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Introduction: Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. It seems that the intake of exogenous antioxidants may be effective in preventing, treating, and reducing the complications of these diseases. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the nervous system. The present study aimed to assess the effect of astaxanthin on the amount of malondialdehyde and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) after oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide in the human neuroblastoma cell line BE (2)-C. Material & Methods: Human neuroblastoma cells were treated in this study with different concentrations of astaxanthin (25, 50, and 100 μM) or 50 μM ascorbic acid (positive control) for 24 h. To induce oxidative stress, they were exposed to hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 400 μM for 2 h. There was also a control group without treatment and without inducing oxidative stress. The amount of malondialdehyde as an index of oxidative stress and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were measured using calorimetric methods. Results: The obtained results demonstrated that the malondialdehyde concentration was significantly reduced in the groups treated with different concentrations of astaxanthin and ascorbic acid compared to the hydrogen peroxide group (P<0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase also increased significantly in these groups compared to the group with oxygenated water (P<0.05). Discussion & Conclusion: Astaxanthin appears to counteract the oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide by lowering malondialdehyde levels and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in BE (2)C cells, thereby protecting the cells from the impact of oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of seed priming with ascorbic acid to increase salt tolerance in Chenopodium quinoa var. Giza 1 during the vegetative growth period, the current research was conducted in the form of a factorial experiment (ascorbic acid at three levels of 0, 20 and 60 mM and NaCl at two levels of 0 and 400 mM) and based on a completely randomized design. The traits measured in the experiment were fresh and dry weight, concentration of photosynthetic pigments, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Data analysis showed salinity resulted in a significant decrease in the amount of dry weight (51.4%), fresh weight (65.6%) and total chlorophyll (55.8%). In addition, salinity increased the content of malondialdehyde (2.3 folds), hydrogen peroxide (2.5 folds) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase). However, seed priming with ascorbic acid at the best level (20 mM) alleviated the adverse effects of NaCl in this variety by increasing the fresh weight (44.7%), dry weight (51.4%), and protecting membrane integrity and photosynthesis activity. Also, the use of ascorbic acid by changing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the content of hydrogen peroxide caused a reduction in oxidative stress in in this variety. It can be concluded that seed priming of this variety with 20 mM ascorbic acid can be effective on its successful cultivation in high salinity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postmenopausal estrogen deficiency, disturbance of the antioxidant defense system, and free radical production lead to oxidative stress. This results in metabolic disturbances affecting the liver. Therefore, it is important to properly evaluate the benefits of antioxidant administration and exercise on oxidative stress in the liver. The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic training with vitamin C and estradiol on oxidative stress in the liver among ovariectomized and normal rats. Materials & Methods: In total, sixty-four female rats were divided into two groups of normal (n=32) and ovariectomized (n=32). Each group was subdivided randomly into four subgroups consisting of sham, training, training+vitamin C, and training+estradiol. The experimental protocol was five 60-min running sessions for six weeks on a treadmill with average intensity and 55% Vo2max. Moreover, the rats were subjected to the injection of 250 mg and 0.25 mg/kg vitamin C and estradiol, respectively. Liver oxidative damage was determined by the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Findings: According to the results, ovariectomy resulted in vaginal atrophy. Moreover, it led to a significant increase in AST and ALT levels. In addition, the administration of estradiol decreased the serum level of these enzymes (P

Background and aim: Defrasirox (Exjade) is an iron chelating drug used in patients with beta thalassemia major. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of nephrotoxicity and its progression. Defecirox due to oxidative stress and increased cell apoptosis causes dysfunction of renal tubules and renal toxicity. In this study, according to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the effect of vitamin C on kidney damage caused by defrasirox was investigated. Material and methods: This study was performed on 30 Wistar rats in three groups, control group, Deferasirox group and Deferasirox with vitamin C group. Inorder to induce the nephrotoxicity, intra-peritoneum injection of deferasirox(75 mg/kg/day) has been used. After taking plasma from blood samples of the rats, the determination of values of [17]Cr], [Na+], [K+], [Mg+], osmolality, [BUN] in plasma and urine samples performed. The creatinine clearance, relative and absolute excretion of sodium and potassium have been calculated. After separating the two kidneys, they used for histologic study with H&E staining and, MDA and FRAP bichemical study. Results: Cotreatment with deferasirox and vitamin C, reduced renal tissue MDA and relative and absolute Na and K excretion and urine osmolarity also increased creatinine clearance and renal tissue FRAP . Conclusion: Co treatment adminstration of vitamin C has a significant protective effect on the renal toxicity induced by defacirox. The protective ability of deferasirox is because of the antioxidant properties of vitamin C in reducing oxidative stress and reducing lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cadmium is one of the pollutants in ecosystems. This heavy metal as a toxin affects the reproductive system and causes the destruction of the spermatogenesis process. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Origanum vulgar aqueous extract and vitamin C on cadmium chloride damage in testicular tissue. METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 30 wistar male rat in four groups of six rats. The control received Cadmium 2 mg/kg of single dose intraperitoneal, T1 group received cadmium with vitamin C 250 mg/kg. T2, T3 and T4 groups received cadmium and aqueous extract of Marjoram at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively for 10 days intraperitoneal. At the end of the period, the animals were weighed. Serum antioxidant level and malondialdehyde in testis tissue were measured. In addition, after staining were counted calls in testicular tissue. FINDINGS: The highest concentration of MDA was observed in the control group at 1.4±0.018 and the lowest in the T4 at 93.03±0.30 μmol/ml. The lowest antioxidant capacity in control was 796.41±40.76 and the highest in T4 group was 1198.91±51.45 μmol/ml. There was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of MDA and TCA between T1 and T3 groups (p=0.076). However, the mean of testicular tissue cells (sertoli, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and laydic) in T3 was the highest and lowest mean in control group and the difference was significant (P=0.048). CONCLUSION: According to results of this study, Marjoram aqueous extract in controlling oxidative stress damage in the same dose 250 mg/kg has a better performance than vitamin C.

Oxidative stress factors are known to causes some metabolic disorders diseases. Therefore, preventing, or at least decreasing the amount of these factors may have a positive impact on prevention or improvement of the metabolic diseases. Recently, the herbal medicines are more considered due to more effectiveness. The present study was designed to evaluate anti-oxidant effect of sumac powder (Rhus coriaria L.).In the present study, special parts of the sumac plant, dried at room temperature and powdered using laboratory mill. All samples were solubilized in methanol, and four concentrations (12.5, 25, 40 ،50 μ/ml) were prepared and the antioxidant activity of sumac powder measured by DPPH at a wavelength of 517 nm. Finally, the IC50 of all samples and the standard were calculated and compared with standard.The methanol extracts of all sumac doses showed dose-dependent potent antioxidant activity. The results indicated that brown sumac powder (IC50 = 14/912) has the higher antioxidant activity compared to red sumac powder (IC50 = 27/385), which was lower than vitamin C (IC50 = 6/708). Brown sumac powder has a stronger antioxidant effect than red sumac powder, which can be effective in improving the antioxidant defense of the body, so we advise to consume brown sumac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) as a strong oxidant agent causes variety of toxic effects including alterations in the biochemical and cardiac tissue. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of royal jelly (RJ) and vitamin C (vit C) against PHZ-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Materials and Methods: Adult male mice were randomly assigned to eight groups of eight mice each. PHZ was administered to four groups of mice at a dose of 60 mg/kg per 48 hours intraperitoneally for 35 days. Three of these groups received vit C (250 mg/kg per day) intraperitoneally, RJ (100 mg/kg per day) orally and vit C+RJ with same doses four hours before PHZ administration, respectively. A vehicle-treated control group and vit C, RJ and vit C+RJ control groups were also included. Results: RJ and vit C significantly decreased (p< 0.05) the serum level of malondialdehyde and creatine kinase (CK-BM) that had been increased by PHZ. Also, RJ and vit C increased the total antioxidant capacity and supraxoid dismutase serum that had been decreased by induced PHZ. Moreover, RJ and vit C could improve the tissue damages induced by PHZ such as diffused edema, hemorrhage, congestion, hyaline exudates, necrosis and also fibrosis tissue in heart tissue. Conclusion: It seems that Vit C and RJ can minimize PHZ-induced cardiotoxicity in mouse through oxidative reactions inhibition.

Background and Aim Among the plants with multiple healing properties and a long and common history of use in Iranian traditional medicine, is dog-rose plant with the scientific name of “Rosa canina” that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This study aimed to review the effectiveness of Rosa canina in treatment of different body organs and tissues and emphasizes its therapeutic mechanism. Methods & Materials This is a review study. About 176 papers published from 2010 to 2018 were extracted from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Ovid, MagIran, and SID databases using related keywords and entered into study. Ethical Considerations Ethical issues (including plagiarism, misconduct, data fabrication, falsification, double publication or submission, redundancy) have been completely observed by the authors. Results Different studies had indicated the importance of Rosa canina as a medicinal plant protecting liver, lowering glucose and lipid levels, and having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The highest flavonoid activity in the Rosaceae family is related to Rosa canina. The use of herbal extracts in the treatment of common diseases, such as diabetes, fatty liver, urinary tract and Alzheimer's, has been recommended. Conclusion High qualitative and quantitative diversity of effective ingredients, ease of access, absence of adverse effects of consumption and endemic nature of Rosa canina plant make it necessary to use it for the control and treatment of common human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lead is a heavy metal that causes toxicity in various tissues, including kidneys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of ascorbic acid on lead-induced renal toxicity. Methods: 24 rats were divided into three groups: 1- Control group that consumed normal water, 2- Lead acetate group (mg/liter 500) in drinking water and 3- Lead acetate + Ascorbic acid group (1 gr/liter). After 8 weeks, the rats were completely anesthetized and blood and kidney tissues were collected. Results: Lead acetate caused increase in BUN and creatinine compared to control group. In addition, in Lead acetate group malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated and glutathione (GSH) was decreased in renal tissues. In Lead acetate + Ascorbic acid group, MDA was decreased and GSH was increased in contrast to Lead acetate group. Conclusion: According to this data, oral ascorbic acid consumption reduces the renal functional injury and oxidative stress following lead toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of cancer. Chicken embryo amniotic fluid, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 have anti-oxidant properties. Total of 70 adult female mice were selected and divided into seven groups. The first group that received 2 ml kg-1 of inactivated amniotic fluid subcutaneously. The second group treated with 75 mg kg-1of cyclophosphamide by intraperitoneal injection. Third to fifth groups received 1, 2, and 4 ml kg-1 of chicken embryo amniotic fluid, respectively. The sixth group received vitamin C at a dose of 0.2 mg g-1 of body weight by oral gavages. Seventh group received 10 mg kg-1 coenzyme Q10 intraperitoneally. All cyclophosphamide treated groups (3-7) received 75 mg kg-1 of cyclophosphamide intraperitoneal on day 22. The mice were euthanized on day 29 and ovarian tissue antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. Activities of above mentioned enzymes in treatment groups (3-7) was significantly higher than patient control group (2). The results also revealed that MDA levels were higher in the control group in comparison to other treatment groups. Therefore, it is concluded that the chick embryo amniotic fluid and coenzyme Q10 can compete with compounds like vitamin C in increasing the anti-oxidant level in ovarian tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) as a strong oxidant agent causes variety of toxic effects including alterations in the biochemical and cardiac tissue. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of royal jelly (RJ) and vitamin C (vit C) against PHZ-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Materials and Methods: Adult male mice were randomly assigned to eight groups of eight mice each. PHZ was administered to four groups of mice at a dose of 60 mg/kg per 48 hours intraperitoneally for 35 days. Three of these groups received vit C (250 mg/kg per day) intraperitoneally, RJ (100 mg/kg per day) orally and vit C+RJ with same doses four hours before PHZ administration, respectively. A vehicle-treated control group and vit C, RJ and vit C+RJ control groups were also included. Results: RJ and vit C significantly decreased (p< 0.05) the serum level of malondialdehyde and creatine kinase (CK-BM) that had been increased by PHZ. Also, RJ and vit C increased the total antioxidant capacity and supraxoid dismutase serum that had been decreased by induced PHZ. Moreover, RJ and vit C could improve the tissue damages induced by PHZ such as diffused edema, hemorrhage, congestion, hyaline exudates, necrosis and also fibrosis tissue in heart tissue. Conclusion: It seems that Vit C and RJ can minimize PHZ-induced cardiotoxicity in mouse through oxidative reactions inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dazinon (DZN) as organophosphate insecticide induces oxidative stress. Vitamins E and C are antioxidants protecting cells from oxidative stress. Objective: To determine the modulation of diazinon-induced oxidative stress by vitamins E and C in rat brain. Materials and Methods: In present experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups including: control (corn oil as DZN solvent), DZN (100 mg/kg), vitamin E (150 mg/kg), vitamin C (200 mg/kg), vitamin E+DZN and vitamin C+DZN groups, all of which were given intraperitoneally. 24 hours after injection, animals were anesthetized by ether, and brain tissue was quickly removed. After tissues hemogenation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by biochemical methods. Results: DZN increased SOD (p<0.001) and GST (p<0.01) activities and MDA level (p<0.01), while it decreased CAT and LDH activities and GSH content (p<0.01) in brain compared with the control group. Administration of vitamin E or vitamin C inhibited the changed in these parameters. Discussion: Administration of vitamin E or vitamin C as antioxidant decreases DZN toxicity by scavenging free radicals but it does not protect completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post ischemic myocardial reperfusion can impair CABG outcomes and cause increased mortality, hospital stay and costs. Then, increased oxygen free radicals lead to lipid peroxidation and sulfhydryl group oxidation. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether Nacetylcysteine and Vitamin C as antioxidants could effect postoperative outcomes of on-pump CABG. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, patients who had undergone CABG were studied in 4 groups receiving Vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, Vitamin C & N-acetylcysteine and traditional drugs. The study population consisted of 50 patients in each group. Data were recorded in a checklist and analyzed by using SPSS 20. Results: Mean pump time, ICU stay, hospital stay, the distribution of troponin positive serum, arrhythmia and need for reoperation were significantly different between groups. Gender distribution, mean cross-clamp time, serum creatinine level before and after surgery, the need for inotropic drugs and required dose level of it, showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: It seems that the combination of N-acetylcysteine and Vitamin C had a stronger effect on the defference between the mean of pump time, hospital length stay and length of ICU stay versus the administration of N-acetylcysteine or Vitamin C alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Organophosphates such as diazinon (DZN) induce the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of vitamins E and C as antioxidants in reduction of DZN-induced oxidative stress in rat heart. Materials & Methods: In present experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups control (corn oil as DZN solvent), DZN (100mg/kg), vitamin E (150mg/kg), vitamin C (200mg/kg), vitamin E+DZN and vitamin C+DZN. 24 hours after intraperitoneal injection, animals were anesthetized by ether, and heart tissue was quickly removed. After tissues hemogenation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by biochemical methods. The data were statistically analyzed using Instat 3.3 by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey test. Findings: DZN increased SOD, CAT and GST activities (p<0.01) and MDA level (p<0.05), while decreased LDH activity (p<0.05) and GSH content (p<0.01) in heart compared with the control group. Administration of vitamins E and C inhibited changing of these parameters. Conclusion: Administration of vitamins E and C as antioxidant decreases DZN-induced oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The need for energy in strenuous exercises necessitates increased oxygen consumption and hence increased production of reactive oxygen species. It seems that vitamins C and E supplementation reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamins C and E supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress in female athletes. Methods: This four-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial, recruited 64 trained female athletes from gyms in Isfahan, Iran. The subjects were randomly assigned to groups A-D and received vitamin C (250 mg/day), vitamin E (400 international units), both vitamins C and E, and placebo. Blood samples were obtained before and after the intervention to measure muscle damage indices, i.e. aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde. Findings: Among muscle damage indices, only creatine kinase levels significantly reduced between groups at the end of the study (P = 0.030). Considering within group differences, creatine kinase significantly decreased in group A (P = 0.002). No within or between group differences were observed in aspartate aminotransferase levels. Lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly decreased in group B (P = 0.020). Significant reductions in malondialdehyde levels were also detected in groups A, C and D (P < 0.050). Conclusion: According to our findings, vitamins C and E supplementation can be beneficial in reducing muscle damage indices during aerobic exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is inadequate awareness about the effects anaerobic activity and vitamin supplementation on oxidative stress indices and cell membrane lipid peroxidation. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of supplementation with vitamins C and E on malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) after anaerobic activity in teenage water polo players. Methods: In this semi-experimental, double-blind research, 16 water polo players with at least two years of professional experience were selected (mean age: 15.00 ± 0.06 years, mean height: 162.00 ± 0.08 cm, mean weight: 58.0 ± 7.1 kg). They were randomized to placebo and supplement groups to receive either dextrose (400 IU with 250 ml water) or a combination of vitamin E (200 IU) and vitamin C (400 mg) for 14 days. At baseline and on day 15, blood samples were collected before and immediately and 30 minutes after the participants had performed 100m freestyle swimming with maximum speed. Differences between groups were analyzed using combined analysis of variance in SPSS18. The level of significance was considered as 0.05. Findings: Supplementation significantly decreased level of MDA and activity of GPX, CAT, and SOD. In addition, TAC was increased in the supplement group. Conclusion: Supplementation with vitamins C and E supplementation clearly increases TAC against oxidative stress. It can thus reduce the degenerative effects of oxidants on cell membrane and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Uric acid and vitamin C take part in protection mechanisms to overcome the oxidative stress that occurs in vascular accidents. Considering the prevalence of cerebrovascular accidents and unresolved position of these antioxidants, this study aimed to assess serum uric acid and vitamin C levels in acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients during the early 48 hours of admission for atherothrombotic stroke were compared with 50 controls. Serum levels of uric acid and vitamin C were measured by enzymatic and calorimetric assays, respectively, and the findings were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: Serum vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the stroke patients (0.42 ±0.13 vs. 0.5 ±0.16 μg/dl, P=0.011). However, there was no significant differences in the serum uric acid levels between the case and control groups (4.55 ±1.97 vs. 5.09 ±1.93 mg/dl, P=0.167). Conclusion: Estimation of vitamin C levels may be used as an indirect evidence of oxidative stress process inducing neuronal damage in acute atherothrombotic stroke, and it may be a useful tool for monitoring and optimizing future antioxidant therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among late complications of sulfur mustard gas, respiratory problems, especially chronic bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis, are the greatest causes of long-term disability. Colchicine has anti-inflammatory effects and also indication of its usage in pulmonary fibrosis. According to these and note to the effect of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis, the therapeutic effects of Cochicine and the role of oxidative stress in its mechanism was studied. Methods: One group of mice that had inhaled sulfur mustard one month ego was treated by colchicine. After sacrificing and sampling, biochemical indeces of chronic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis of experimental group was compared with positive and negative control groups. Finding: A significant decrease was seen in alveolar space percentage, serum vitamin C, and catalase and an increase was seen in hydroxylproline concentration, lymphocyte infiltration, and serum H2O2 in positive control group in comparison with negative control. Vitamin C and catalase increase and hydroxylproline concentration, lymphocyte infiltration and serum H2O2 decrease in experimental group in comparison with positive control group were obtained. Conclusion: Colchicine has therapeutic effects on delayed lung complications of sulfur mustard gas injury and diminishing the oxidative stress can be one of mechanisms of this drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Defective sperm function is now recognized as one of the most important causes of male infertility. Seminal plasma possesses a rich source of different enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that protect spermatozoa against oxidative stress as one of the mediators of infertility causing sperm dysfunction and low sperm quality. The aim of this study was investigation of seminal total antioxidant capacity and determination of vitamin C effects on sperm motility. Methods: We designed a case-control study with a total subject of 62 males. Sperm parameters were analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines (WHO, 1999). Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C level of seminal plasma were measured in the 32 normozoospermic as the control group and 32 asthenospermic men as the case group using FRAP (Ferric Reducing of Antioxidants Powers) and RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography) methods, respectively. Results: Our results indicated that total antioxidant capacity levels in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic men were significantly lower than healthy men (p=0.002). In addition, we found a positive correlation between reduced total antioxidant capacity levels and low sperm motility. Vitamin C levels of seminal plasma in asthenospermic men were statistically lower than control men (p=0.01). Conclusions: It is suggested that asthenospermia could be related to an antioxidant deficiency or it's reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]