of salidroside from Rhodiolae Radix on diabetes-induced oxidative stress in mice. After induction of diabetes, diabetic mice were administered daily doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg salidroside for 28 days. Body weights, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Results showed that salidroside possessed hypoglycemic activity and protective effects against diabetes-induced oxidative stress, which could significantly reduce FBG, TC, TG and MDA levels, and at same time increase serum insulin levels, SOD, GPx and CAT activities. Therefore, salidroside should be considered as a candidate for future studies on diabetes.     

Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase Activities and the Total Protein Content of Protocorm-Like Bodies of Dendrobium Sonia-28 Subjected to Vitrification

Dendrobium sonia-28 is an important ornamental orchid in the Malaysian flower industry. However, the genus faces both low germination rates and the risk of producing heterozygous progenies. Cryopreservation is currently the favoured long-term storage method for orchids with propagation problems. Vitrification, a frequently used cryopreservation technique, involves the application of pretreatments and cryoprotectants to protect and recover explants during and after storage in liquid nitrogen. However, cryopreservation may cause osmotic injuries and toxicity to cryopreserved explants from the use of highly concentrated additives, and cellular injuries from thawing, devitrification and ice formation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), occurring during dehydration and cryopreservation, may also cause membrane damage. Plants possess efficient antioxidant systems such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes to scavenge ROS during low temperature stress. In this study, protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Dendrobium sonia-28 were assayed for the total protein content, and both SOD and CAT activities, at each stage of a vitrification exercise to observe for deleterious stages in the protocol. The results indicated that cryopreserved PLBs of Dendrobium sonia-28 underwent excessive post-thawing oxidative stress due to decreased levels of the CAT enzyme at the post-thawing recovery stage, which contributed to the poor survival rates of the cryopreserved PLBs.     

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Ilex latifolia Using Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity

The polyphenolic extract of Ilex latifolia (PEIL) exhibits a variety of biological activities. An evaluation of the parameters influencing the ultrasonic extraction process and the assessment of PEIL antioxidant activity are presented herein. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the experimental conditions for the polyphenols ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) from the leaves of Ilex latifolia. We identified the following optimal conditions of PEIL: ethanol concentration of 53%, extraction temperature of 60 °C, extraction time of 26 min and liquid–solid ratio of 60 mL/g. Using these parameters, the UAE had a yield of 35.77 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g, similar to the value we predicted using RSM (35.864 mg GAE/g). The antioxidant activity of PEIL was assessed in vitro, using various assays, as well as in vivo. We tested the effects of various doses of PEIL on D-galactose induced aging. Vitamin C (Vc) was used as positive control. After 21 days of administration, we measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in mouse serum and liver tissue. The results demonstrated that the PEIL exhibits potent radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrythydrazyl (DPPH∙), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS⁺), and hydroxyl (∙OH) radicals. The serum concentrations of SOD and GSH-Px were higher, and MDA levels were lower, in the medium- and high-dose PEIL-treated groups than those in the aging group (p < 0.01), and the activity of MDA was lower than those of the model group (p < 0.01). The liver concentrations of SOD and GSH-Px were higher (p < 0.05), and MDA levels were lower, in the medium- and high-dose PEIL-treated groups than those in the aging control group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that optimizing the conditions of UAE using RSM could significantly increase the yield of PEIL extraction. PEIL possesses strong antioxidant activity and use as a medicine or functional food could be further investigated.     

Effects of Nitrobenzene on Liver Antioxidant Defense System of Carassius auratus

With superoxidedismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione S-transferase(GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as characteristic indexes,the effects of nitrobenzene(NB) on the liver antioxidant defense system of Carassius auratus were studied under the indoors stimulant conditions,and the toxic mechanisms were discussed.The exposure concentrations of NB were 0.5,1.0,5.0 and 10.0 mg/L,and the exposure time was 5,10 and 15 days,respectively.The results show that the stress responses of four antioxidant indexes in the f...     

Potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crocus sativus</Emphasis> (saffron) and its Constituent,Crocin, as Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant in Rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential of saffron and its active constituent, crocin, in hyperlipidemic rats. The animals fed either with normal fat diet or high fat diet were administered orally saffron (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) or crocin (4.84, 9.69, and 19.38 mg/kg) in their respective groups for five consecutive days. Biochemical estimations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity (GSHPx), total glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and total sulfhydryl (SH) groups in liver tissue homogenate were carried out. Both saffron and crocin were effective in decreasing the elevated levels of TG, TC, ALP, AST, ALT, MDA, GSHPx, GSH, and GSSG in serum and increasing SOD, CAT, FRAP, and SH values in liver tissue with reduction in TBARS. The saffron was found to be superior to crocin indicating the involvement of other potential constituents of saffron apart from crocin for its synergistic behavior of quenching the free radicals and ameliorating the damages of hyperlipidemia.     

Anti-Tumor Effects of Queen Bee Acid (10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid) Alone and in Combination with Cyclophosphamide and Its Cellular Mechanisms against Ehrlich Solid Tumor in Mice

Queen bee acid or 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) is one of the main and unique lipid components (fatty acids) in royal jelly. Previous studies have demonstrated that 10-HDA has various pharmacological and biological activities. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of 10-HDA alone and combined with cyclophosphamide (CP), as an alkylating agent which widely used for the treatment of neoplastic cancers, against the Ehrlich solid tumors (EST) in mice. Methods: A total of 72 female Swiss albino mice were divided into eight groups. EST mice were treated with 10-HDA (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) alone and combined with CP (25 mg/kg) orally once a day for 2 weeks. Tumor growth inhibition, body weight, the serum level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen tumor (CAE), liver and kidney enzymes, tumor lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), antioxidant enzymes (e.g. glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase enzyme (CAT)), tumor necrosis factor alpha level (TNF-α), and the apoptosis-regulatory genes expression were assessed in tested mice. Results: the findings exhibited that treatment of EST-suffering mice with 10-HDA at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg especially in combination with CP significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the tumor volume and inhibition rate, tumor markers (AFP and CEA), serum level of liver and kidney, LPO and NO, TNF-α level, as well as the expression level of Bcl-2 in comparison with the mice in the C2 group; while 10-HDA at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg especially in combination with CP significantly (p < 0.001) improved the level of antioxidant enzymes of GPx, CAT, and SOD and the expression level of caspase-3 and Bax genes. Conclusions: According to the results of the present investigations, 10-HDA at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg especially in combination with CP showed promising antitumor effects against EST in mice and can be recommended as a new or alternative anticancer agent against tumor; nevertheless, further investigations, particularly in clinical setting, are required to confirm these results.     

The Effects of Different Doses of ROCK Inhibitor,Antifreeze Protein III,and Boron Added to Semen Extender on Semen Freezeability of Ankara Bucks

In the presented study, the effects of ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, antifreeze protein III, and boron at two different doses were investigated on the spermatological parameters of Ankara buck semen after freeze–thawing. Ejaculates were collected from bucks using an electroejaculator during the breeding season. The ejaculates that showed appropriate characteristics were pooled and used in the dilution and freezing of semen. The extender groups were formed by adding two different doses of three different additives (ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, 5 and 20 µM; antifreeze protein III, 1 and 4 µg/mL; boron, 0.25 and 1 mM) to the control extender. The semen was diluted with the different extenders at 35–37 °C and loaded into straws. Sperm samples frozen in liquid nitrogen vapors, following equilibration, were stored in liquid nitrogen. It was observed that extender supplementation improved post-thaw motility of Ankara buck semen after freeze–thawing. Differences were significant (p < 0.01) for 5 and 10 µM doses of ROCK inhibitor (71.82% and 74.04 % motility), as well as for 0.25 and 1 mM doses of boron (76.36% and 72.08% motility), compared to the control group (66.15% motility). With respect to the evaluation of acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial activity after freeze–thawing, although supplementation provided protection at all doses, the efficacy was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). It was observed that DNA damage was improved by antifreeze protein III at 1 µg/mL (1.23% ± 0.23%) and by boron at all doses (0.25 mM: 1.83% and 1 mM: 1.18%) compared to the control group (3.37%) (p < 0.01), following the thawing process. In the present study, it was determined that some additives added to the extender provided significant improvements in buck spermatozoa motility and DNA damage after thawing.     

Protective Effects of Thymoquinone,an Active Compound of Nigella sativa,on Rats with Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Lung Injury through Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Benzopyrene [B(a)P] is a well-recognized environmental carcinogen, which promotes oxidative stress, inflammation, and other metabolic complications. In the current study, the therapeutic effects of thymoquinone (TQ) against B(a)P-induced lung injury in experimental rats were examined. B(a)P used at 50 mg/kg b.w. induced lung injury that was investigated via the evaluation of lipid profile, inflammatory markers, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. B(a)P also led to a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) (34.3 vs. 58.5 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (42.4 vs. 72.8 U/mg protein), catalase (CAT) (21.2 vs. 30.5 U/mg protein), and total antioxidant capacity compared to normal animals. Treatment with TQ, used at 50 mg/kg b.w., led to a significant reduction in triglycerides (TG) (196.2 vs. 233.7 mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC) (107.2 vs. 129.3 mg/dL), and inflammatory markers and increased the antioxidant enzyme level in comparison with the group that was administered B(a)P only (p < 0.05). B(a)P administration led to the thickening of lung epithelium, increased inflammatory cell infiltration, damaged lung tissue architecture, and led to accumulation of collagen fibres as studied through haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Sirius red, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Moreover, the recognition of apoptotic nuclei and expression pattern of NF-κB were evaluated through the TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The histopathological changes were found to be considerably low in the TQ-treated animal group. The TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly in the B(a)P-induced group, whereas the TQ-treated group showed a decreased apoptosis rate. Significantly high cytoplasmic expression of NF-κB in the B(a)P-induced group was seen, and this expression was prominently reduced in the TQ-treated group. Our results suggest that TQ can be used in the protection against benzopyrene-caused lung injury.     

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in Preclinical In Vivo Models of Inflammation

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in preclinical in vivo models of inflammation. A search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with related keywords. The inclusion criteria were inflammation, plant, and studies on rats or mice; while, the exclusion criteria were reviews, studies with in vitro models, and associated plants. The predominant animal models were paw edema, acute liver injury, and asthma. Rosemary was more commonly used in its entirety than in compounds, and the prevalent methods of extraction were maceration and hydrodistillation. The most common routes of administration reported were gavage, intraperitoneal, and oral, on a route-dependent dosage. Treatment took place daily, or was single-dose, on average for 21 days, and it more often started before the induction. The most evaluated biomarkers were tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The best results emerged at a dose of 60 mg/kg, via IP of carnosic acid, a dose of 400 mg/kg via gavage of Rosmarinus officinalis, and a dose of 10 mg/kg via IP of rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinus officinalis L. showed anti-inflammatory activity before and after induction of treatments.     

Oxidative Stress Parameters of L929 Cells Cultured on Plasma-Modified PDLLA Scaffolds

Oxidative stress may produce high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following cell exposure to endogenous and exogenous factors. Recent experiments implicate oxidative stress as playing an essential role in cytotoxicity of many materials. The aim of this study was to measure intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of L929 fibroblasts cultured on PDLLA, polyethylene glycol (PEG), or ethylenediamine (EDA) grafted PDLLA by plasma polymerization method. Cell proliferation on these scaffolds was studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The study showed that MDA, AOPP levels, and SOD activities in L929 fibroblast cells cultured on all scaffolds were significantly different compared to the control group and each other. The highest MDA (0.42 ± 0.76 nmol/mg protein), AOPP (14.99 ± 4.67 nmol/mg protein) levels, and SOD activities (7.49 ± 3.74 U/mg protein) were observed in cells cultured on non-modified scaffolds; meanwhile, the most cell proliferation was obtained in EDA-modified scaffolds (MDA 0.15 ± 0.14 nmol/mg protein, AOPP 13.12 ± 3.86 nmol/mg protein, SOD 4.82 ± 2.64 U/mg protein). According to our finding, EDA- or PEG-modified scaffolds are potentially useful as suitable biomaterials in tissue engineering.     

Isolation,Purification, and Anti-Aging Activity of Melanin from Lachnum singerianum

Intracellular melanin from Lachnum singerianum YM296 (LIM) was obtained by the method of microwave-assisted extraction. On the basis of single factor experiment, the optimum microwave-assisted extraction conditions of LIM using Box–Behnken design were as follows: NaOH concentration, 1.05 mol/L; ratio of raw material to liquid ratio, 1:14.72 (g/mL); microwave time, 118.70 s; and microwave power, 320 W. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of LIM was 11.08 %, and 40.43 % higher than that of extraction by alkali extraction and acid precipitation. The results showed that microwave-assisted extraction could increase the extraction yield of LIM. Three homogeneous components were fractionated from LIM by Sephadex G-15 column. LIM-a was the main homogeneous component, accounting for 75.7 % of the total content of the homogeneous components. Aged mice model were induced by injecting d-galactose, and the aged mice were given LIM-a of different dosages, respectively. The results showed that LIM-a can significantly increase body weight, thymus indexes, and spleen indexes of the aged mice; effectively elevate the levels of SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT; and decrease the level of MDA in mice liver homogenate, brain homogenate, and serum, indicating that LIM-a had significant anti-aging activity.     

Inhibitory effects of Dulcitol on rat C6 glioma by regulating autophagy pathway

Abstract

In the study, we treated C6 rat glioma cells with 25?mg/ml Dulcitol for 24?h. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to detect cellular growth. The measurements of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) were used to assess oxidative stress level. Western was performed to detect the autophagy and apoptosis expression. The data showed that Dulcitol significantly decreased the cell viability, upregulated the Bax level in mitochondria and the Cytochrome C level in cytoplasm, and downregulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xl. Moreover, it enhanced MDA level, reduced CAT and SOD activities, decreased LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, and increased P62 expression. However, rapamycin increased autophagy level and cell viability, and decreased ROS in Dulcitol treated C6 cells. Moreover, Dulcitol inhibited the glioma growth and enhanced survival in vivo. These results suggest that Dulcitol evidently increase cellular ROS levels and apoptosis in glioma cells, which can be significantly regulated by autophagy.     

Neuroprotective activity of lavender oil on transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice

The air-dried aerial parts of Lavandula angustifolia Mill, a traditional Uygur herbal drug, is used as resuscitation-inducing therapy to treat neurodisfunctions, such as stroke. This study was designed to assess the neuroprotective effects of lavender oil against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in mice. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by the intraluminal occlusion method with a nylon string. The neurodysfuntion was evaluated by neurological deficit and the infarct area was showed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of mitochondria-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl, the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) in brain tissue were measured to estimate the oxidative stress state. Neurological deficit, infarct size, histopathology changes and oxidative stress markers were evaluated after 22 h of reperfusion. In comparison with the model group, treatment with lavender oil significantly decreased neurological deficit scores, infarct size, the levels of MDA, carbonyl and ROS, and attenuated neuronal damage, upregulated SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities and GSH/GSSG ratio. These results suggested that the neuroprotective effects of lavender oil against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury may be attributed to its antioxidant effects.     

Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage Effect of Dioscorea hispida Dennst. on Placental Tissues of Rats

Dioscorea hispida Dennst. locally known as “ubi gadung” has been used as a traditional remedy and source of carbohydrate among Malaysians. To assess the effect of Dioscorea hispida aqueous extract (DHAE) on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their effects on DNA damage in Sprague Dawley rat’s placental tissues, pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups. The animals were orally treated with distilled water (negative control) and three different concentrations of DHAE (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight (BW)) from gestation day 6 until 20. The oxidative stress in placental tissues was evaluated at day 21 by measuring the level of ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA) while comet assay was used for DNA damage. There was no significant production of ROS and SOD activities in all groups. Significant changes were observed in the MDA level at 1000 mg/kg BW DHAE. Comet assay revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) of DNA damage on animals treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg BW DHAE but not at the highest concentration. It was postulated that the placental cells could have undergone necrosis which destroys all components including DNA. This occurrence simultaneously reduces the levels of DNA damage which can be represented by lower level of tail moments. This finding correlates with our histopathological examination where necrotic cells of spongiotrophoblast were observed in the basal zone of placental tissue. The high amount of hydrogen cyanide and other compounds in 1000 mg/kg BW DHAE could elevate the lipid peroxidation and directly induce cell necrosis which requires further investigation.     

Role of pyruvate and ascorbate production in regulation of antioxidant enzymes and membrane LPO levels in Fusarium Acuminatum

The role of pyruvate and ascorbate in the regulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT); glutathione peroxidase enzymes; and, therefore, membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in Fusarium acuminatum was investigated in media containing either glycerin or glucose as a carbon source, depending on the incubation period, in the range of 5–25 g/L. Increasing SOD activity between d 9 and 16 of the incubation period showed a positive correlation with a significant increase in pyruvate production up to 15 g/L of glycerin and glucose. In addition, maximum ascorbate production was observed at 15 g/L of glycerin as 82.5 ± 2.1 and 20 g/L of glucose as 54±1.51, whereas CAT activity decreased with an increased concentration of both carbon sources. When compared with the LPO levels determined in media supplemented with glycerin and glucose, the minimum LPO level was 1.88±0.028 nmol of malondialdehyde/g wet wt at 15 g/L of glycerin on d 16, at which it was also observed to have a maximum pyruvate and ascorbate production and SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities of 75±1.42 μg/mL, 82.5±2.1 μg/mL, 32.5±0.634 μg/mL, 86.8±2.58 IU/mg, and 1.867 IU/mg, respectively. These results indicate that the biosynthesis of pyruvate and ascorbate may be involved in the regulation of antioxidant enzymes, depending on the glycerin and glucose concentrations, and also this defense network was effective in preventing membrane damage from oxidative stress.