Showing papers on "Catalase published in 2014"

Red blood cell oxidative stress impairs oxygen delivery and induces red blood cell aging

Abstract: Red Blood Cells (RBCs) need to deform and squeeze through narrow capillaries. Thus, decreased deformability of RBCs contributes to the elimination of aged or damaged RBCs from the circulation. This process causes impaired oxygen delivery, which has contributed to the pathology of a number of diseases. Studies from our laboratory have shown that oxidative stress plays a significant role in damaging the RBC membrane and impairing deformability. RBCs are continuously exposed to both endogenous and exogenous sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). While the bulk of the ROS are neutralized by the RBC antioxidant system consisting of both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants including catalase, glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin-2, the autoxidation of hemoglobin bound to the membrane is relatively inaccessible to cytosolic antioxidants. This process becomes more pronounced under hypoxic conditions when hemoglobin is partially oxygenated resulting in an increased rate of autoxidation and increased affinity for the RBC membrane. We have shown that a fraction of peroxyredoxin-2 present on the RBC membrane may play a major role in neutralizing these ROS. H2O2 that is not neutralized by the RBC antioxidant system can react with the heme producing fluorescent heme degradation products (HDP). We have used the level of these HDP as a measure of RBC Oxidative Stress. Increased levels of HDP are detected during cellular aging and various diseases. The negative correlation (pWhile decreased deformability contributes to the removal of RBCs from circulation, the uptake of RBCs by macrophages can also involve other processes like caspase-3 activation,which also directly involve oxidative stress. RBC oxidative stress, therefore, plays a significant role in inducing RBC aging.

Oxidative stress is a mediator for increased lipid accumulation in a newly isolated Dunaliella salina strain.

Abstract: Green algae offer sustainable, clean and eco-friendly energy resource. However, production efficiency needs to be improved. Increasing cellular lipid levels by nitrogen depletion is one of the most studied strategies. Despite this, the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms of this response have not been well defined. Algae species adapted to hypersaline conditions can be cultivated in salty waters which are not useful for agriculture or consumption. Due to their inherent extreme cultivation conditions, use of hypersaline algae species is better suited for avoiding culture contamination issues. In this study, we identified a new halophilic Dunaliella salina strain by using 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. We found that growth and biomass productivities of this strain were directly related to nitrogen levels, as the highest biomass concentration under 0.05 mM or 5 mM nitrogen regimes were 495 mg/l and 1409 mg/l, respectively. We also confirmed that nitrogen limitation increased cellular lipid content up to 35% under 0.05 mM nitrogen concentration. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms of this phenomenon, we applied fluorometric, flow cytometric and spectrophotometric methods to measure oxidative stress and enzymatic defence mechanisms. Under nitrogen depleted cultivation conditions, we observed increased lipid peroxidation by measuring an important oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde and enhanced activation of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzymes. These observations indicated that oxidative stress is accompanied by increased lipid content in the green alga. In addition, we also showed that at optimum cultivation conditions, inducing oxidative stress by application of exogenous H2O2 leads to increased cellular lipid content up to 44% when compared with non-treated control groups. Our results support that oxidative stress and lipid overproduction are linked. Importantly, these results also suggest that oxidative stress mediates lipid accumulation. Understanding such relationships may provide guidance for efficient production of algal biodiesels.

Hydrogen peroxide: A central player in physical plasma-induced oxidative stress in human blood cells.

Abstract: Plasma medicine is an interdisciplinary field and recent clinical studies showed benefits of topical plasma application to chronic wounds. Whereas most investigations have focused on plasma-skin cell interaction, immune cells are omnipresent in most tissues as well. They not only elicit specific immune responses but also regulate inflammation, which is central in healing and regeneration. Plasma generates short-lived radicals and species in the gas phase. Mechanisms of plasma-cell interactions are not fully understood but it is hypothesized that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) mediate effects of plasma on cells. In this study human blood cells were investigated after cold atmospheric plasma treatment with regard to oxidation and viability. Plasma generates hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the responses were similar in cells treated with concentration-matched H2O2. Both treatments gave an equivalent reduction in viability and this was completely abrogated if catalase was added prior to plasma exposure. Further, five oxidation probes were utilized and fluorescence increase was observed in plasma-treated cells. Dye-dependent addition of catalase diminished most but not all of the probe fluorescence, assigning H2O2 a dominant but not exclusive role in cellular oxidation by plasma. Investigations for other species revealed generation of nitrite and formation of 3-nitrotyrosine but not 3-chlorotyrosine after plasma treatment indicating presence of RNS which may contribute to cellular redox changes observed. Together, these results will help to clarify how oxidative stress associates with physical plasma treatment in wound relevant cells.

Silver nanoparticles induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and alteration of antioxidant systems in the aquatic plant spirodela polyrhiza

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used commercially because of their antibacterial properties. Oxidative stress is known to be involved in the toxicity of AgNPs to bacteria, animals, and algae. The authors used Spirodela polyrhiza to investigate whether AgNPs can induce oxidative stress in higher plants. Results showed that there was a dose-dependent increase in levels of reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, and the antioxidant glutathione content in 6-nm AgNP treatments. Catalase activity and malondialdehyde content in 6-nm AgNP treatments was significantly higher than the control at silver concentrations of 5mgL(-1). Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and antioxidant glutathione and malondialdehyde content were not significantly different at 10mgL(-1) of AgNPs (6nm and 20nm). Treatment with 20 mu gL(-1) Ag+ (the amount almost equal to 10mgL(-1) AgNPs released) did not change the reactive oxygen species level or antioxidant enzymes activity. Micron-sized Ag particles had no effect on S. polyrhiza. Transmission electron microscopy showed that, compared with the control, chloroplasts in S. polyrhiza treated with 6-nm and 20-nm AgNPs accumulated starch grains and had reduced intergranal thylakoids. These results clearly indicate that AgNPs are able to cause oxidative stress and affect the chloroplast structure and function of S. polyrhiza, and this effect was not caused by Ag+ released from particles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1398-1405. (c) 2014 SETAC

FoxO proteins restrain osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by attenuating H 2 O 2 accumulation

Abstract: Besides their cell-damaging effects in the setting of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in physiological intracellular signalling by triggering proliferation and survival. FoxO transcription factors counteract ROS generation by upregulating antioxidant enzymes. Here we show that intracellular H2O2 accumulation is a critical and purposeful adaptation for the differentiation and survival of osteoclasts, the bone cells responsible for the resorption of mineralized bone matrix. Using mice with conditional loss or gain of FoxO transcription factor function, or mitochondria-targeted catalase in osteoclasts, we demonstrate this is achieved, at least in part, by downregulating the H2O2-inactivating enzyme catalase. Catalase downregulation results from the repression of the transcriptional activity of FoxO1, 3 and 4 by RANKL, the indispensable signal for the generation of osteoclasts, via an Akt-mediated mechanism. Notably, mitochondria-targeted catalase prevented the loss of bone caused by loss of oestrogens, suggesting that decreasing H2O2 production in mitochondria may represent a rational pharmacotherapeutic approach to diseases with increased bone resorption.

Cadmium and lead interactive effects on oxidative stress and antioxidative responses in rice seedlings

Abstract: Interactive effects of two heavy metal pollutants Cd and Pb in the growth medium were examined on their uptake, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of oxidative stress and antioxidative defence responses in Indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. When rice seedlings in sand culture were exposed to 150 μM Cd (NO3)2 or 600 μM Pb (CH3COO)2 individually or in combination for 8–16 days, a significant reduction in root/shoot length, fresh weight, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and increased production of ROS (O2˙− and H2O2) was observed. Both Cd and Pb were readily taken up by rice roots and localisation of absorbed metals was greater in roots than in shoots. When present together in the growth medium, uptake of both the metals Cd and Pb declined by 25–40 %. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging of leaf stomata revealed that Pb caused more distortion in the shape of guard cells than Cd. Dithizone staining of roots showed localisation of absorbed Cd on root hairs and epidermal cells. Both Cd and Pb caused increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, decline in protein thiol and increase in non-protein thiol. The level of reduced forms of non-enzymic antioxidants glutathione (GSH) and ascorbate (AsA) and their redox ratios (GSH/AsA) declined, whereas the activities of antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) increased in metal treated seedlings compared to controls. In-gel activity staining also revealed increased intensities of SOD and GPX isoforms with metal treatments. Catalase (CAT) activity increased during early days (8 days) of metal exposure and declined by 16 days. Results suggest that oxidative stress is an important component in expression of Cd and Pb toxicities in rice, though uptake of both metals gets reduced considerably when present together in the medium.

Exogenous sodium nitroprusside and glutathione alleviate copper toxicity by reducing copper uptake and oxidative damage in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) regulate a variety of physiological processes and stress responses; however, their involvement in mitigating Cu toxicity in plants has not been extensively studied. This study investigated the interactive effect of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and GSH on Cu homeostasis and Cu-induced oxidative damage in rice seedlings. Hydroponically grown 12-day-old seedlings were subjected to 100 μM CuSO4 alone and in combination with 200 μM SNP (an NO donor) and 200 μM GSH. Cu exposure for 48 h resulted in toxicity symptoms such as stunted growth, chlorosis, and rolling in leaves. Cu toxicity was also manifested by a sharp increase in lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, lipid peroxidation (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline (Pro) content, and rapid reductions in biomass, chlorophyll (Chl), and relative water content (RWC). Cu-caused oxidative stress was evident by overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS; superoxide (O2 •–) and H2O2). Ascorbate (AsA) content decreased while GSH and phytochelatin (PC) content increased significantly in Cu-stressed seedlings. Exogenous SNP, GSH, or SNP + GSH decreased toxicity symptoms and diminished a Cu-induced increase in LOX activity, O2 •–, H2O2, MDA, and Pro content. They also counteracted a Cu-induced increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II activities, which paralleled changes in ROS and MDA levels. These seedlings also showed a significant increase in catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, and AsA and PC content compared with the seedlings stressed with Cu alone. Cu analysis revealed that SNP and GSH restricted the accumulation of Cu in the roots and leaves of Cu-stressed seedlings. Our results suggest that Cu exposure provoked an oxidative burden while reduced Cu uptake and modulating the antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems by adding SNP and GSH play an important role in alleviating Cu toxicity. Furthermore, the protective action of GSH and SNP + GSH was more efficient than SNP alone.

Spermidine pretreatment enhances heat tolerance in rice seedlings through modulating antioxidative and glyoxalase systems

Abstract: This study was undertaken to investigate the possible involvement of the antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems in protecting rice seedlings from heat-induced damage in the presence of spermidine (Spd). Hydroponically grown 14-day-old seedlings were subjected to foliar spray with Spd (1 mM, 24 h) prior to heat stress (42 °C, 48 h) followed by subsequent recovery (27 °C, 48 h). Lipoxygenase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and proline (Pro) content increased significantly whereas fresh weight (FW) and chlorophyll (Chl) content decreased during heat stress and after recovery, indicating unrecoverable damage to rice seedlings. Heat-induced damage was also evident in decreased levels of ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), and AsA and GSH redox ratios. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased during heat stress but declined after recovery. Activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR) decreased during heat stress but an opposite trend for most of these enzymes was observed after recovery. Heat stress also resulted in significant increases in the activities of glyoxalase enzymes (Gly I and Gly II). In contrast, exogenous Spd protected rice seedlings from heat-induced damage as marked by lower levels of MDA, H2O2, and Pro content coupled with increased levels of AsA, GSH, FW, Chl, and AsA and GSH redox status. After recovery, Spd-pretreated heat-exposed seedlings displayed higher activities of SOD, CAT, GPX, GST APX, DHAR and GR as well as of Gly I and Gly II. In addition, polyamine analysis revealed that exogenously applied Spd significantly elevated the levels of free and soluble conjugated Spd. Therefore, we conclude from our results that heat exposure provoked an oxidative burden while enhancement of the antioxidative and glyoxalase systems by Spd rendered rice seedlings more tolerant to heat stress. Further, co-induction of the antioxidative and glyoxalase systems was closely associated with Spd mediated enhanced level of GSH.

The effect of natural and synthetic auxins on the growth, metabolite content and antioxidant response of green alga Chlorella vulgaris (Trebouxiophyceae)

Abstract: The effect of exogenously applied natural [indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), phenylacetic acid (PAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)] and synthetic [1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] auxins on the growth and metabolism of green microalga Chlorella vulgaris was examined. Exogenous auxins acted in a concentration-dependent manner on algal growth. Phytohormones at concentration of 100 μM inhibited algal growth expressed as the number of cells. IAA and IBA displayed the highest biological activity at 0.1 μM, whereas PAA and NAA were characterized by the greatest stimulatory effect on the number of cells at 1 μM. Treatment with IAA and IBA at 0.1 μM or NAA and PAA at 1 μM increased the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, monosaccharides and soluble proteins in C.vulgaris. Moreover, all auxins stimulated enzymatic (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic antioxidant (ascorbate, glutathione) systems in C.vulgaris, and therefore, suppressed lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide accumulation. The data supports the hypothesis that auxins play a central role in the regulation of C.vulgaris growth and metabolism and the components of cellular redox systems that are thought to have a prominent role in the regulation of auxin-dependent processes.

Geração e desintoxicação enzimática de espécies reativas de oxigênio em plantas

Abstract: The biotic and abiotic stress conditions imposed on plants induces overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause damage to cellular structures and even lead to the death of the plant. The biochemical and physiological responses of higher plants to oxidative stress includes an efficient antioxidant defense system, which involves the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxiredoxines, among others, in addition to non-enzymatic metabolites, which, together, work on eliminating the ROS and in reducing oxidative damage. This review will address the main production sites of ROS and the action of some enzymes of antioxidative defense system in plants.

γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Imparts Partial Protection from Heat Stress Injury to Rice Seedlings by Improving Leaf Turgor and Upregulating Osmoprotectants and Antioxidants

Abstract: Four-day-old rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings were subjected to varying temperatures of 30/20, 35/25, and 42/37 °C [light/dark (15/9 h); light intensity: 350 μmol m−2 s−1, RH 65–70 %] in glass Petri dishes for 10 days in the absence (control) or the presence of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) 1 mM under the controlled conditions of a growth chamber. With rise in temperature, the length of both shoots and roots was inhibited severely and there was a marked decrease in survival, especially at 42/37 °C. Endogenous GABA content increased more than twofold in moderately stressed (MS) 35/25 °C plants, whereas it decreased sevenfold in severely stressed (SS) 42/37 °C plants compared to MS plants, and this decrease was associated with marked reduction in growth and survival. Exogenous application of GABA to the heat-stressed plants significantly improved growth as well as survival. It was linked to reduction in damage to membranes, improvement in cellular reducing ability, chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency in shoots. Relative leaf water content and stomatal conductance were also improved with the application of GABA and their improvement was related to increased accumulation of the osmolytes proline and trehalose. In the presence of GABA, the shoots suffered less oxidative damage in terms of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents. The activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were severely inhibited in plants growing at 42/37 °C compared to those growing at 35/25 °C. The nonenzymatic antioxidants like ascorbate and glutathione followed a similar pattern. GABA-treated SS plants showed enhanced levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants compared to untreated controls. Thus, GABA appears to impart partial protection from heat stress to rice plants by elevating leaf turgor due to increased accumulation of osmolytes and reduction of oxidative damage by stimulation of antioxidants. These findings provided evidence about the involvement of GABA in governing heat sensitivity in rice.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis modulates antioxidant response in salt-stressed Trigonella foenum-graecum plants

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of Glomus intraradices colonization on the activity of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (PX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR)] and the accumulation of nonenzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, glutathione, and carotenoids) in roots and leaves of fenugreek plants subjected to varying degrees of salinity (0, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl) at two time intervals (1 and 14 days after saline treatment, DAT). The antioxidative capacity was correlated with oxidative damage in the same tissue. Under salt stress, lipid peroxidation and H2O2 concentration increased with increasing severity and duration of salt stress (DoS). However, the extent of oxidative damage in mycorrhizal plants was less compared to nonmycorrhizal plants. The study reveals that mycorrhiza-mediated attenuation of oxidative stress in fenugreek plants is due to enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes and higher concentrations of antioxidant molecules. However, the significant effect of G. intraradices colonization on individual antioxidant molecules and enzymes varied with plant tissue, salinity level, and DoS. The significant effect of G. intraradices colonization on antioxidative enzymes was more evident at 1DAT in both leaves and roots, while the concentrations of antioxidant molecules were significantly influenced at 14DAT. It is proposed that AM symbiosis can improve antioxidative defense systems of plants through higher SOD activity in M plants, facilitating rapid dismutation of O2- to H2O2, and subsequent prevention of H2O2 build-up by higher activities of CAT, APX, and PX. The potential of G. intraradices to ameliorate oxidative stress generated in fenugreek plants by salinity was more evident at higher intensities of salt stress.

Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Postharvest Senescence of Broccoli by Modulating Antioxidant Defense and Senescence-Related Gene Expression

Abstract: Accumulating evidence has shown that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) acts as a signaling regulator in plants. Here we show that H2S delays the postharvest senescence of broccoli in a dose-dependent manner. H2S maintains higher levels of metabolites, such as carotenoids, anthocyanin, and ascorbate, and reduces the accumulation of malondialdehyde, H2O2, and the superoxide anion. Further investigations showed that H2S sustained higher activities of guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase and lower activities of lipoxygenase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and protease than those of water control. Moreover, the expression of the chlorophyll degradation related genes BoSGR, BoCLH2, BoPaO, BoRCCR, as well as cysteine protease BoCP1 and lipoxygenase gene BoLOX1, was down-regulated in postharvest broccoli treated with H2S. The functions of H2S on the senescence of other vegetables and fruits suggest its universal role acting as a senescence regulator.

Increased expression of native cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase improves tolerance to oxidative and chilling stresses in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a tropical root crop, and is therefore, extremely sensitive to low temperature; its antioxidative response is pivotal for its survival under stress. Timely turnover of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells generated by chilling-induced oxidative damages, and scavenging can be achieved by non-enzymatic and enzymatic reactions in order to maintain ROS homeostasis. Transgenic cassava plants that co-express cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD), MeCu/ZnSOD, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), MeAPX2, were produced and tested for tolerance against oxidative and chilling stresses. The up-regulation of MeCu/ZnSOD and MeAPX2 expression was confirmed by the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and enzymatic activity analyses in the leaves of transgenic cassava plant lines with a single-transgene integration site. Upon exposure to ROS-generating agents, 100 μM ROS-generating reagent methyl viologen and 0.5 M H2O2, higher levels of enzymatic activities of SOD and APX were detected in transgenic plants than the wild type. Consequently, the oxidative stress parameters, such as lipid peroxidation, chlorophyll degradation and H2O2 synthesis, were lower in the transgenic lines than the wild type. Tolerance to chilling stress at 4°C for 2 d was greater in transgenic cassava, as observed by the higher levels of SOD, catalase, and ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes (e.g., APX, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reducatase and glutathione reductase) and lower levels of malondialdehyde content. These results suggest that the expression of native cytosolic SOD and APX simultaneously activated the antioxidative defense mechanisms via cyclic ROS scavenging, thereby improving its tolerance to cold stress.

Antioxidant action of soy isoflavones on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in exercised rats

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Isoflavones are widely believed to be beneficial to human health, in relation to their antioxidant potentials. Exercise can cause an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. This study was conducted in order to investigate the ability of isoflavones in amelioration of oxidative stress induced by exercise. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of four groups: isoflavone-free with no exercise (CON-sd), isoflavone-free with exercise (CON-ex), isoflavone-supplemented with no exercise (ISF-sd), and isoflavone-supplemented with exercise (ISF-ex). Animals exercised on the treadmill for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. TBARS as a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity, including SOD, GSH-px, and catalase were determined in liver tissue. Serum lipid profile was also examined. RESULTS: A significant effect of isoflavone alone was observed on abdominal fat pad mass. ISF-ex had significantly less abdominal fat pad than CON-ex. Both exercise and isoflavone treatment had significant effects on lowering plasma triglyceride (TG), thus, the ISF-ex group had a significantly lower TG level than the CON-sd group, by 30.9%. However, no differences were observed in plasma cholesterol, HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. Exercise, isoflavone, and exercise-isoflavone interaction effects were significant on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (P = 0.001, 0.002, and 0.005, respectively). The CON-ex group showed a higher TBARS level than the other three groups. By contrast, in the ISF-ex group, TBARS was restored to the level of the ISF-sd or CON-sd group. Isoflavone had a significant effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P = 0.022) and catalase activities (P = 0.049). Significantly higher SOD and catalase activities were observed in ISF-ex than CON-ex. SOD and catalase activities showed an inverse pattern of TBARS. Taken together, isoflavones increased the activities of SOD and catalase with concomitant decreases in TBARS, indicative of decreased oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Isoflavone supplementation enhances antioxidant action with attenuation of exercise-induced oxidative stress, as measured by decreases in TBARS, and inhibits body fat accumulation and plasma TG increase. Antioxidative effects ascribed to isoflavones may be partially exerted via enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities.

Catalase activity is stimulated by H2O2 in rich culture medium and is required for H2O2 resistance and adaptation in yeast

Abstract: Catalases are efficient scavengers of H2O2 and protect cells against H2O2 stress. Examination of the H2O2 stimulon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed that the cytosolic catalase T (Ctt1) protein level increases 15-fold on H2O2 challenge in synthetic complete media although previous work revealed that deletion of the CCT1 or CTA1 genes (encoding peroxisomal/mitochondrial catalase A) does not increase the H2O2 sensitivity of yeast challenged in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). This we attributed to our observation that catalase activity is depressed when yeast are challenged with H2O2 in nutrient-poor media. Hence, we performed a systematic comparison of catalase activity and cell viability of wild-type yeast and of the single catalase knockouts, ctt1∆ and cta1∆, following H2O2 challenge in nutrient-rich medium (YPD) and in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Ctt1 but not Cta1 activity is strongly induced by H2O2 when cells are challenged in YPD but suppressed when cells are challenged in buffer. Consistent with the activity results, exponentially growing ctt1∆ cells in YPD are more sensitive to H2O2 than wild-type or cta1∆ cells, whereas in buffer all three strains exhibit comparable H2O2 hypersensitivity. Furthermore, catalase activity is increased during adaptation to sublethal H2O2 concentrations in YPD but not in buffer. We conclude that induction of cytosolic Ctt1 activity is vital in protecting yeast against exogenous H2O2 but this activity is inhibited by H2O2 when cells are challenged in nutrient-free media.

Selenium ameliorates arsenic induced oxidative stress through modulation of antioxidant enzymes and thiols in rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract: Arsenic (As) contamination of rice is a major problem for South-East Asia. In the present study, the effect of selenium (Se) on rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants exposed to As was studied in hydroponic culture. Arsenic accumulation, plant growth, thiolic ligands and antioxidative enzyme activities were assayed after single (As and Se) and simultaneous supplementations (As + Se). The results indicated that the presence of Se (25 µM) decreased As accumulation by threefold in roots and twofold in shoots as compared to single As (25 µM) exposed plants. Arsenic induced oxidative stress in roots and shoots was significantly ameliorated by Se supplementation. The observed positive response was found associated with the increased activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx; EC 1.11.1.9) and induced levels of non-protein thiols (NPTs), glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs) in As + Se exposed plants as compared to single As treatment. Selenium supplementation modulated the thiol metabolism enzymes viz., γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS; EC 6.3.2.2), glutathione-S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18) and phytochelatin synthase (PCS; EC 2.3.2.15). Gene expression analysis of several metalloid responsive genes (LOX, SOD and MATE) showed upregulation during As stress, however, significant downregulation during As + Se exposure as compared to single As treatment. Gene expressions of enzymes of antioxidant and GSH and PC biosynthetic systems, such as APX, CAT, GPx, γ-ECS and PCS were found to be significantly positively correlated with their enzyme activities. The findings suggested that Se supplementation could be an effective strategy to reduce As accumulation and toxicity in rice plants.