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Background: Glycine is a conditional non-essential amino acid in human and other mammals. It is abundant in the liver and is known for a wide spectrum of characteristics including the antioxidant, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cryoprotective effects. The amino acid is a naturally occurring osmolyte compatible with protein surface interactions and has been reported in literature as a potent therapeutic immuno-nutrient for liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease. Oral glycine administration protects ethanol-induced liver injury, improves serum and tissue lipid profile, and alleviates hepatic injury in various conditions. In recent years, sodium salt of boron (borax) has been reported for its beneficial effects on cellular stress, including the effects on cell survival, immunity, and tissue redox state. Incidentally both glycine and boron prevent apoptosis and promote cell survival under stress. Objective: This study investigates the beneficial effect of borax on liver protection by glycine. Methods: Briefly, liver toxicity was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (400 mg/kg b. wt.). Results: Significant changes in oxidative stress and liver function test parameters, the molybdenum Fe-S flavin hydroxylase activity, nitric oxide and tissue histopathology were observed in thioacetamide treated positive control group. The changes were ameliorated both by glycine as well as borax, but the combinatorial treatment yielded a better response indicating the impact of boron supplementation on glycine mediated protection of liver injury in experimental animal model. Conclusions: The study has clinical implications as the hepatotoxicity caused by thioacetamide mimics features of hepatitis C infection in human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids from marine organisms are a source of molecules of high nutritional significance, like polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and antioxidants. The incorporation of these molecules into the human body is possible mainly through the intake of fish and fish oil-based food. This review covers some of the health benefits and biochemical aspects of nutritional lipids, the available marine resources for the production of PUFAs and antioxidants, and the most used methods for the extraction and identification of these natural lipid molecules in the lab and in the industry. Emphasis is put on the use of residual biomass from fisheries to obtain these interesting products and the consequent improvement of the sustainability of the fish industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large efforts have been, and still are, devoted to minimize the harmful effects of lipid peroxidation. Much of the early work focused in understanding both the lipid oxidation mechanisms and the action of antioxidants in bulk solution. However, food-grade oils are mostly present in the form of oil-in-water emulsions, bringing up an increasing complexity because of the three-dimensional interfacial region. This review presents an overview of the kinetic approaches employed in controlling the oxidative stability of edible oil-in-water emulsions and of the main outcomes, with particular emphasis on the role of antioxidants and on the kinetics of the inhibition reaction. Application of physical-organic chemistry methods, such as the pseudophase models to investigate antioxidant partitioning, constitute a remarkable example on how kinetic methodologies contribute to model chemical reactivity in multiphasic systems and to rationalize the role of interfaces, opening new opportunities for designing novel antioxidants with tailored properties and new prospects for modulating environmental conditions in attempting to optimize their efficiency. Here we will summarize the main kinetic features of the inhibition reaction and will discuss on the main factors affecting its rate, including the determination of antioxidant efficiencies from kinetic profiles, structure-reactivity relationships, partitioning of antioxidants and concentration effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large efforts have been, and still are, devoted to minimize the harmful effects of lipid peroxidation. Much of the early work focused in understanding both the lipid oxidation mechanisms and the action of antioxidants in bulk solution. However, food-grade oils are mostly present in the form of oil-in-water emulsions, bringing up an increasing complexity because of the three-dimensional interfacial region. This review presents an overview of the kinetic approaches employed in controlling the oxidative stability of edible oil-in-water emulsions and of the main outcomes, with particular emphasis on the role of antioxidants and on the kinetics of the inhibition reaction. Application of physical-organic chemistry methods, such as the pseudophase models to investigate antioxidant partitioning, constitute a remarkable example on how kinetic methodologies contribute to model chemical reactivity in multiphasic systems and to rationalize the role of interfaces, opening new opportunities for designing novel antioxidants with tailored properties and new prospects for modulating environmental conditions in attempting to optimize their efficiency. Here we will summarize the main kinetic features of the inhibition reaction and will discuss on the main factors affecting its rate, including the determination of antioxidant efficiencies from kinetic profiles, structure-reactivity relationships, partitioning of antioxidants and concentration effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the optimal requirements from dietary fiber and fat for Egyptian geese is a matter of great concern regarding health, production and growth. Therefore, the current study estimated the effects of different dietary fiber and fat levels on functions of liver and kidney, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant measurements of the growing Egyptian geese. 150 Egyptian goslings (4 weeks old), with almost the same body weights were randomly allocated into 6 groups (25 goslings/group). All groups were subdivided into five replicates, each replicate contains five geese. Liver and kidney functions, immunity and antioxidant parameters were not significantly affected the different studied levels of fiber and fat or by their interaction. Various levels of fiber significantly affected total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol in a concentration-dependent manner and the lowest the lipid profile values were obtained at 12%. In conclusion, the present findings show that use of dietary fiber up to 12% and 5% dietary fat showed no detrimental effects on the immune status and general health of geese and resulted in the preferable lipid profile. This experiment provides a base for further study about the optimal requirements from dietary fiber and fat for the growing Egyptian geese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most lipids in our diet come under the form of triacylglycerols that are often redispersed and stabilized by surfactants in processed foods. In plant however, lipid assemblies constitute interesting sources of natural bioactive and functional ingredients. In most photosynthetic sources, polar lipids rich in ω3 fatty acids are concentrated. The objective of this review is to summarize all the knowledge about the physico-chemical composition, digestive behavior and oxidative stability of plant polar lipid assemblies to emphasize their potential as functional ingredients in human diet and their potentialities to substitute artificial surfactants/antioxidants. The specific composition of plant membrane assemblies is detailed, including plasma membranes, oil bodies, and chloroplast; emphasizing its concentration in phospholipids, galactolipids, peculiar proteins, and phenolic compounds. These molecular species are hydrolyzed by specific digestive enzymes in the human gastrointestinal tract and reduced the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols and their subsequent absorption. Galactolipids specifically can activate ileal break and intrinsically present an antioxidant (AO) activity and metal chelating activity. In addition, their natural association with phenolic compounds and their physical state (Lα state of digalactosyldiacylglycerols) in membrane assemblies can enhance their stability to oxidation. All these elements make plant membrane molecules and assemblies very promising components with a wide range of potential applications to vectorize ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and equilibrate human diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular damage, lipid oxidation and the action of inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the evolution of vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) hyperglycemia. In contrast, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to evaluate the overall effects of ALA supplementation by assessing its long-term systemic action on the vascular morphology of rats with induced diabetes. A total of 28 male rats were divided into 4 groups with seven animals each. For diabetes induction, two groups received streptozotocin. The animals in the lipoic and diabetic lipoic groups received ALA supplement. After 8 weeks the animals were anesthetized and blood collected was for hematological, biochemical and serological analyses. The thoracic aorta was removed, processed for paraffin and histological sections were stained for morphometric analysis. In diabetic groups, an improvement in hematological profile was observed, with platelet reduction in the diabetic lipoic group. ALA addition to the diet attenuated the negative effects in lipid profile; moreover, renal, hepatic and inflammatory parameters reduced or displayed values close to the values of the normal control. The anti-inflammatory effect of ALA was observed in diabetic animals, with a reduction of inflammatory citokines, accompanied by the improvement of morphological parameters in the aorta. In conclusion, long-term supplementation with ALA promoted systemic improvement, thus reducing the risk of vascular diseases. The changes in the renal and hepatic parameters without any negative impact in the hematological profile also show that ALA can be indicated as a low-risk prophylaxis or complementary therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasianthera africana P. Beauv. (Icacinaceae) is a good source of natural antioxidants, having the potential to protect against oxidative stress-related diseases and complications. This study investigated the antioxidant, hepatoprotective and curative effects of flavonoid-rich fraction of L. africana leaves (LAFRF) against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Phytochemical, nutrient content, and in vitro antioxidant activity of LAFRF were determined by standard methods. Fifty Wistar rats were randomized into 10 groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and CCl4 controls, respectively. Groups 3A–6A constituted the protective study while groups 3B–6B represented the curative study. The effects of LAFRF at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, liver enzymes activities, and histology of CCl4-intoxicated rats were assessed. LAFRF total flavonoids (281.05 ± 7.44 mg QE/g), indicated LD50 above 5000 mg/kg b.w., and scavenged ABTS*+ with an IC50 of 5.05 ± 0.00 µg/mL relative to butylated hydroxytoluene (4.16 ± 0.00 µg/mL), and a concentration-dependent increase in total antioxidant capacity. Carbon tetrachloride (1 mL/kg) triggered significant (p < 0.05) increases in malonedialdehyde concentration (2.67 ± 0.21 mg/mL), with a corresponding decline in antioxidant status, and increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities (68.00 ± 9.59 IU/L, 79.60 ± 5.03 IU/L and 81.80 ± 3.96 IU/L), respectively. LAFRF significantly (p < 0.05) lowered lipid peroxidation levels, liver enzyme activities, increased antioxidant status, and improved hepatic histo-architecture of pre- and post LAFRF-treated rats. This demonstrates its high antioxidative, hepatoprotective and curative effects, indicating its potential for future drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zingiber officinale (ZO) and Terminalia chebula (TC) are plants used for the treatment of diverse illnesses in traditional medicine. The present study investigates the preventive effect of Zingiber officinale–Terminalia chebula extract (ZOTC) against DMBA-induced breast cancer in a rat model. Bioactive compounds from ZO (6-gingerol, 6-shogaol) and TC (gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, chebulinic acid, and chebulagic acid) were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. Mammary carcinogenesis was induced in rats with a single subcutaneous injection of 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Oral administration of ZOTC ameliorated the antioxidant status in mammary tissues, serum lipid levels, and serum cytokines. Histological analysis of the mammary tissue (normal and tumor) was carried out to obtain pathological alterations due to ZOTC treatment. The effect of ZOTC on the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene and accumulation of corresponding gene product was also investigated. mTOR plays a central role in cell metabolism and proliferation in normal and cancer cells. Transcriptional and immunohistochemical analysis showed the downregulation of mTOR expression in the mammary tissues of ZOTC-treated rats. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that ZOTC can suppress tumor progression in DMBA-induced breast cancer rats via inhibition of the mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the potential role of oxidative stress and lipid status in the onset of preeclampsia.METHODS: 138 high-risk pregnant women were prospectively followed. Assessment of oxidative stress (TAS, TOS, AOPP and SH groups) and lipid status (t-C, LDL-C, HDL-C, TGC, APO-A1, APO-B) was carried out during the pregnancy.RESULTS: 30 women developed preeclampsia. TGC, atherogenic index of plasma, TAS and SH levels were higher in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress and lipid status disturbance have a potential role in the onset of preeclampsia in high risk pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Algerian date palm fruits of three varieties [Deglet nour (DN), Ghars (GH), Degla baida (DB)] and its influence on oxidative stress were explored in rat models using human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). Phenolic profile and total phenolic content of the extracts revealed in vitro antioxidant potential, which was confirmed using HepG2 cells. Reduction of TBARS level and increase in NO levels were observed in cell medium. In vivo assays showed that administration of date extracts influenced the hypolipidemic effect in rats by decreasing total cholesterol (−51% for DB, −31% for GH and −30% for DN), triacylglycerol (−61% for DN, −54% for DB and −32% for GH) and LDL-Cholesterol, while increasing HDL-Cholesterol level, indicating strong cardioprotective properties of date fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of several oxidative diseases, and several therapeutic approaches using antioxidants have been proposed. LPO is thought to progress via a complicated series of multistep reactions suggesting that the activity of each antioxidant may be different, and depends on the reacting molecules. Hence, in this study, we evaluated the inhibitory mechanisms of several antioxidants toward arachidonic acid (AA) peroxidation induced by the azo initiator 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) or a lipid hydroperoxide, hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (HpODE)/hemin. Edaravone, ferrostatin-1, TEMPO and trolox effectively inhibited the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and several oxidised AAs generated in the AAPH-induced LPO because of their scavenging ability toward lipid peroxyl radicals. In contrast, ebselen and ferrostatin-1 showed strong antioxidative activity in the HpODE/hemin-induced peroxidation. Under this condition, ebselen and ferrostatin-1 were thought to reduce HpODE and its derived alkoxyl radicals to the corresponding lipid alcohols. In conclusion, we found that each antioxidant had different antioxidative activities that prevented the progression of LPO. We expect that these findings will contribute to the design of novel therapeutic strategies using an appropriate antioxidant targeted to each step of the development of oxidative stress diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unravelling the relationship between food and health requires a more in-depth knowledge of the various changes occurring in the gastrointestinal tract during digestion and which may ultimately affect the nutritional quality and safety of ingested food lipids before absorption into the bloodstream. In this context, this review deals with the oxidation process of food lipids under digestive conditions and the studies carried out on this topic using different digestion models: in vitro, in vivo or ex vivo, static or dynamic, and including one, two and/or three digestive phases (oral, gastric and duodenal). These studies have contributed to clarifying the occurrence and extent of lipid degradation under such a particular environment, many of them also highlighting the factors affecting the advance or delay of the oxidation of dietary lipids during digestion, like: food lipid content, unsaturation degree and initial oxidative status; the presence in the food bolus of compounds showing antioxidant activity (polyphenols, tocopherols…) either added or naturally present; the presence in the food bolus of proteins (including iron or not); food technological or culinary processings (salting, smoking, cooking…), among others. Likewise, the methodologies employed to study lipid oxidation under digestive conditions are also summarized and future research perspectives are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different antioxidant mechanisms of lotus root and leaf were exhibited against lipid oxidation. The effect of lotus root (LRE) and leaf (LLE) extracted with 50% ethanol exhibited high antioxidant activities. It also improved quality and/or oxidative stability of pork patties when extracts were applied individually (1%) or in combination (each 0.5%). The pork patties treated with either LLE or that with LRE exhibited significantly lower peroxide and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value than the control and patties with LRE. However, the lowest TBARS values were observed in patties with LLE alone from day 7 among the treatments. Patties treated with both LRE and LLE had the highest score in off flavor (P< 0.05). Hence, the combined effect of LRE and LLE was uncertain and the addition of 1% LLE in patties showed superior antioxidant activity during storage days with an adverse effect on quality properties, except for color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic phytochemicals have become of interest due to their therapeutic potential, particularly with regards to their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. An evolving area of research involving phenolics in foods and their products pertains to the functional, biological, and nutritional consequences resulting from the binding between certain phenolic compounds and the macronutrient and micronutrient constituents of foods. The goal of this review is to provide a summary of studies investigating endogenous phenolic interactions with major components in food systems, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins, with a focus on the phenolic compounds and nutrients in oil-bearing plants. Another major objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical nature of phenolic interactions with food constituents that could affect the quality, nutritional and functional properties of foods. Such information can assist in the discovery and optimization of specific phenolic complexes in plant-based foods that could be utilized towards various applications in the food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, we report on the treatment of tannery wastewater using microalgae Chlorella species to produce lipid and fatty acid as well as changes in antioxidant metabolism during the treatment. The variation in growth, production of pigments, antioxidant metabolism, lipid and fatty acids, and nutrient removal from wastewater during the remediation were observed. Surprisingly, a profuse growth was found in 50% diluted tannery wastewater (TW), which supported to accumulate high yield of lipid (18.5%) and unsaturated fatty acids (50.05%). The antioxidant activity of microalgae in both the concentrations (50% and 100% TW) were viz., lipid peroxidation 1.6 ± 0.1 and 2.3 ± 0.02nmol MDA mg−1 protein, SOD 10.3 ± 0.4 and 15.7 ± 0.9 U mg−1 protein, CAT 0.17 ± 0.036 and 0.52 ± 0.06 U mg−1 protein, and APX 7.2 ± 0.8 and 11.2 ± 09 U mg−1 protein respectively, which point out that the free radical scavenging mechanism against heavy metal stress. Maximum phycoremediation of heavy metals observed from both concentrations during the healthy growth period were Cr - 73.1, 45.7%, Cu - 90.4, 78.1%, Pb - 92.1, 52.2%, and Zn - 81.2, 44.6%, respectively. This study proved the potential use of Chlorella for heavy metal and nutrient removal from tannery wastewater. Moreover, an unaffected growth with high antioxidant activity of this species promises a sustainable lipid and fatty acid contents for biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation protection research receives intense focus due to its significant impact on human health. The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of pretreatment with tomato seed oil (TSO) against gamma radiation-induced damage in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) untreated control; (2) TSO-supplemented; (3) gamma-irradiated; (4) TSO-pretreated and gamma-irradiated. Acute exposure of animals to a single gamma radiation dose (6 Gy) induced oxidative stress in major body organs, altered serum lipid homeostasis, significantly increased serum testosterone and sorbitol dehydrogenase levels, and elicited a systemic inflammation as manifested by the induction of serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Oral pretreatment with TSO (1 ml/kg; 3 times/week for 8 weeks) before exposure to gamma radiation protected rats against ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress, restored lipid homeostasis, and suppressed systemic inflammation. Histological findings of target tissues verified biochemical data. The radioprotective ability of TSO was attributed to its content of phytosterols, policosanol, and antioxidants, including lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, and tocopherols. TSO is considered a promising radioprotective agent that can be effectively used to protect the body from the damaging effects of harmful radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the n-hexane fraction obtained by successive liquid fractionation of the crude cold ethanol extract (95%) of the dried powdered Ficus lutea leaves were evaluated by saponification and GC/MS analysis with column chromatography using silica gel. In vitro antioxidant effect was assessed by DPPH free radical technique and in vivo evaluation carried out on rats after carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induction. The evaluation was done by determination of oxidative stress markers and liver function enzymes and examining histopathological picture of liver. Triterpenoidal and steroidal compounds lupenone (lupane skeleton): methyl isomasticadienonate (8-tirucallene skeleton), α-amyrin acetate, 20, 22- Epoxyeupha-24-ene-3-one, and stigmasterol were isolated and their structure elucidations were confirmed by spectral analysis MS, IR, and H1-NMR spectra. Treatment of CCl4-injured rats with plant extract showed amelioration in oxidative stress markers, liver function indices, and the hepatic architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the radioprotective efficacy of date (Phoenix dactylifera) pits extract (DPE) against γ-irradiation-induced liver damage in the male albino rats. For this study, 30-day survival, dose reduction factor (DRF), antioxidant status and some biochemical changes in the serum and hepatic tissue were evaluated. Materials and methods: To calculate 30-day survival, median lethal dose of 30 days (LD50/30) and DRF, DPE was orally administered to rats for 21 days before irradiation with different doses (5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 Gy) of γ-rays and the rats were observed for 30 days post-irradiation. To evaluate the radioprotective efficacy of DPE against γ-irradiation induced-liver tissue damage, animals were divided into four groups (eight animals in each group). (i) Control: rats not subjected to any treatment; (ii) DPE: DPE was orally administrated (1000 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days; (iii) RAD: rats’ whole body exposed to 5 Gy of γ-rays; (iv) DPE + RAD: rats received DPE treatment for 21 days before γ-irradiation. Animals were sacrificed on the seventh day postexposure to radiation. Results: The results showed that pretreatment prior to irradiation with DPE resulted in a significantly higher 30-day survival rate of rats after exposure to different doses of γ-irradiation. Furthermore, DPE treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the hepatic redox state, manifested by a marked increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and glutathione content associated with a significant decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) level. In addition, DPE exhibited hepatoprotective effect evidenced by a marked increase in serum levels of insulin, testosterone, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) and hepatic glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PHD) activity associated with a significant decrease in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and hepatic glucose 6 phosphatase (G6Pase) activity, compared with irradiated group. Moreover, DPE showed positive modulation in the levels of hepatic metals [(iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn)]. Conclusions: DPE treatment prior to gamma irradiation produced biochemical changes that could lead to a reduction in radiation-induced oxidative stress. Hence, we suggest that DPE may be useful as a new natural radioprotective agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the biochemical and molecular mechanisms responsible for ongoing oxidative stress in hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) patients have not yet been fully elucidated, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and other oxidative stress markers in the disease pathophysiology. Moreover, the relation between oxidative stress markers and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was also investigated. Women with pregnancies complicated by HEG (n = 33) were compared with pregnant women without HEG (n = 30) and with healthy non-pregnant women (n = 31). Serum NO, MDA, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and H. pylori infection status were determined for each subject. Serum NO levels and OSI index were found to be increased (p = .001 and .013, respectively) and TAS levels were decreased (p < .001) in HEG patients compared with both controls regardless of H. pylori infection status. Serum MDA and TOS levels were not different between the study groups. Helicobacter pylori infection rates were similar in each group. The reduced antioxidant activities, as well as the increased OSI and NO levels in HEG patients indicate possible oxidative stress conditions in HEG patients. Moreover, serum NO levels may be used as an adjunctive marker to distinguish HEG patients from other causes of emesis during pregnancy. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Current evidence suggests that oxidative stress is a significant factor responsible for a number of complications during pregnancy. What do the results of this study add? Hyperemesis gravidarum is an oxidative stress condition, as reflected by increased nitric oxide (NO) and decreased total antioxidant status activity, regardless of H. Pylori infection. What are the implications for clinical practice and/or further research? Full disclosure of the association between circulating NO and hyperemesis gravidarum would shed light on underlying biological mechanisms and could help clinical management of similar pregnancy-associated morbidity states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research findings that suggest beneficial health effects of dietary supplementation with virgin coconut oil (VCO) are limited in the published literature. This study investigated the in vivo effects of a 5-week VCO-supplemented diet on lipid profile, hepatic antioxidant status, hepatorenal function, and cardiovascular risk indices in normal rats. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1 control and 2 treatment groups (10% and 15% VCO-supplemented diets) for 5 weeks. Serum and homogenate samples were used to analyze lipid profile, hepatorenal function markers, hepatic activities of antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde level. Lipid profile of animals fed VCO diets showed significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level increased significantly (p <.05) compared to control; and there were beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk indices. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker, remarkably reduced and activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)—were markedly increased in VCO diet–fed rats. The VCO diet significantly modulated creatinine, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to control. The findings suggest a beneficial effect of VCO on lipid profile, renal status, hepatic antioxidant defense system, and cardiovascular risk indices in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess short-term efficacy and safety of a multicomponent nutraceutical (MCN) on dysmetabolism and oxidative stress, a pilot prospective observational study was performed on 21 individuals (12 men and 9 women) who took, for 60 days, 2 tablets per day of an MCN based on antioxidants andmetabolism regulators: hydroxytyrosol (15 mg), maqui (300 mg), amla (200 mg), monacolin K (10 mg), berberine (245 mg), astaxanthin (0.5 mg), coenzyme Q10 (100 mg), and folic acid (200 mcg). On day 0 (T0) and day 60 (T60), all participants underwent laboratory tests related to lipid profile, carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress, and cellular inflammation. Statistical analysis was applied to the resulting data. A significant improvement of most atherogenesis and oxidative stress biomarkers was recorded (mean figure at T0 and T60, p value): total cholesterol 243.50/194.83 mg/dl, p=.0002; low-density lipoproteins 174.50/124.58 mg/dl, p=.0001; glycemia 96.25/88.50 mg/dl, p=.035; total free radicals 306.44/280.93 U.Carr., p = .036; serum antioxidant capacity 2103.00/2246.06 umol/l, p = .0042; oxidized cholesterol 680.33/597.25 uEq/l, p = .0511. Insulinemia, microalbuminuria, high-density lipoproteins, C-reactive protein, and triglycerides had no statistically significant variation. Body weight and systo-diastolic pressure showed no significant change from T0 to T60. No relevant side effects were reported. The investigated MCN (Eonlipid), based on polyphenols, significantly improved the oxidative stress parameters and decreased themajority of atherogenesis parameters at short term. No significant side effects were reported. Further placebo-controlled studies should possibly corroborate the promising results of this pilot study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of calcium (Ca2+) application on acquired systemic tolerance mechanism to cadmium (Cd) stress in sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) were studied. The Cd stress reduced the root and shoot growth of sesame, and plant contents of photosynthetic pigments; however, the application of Ca2+improved these parameters under Cd stress condition. The hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and soluble sugar contents were higher under Cd stress, and were reduced by Ca2+treatment. The antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaves of sesame, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were higher under Cd stress, whereas reduced concentration was observed in Ca2+-treated plants. Cd stress increased the contents of diacylglycerol and sterol ester; however Ca2+treatment resulted in a significant increase in phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine. Our results indicated that application of calcium enables sesame plants to withstand the deleterious impact of cadmium through upregulating acquired systemic tolerance system as lipid fractions (galactolipids, phospholipids, neutral lipids), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, GR) hence protect membrane functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Strawberries can improve oxidants-antioxidants balance and reduce some cardiovascular risk factors in obese subjects. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme with antioxidant properties that can protect from coronary artery disease in humans. We examined the effect of strawberry consumption on plasma PON-1 activity and lipid profile in healthy nonobese subjects.Methods: Thirty-one subjects (body mass index [BMI] 24.4 ± 4.0 kg/m(2)) on their usual diet consumed 500 g of strawberry pulp daily for 30 days (first course) and after a 10-day washout the cycle was repeated (second course). Fasting blood and spot morning urine samples were collected before, during, and after each strawberry course (8 time points) for determination of paraoxonase and arylesterase PON-1 activities and lipid profile. Twenty subjects served as controls with respect to cholesterol and PON-1 activities changes over the study period.Results: Strawberries decreased mean plasma paraoxonase PON-1 activity and this effect was more evident after the second course (by 11.6%, p < 0.05) than after the first course (5.4%, p = 0.06), whereas arylesterase activity was constant. Strawberries altered total cholesterol levels (p < 0.05) with a tendency to transiently decrease it (by 5.1%) only after 15 days of the first course. Triglycerides and high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not change in response to fruit consumption. No changes in PON-1 activities and lipid profile were noted in controls. Paraoxonase correlated with arylesterase activity (ƿ from 0.33 to 0.46 at the first 7 time points, p < 0.05). This association disappeared at the end of study (ƿ = 0.07) when the strongest inhibition of paraoxonase was noted.Conclusions: Supplementation of the usual diet with strawberries decreased paraoxonase PON-1 activity and did not improve lipid profiles in healthy nonobese subjects. Further studies are necessary to establish the clinical significance of paraoxonase suppression and to define a group of healthy subjects who can benefit from strawberry consumption with respect to cholesterol levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Oxidative stress has a critical role in the pathogenesis of RA and CVD. Sesamin, the main lignin constituent of sesame, has several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sesamin supplementation on anthropometric indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, and oxidative stress markers in women with RA.Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 44 patients with RA were randomly divided into 2 groups (intervention and control). Patients consumed 200 mg/day sesamin supplement and placebo in the intervention and control groups, respectively, for 6 weeks (spring 2014). At baseline and at the end of the study, anthropometric indices and blood pressure were assessed. Serum concentrations of lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also determined.Results: At the end of study, sesamin supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of MDA (p = 0.018) and increased TAC and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in patients with RA (p = 0.020 and p = 0.007, respectively). In the sesamin group, the mean of weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat, systolic blood pressure, and the concentration of other lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) were also significantly decreased at the end of study compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). However, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant in this regard (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Sesamin exhibited a protective effect on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with RA. However, further investigation is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Berries are a rich source of anthocyanins, and clinical data suggest that a polyphenol-rich diet may exert health-promoting effects by reducing oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of dietary supplementation with Delphinol (trademark owned by MNL Chile) standardized maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) extract on products of lipid peroxidation in healthy, overweight, and smoker subjects.Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 42 participants (age 45-65 years) consumed in random order either a standardized extract of maqui berry (162 mg anthocyanins) or a matched placebo, given 3 times daily for 4 weeks. The samples were collected at baseline, after the end of the supplementation, and 40 days after the end of the study. Primary outcome was the measure of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and F2-isoprostanes in plasma and urine, respectively. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and lipid profile.Results: Delphinol supplementation was associated with reduced levels of Ox-LDL in the anthocyanin group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). There was also a decrease in urinary F2-isoprostanes (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α) at 4 weeks versus baseline in the Delphinol-supplemented group (p < 0.05). However, no differences in primary outcomes were evident at 40 days of follow-up. In the fourth week of the intervention, no significant differences were noted for anthropometric characteristics, ambulatory blood pressure, and lipid profile.Conclusions: Our observations suggest that dietary interventions with maqui berry extract may improve oxidative status (Ox-LDL and F2-isoprostanes) in healthy adults, overweight adults, and adult smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnosic acid, quercetin and α-tocopherol are well-known antioxidants in many biological systems. However, their antioxidative effect during food digestion against lipid and protein oxidation is not well known. Therefore, in this study, an in vitro simulated gastric digestion model was used to investigate their stability during gastrointestinal conditions and their antioxidative properties during low pH digestion. In general, the stability of the antioxidants in the different steps of digestion was in the order of α-tocopherol > quercetin > carnosic acid. Salivary components, as well as the acidity of the gastric juice, were responsible for the reduction in antioxidants. Both α-tocopherol and quercetin were able to lower lipid oxidation during digestion, while the effect on protein oxidation was not clear. In contrast, carnosic acid did not have any effect on lipid oxidation and tended to stimulate protein oxidation. This study clearly demonstrated that the environmental conditions are of major importance to the properties of antioxidant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polar paradox states that polar antioxidants are more active in bulk lipids than their nonpolar counterparts, whereas nonpolar antioxidants are more effective in oil-in-water emulsion than their polar homologs. However, recent results, showing that not all antioxidants behave in a manner proposed by this hypothesis in oil and emulsion, lead us to revisit the polar paradox and to put forward new concepts, hypotheses, and theories. In bulk oil, new evidences have been brought to demonstrate that the crucial site of oxidation is not the air-oil interface, as postulated by the polar paradox, but association colloids formed with traces of water and surface active molecules such as phospholipids. The role of these association colloids on lipid oxidation and its inhibition by antioxidant is also addressed as well as the complex influence of the hydrophobicity on the ability of antioxidants to protect lipids from oxidation. In oil-in water emulsion, we have covered the recently discovered non linear (or cut-off) influence of the hydrophobicity on antioxidant capacity. For the first time, different mechanisms of action are formulated in details to try to account for this nonlinear effect. As suggested by the great amount of biological studies showing a cut-off effect, this phenomenon could be widespread in dispersed lipid systems including emulsions and liposomes as well as in living systems such as cultured cells. Works on the cut-off effect paves the way for the determination of the critical chain length which corresponds to the threshold beyond which antioxidant capacity suddenly collapses. The systematic search for this new physico-chemical parameter will allow designing novel phenolipids and other amphiphilic antioxidants in a rational fashion. Finally, in both bulk oils and emulsions, we feel that it is now time for a paradigm shift from the polar paradox to the next theories. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective To evaluate and compare the intake of lipids and (A, E, and C) vitamins in patients with and without possible neurodegenerative diseases. Methods Twenty adults with possible Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease and 41 control subjects (50–89 years old) from a rural region were studied. Dietary intake was evaluated with the analysis of macronutrients and micronutrients conducted by a food frequency questionnaire and 24 hours dietary record. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and energy intake. Through interrogation and use of medical record form of health secretary we obtained information about the sociodemographic characteristics. Multivariate analysis of variance to allow for covariated adjustment was used. Results Patients had a lower energy intake, vitamin C (P = 0.016), fruits (P < 0.001), vegetables (P = 0.037), and oils and fat (P = 0.002), than the controls. Interestingly, the C vitamin intake in patients was still higher than the recommended. Patients had a higher consumption of cereals (P = 0.017), high-animal fat diet (P = 0.024), and whole milk (P < 0.001); 2.4% of the controls smoke and 5% are alcohol consumers. Eighty-five percent of patients and 78% of the controls do not have physical activity. Family history of subjects in this study indicated chronic diseases. Conclusion The subjects included in this study had a high intake of C vitamin, this is due to the consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, patients with possible Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease had a lower intake of fruits and vegetables, which could be due to type of food to which they have access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to establish the effect of Sambucus ebulus L . (SE) ripe fruit infusion on body weight, blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile and antioxidant markers in healthy volunteers in respect of its possible protective activity against cardiovascular diseases and other oxidative stress-related diseases. The study involved 21 healthy volunteers, aged between 20 and 59, BMI 23.12 ± 1.31, who consumed 200 ml SE infusion/day for a period of 30 d. Blood samples were collected before and at the end of the intervention. Significant decrease in triglycerides (14.92%), total cholesterol (15.04%) and LDL-C (24.67%) was established at the end of the study. In addition, HDL-C/LDL-C ratio increased by 42.77%. Improved serum antioxidant capacity and total thiol levels were also established. The results presented in this first human intervention study with SE fruit infusion indicate the potential of the plant to improve lipid profile and serum antioxidant capacity in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyceroglycolipids, widely distributed in edible plants, possess potent antithrombotic, antiviral, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this paper, a simple method based upon high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) coupled with preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Pre-HPLC) was developed for the separation and purification of antioxidant glycoglycerolipids from the fruits ofCucurbita moschata(pumpkin). HSCCC separation was performed on a two-phase solvent system composed of dichloromethane–light petroleum (60–90°C)–ethanol–H2O (6:2:4:4, v/v). Semi-purified peak fractions from HSCCC separation were further purified by Pre-HPLC to yield six glycoglycerolipid monomers with purities of over 98%. Their structures were elucidated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS),1H-NMR, and13C-NMR. Their antioxidant activities in vitro were also evaluated through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays. Tetrasaccharide-containing glycoglycerolipids exhibited stronger antioxidant activity compared to that of butylated hydroxytoluene, and it can be assumed to be potentially useful as a safe antioxidant in food processing industries. The results indicate that the method is simple, fast, and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims at reporting the isolation, structure elucidation, and antioxidant potentials of ajugoside from C. volubile leaves in sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced oxidative stressed rat brain and hepatic tissues. Materials and Method: An iridoid monoterpene, ajugoside was isolated from the n-butanol fraction of C. volubile and evaluated for its antioxidant protective potential on brain and liver tissues of male Wister rats in an ex vivo model. Two molar concentrations (6.4 × 10−4 M and 1.28 × 10−3 M) of the metabolite and SNP were incubated with the tissues homogenate at 37°C for 2 hr prior to the test and assayed for catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and lipid peroxidation. α tocopherol (6.4 × 10−4 M) was used as standard. Results: Both molar concentrations exhibited high catalase activity in the tissues. However, 6.4 × 10−4 M ajugoside exhibited a very high SOD activity (liver: 96.45 and brain: 96.30%) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (liver: 88.11 and brain: 93.27%) compared to the standard. 1.28 × 10−3 M ajugoside also exhibited good activities but lower than that of the standard and 6.4 × 10−4 M ajugoside. Discussion and Conclusion: Ajugoside showed potent antioxidant activities as evidenced by the synergistic high activities of SOD and catalase as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the studied tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of chitosan extracted fromMetapenaeus stebbingishells and commercial chitosan on lipid oxidation of European eel (Anguilla anguillaL.) during refrigerated storage (+4°C) were examined. The control and treated fillet samples were analyzed periodically for pH value, free fatty acid (FFA), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) number, and peroxide value (PV). The results indicated that both chitosans significantly reduced FFA content, TBA number, and PV (P < 0.05). It was concluded that 10 g/L of extracted chitosan solution was the optimal concentration for extending the shelf life of eel fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Oxidative stress plays a key role in obesity and diabetes-related mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction is characterized by increased oxidative damage, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and a reduced ratio of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) production/oxygen consumption. Curcumin represents a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, our objective was to determine the effect of curcumin treatment on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice (OM). These results suggest that curcumin treatment increased oxygen consumption and significantly decreased lipid and protein oxidation levels in liver mitochondria isolated from HFD-induced OM compared with those in the untreated OM (UOM). In kidney mitochondria, curcumin treatment significantly increased oxygen consumption and decreased lipid and protein peroxidation levels in HFD-induced OM when compared with those in UOM. Curcumin treatment neither has any effect on body weight gain nor have any effects on mitochondrial NO synthesis. These findings suggest that obesity induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, whereas curcumin may have a protective role against obesity-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is reported for the first time the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of theEbenopsis caesalpinoidesseeds, an underused edible-leguminous-plant from Sinaloa, Mexico. In these seeds were registered: a high content of lipophilic compounds (triterpenes/sterols and fatty acids); the main nutritional components were lipids (274 g/kg b.h.), proteins (271.5 g/kg b.h.), dietary fiber (127.8 g/kg b.h.), α-tocopherol (75.8 mg/kg), copper (12.7 mg/kg), magnesium (2531 mg/kg), manganese (7.7 mg/kg) and potassium (12686.9 mg/kg); the main fatty acids were oleic (619 g/kg), linoleic (122.2 g/kg) and palmitic (94.7 g/kg); proteins with a high content of phenylalanine + tyrosine (99.7 g/kg) and low in sulfur amino acids (14.8 g/kg) and lysine (8.3 g/kg); tannins (8.7 g/kg), phytic acid (3.2 g/kg); and antioxidant activity (ABTS = 23246.6 μmolET/kg). By these properties, consumption ofE. caesalpinoidesseeds could provide health benefits for prevention or management of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Controlled-release of antioxidant from packaging film to the oil-rich food can help retard the oxidation of lipids. The production of hydroperoxides in the oil-rich liquid food, an index of oxidation, was modeled from the literature data and simulated mathematically as function of tocopherol loading and diffusivity in the packaging film in order to find the best package design parameters that can provide the extended shelf life. Fick's second law combined with the oxidation kinetics was solved numerically to determine the shelf life, which is the time for hydroperoxides to reach 41.25 mmol/kg in the food. For a typical system consisting of packaging film of 76.2 μm thickness in contact with the food of 50 times larger in volume at 40°C, the optimal loading that led to the longest shelf life was found to be lower with higher diffusivity film. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this investigation was to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of umbelliferone by means of a high shear homogenization technique and to evaluate the efficiency of SLN systems in preserving and enhancing antioxidant activity of the flavonoid active component. The aqueous SLN dispersions combine two structural types of lipid compounds and different types of emulsifiers including a mixture of monoalkyl polyoxyethylene sorbitan with a block copolymer and lecithin. The assessment of umbelliferone stability in aqueous SLN dispersions, the size distribution of lipid nanoparticles loaded with umbelliferone (by DLS technique), as well as the structural changes (FT-IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry) of these lipid nanomatrices have been investigated. Moreover, the influence of umbelliferone concentration onto entrapment efficiency and antioxidant properties were clearly evidenced on four kinds of lipid nanoparticles. The umbelliferone-loaded SLN prepared with polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate shown a mean particle size of 173.4 nm ± 3.279, as well as good entrapment efficiency (EE = 60.70%) and antioxidant properties (AA = 75%). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus, mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are very potent carcinogens in many species, including humans, birds, swine, fish, and rodents. The oxidative stress caused by AFB1 may be one of the underlining mechanisms for AFB1-induced cell injury and DNA, protein and lipid damages, which lead to tumorigenesis. This review presents an overview on aflatoxins and oxidative stress, with an emphasis on the protective role of the antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the possibility of producing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) as protective vehicle of resveratrol, an antioxidant characterized by a fast trans-cis isomerization. SLN aqueous dispersions were produced by hot melt homogenization technique and characterized. It was found that the presence of tetradecyl-γ-cyclodextrin in SLN formulation induced an improvement of nanoparticle characteristics. Moreover, a significant reduction in resveratrol photodegradation was noted when the molecule was entrapped in SLN which became more pronounced in the presence of tetradecyl-γ-cyclodextrin. A notable in vitro porcine skin accumulation and an increased antioxidative efficacy were observed by entrapping resveratrol in nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present review describes the application of luminescent methods in the analysis of edible oils without any pretreatment such as extraction prior to analysis. Emphasis has been given to applications of chemiluminescence and fluorescence assays for determining quality parameters of edible oils, such as oxidative stability, antioxidant activity, and lipid hydroperoxides content, as well as classification or adulteration of vegetable oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The powerful action of antioxidants in preventing premature lipid oxidation in food suggests that the same compounds, when consumed with the daily diet, could unfold antioxidative/anti-aging effects in the human body. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that antioxidants are helpful in preventing various diseases. More detailed chemical and physiological examination of antioxidants shows, however, that the extrapolation of in vitro data to in vivo behavior may be misleading. Indeed, such a procedure fails to take into account the mismatch between most in vitro models (e.g., cell cultures) and in vivo systems. For example, the physiological relevance of pro-oxidative and other physiological activities of antioxidants have been largely underestimated. Actually, contrary to the antioxidant hypothesis, clinical trials testing the health benefits of dietary antioxidants have reported rather mixed or negative results. Many clinical studies have not taken into account the nutrikinetic and nutridynamic nature of antioxidants. Further, oxidative stress is not only an inevitable event in a healthy human cell, but responsible for the functioning of vital metabolic processes, such as insulin signaling and erythropoietin production. In the light of recent physiological studies it appears more advisable to maintain the delicate redox balance of the cell than to interfere with the antioxidant homeostasis by a non-physiological, excessive exogenous supply of antioxidants in healthy humans. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aminopyrimidine structural motif can be found in diverse biologically active compounds. This study aimed to describe the antioxidant activity of a series of di- and tri-substituted 5-aminopyrimidines using in vitro (TEAC, LPO) and cell-based assays. 2,4,6-trisubstituted 5-aminopyrimidines displayed the highest activity in the TEAC and LPO assays whereas compounds with protected 5-aminogroup were active in the cellular assay. This is most likely because of their better membrane permeability and intracellular metabolic activation. In summary, we have identified the antioxidant activity of a series of substituted 5-aminopyrimidines and their potential prodrugs which may have implications in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an experiment was carried out to study the process of stress adaptation in Lemna gibba grown under nickel stress (0-20 mg Ni L-1). The results showed that Ni concentrations in plants increased with increasing Ni supply levels and reached a maximum of 142.82 mg.kg1 DW at 0.5 mg.L-1 Ni treatments. The level of photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl) and soluble proteins increased upon exposure to high Ni concentrations. At the same time, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased with increasing Ni concentration. These results suggested an alleviation of stress that was presumably the results of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) which generally increased linearly with increasing Ni levels. In addition, the proline content in L. gibba increased with increasing nickel levels.Our present work concluded that Lemna gibba has a high level of nickel tolerance and accumulation. We also found that moderate nickel treatment (0.05-5 mg.L-1) alleviated oxidative stress in plants, while the addition of higher amounts of nickel (10-20 mg.L-1) could cause an increasing generation of ROS, which was effectively scavenged by the antioxidative system. Therefore, L. gibba may be used as a phytoremediator in moderately polluted aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse pot experiments were conducted to determine the growth response, metal tolerance, and phytostabilization potential of Jatropha curcas L. The plants were grown on different degrees of multi-metal contaminated acid mine soils (T0, control; T1, moderately and T2, highly contaminated soils) with or without limestone amendments. The order of metal accumulation in J. curcas was roots>stems>leaves. The higher tolerance index (>90%) with no phytotoxic symptoms and growth reduction in T1 showed that this plant has the ability to tolerate polymetallic acid mine tailings. Further, various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants also actively involved in metal defense mechanism in J. curcas. On the other hand, to alleviate the predominant phytoavailable toxic metals such as Al, Cu, and Pb, different rates (0.1, 0.25, 0.50, and 1%) of limestone amendments were added in both T1 and T2 soils. The growth performance of J. curcas was improved due to the increase in soil pH and decrease in phytoavailable soil Al (95%), Zn (∼75%), and Cu (∼65%) contents at 0.50% of lime addition. Based on the inherent tolerance ability of J. curcas in existing adverse environmental conditions without liming, it could be used as a suitable candidate for phytostabilization in acid mine tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High copper (Cu) accumulation in medicinal plants might favor lipid peroxidation and hence affect antioxidant responses. This effect was studied by determining antioxidant activities in the water extracts of medicinal plants from Cu mining impact site and compared with control samples. Antioxidant activities of the extracted medicinal plants were assayed by measuring (1) total phenolic and flavonoid contents, (2) diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)• free radical scavenging activity, and (3) inhibition capacities of lipid peroxidation. The total phenolic as well as total flavonoid contents of the mining impact samples and control samples are not significantly different. However, inhibition of lipid peroxidation capacities was significantly less (12-60%) for mining impact samples as reflected by the IC50 values. These anomalies were attributed to high concentrations of Cu (2-4-fold higher) in mining impact samples as measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A positive correlation was observed between Cu levels and IC50 values for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation for mining impact samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and detoxification enzymes were used as biochemical end points to assess the chemopreventive potential of geraniol, a monoterpene, in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Topical application of 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin, three times a week, for 14 weeks developed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in the buccal pouch of golden Syrian hamsters. Although 100% tumor formation was noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone, intragastric administration of geraniol, at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) to DMBA-treated hamster completely prevented the formation of oral tumors. Furthermore, geraniol significantly reduced lipid peroxidation by-products and improved the status of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as modulated the status of phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes, favoring the excretion of carcinogenic metabolite, during DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis. The present study concludes that the chemopreventive potential of geraniol relies on its anti-lipid peroxidative and antioxidant function as well as modulatory effects on phase I and II detoxification enzymes to excrete the carcinogenic metabolite, during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dhokla and idli are popular breakfast foods in India. The objective of the present study was to evaluate their antioxidative properties during different stages of preparation. The effects of fermentation on the enhancement of antioxidative activities were reflected by a higher total phenol content (TPC) in the fermented batters, which also displayed better antioxidative activities than their unfermented batters and steam-cooked products. Fermentation enhanced>2.5-fold TPC and>125% reducing activity. The fermented batters were better free-radical scavengers, which increased in a time and dose-dependent manner, than either the unfermented batters or their steamed products. There was significant enhancement of metal-chelating and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities during fermentation. The TPCs of both dhokla and idli extracts were positively correlated with the respective values of other parameters, suggesting a possible role of phenolics in the extracts as the antioxidant. The data also revealed a strong correlation between any two of these five parameters tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present in  vitro study was designed to estimate the antioxidative activity of curcumin in the protection of human blood platelets and plasma against peroxynitrite (ONOO−−)-induced oxidative stress. The effects of curcumin (12.5--50 µµg/ml) on ONOO−−-induced damage of proteins and lipids were determined by the estimation of protein carbonyl groups, 3-nitrotyrosine formation, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) generation. Exposure of blood platelets and plasma to 100 µµM ONOO−− resulted in an increased level of carbonyl groups, nitration of protein tyrosine residues, and enhanced lipid peroxidation. Curcumin inhibited carbonyl group formation in plasma and in platelet proteins. The highest dose of curcumin (50 µµg/ml) reduced blood platelet protein carbonylation by approximately 40%%. In the protection of blood plasma protein, the lower doses of curcumin (12.5 and 25 µµg/ml) were more effective. Curcumin partially prevented 3-nitrotyrosine formation in plasma proteins; the effect of curcumin was only statistically significant in blood platelets at the highest dose (50 µµg/ml). The antioxidative action of curcumin in the protection against lipid peroxidation caused by ONOO−− was also observed. Curcumin suppressed the formation of TBARS both in blood platelets and in plasma samples. The highest concentration of curcumin (50 µµg/ml) decreased the TBARS level by approximately 35%% in both blood platelets and plasma samples. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the antioxidative properties of curcumin and its protective effects against oxidative/nitrative changes of blood platelets and plasma components, especially proteins and lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of antioxidants (rosemary, carnosine and taurine, together with ascorbic acid) and the influence of different lighting conditions (standard supermarket fluorescent, low-UV color-balanced lamp, and darkness) were studied in fresh beef patties packaged in modified atmosphere and displayed at 2°C for 20 days. Oxidation stability (TBARS), instrumental color, metmyoglobin formation, psychrotrophic flora, and sensory attributes (off-odour and discoloration) were measured at four-day intervals. Rosemary and, to a lesser extent, carnosine (both with ascorbic acid) were very effective in inhibiting both metmyoglobin formation and lipid oxidation, thus stabilizing red meat color and retarding off-odour development. These effects were most noticeable in patties subject to lighting during display, either with the standard fluorescent or with the low-UV color-balanced lamp. Treatment with rosemary and ascorbic acid in the absence of UV radiation gave rise to the lowest oxidation values. Conversely, the combination of taurine and ascorbic acid exerted a significant prooxidant effect. Los efectos de los antioxidantes (romero, carnosina y taurina, junto con acido ascorbico) y la influencia de diferentes condiciones de iluminacion (iluminacion estandar de supermercado, baja en UV color balanceado, y oscuridad) fueron estudiados en hamburguesas de res envasadas en atmosfera modificada y mantenidas a 2°C durante 20 dias. La estabilidad a la oxidacion (TBARS), el color instrumental, la formacion de metamioglobina, el crecimiento de la flora psicrotrofa y los atributos sensoriales (olor desagradable y decoloracion) fueron estudiados a intervalos de cuatro dias. El romero, y en menor grado la carnosina, ambos con acido ascorbico, fueron muy efectivos en la inhibicion tanto de la formacion de metamioglobina como de la oxidacion de lipidos, permitiendo la estabilizacion del color rojo de la carne y retrasando el desarrollo de olores desagradables. Estos efectos fueron mas evidentes en las hamburguesas que fueron mantenidas bajo condiciones de iluminacion, ya sea con la iluminacion estandar de supermercado o con la baja en UV color balanceado. El tratamiento con romero y acido ascorbico en ausencia de radiacion UV dio lugar a los valores mas bajos de oxidacion. Contrariamente, la combinacion de taurina con acido ascorbico ejercio un significativo efecto prooxidante. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between antioxidant enzyme activities, extent of airway inflammation, and systemic oxidative stress in children suffering from atopic asthma. Methods. A total of 35 asthmatic (AG) and 21 healthy children (CG) participated in this study. The volume of fractionated exhaled NO ( Feno) was measured with the NIOX test system. The activities of the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined photometrically. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 was measured using ELISA; malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed using HPLC. Results. Compared to healthy controls, asthmatic children exhaled a significantly ( p < .001) higher mean volume of Feno, had significantly reduced plasma concentrations of TAC ( p == .006), and significantly enhanced levels of MDA (p < .001) and IL-6 ( p == .012). SOD ( p == .027), CAT ( p < .001), and GSH-Px ( p == .005) were significantly less active in the asthma group and significantly negatively associated with Feno (SOD// Feno: p == .017; CAT// Feno: p == .008; GSH-Px// Feno: p == .001); the oxidative stress marker MDA showed such correlations in both investigated groups (SOD//MDA: AG: p == .001, CG: p == .381; CAT//MDA: AG: p == .003, CG: p == .020; GSH-Px//MDA: AG: p == .006, CG: p == .011). Furthermore, there was a significant ( p< .01) positive correlation between MDA// Feno and MDA//IL-6 observed in both groups. Conclusions. These results indicate that inflammation of the bronchial tree, reflected by increased NO formation in the airways and enhanced systemic oxidative stress, is related to an alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities in childhood asthma. Modulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes may therefore have beneficial effects on pulmonary and systemic antioxidant defense mechanisms and could reduce airway inflammation and oxidative stress in asthmatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]