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Background: Retina photoreceptor cells are specially adapted for functioning over comprehensive ambient light conditions. Lutein and Zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi) can protect photoreceptor cells against excessive light degeneration. Efficacy of L/Zi has been assessed on some G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), transcription and neurotrophic factors in the retina of rats exposed to incremental intense light emitting diode (LED) illumination conditions., Methods: Forty-two male rats (age: 8 weeks) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups, 7 rats each. The rats with a 3x2 factorial design were kept under 3 intense light conditions (12hL/12hD, 16hL/8hD, 24hL/0hD) and received two levels of L/Zi (0 or 100 mg/kg BW) for two months. Increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and decreased Rhodopsin (Rho), Rod arrestin (Sag), G Protein Subunit Alpha Transducin1 (Gnat1), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were observed in 24 h light intensity adaptation followed by 16 h IL and 8 h D., Results: L/Zi administration significantly improved antioxidant capacity and retinal Rho, Rod-arrestin (Sag), Gnat1, NCAM, GAP43, BDNF, NGF, IGF1, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels. However, the levels of NF-κB and GFAP levels were decreased by administration of L/Zi., Conclusions: According to these results, L/Zi may be assumed as an adjunct therapy to prevent early photoreceptor cell degeneration and neutralize free radicals derived from oxidative stress., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Mesozeaxanthin (MZ) is able to protect against chronic and cumulative eye damage and neutralize free radicals produced by oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective potential of MZ against retinal oxidative damage and growth and transcription factors of the retina in rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD)., Methods: Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following 4 groups: (1) Control, (2) MZ (100 mg/kg bw/d), (3) HFD (42% of calories as fat), and (4) HFD+MZ (100 mg/kg bw/d) group rats were administered daily as supplement for 12 weeks., Results: Consumption of HFD was associated with hyperglycemia and oxidative stress as reflected by increased serum MDA concentration (P < 0.001). No measurable zeaxanthin (Z)+MZ and lutein (L) could be detected in the serum of control and HFD rats, whereas they were observed in the serum of MZ-administered rats. Retinal antioxidant enzyme [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] activities were significantly decreased in the HFD group compared to the normal group (P < 0.01). However, retinal antioxidant enzymes were restored close to normal levels in HFD+MZ-treated rats (P < 0.05). The retina of rats fed with HFD had increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) levels and decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme-oxygenase 1(HO-1) levels compared to the healthy rat retina (P < 0.001). Rats treated with MZ partially alleviated the inflammation as reflected by suppressed VEGF, iNOS, ICAM, and NF-κB levels and increased Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in the retina of rats fed (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Results from the present study suggest that MZ has protective effects on the retina and the ability to modulate oxidative stress of retina in rats fed an HFD by suppressing retinal lipid peroxidation and regulating growth and transcription factors.

Formation of free radicals is not limited to normal cellular process but also occur upon exposure to certain chemicals (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, cadmium, lead, etc.), cigarette smoke, radiation, and high-fat diet. Free-radical damage is an important factor in many pathological and toxicological processes. Selenium, an essential micronutrient, is a associated with antioxidant functions, physiological defense mechanisms against different diseases including several types of cancers. Search for new selenium compounds with more chemopreventive activities and less toxicities are in progress. In addition, there has been a growing interest in the synthesis of organoselenium compounds with respect to their use in enzymology and bioorganic chemistry. In the present study, adult female Wistar rats were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and the organoselenium compounds [1-isopropyl-3-methylbenzimidazole-2-selenone (Se I) and 1, 3-di-p-methoxybenzylpyrimidine-2-selenone (Se II)] in determined doses. The protective effects of synthetic organoselenium compounds (Se I and Se II) against DMBA-induced changes in antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR)) activities, total GSH, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of rat erythrocyte were investigated. The DMBA-treated group exhibited significant decreases in the levels of erythrocyte GSH-Px, CAT, and GR activities, an increase in MDA levels, and a decrease in total GSH level compared to the control. Se I and Se II fully or partially restored enzyme activity. Lipid peroxidation was also decreased in Se-I- and Se-II-treated groups.

Purpose: Zeaxanthin protects the macula from ocular damage due to light or radiation by scavenging harmful reactive oxygen species. In the present study, zeaxanthin product (OmniXan®; OMX), derived from paprika pods (Capsicum annum; Family-Solanaceae), was tested for its efficacy in the rat retina against photooxidation. Methods: Forty-two male 8-week-old Wistar rats exposed to 12L/12D, 16L/8D and 24L/0D hours of intense light conditions were orally administrated either 0 or 100 mg/kg BW of zeaxanthin concentration. Retinal morphology was analyzed by histopathology, and target gene expressions were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction methods. Results: OMX treatment significantly increased the serum zeaxanthin concentration (p < 0.001) and ameliorated oxidative damage by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities in the retina induced by light (p < 0.001). OMX administration significantly upregulated the expression of genes, including Rhodopsin (Rho), Rod arrestin (SAG), Gα Transducin 1 (GNAT-1), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), nuclear factor-(erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) and decreased the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF- κB) and GFAP by OMX treatment rats. The histologic findings confirmed the antioxidant and gene expression data. Conclusions: This study suggests that OMX is a potent substance that can be used to protect photoreceptor cell degeneration in the retina exposed to intense light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mucuna pruriens, Tribulus terrestris and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are widely known as antioxidant effective herbals and have been reported to possess aphrodisiac activities in traditional usages. In this study, we determined the effects of these herbals on sexual functions, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and levels of NF-κB, Nrf2, and HO-1 in reproductive tissues. Methods: Thirty-five male rats were divided into five groups: the control group, sildenafil-treated group (5 mg/kg/d), Mucuna, Tribulus and Ashwagandha groups. The extract groups were treated orally either with Mucuna, Tribulus or Ashwagandha (300 mg/kg b.w.) for 8 weeks. Results: All of the extracts were found to be significantly effective in sexual functioning and antioxidant capacity and Tribulus showed the highest effectiveness. Serum testosterone levels significantly increased in Tribulus and Ashwagandha groups in comparison to control group. Tribulus was able to reduce the levels of NF-κB and increase the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 to a much greater extent than Mucuna and Ashwagandha. Conclusions: These results demonstrate for the first time that Mucuna, Tribulus and Ashwagandha supplementation improves sexual function in male rats via activating Nrf2/ HO-1 pathway while inhibiting the NF-κB levels. Moreover, Tribulus terrestris extract was found to be more bioavailable from Ashwagandha extract followed by Mucuna extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to investigate the protective effect of 10 % and 20 % apricot-containing feed on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic steatosis and damage. Adult male Wistar rats (n 42) were divided into six groups of seven each, as follows: control group; CCl4 group; CCl4+10 % apricot group; CCl4+20 % apricot group; 10 % apricot group; 20 % apricot group. All apricot groups were fed with 10 % or 20 % apricot-containing feed for 5 months. CCl4 injections were applied to the CCl4 groups at the dose of 1 mg/kg for 3 d at the end of 5 months. In the CCl4 group, vacuolated hepatocytes and hepatic necrosis were seen, especially in the centrilobular area. Hepatocytes showed an oedematous cytoplasmic matrix, large lipid globules and degenerated organelles. The area of liver injury was found significantly decreased with apricot feeding. Malondialdehyde and total glutathione levels and catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly changed in the CCl4 group and indicated increased oxidative stress. Apricot feeding decreased this oxidative stress and ameliorated histological damage. We concluded that apricot feeding had beneficial effects on CCl4-induced liver steatosis and damage probably due to its antioxidant nutrient (β-carotene and vitamin) contents and high radical-scavenging capacity. Dietary intake of apricot can reduce the risk of liver steatosis and damage caused by free radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effects of environmental chemicals, drugs, and physical agents on the developing lung and kidney are influenced by the state of development and maturation. Selenium is an essential element with physiological nonenzymatic antioxidant properties. Therefore, we undertook the present study to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the novel synthetic organoselenium compounds (Se I and Se II). In this study, adult female Wistar rats were treated with DMBA and the novel organoselenium compounds [1-isopropyl-3-methylbenzimidazole-2-selenone (Se I) and 1,3-di-p-methoxybenzylpyrimidine-2-selenone (Se II)] in the determined doses. The protective effects of novel synthetic organoselenium compounds (Se I and Se II) against DMBA-induced changes in levels of some [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and total glutathione (GSH), malonedialdehyde (MDA)] parameters in rat lung and kidney were investigated. As a result, it was found that both Se I and Se II had provided the antioxidant effects against DMBA-induced oxidative stress in rat lung and kidney and lipid peroxidation had also been decreased by these organoselenium compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was carried out to understand the preventive effect of selenium (Se4+) on heavy metal stress induced by lead and copper in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). Variation in glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver, spleen, heart, and brain tissues of rainbow trout after 72 h of exposure to Pb2+ and Cu2+ were investigated in the presence and absence of Se4+. In the presence of Se4+, Se-GSH-Px activity and SOD activity were found to be higher and MDA levels were lower compared with in its absence. Hematological parameters were also determined and it has been observed that total leukocyte count (WBC), mean cell volume (MCV), and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) were increased and erythrocyte number (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit value (Hct; P < 0.05) were decreased in fish exposed to heavy metals in the absence of selenium. Selenium presence recovered hematological parameters to normal levels. In the light of our findings, it could be stated that Pb2+ and Cu2+ lead to dramatic changes in biochemical and hematological parameters and selenium caused these parameters to converge to control levels when it was administered concurrently with these heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold exposure can induce a form of environmental stress. Cold stress (CS) alters homeostasis, results in the creation of reactive oxygen species and leads to alterations in the antioxidant defense system. The caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, has an antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effect of CS on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system and the possible protective effect of CAPE in rat liver tissue. Twenty-four female Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, CAPE-treated, CS, and CAPE-treated CS (CS + CAPE) group. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and total glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. In addition, histological changes in liver tissue were examined by light microscopy. SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities and total GSH level were significantly declined in the CS group. In the CS + CAPE group, the activities of these three enzymes and GSH level significantly raised with regard to the CS group. MDA levels increased in the CS group and decreased in the CS + CAPE group. The tissues of the CS group showed some histopathological changes such as necrosis, hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, hemorrhage and vascular congestion and dilatation. In the CS + CAPE group, the histopathological evidence of hepatic damage was markedly reduced. Histological parameters were consistent with biochemical parameters. In this study, CS increased oxidative stress in liver tissue. CAPE regulated antioxidant enzymes, inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced hepatic damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue injury resulting from ischemia-reperfusion is of fundamental importance. Experimental evidence suggests that the generation of reactive oxygen species is significantly responsible for this type of injury. In the present study, besides investigating the protective role of melatonin on tissue damage caused by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion, the protective activity of this compound was also analyzed in both pre- and post ischemia melatonin-treated rats. The activities of the main antioxidative enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the intestine showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in melatonin-treated animals that were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion compared with those subjected only to ischemia/reperfusion. Also, results clearly indicate that the level of malondialdeyhde, an index of lipid peroxidation, decreased significantly (P < 0.05) when rats subjected to intestinal/reperfusion were given melatonin either before ischemia or before reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucuna pruriens, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus terrestris are known as the enhancers for sexual health, functional activities, vitality, and longevity. These herbs had been widely used in the Ayurveda medicine as aphrodisiacs through the ages, and their efficacy was also verified separately in our previous publication. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mucuna, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus complexes on sexual function in rats. Twenty-eight male rats allocated to four groups as follows: (i) negative control (C); (ii) positive control or sildenafil citrate treated group (5 mg/kg) (S); (iii) MAT1 (combination of 10 mg Mucuna (M) + 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) + 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW); (iv) MAT 2 (20 mg Mucuna + 20 mg Ashwagandha + 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW). There was no significant difference found between the MAT1 and MAT2 groups while they showed significantly increased testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when compared to the negative control. Significant increases in Nrf2/HO1 levels and decreases in NF-κB were detected in MAT groups similar to the decrease in serum and testis malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to both controls. The sperm motility, count, and rate also significantly improved in both MAT groups, while ALT, AST, creatinine, ALP, and urea levels did not change in any of the groups. Oral consumption of MATs combination in male rats resulted in inhibition of NF-κB and MDA and also increased sex hormones with Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction. MAT combinations may improve sexual functions by increasing levels of sexual hormones and regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Exposure to low x-ray doses damages the spermatozoa, mainly by late-onset (ie, after 3 months) oxidative stress. Antioxidants ameliorate oxidation and prevent tissue damage. Prunus armeniaca L (apricot), rich in carotenoids and vitamins, is a potent natural antioxidant. We hypothesized that an apricot-rich diet might ameliorate the detrimental effects of low-dose x-rays on testis tissue. A 20% apricot diet was composed isoenergetically to the regular rodent diet. The total phenolic content, reducing power, and antioxidant capacity of both diets were determined. Sprague-Dawley rats received apricot-rich diets before and after x-ray exposure. Regular diets were given to controls. Rats were exposed to 0.2 Gy x-rays at the eighth week and were euthanized at the 20th postexposure week. Testicular oxidative status was determined by tissue thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. For histologic evaluation, qualitative and quantitative microscopic determinations were performed, and Leydig and Sertoli cell counts and Johnsen scores were measured. The control diet group had significant testicular oxidative stress and mild tissue deterioration. Leydig and Sertoli cell counts, tubule diameters, and Johnsen scores were significantly decreased in the exposure groups. Apricot-rich diet significantly ameliorated the oxidative status and prevented the damage in tubular histology. The protective effects were prominent when the diet was maintained throughout the time course and were partially protected when the diet was initiated after exposure. The natural antioxidant activity of apricot ameliorates the delayed detrimental effects of low-dose irradiation on testis tissue. The high total antioxidant capacity of the apricot deserves further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]