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Purpose: Tomato products are a dietary source of natural antioxidants, especially lycopene, which accumulates in the liver, where it exerts biological effects. Taking into consideration this fact, the aim of the present study was to ascertain the effect of tomato consumption on biomarkers and gene expression related to lipid metabolism in rats with induced steatosis. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomly grouped ( n = 6 rats/group) in four experimental groups: NA (normal diet and water), NL (normal diet and tomato juice), HA (high fat diet and water) and HL (high fat diet and tomato juice). After 7 weeks, rats were euthanized, and plasma, urine, feces and liver were sampled to analyze the biomarkers related to lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. Results: The H diet induced steatosis (grade II) in the HA and HL groups, which was confirmed by the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, histological examination and the presence of dyslipidemia. The intake of tomato juice led to an accumulation of all- E and Z-lycopene and its metabolites in the livers of these animals; levels were higher in HL than in NL, apparently due to higher absorption (63.07 vs. 44.45 %). A significant improvement in the plasma level of high-density lipoprotein was observed in the HL group compared with HA animals, as was an alleviation of oxidative stress through reduction of isoprostanes in the urine. In relation to fatty acid gene expression, an overexpression of several genes related to fatty acid transport, lipid hydrolysis and mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-fatty acid oxidation was observed in the HL group. Conclusions: The consumption of tomato juice and tomato products reduced hallmarks of steatosis, plasmatic triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins, and increased lipid metabolism by inducing an overexpression of genes involved in more efficient fatty acid oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos pesticide- (5, 15 and 30 ppm) induced effects on growth, metabolic and antioxidative behaviour ofAzolla pinnatawere analysed after 96 h of treatment. Growth ofA. pinnatawas increased by 72–76% over the initial mass under control condition. Further, the growth was decreased by 26 and 30% following treatment with 5 ppm of cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos, respectively, compared to control. Whereas, 30 ppm of pesticide treatment caused substantial decrease in biomass accumulation, even less than the initial mass. The Chlorophyllacontent was declined at higher concentrations of chlorpyrifos, while carotenoids content increased significantly in the presence of both the pesticides. Photosynthetic rate showed declining trend with rising concentration of pesticides, while an increasing trend was noticed in the case of respiratory O2consumption. The oxidative biomarkers malondialdehyde, superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide increased with increasing concentration of both the pesticides. The activity of enzymatic antioxidants enzyme superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was enhanced with increasing concentrations of both the pesticides; however, a declining trend was noticed in the case of APX at 30 ppm chlorpyrifos treatment. The study concludes that chlorpyrifos appeared to be more toxic than cypermethrin; however, both the pesticides significantly reduced the growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of protexin supplementation against chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in Cyprinus carpio. After 21 days, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), and total antioxidant levels significantly decreased in hepatocytes of fish exposed to chlorpyrifos, while malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Treatment with protexin was able to reverse the decrease in SOD and GR and significantly reduce MDA levels. Exposure to chlorpyrifos also induced alterations in blood biochemical parameters and caused immunosuppression. Dietary protexin return some parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyltransferase activities, and glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, and complement C4 levels) to values similar to those of the control group. Based on the results, it can be concluded that protexin exerted protective effects against chlorpyrifos exposure in C. carpio reducing oxidative damage, and ameriorating blood biochemical alterations and the immunosuppression. • The effect of PRO on CPF-induced cytotoxicity was studied in carp. • PRO mitigated cytotoxic effects of CPF on some blood biochemical parameters. • PRO attenuated the immunotoxicity effects of CPF on some immunological indices. • PRO alleviated the oxidative effects of CPF on some antioxidant biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the special issue "Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Disease" authors were invited to submit papers that investigate key questions in the field of cardiovascular free radical biology. The original research articles included in this issue provide important information regarding novel aspects of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signaling, which have important implications in physiological and pathophysiological cardiovascular processes. The issue also included a number of review articles that highlight areas of intense research in the fields of free radical biology and cardiovascular medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: An imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of the body to decrease these reactive intermediates results in oxidative stress and disturbances in antioxidant defense system ultimately resulting in various diseases. In humans, oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of the study is to evaluate the levels of antioxidants, Glutathione Peroxide (GPx) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in patients with oral leukoplakia (OL), oral squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with control group. Material and methods: Venous blood samples collected from 30 patients with OL, 30 patients with OSCC and 30 normal controls were analyzed for levels of SOD and GPx as an indicator of antioxidant defense by UV visible spectrophotometer. Results: When correlation of SOD and GPX levels in all the 3 groups (control group, OL and OSCC patients) was done, levels were significantly reduced in OSCC patients (p < 0.001), as compared with OL and control group. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the oxidative stress biomarkers SOD and GPx levels decreases in blood of OL patients and gets further reduced in OSCC patients as a result of accumulation of oxidative stress and imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Estimation of an antioxidant level in the routine blood examination of OL and OSCC patients, can possibly help in selecting patients for adjuvant antioxidant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Associations between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), inflammation, oxidative stress and the risk of depression have been suggested. We hypothesize that erythrocyte n-3 PUFAs are inversely associated with biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress in Koreans with and without depression. Study participants comprised 80 cases diagnosed with depression based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Korea version (CES-D-K) scores ≥25 and psychiatrist confirmation and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without histories of depression. Depressed patients had lower levels of n-3 PUFAs and higher circulating levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase, interferon-γ, and nitrotyrosine compared to the controls. CES-D-K scores and levels of iNOS and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were negatively associated with Omega-3 Index (erythrocyte levels of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) after adjusting for confounding factors. Concentrations of iNOS, TNF-α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and nitrotyrosine were negatively correlated with erythrocyte levels of n-3 PUFAs, but positively with erythrocyte levels of n-6 PUFAs. Erythrocyte levels of n-3 PUFAs were inversely associated with circulating markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in Koreans with and without depression in this case control study. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether dietary or supplemental n-3 PUFAs can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and reduce depressive symptoms in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hexanoyl-lysine (HEL), 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and dityrosine (DT) have served as potential biomarkers for detecting oxidative modified lipids, DNA, and proteins in biological samples, respectively. Whether regular higher levels of consumption of vegetables/fruit (V/F) would decrease oxidative modification of these biomolecules in the body remain unelucidated. To examine the association of regular V/F consumption with the generation of these reactive oxygen species-induced biomarkers, this study evaluated V/F consumption in a school-based sample of teenaged girls (mean age 15.6 ± 1.7 years, n = 103), and quantified the formation of oxidative stress biomarkers in their urine. Only 19.4% and 23.3% of participants reported that they consumed the recommended daily amount of vegetables and fruits, respectively. Individuals who consumed lower levels of fruit (<100g/day) or vegetables (<250g/day) had significantly higher HEL excretion in their urine than those who consumed higher levels of fruit (≥100g/day) ( p < 0.05) or vegetables (≥250g/day) ( p = 0.057). The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that vegetable consumption was an important inhibiting factor of early lipid peroxidation measured as HEL in urine, independent of various confounders (β = - 0.332, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that relatively higher consumption of vegetables would help in the prevention of early lipid peroxidation in adolescents., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: The pyrethroid class of insecticides, including deltamethrin, is being used as substitutes for organochlorines and organophosphates in pest-control programs because of their low environmental persistence and toxicity. This study was aimed to investigate the impact of commonly used pesticides (deltamethrin) on the blood and tissue oxidative stress level in catfish (Clarias gariepinus); in addition to the protective effect of α-tocopherol on deltamethrin induced oxidative stress. Catfish were divided into three groups, 1st control group include 20 fish divided into two tanks each one contain 10 fish, 2nd deltamethrin group, where Fish exposed to deltamethrin in a concentration (0.75 µg/l) and 3rd Vitamin E group, Fish exposed to deltamethrin and vitamin E at a dose of 12 µg/l for successive 4 days. Serum, liver, kidney and Gills were collected for biochemical assays. Tissue oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdhyde (MDA) and catalase activity in liver, kidney and gills tissues, serum liver enzymes (ALT and AST), serum albumin, total protein, urea and creatinine were analysed. Results: Our results showed that 48 h. exposure to 0.75 µg/l deltamethrin significantly (p<0.05) increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the liver, kidney and gills while catalase activity was significantly decreased in the same tissues. This accompanied by significant increase in serum ALT, AST activity, urea and creatinine and a marked decrease in serum albumin and total proteins. Conclusions: It could be concluded that deltamethrin is highly toxic to catfish even in very low concentration (0.75 µg/l). Moreover the effect of deltamethrin was pronounced in the liver of catfish in comparison with kidneys and gills. Moreover fish antioxidants and oxidative stress could be used as biomarkers for aquatic pollution, thus helping in the diagnosis of pollution. Adminstration of 12 µg/l α-tocopherol restored the quantified tissue and serum parameters, so supplementation of α-tocopherol consider an effective way to counter the toxicity of deltamethrin in the catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work aims to study the nephroprotective potential of naringin (NG), a flavanone derived from citrus fruits, in methotrexate (MTX)-induced renal toxicity. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups; control group (IP saline), MTX group (IP single dose, 20 mg/kg), and three groups co-treated with MTX and naringin (IP daily dose; 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, respectively). Kidney tissues were used to investigate renal function, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and caspase-3 activity. Biochemical cytokine analysis was performed in addition to ultrastructural examinations of kidney tissue. When compared to the MTX-treated rats, MTX+NG significantly reduced the levels of urea, creatinine, MDA, NO, TNFα, IL-6, and caspase-3 activity. A significant increase in the levels of the antioxidant enzymes and GSH were also noted. Additionally, naringin ameliorated the apparent ultrastructural changes observed in the glomeruli and renal tubules of MTX-intoxicated rats. Noticeable structural improvements of glomerular lesions, proximal, and distal convoluted tubular epithelium were observed in MTX+NG treated animals, including podocytes with regular foot processes, perfectly organized filtration barrier, no signs of GBM thickening, organized brush border, and normal architecture of microvilli. Naringin (80 mg/kg) had the maximum amelioration effect. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the ultrastructural manifestations of naringin and/or MTX on the kidney of rats. Taken all, naringin has a potent therapeutic effect and can be used in adjuvant therapy to prevent MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the nephroprotective capacity of naringin needs further investigation. [Display omitted] • Naringin induced a marked decrease of renal injury markers in MTX-treated rats. • Naringin protected against redox imbalance of renal tissue in MTX-treated rats. • Naringin restored serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. • Naringin attenuated apoptotic changes and caspase-3 activity in MTX-treated rats. • Naringin preserved renal pathology alterations in the MTX-treated rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a large number of liver disorders, clinically useful drugs are scarce. Moreover, the available therapies are facing the challenges of efficacy and safety. Commipohora mukul has been used in folk medicine globally for millennia for the treatment of several ailments. The current study was designed to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective activity of Myrrhanone B (MN) and Myrrhanol B (ML) isolated from C. mukul using an animal model. The animals (Swiss albino mice) were segregated into seven groups, each comprising six mice. The first group was treated with normal saline at a dose of 1 ML/kg daily intraperitoneally (i.p.) for one week. The second group was treated with acetaminophen (APAP) (250 mg/kg, i.p.), it was taken as a negative control. Group 3 was used as a positive control (treated with Silymarin (100 mg/kg, i.p.)). While groups 4–7 were used as experimental groups (termed as groups II to IV), which were treated with ML and MN at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg, and 1.2 mg/kg (i.p.) for one week. Subsequently, blood serum and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Both compounds significantly improved the levels of liver biomarkers including aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alanine transaminase (ALT) as compared to the normal saline-treated group in APAP-induced hepatotoxic mice. Moreover, both compounds significantly modulated the expression of oxidative biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) at the same doses. Additionally, ML and MN showed a remarkable improvement in histological changes with only mild inflammation, mild hemorrhage, no necrosis, and no pyknosis as compared to the control groups. In conclusion, MN and ML exhibited significant hepatoprotective effects in the animal model used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 50, 100 and 200 µM of AlCl 3 for 72 h. • Aluminium (Al) exposure induced teratogenic effects on zebrafish larvae. • Apoptosis increased especially in the embryos exposed 50 µM AlCl 3. • Oxidative stress and the enzymatic activities stabilized at increasing concentration. • Al-treatment affected the expression of c-fos, app a and app b genes. Aluminium is a non-essential metal and potentially toxic to organisms whose environmental concentration increases due to pollution. In our previous studies, the behavioral changes induced by aluminium were already shown on zebrafish, a model organism widely used for ecotoxicology screening. To examine in depth the knowledge about the toxicity mechanism induced by this metal, zebrafish embryos, at 6 hpf, have been exposed to 50, 100 and 200 µM of AlCl 3 for 72 h. Phenotypic alterations, apoptosis and oxidative stress responses have been assessed by evaluations of antioxidant defence and changes in metabolism at the end of treatment. The mRNA expression level of c-fos, app a and app b as marker genes of neural development and function were analyzed by qPCR for the highest used concentration. The data showed that aluminium significantly affected the development of zebrafish inducing morphological alterations and cell death. The oxidative state of larvae was altered, although the formation of reactive oxygen species and the levels of metallothioneins, and the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, decreased at the maximum concentration tested. In addition, at this concentration, the expression of the evaluated genes increased. The comprehensive information obtained gives a realistic snapshot of the aluminium toxicity and provides new information on the mechanism of action of this metal. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adult zebrafish were exposed to 11 mg/L of Aluminium (Al) for 20 days. • Zebrafish behaviour was changed after 10 days of exposure to Al. • Antioxidant enzyme levels increased after 10 and 15 days of Al exposure. • Metallothioneins were elevated at 10th day but reduced thereafter. • Behaviour and oxidative state tend to stabilize on the 20th day of Al exposure. Aluminium (Al) water pollution is an increasing environmental problem. Accordingly, this study aimed to find out more about its toxic effects on aquatic organisms. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 11 mg/L of Al and the behavioural responses and its correlation with brain oxidative stress, antioxidant-defences, changes in metabolism and neurotransmission were assessed at 10, 15 and 20 days of exposure. The behavioural and locomotory responses, suggest an increase in the anxiety state, especially observed in animals exposed to Al for 15 days. The reactive oxygen species increased in a time-dependent trend, while the oxidative damage varied over exposure time. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferases, and the metallothioneins levels increased after short-term exposures and tended to decrease or stabilize at longer times. The results contribute to understand the toxic mechanisms activated by Al highlighting correlations like behavioural disorders and oxidative state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of amaranth peptides generated using simulated gastrointestinal digestion to exert intracellular antioxidant activity and its potential modification and/or passage through the intestinal cells were studied. The digested protein isolate ( APId ) and its fractions (gel filtration chromatography) were analysed. The effect of amaranth peptides pre-treatment of Caco-2 TC7 cells treated with 500 μM H 2 O 2 was measured using different biomarkers. All samples led to a partial or complete decrease of reactive oxygen species and different behaviours regarding the enzymatic antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and reduced glutathione levels. Fractions showed different behaviours after modification by and/or passage across Caco-2 TC7 monolayers suggesting potential activity at local intestinal and/or systemic sites. These results suggested that the APId was a source of bioactive peptides showing antioxidant activity at the intracellular level. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the cytotoxic and oxidative effects of custom-made nanoparticles (NPs) on hemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis , utilizing hemolymph serum (HS) as exposure medium. Specifically, hemocyte lysosomal membrane destabilization (in terms of neutral red retention time assay/NRRT), superoxide anion (O 2 −), nitric oxide (NO, in terms of nitrites) and lipid peroxidation content (in terms of malondialdehyde/MDA equivalents) were determined in cells treated for 1 h with different concentrations (0.1–50 μg mL−1) of ZnO NPs, Ag NPs and ZnO-Ag NPs, as well as AgNO 3 and/or ZnCl 2 (bulk ions, respectively). According to the results, Ag NPs were more cytotoxic than ZnO-Ag NPs and/or ZnO NPs, while NRRT values observed in AgNO 3 treated cells were lower than those of ZnCl 2. Furthermore, high levels of both O 2 − and MDA were detected in cells treated with Ag NPs, ZnO-Ag NPs, and AgNO 3 at concentrations lower than 5 μg mL−1, while high NO generation was observed only in cells treated with 5–25 μg mL−1 of ZnO NPs or ZnCl 2. Despite the absence of data, regarding the formation of NP-serum protein corona complexes that could mediate NP surface energy and uptake efficiency, the current study firstly revealed that ZnO NPs, probably via their surface charge, particle agglomeration, and NP Zn+ release could promote an immune-related generation of O 2 − and NO via the respiratory burst stimulation, a process that is questioned in the case of Ag NPs and/or ZnO-Ag NPs. Moreover, ZnO-Ag NP interaction with biological membranes and their oxidative mode of action seemed to be regulated by the release and the antagonistic/synergistic response of its ionic counterparts (ZnO+ and Ag+), but further studies are needed to elucidate the oxidative mode of action of NP metal ions in complex NP mixtures. Unlabelled Image • ZnO, Ag and ZnO-Ag NPs were synthesized with Flame Spray Pyrolysis. • PXRD and DLS measurements were conducted in MQ water and hemolymph serum (HS). • Cytotoxic and oxidative effects of NPs were assessed in mussel hemocytes. • All NPs exhibited cytotoxic and oxidative potential. • Each NP demonstrated a different mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrimp are increasingly exposed to warmer temperatures and lower oxygen concentrations in their habitat due to climate change. These conditions may lead to oxidative stress and apoptosis. We studied the effects of high temperature, hypoxia, reoxygenation, and the combination of these factors on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and caspase-3 activity in gills of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Silencing of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (mMnSOD) was used to determine the role of this enzyme in response to the abiotic stressors described above, to avoid oxidative damage and apoptosis. In addition, mMnSOD gene expression and mitochondrial SOD activity were evaluated to determine the efficiency of silencing this enzyme. The results showed that there was no effect of the abiotic stress conditions on the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), but protein carbonylation increased in all the oxidative stress treatments and caspase-3 activity decreased in hypoxia at 28 °C. On the other hand, mMnSOD- silenced shrimp experienced higher oxidative stress, since TBARS, carbonylated proteins and caspase-3 activity increased in some silenced treatments. Unexpectedly, mitochondrial SOD activity increased in some of the silenced treatments as well. Altogether, these results suggest that mMnSOD has a key role in shrimp for the prevention of oxidative damage development and induction of apoptosis in response to hypoxia, reoxygenation, high temperature, and their interactions, as conditions derived from climate change. Unlabelled Image • Hypoxia and high temperature stress provoke oxidative damage in shrimp • Protein damage by carbonylation occurs in all the stress treatments • Apoptosis incidence increases mainly as results of reoxigentation • mMnSOD is key to prevent oxidative damage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the toxicological effect of untreated wastewater from of ethyl alcohol industry was evaluated on the zebrafish (Danio rerio) under experimental conditions. Fish were treated with zero, half, one and two percent of sewage effluent for 21 days. Toxic effects were monitored in liver by determining biochemical indicators, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the expression of genes involved in the detoxification. Results showed that Sod1 , Gstp-1a , Gpx1a gene expressions were significantly increased in the hepatocytes after 21 days at 2.0% sewage exposure. Sewage exposure also significantly increased Gsr , Ces2 and Cyp1a , Mt1 and Mt2 gene expression in the hepatocytes of zebrafish as compared to the reference group (P < 0.01). Total cellular antioxidants, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in fish exposed to 1 and 2% of sewage were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.01), whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was only increased in fish exposed to 2% sewage (P < 0.01). A significant decrease in gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) activity in fish exposed to 2% effluent was found (P < 0.01). Catalase (CAT) activity was increased in zebrafish exposed to all concentrations of effluent. The transcriptional analysis of the detoxification-related genes and the changes in the biochemical indicators evidenced that drainage of sewage effluents from the ethyl alcohol company is a serious threat to the health of aquatic animals in the Khorram-Rood River. These results will contribute to further study on the impact of sewage effluents of the alcohol industry on aquatic organisms. • The effects of Sewage effluents of an ethyl alcohol company (SEEA) were investigated in Zebrafish. • Exposure to SEFA alters biochemical parameters and oxidative biomarkers. • The SEFA had significant effect on the expression of genes involved in the biotransformation of xenobiotics. •The assessment of the risk of SEFA discharge to surface water should be carried out continuously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the efficacy of dietary antioxidants to prevent oxidative damage. Presentation of data on antioxidant protection and oxidative damage in human plasma; Investigation on the relative importance of the endogenous antioxidants in plasma; Question on the role of oxidative stress in chronic disease.

SARS-CoV-2, an epidemic, causes severe stress in both human and animals and may induce oxidative stress (OS) and increases susceptibility to infection. Domestic animals are found infected by their COVID-2 suffering owners. Chronic immobilization stress (CIS), a model of psychological and physical stress of confinement, can trigger depression and anxiety in animals. We evaluated the ameliorative effect of the proposed SARS-CoV-2 prophylactic drugs melatonin, vitamin C, and zinc on CIS-induced OS, inflammation, and DNA damage in rats. Forty male Swiss albino rats (200-250 g, 7-9 weeks old) were divided into five groups as controls, CIS, treated with melatonin (20 mg/kg), and vitamin C plus zinc [VitC+Zn (250 + 2.5 mg/kg)] alone or in combination (melatonin+VitC+zinc) subjected to CIS for 3 weeks. CIS was induced by immobilizing the whole body of the rats in wire mesh cages of their size with free movement of head. Exposure to CIS significantly compromised the circulatory activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione with enhanced malondialdehyde, inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL10, and TNFα), and lymphocyte DNA damage in comparison to controls. Treatment with melatonin and VitC+Zn alone or in combination significantly restored the altered biochemical parameters and DNA damage of stressed rats to their respective control values. However, the cumulative action of melatonin with VitC+Zn was more effective in alleviating the CIS-induced OS, inflammation, and DNA damage. The present study indicates that the antioxidant combination can be an effective preventive measure to combat severe psychological and confinement stress-induced biochemical changes in animals due to abnormal conditions such as SARS-CoV-2., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Fatima, Zaidi, Alsharidah, Aljaser and Banu.)

Cardiovascular diseases are described as disorders of heart and vessels that involve stroke and coronary heart diseases. People in the Middle East converged to complementary medicine as an economic alternative to expensive healthcare services. Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (Lindm.) Rosacea is among the most commonly used herb for the treatment of declining cardiac performance, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Previously, we had shown that Crataegus Spp. (Hawthorn) extract increased the tendency of bleeding among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Herein, the effects of Crataegus Spp. extract on oxidative stress, cardiac and hematological parameters were evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats. Male rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Group 1 served as control while groups 2-4 served as the experimental groups and were administered extract at doses of 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg. All the doses were given orally once/day and the treatment was continued for three weeks. Hawthorn treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control (1.258 (3, 24); P < 0.0001). We found a significant increase in the cardiac antithrombin III among hawthorn treated group compared to the control (4.18 (3, 24); P < 0.0001). On the other hand, hawthorn treatment decreased significantly the liver factor-X level (0.1341 (3, 22); P < 0.0001), while no significant changes were seen in soluble-platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (P-value = 0.0599). In conclusions, hawthorn extract possesses an antioxidant effect and blood-thinning properties. Hence, we recommend attention when using this herbal extract with other anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet drugs or undergoing major cardiac surgery., (© 2020 The Authors.)

Objective: The effects of onion (Allium cepa) on oxidant, antioxidant biomarkers, in rat model of asthma were evaluated. Material and Methods: The serum levels of oxidant, antioxidant biomarkers including NO2, NO3, MDA, SOD, CAT and thiol were examined in control, asthma (A), A treated with onion (700, 350, and 175μg/mL), and dexamethasone (1.25 μg/ml) rats. Results: The serum level of NO2, NO3 and MDA were increased but SOD, CAT and thiol were decreased in asthmatic animals compared to controls (p<0.001 for all cases). The levels of NO2 and NO3 were significantly reduced in treated groups with dexamethasone and all concentrations of onion compared to asthmatic group (p<0.001 for all cases). MDA was significantly decreased, but SOD, CAT and thiol increased in treated animals with dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of onion (p<0.01 to p<0.001). Conclusion: The results showed antioxidant effects of onion (Allium cepa) extract in animal model of asthma comparable to the effect of dexamethasone which suggest a therapeutic potential for the plant on asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work has been prepared to find out changes in the biochemicals with DNA damage, micronucleus, and apoptosis to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) alone or vitamin E (VE) and sodium selenite (SS) in rats' blood tissue. Rats were divided into eight groups according to the treatment into control vitamin E (VE) treatment group (200 mg/kg bw), sodium selenite (SS) treatment (0.35 mg/kg bw) group, VE + SS treatment group (200 + 0.35 mg/kg bw), LPS treatment group (10 mg/kg bw), LPS + VE (10 + 200 mg/kg bw), LPS + SS treatment (10 + 0.35 mg/kg bw), and LPS + SS+VE treatment (10 + 0.35 + 200 mg/kg bw) group for 6 hr. LPS increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and decreased antioxidant enzymes' activities in rat erythrocytes and leukocytes. DNA damage of leukocytes with comet assay and RAPD‐PCR was detected in LPS treatment group. The levels of micronucleus and apoptosis percentage were increased significantly at the end of 6 hr. VE and/or SS protected the LPS‐induced erythrocytes and leukocytes against damage as they have caused amelioration of rats by altering the results. As a result, the co‐administration of VE and/or SS against LPS‐induced damage provides protection. VE and/or SS in patients and animal models with sepsis must be taken in the diet because they are protective against the cellular degradation caused by oxidative damage. Practical applications: LPS obtained from E. coli is used more frequently in experimental sepsis studies. When LPS is administered to experimental animals, interstitial pneumonia, adult respiratory fatal syndrome, acute tubular necrosis, and fatal effects such as coagulopathy and hypoglycemia may be seen in these animals. The co‐treatment of VE and SS may be more effective than using them alone against LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Although some studies have suggested that the flavonoids in Citrus limon possess numerous biological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral, antiproliferative, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activities, a rabbit model has not been used to establish the beneficial effects and possible antioxidant activity of dried C. limon. Therefore, we investigated the hemato-biochemical alteration, thyroid activity, and antioxidant responses of dried C. limon as a powder in growing rabbits. By employing New Zealand White rabbits, we demonstrated that rabbits fed a diet supplemented with 1% dry lemon powder (DLP) or 2% DLP had an increase in their productive performance, better feed conversion, enhanced hematological and biochemical values, improved antioxidant enzyme activity, and inhibited lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that dry lemon supplementation might play a role as a growth enhancer for rabbits when administered at a maximum of 2% in the rabbit diet. In general, the addition of Citrus limon improved growth performance, physiology, and antioxidant status in serum and liver of the growing rabbit. The current study examined the influence of Citrus limon (dry lemon) on the hemato-biochemical profiles, and antioxidant indices of growing rabbits. Forty-eight growing New Zealand White rabbits (age, eight weeks; weight, 1543.33 ± 25 g) were allocated into three groups (16 animals each), the first group was (control) fed a basal diet, whereas the second and third groups were supplemented with dried lemon, 1% or 2% DLP, respectively. A GC-MS analysis of more than 27 active constituents was performed. Feed conversion efficiency was (p < 0.05) better with diets containing 1% or 2% dry lemon, compared to the control group. Hematological indexes were increased significantly with the addition of DLP compared to those in the control group. Adding 1% or 2% dry lemon to rabbit diet increased (p < 0.05) enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (TAC, SOD, GSH, GST, and CAT) in serum and liver tissues. Taken together, these data reveal the advantages and antioxidant effects of dry lemon supplementation for growing rabbits once supplemented at a maximum of 2% in their daily diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onosma echioides Linn (Boraginaceae) is the most frequently used curative herb widely used for kidney obstruction, sciatic pain, and gout. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of n-hexane bark extract of O. echioides (OE) L. root in vivo against Streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy in SD rats. For in vivo activity, the experiment was categorized into five different groups (n = 5). Group-I was considered as nondiabetic/normal control (NC) treated with 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Group II as diabetic control, Group-III, IV, and V served as diabetic treated with OE 50, OE 100, and pregabalin at a dose of 50, 100, and 10 mg/kg body weight, orally, respectively. Body weight, blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, behavioral studies (motor coordination test, thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, locomotor activity, oxidative biomarkers (thio barbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], and catalase), and histopathology of the sciatic nerve were performed. Treatment with OE showed a dose-dependent increase in neuroprotective activity by improving the myelination and decreasing the axonal swelling of nerve fibers. The verdicts of behavioral activities showed a remarkable effect on animals after the treatment of extract and standard drug pregabalin. In conclusion, our findings supported the traditional application of OE and explored its importance in the management of diabetic neuropathy. Additional clinical experiments may provide novel therapeutic drugs for diabetes and its complications., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The objective of this work was to identify the effect of tomato juice on the expression of genes and levels of metabolites related to steatosis in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (8 weeks-old) were grouped (6 rats/group) in four experimental groups: NA (normal diet and water), NL (normal diet and tomato juice), HA (high-fat diet and water), and HL (high-fat diet and tomato juice). After an intervention period of 5 weeks, rats were sacrificed and biochemical parameters, biomarkers of oxidative stress, liver metabolites, and gene expression were determined. Although the H diet provoked dislipemia related to steatosis, no changes in isoprostanes or liver malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. Changes in the gene expression of the HA group were produced by the high consumption of fat, whereas the consumption of tomato juice had different effects, depending on the diet. In the NL group, the genes involved in β-oxidation were upregulated, and in groups NL and HL upregulation of CD36 and downregulation of APOB and LPL were observed. In addition, in the HL group the accumulation of lycopene upregulated the genes FXR and HNF4A, which have been suggested as preventive factors in relation to steatosis. Regarding the metabolomics study, intake of tomato juice stimulated the biosynthesis of glutathione and amino acids of the transulfurization pathway, increasing the levels of metabolites related to the antioxidant response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to identify the effect of tomato juice on the expression of genes and levels of metabolites related to steatosis in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (8 weeks-old) were grouped (6 rats/group) in four experimental groups: NA (normal diet and water), NL (normal diet and tomato juice), HA (high-fat diet and water), and HL (high-fat diet and tomato juice). After an intervention period of 5 weeks, rats were sacrificed and biochemical parameters, biomarkers of oxidative stress, liver metabolites, and gene expression were determined. Although the H diet provoked dislipemia related to steatosis, no changes in isoprostanes or liver malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. Changes in the gene expression of the HA group were produced by the high consumption of fat, whereas the consumption of tomato juice had different effects, depending on the diet. In the NL group, the genes involved in β-oxidation were upregulated, and in groups NL and HL upregulation of CD36 and downregulation of APOB and LPL were observed. In addition, in the HL group the accumulation of lycopene upregulated the genes FXR and HNF4A , which have been suggested as preventive factors in relation to steatosis. Regarding the metabolomics study, intake of tomato juice stimulated the biosynthesis of glutathione and amino acids of the transulfurization pathway, increasing the levels of metabolites related to the antioxidant response.

Background: Food additives attract consumers, improve foods quality, control weight, and replace sugar in foods, while it may affect seriously children and adults health., Aim: To investigate the adverse effects of saccharin and methylsalicyltaes on lipid profile, blood glucose, renal, hepatic function, and oxidative stress/antioxidant (lipid peroxidation, Catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver tissues)., Methods: 46 young male albino rats were used. Saccharin and methylsalicylate were giving orally as low and high dose for 30 days. Rats were divided into 5 groups, 1(st) control group, 2(nd) and 3(rd) low and high saccharin-treated groups and 4(th) and 5(th) low and high methylsalicylate-treated group., Results: Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose levels and body weight gain were decreased in saccharin high dose compared to control. Rats ingested high dose of saccharin presented a significant reduction in serum triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL levels. Low and high doses of saccharin exhibited a significant increase in liver function marker of ALT, AST, ALP activity, total proteins and albumin levels and renal function test (urea and creatinine levels) in comparison with control group. Saccharin high dose induce a significant decline in hepatic GSH levels, catalase and SOD activities while increased in hepatic MDA level., Conclusion: It could be concluded that, saccharin affects harmfully and alters biochemical markers in hepatic and renal tissues not only at greater doses but also at low doses. Whereas uses of metylsalicylates would not pose a risk for renal function and hepatic oxidative markers.

Scope: Diabetes mellitus is associated with reductions in glutathione, supporting the critical role of oxidative stress in its pathogenesis. Antioxidant food components such as flavonoids have a protective role against oxidative stress-induced degenerative and age-related diseases. Flavonoids such as epicatechin (EC) constitute an important part of the human diet; they can be found in green tea, grapes, and cocoa and possess multiple biological activities. This study investigates the chemo-protective effect of EC against oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH) on Ins-1E pancreatic beta cells., Methods and Results: Cell viability, oxidative status, phosphorylated Jun kinase (p-JNK) expression, and insulin secretion were evaluated. Ins-1E cells treatment with 5-20 μM EC for 20 h evoked no cell damage and enhanced antioxidant enzymes and insulin secretion. Addition of 50 μM t-BOOH for 2 h induced reactive oxygen species, p-JNK, and carbonyl groups and decreased GSH and insulin secretion. Pretreatment of cells with EC prevented the t-BOOH-induced reactive oxygen species, carbonyl groups, p-JNK expression and cell death, and recovered insulin secretion., Conclusion: Ins-1E cells treated with EC showed a remarkable recovery of cell viability and insulin secretion damaged by t-BOOH, indicating that integrity of secreting and surviving machineries in the EC-treated cells was notably protected against the oxidative insult., (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)