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Chia seed oil (CSO) is a natural carotenoid that has active pharmacological properties and has been the most popular in recent years. The aim this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic antioxidative/nitrosative, oxidative DNA damage and adenosine deaminase effects of chia seed oil on streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats. Sprague Dawley, adult, male rats were used in the study. Animals were divided into the following groups: Group I (Control, n=7), Group II (Chia Group, Chia seed oil (CSO) was applied by oral gavage at 1g/kg for 14 days, n=7), Group III ((Diabetes (DM) Group, Streptozotocin (STZ) was applied as 50 mg/kg i.p. single dose (n=7)), and Group IV (DM+CSO Group, STZ 50 mg/kg i.p. single dose +CSO was applied by oral gavage at 1g/kg for 14 days after diabetes was induced, (n=7)). Physiological parameters (body weight, blood glucose) were evaluated. STZ exposure increased serum TOS, OSI and NO levels, which are markers associated with oxidative damage, while PON enzyme activities decreased compared to the control group and did not change TAS levels. Moreover, 8-OHdG level and ADA activity were increased in the diabetic groups. In addition, it was found to regulate body weight and increased glucose in the diabetic group.Our results show that Chia treatment effectively counteracts oxidative stress-mediated free radicals damage caused by diabetes and may serve as a therapeutic agent in reducing oxidative damage in diabetic subjects.

The objectives were to investigate relationships among concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), estradiol 17 beta (E2), and progesterone (P4) in follicular fluids (FF), and quality of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) with respect to perifollicular blood flow (FBF). In Experiment I. follicles (138) were classified according to the presence or absence of FBF (assessed with transvaginal Doppler ultrasonography) and diameter of follicles (small, 2-4 mm; medium, 5-8 mm; and large, >= 9 mm). Concentrations of NO in FF did not differ significantly among these size categories. However, NO concentrations in FF with FBF (54.4 +/- 7.4 mu mol/l) were higher (P < 0.05) than in those without FBF (36.6 +/- 4.1 mu mol/l). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.30, P < 0.05) between NO concentrations and the E2:P4 in FF. Rate of E2 active (E2:P4 >= 1) follicles were numerically 1.2(0.8-1.8) times higher in follicles with FBF (38.1%) compared to those without FBF (25.0%). Moreover, rates of E2 active follicles were 6.1 (0.7-55.2) and 1.3 (0.1-17.3) times higher (P < 0.06) in large (43.3%) and medium (14.3%) compared to small follicles (11.1%), respectively. In Experiment II, quality of COCs from 2 to 8 mm follicles, obtained by transvaginal ovum pick up (OPU), was investigated with respect to FBF. Odds ratio to obtain higher quality COCs from follicles with FBF (47.1%) was 3.3 (1.1-9.6) fold higher (P < 0.05) compared to those from follicles without FBF (14.6%). In conclusion, E2:P4, and NO concentrations in FF, as well as FBF, could be used to determine the functionality of ovarian follicles in cows. Moreover, determination of FBF could be useful to predict quality of COCs in cattle. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that there are dynamic changes in follicular blood flow during follicular deviation and that nitric oxide (NO) in follicular fluid (FF) plays a role in regulation of follicular blood flow. In Experiment I, follicular blood flow of the two largest follicles was monitored by using Power Doppler ultrasonography during follicular deviation in sixteen follicular waves during eight estrous cycles in eight cows. Blood flow did not differ (P > 0.05) between the dominant follicle (DF) and the largest subordinate follicle (SF) until the beginning of the deviation of the follicular size, but was higher (P < 0.05) in DF than in the largest SF one and two days after the beginning of diameter deviation in ovulatory (n = 5) and atretic (n = 11) waves; respectively. In Experiment II, FF was aspirated from DF and the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation (DF, n = 6; SF, n = 6) and two days later (DF, n = 12; SF, n =9). Nitric oxide did not differ (P > 0.05) between DF and the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation but, one or two days after observed diameter deviation NO concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in DF compared to the largest SF. On the day of diameter deviation and two days later E2 levels in FF were higher (P < 0.01) in DF than in the largest SF. P4 concentrations in FF were higher (P < 0.05) in DF than in the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation, but did not (P > 0.05) differ two days later. E2/P4 ratio in FF was the same (P > 0.05) in DF and the largest SF on the day of diameter deviation, but was higher (P < 0.01) in DF than in the largest SF one or two days later. In conclusion, area of follicular blood flow of DF and the largest SF increased in parallel with follicular size during follicular deviation. Furthermore, there were relationships between changes in follicular blood flow, NO concentrations and E2/P4 ratio in FF following the beginning of diameter deviation in cattle. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.