Showing papers on "Super oxide dismutase published in 2011"

Metabolic rate and oxidative stress in insects exposed to low temperature thermal fluctuations.

Abstract: Fluctuating temperatures are a predominant feature of the natural environment but their effects on ectotherm physiology are not well-understood. The warm periods of fluctuating thermal regimes (FTRs) provide opportunities for repair leading to increased survival, but there are also indications of negative effects of warm exposure. In this study, we examined respiration and oxidative stress in adult Alphitobius diaperinus exposed to FTRs and to constant low temperatures. We hypothesized that cold exposure will cause oxidative stress and that FTRs would reduce the amount of chill injuries, via activation of the antioxidant system. We measured V˙CO2, activities of super oxide dismutase (SOD), amounts of total (GSHt) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) during cold and warm periods of FTRs. Increased severity of cold exposure caused a decrease in the glutathione pool. SOD levels increased during the recovery period in the more severe FTR. The antioxidant response was sufficient to counter the reactive oxygen species production, as the GSH:GSSG ratio increased. We conclude that cold stress causes oxidative damage in these beetles, and that a warm recovery period activates the antioxidant system allowing repair of cold-induced damage, leading to the increased survival previously noted in beetles exposed to fluctuating versus constant temperatures.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of licorice extract against CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rats.

Abstract: Licorice has been used in Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of various disorders. Licorice has the biological capabilities of detoxication, antioxidation, and antiinfection. In this study, we evaluated the antihepatotoxic effect of licorice aqueous extract (LE) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in a rat model. Hepatic damage, as reveled by histology and the increased activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and decreased levels of serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and globulin (G) were induced in rats by an administration of CCl4 at 3 mL/kg b.w. (1:1 in groundnut oil). Licorice extract significantly inhibited the elevated AST, ALP and ALT activities and the decreased TP, Alb and G levels caused by CCl4 intoxication. It also enhanced liver super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) level, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Licorice extract still markedly reverses the increased liver hydroxyproline and serum TNF-α levels induced by CCl4 intoxication. The data of this study support a chemopreventive potential of licorice extract against liver oxidative injury.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on exercise-induced oxidative stress in rats. Rats were divided into four groups, i.e., one control group and three LBP treated groups. The animals received an oral administration of physiological saline or LBP (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. On the day of the exercise test, rats were required to run to exhaustion on the treadmill. Body weight, endurance time, malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) level of rats were measured. The results showed that the body weight of rats in LBP treated groups were not significantly different from that in the normal control group before and after the experiment (P > 0.05). After exhaustive exercise, the mean endurance time of treadmill running to exhaustion of rats in LBP treated groups were significantly prolonged compared with that in the normal control group. MDA levels of rats in LBP treated groups were significantly decreased compared with that in the normal control group (P < 0.05). SOD and GPX levels of rats in LBP treated groups were significantly increased compared with that in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Together, these results indicate that LBP was effective in preventing oxidative stress after exhaustive exercise.

Studies on Wound Healing Activity of Heliotropium indicum Linn. Leaves on Rats

Abstract: The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Heliotropium indicum Linn. (Family: Boraginaceae) were separately evaluated for their wound healing activity in rats using excision (normal and infected), incision, and dead space wound models. The effects of test samples on the rate of wound healing were assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation, wound breaking strength, weights of the granulation tissue, determination of hydroxyproline, super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and histopathology of the granulation tissues. Nitrofurazone (0.2% w/w) in simple ointment I. P. was used as reference standard for the activity comparison. The results revealed significant promotion of wound healing with both methanol and aqueous extracts with more promising activity with the methanol extract compared to other extracts under study. In the wound infection model (with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa), the methanol extract showed significant healing activity similar to the reference standard nitrofurazone. Significant increase in the granulation tissue weight, increased hydroxyproline content, and increased activity of SOD and catalase level with the animals treated with methanol extract in dead space wound model further augmented the wound healing potential of H. indicum. The present work substantiates its validity of the folklore use.

Neuroprotective effects of alpha lipoic Acid on haloperidol-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain.

Abstract: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic drug that exerts its' antipsychotic effects by inhibiting dopaminergic neurons. Although the exact pathophysiology of haloperidol extrapyramidal symptoms are not known, the role of reactive oxygen species in inducing oxidative stress has been proposed as one of the mechanisms of prolonged haloperidol-induced neurotoxicity. In the present study, we evaluate the protective effect of alpha lipoic acid against haloperidol-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, alpha lipoic acid alone (100 mg/kg p.o for 21 days), haloperidol alone (2 mg/kg i.p for 21 days), and haloperidol with alpha lipoic acid groups (for 21 days). Haloperidol treatment significantly decreased levels of the brain antioxidant enzymes super oxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and concurrent treatment with alpha lipoic acid significantly reversed the oxidative effects of haloperidol. Histopathological changes revealed significant haloperidol-induced damage in the cerebral cortex, internal capsule, and substantia nigra. Alpha lipoic acid significantly reduced this damage and there were very little neuronal atrophy. Areas of angiogenesis were also seen in the alpha lipoic acid-treated group. In conclusion, the study proves that alpha lipoic acid treatment significantly reduces haloperidol-induced neuronal damage.

Cardioprotective Effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid Against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Ischemia in Rats

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to look into the possible protective effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) against isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction in Sprague-Dawley rats. The effect of three doses of glycyrrhizic acid in response to isoproterenol (ISO)-induced changes in 8-isoprostane, lipid hydroperoxides, super oxide dismutase and total glutathione were evaluated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, ISO-control, glycyrrhizic acid alone (in three doses-5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW) and ISO with glycyrrhizic acid (in three doses) groups. ISO was administered at 85 mg/kg BW at two consecutive days and glycyrrhizic acid was administered intraperitoneally for 14 days. There was a significant increase in 8-isoprostane (IP) and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) level in ISO-control group. A significant decrease in total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total glutathione (GSH) was seen with ISO-induced acute myocardial infarction. Treatment with GA significantly increased SOD and GSH levels and decreased myocardial LPO and IP levels. Histopathologically, severe myocardial necrosis and nuclear pyknosis and hypertrophy were seen in ISO-control group, which was significantly reduced with GA treatment. Gycyrrhizic acid treatment proved to be effective against isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial infarction in rats and GA acts as a powerful antioxidant and reduces the myocardial lipid hydroperoxide and 8-isoprostane level.

Role of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon in prevention of carbofuran- induced oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in rat brain.

Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorating effect of aqueous extract of C. dactylon on carbofuran induced oxidative stress (OS) and alterations in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain of rats. Vitamin C was used as a positive control. Wistar rats were administered with single sub-acute oral dose (1.6 mgkg-1 b.wt.) of carbofuran for 24 h. The OS parameters such as lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and that of AChE were studied in brain. Carbofuran treatment significantly increased the activities of SOD and CAT by 75 and 60%, respectively. It also induced the level of LPO by 113%. In contrast, the activities of GST and AChE were recorded to be diminished by 25 and 33%, respectively. Pretreatment of the rats with aqueous extract of C. dactylon (oral; 500mgkg-1) restored SOD activity completely but CAT activity only partially (7%). Carbofuran induced LPO was moderated by 95% in the brain of C. dactylon treated rats. The observed changes in OS parameters in C. dactylon treated group were comparable to that observed in vitamin C (200 mg-kg-1 b. wt.) treated group. Surprisingly, C. dactylon treatment significantly recovered the activity of AChE to a smilar level as observed in the brain of control group. In contrast vitamin C treatment did not cause significant change in the activity of AChE in carbofuran treated group. There were no noticeable changes in the aforementioned study parameters in the brain of rats receiving C. dactylon and vitamin C, only. The results suggest that the study is extremely important in the context of development of new anticholinestesterase and antioxidant antidotes against carbofuran from C. dactylon.

Anti-oxidative effects of citro flavonoids on spermatogenesis in rat

Abstract: Citrus fruits have long been recognized as containing valuable sources of important nutrients which are biologically active in humans. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, contain compounds called phytochemicals that can be included into three major groups: the flavonoids, limonoids and carotenoids. The flavonoids are a group of benzopyran derivatives which occur widely in plants. The flavonoids typically consist of a benzene ring fused with the heterocyclic six-membered ring containing an oxygen atom. As citrus has an antioxidant’s potential, we want to evaluating its useful effect on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. Wistar male rat (n=30) were allocated into three groups, control (n=10) and test groups (n=20), that subdivided into groups of 2 that received citrus extract powder (400 and 600 mg/rat) for 30 consequence day. Animals were kept in standard conditions. In twentieth day the testes tissue of rats in whole groups were removed and sperm was collected from epididymis and prepared for analysis. TAC, SOD levels and percentage of sperm viability and motility in both test groups significantly increased (p<0.05) in comparison to control group, whereas, sperm concentration, morphology and testes weights in both experimental and control group were similar. The level of MDA in both extract groups were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Results revealed that administration of 600 mg/kg/day citrus extract significantly increased the TAC, SOD levels and sperm percentage, viability, motility and decreased MDA levels. This suggested that citrus may be promising in enhancing sperm healthy parameters. Key words: Anti-oxidative, citrus, spermatogenesis, super oxide dismutase, testis.

Response of cyanobacteria to arsenic toxicity

Abstract: Arsenic content of cyanobacterial biomass, soil and water samples from arsenic-contaminated area of eastern India were estimated. It was found that arsenic content in cyanobacterial biomass (276.9 μg g−1) was more than soil (19.01 μg g−1) or water sample (244.13 μg L−1). Shallow tube well water showed more arsenic (244.13 μg L−1) than deep tube well water (146.13 μg L−1). Arsenic resistant genera recorded from the contaminated area were Oscillatoria princeps, Oscillatoria limosa, Anabaena sp. and Phormidium laminosum. Among these, P. laminosum was isolated and exposed to different concentration of Arsenic in vitro (0.1–100 ppm) to study the toxicity level of arsenic. Modulation in stress enzymes and stress-related compounds were studied in relation to lipid peroxidase, catalase, super oxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), reduced glutathione and carotenoids in arsenic exposed biomass to understand the resistance mechanism of the genus both in laboratory condition as well as in natural condition. Arsenic content of cyanobacterial biomass from contaminated area was more (276.9 μg g−1) than laboratory exposed sample (37.17 μg g−1), indicating bioconcentration of arsenic in long-term-exposed natural biomass. Overall, more activity of catalase was recorded in cyanobacterial biomass of natural condition whereas SOD and APX were at higher level in laboratory culture.

Antidiabetic activity of Basella rubra and its relationship with the antioxidant property

Abstract: Oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin (STZ) has been shown to damage pancreatic beta cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. In the present study an attempt was made to examine the action of Basella rubra against experimental diabetes as well as the antioxidant potential of the leaf extract. Aqueous extract of Basella rubra (400mg/kg body weight for 30 days) was found to significantly reduce the blood sugar level. The oxidative stress produced by streptozotocin was found to be significantly lowered when compared to control rats. This was evident from a significant decrease in blood sugar level and increased level of liver enzymatic (Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and non enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin C, E and reduced glutathione). These results indicate that Basella rubra extract effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced by streptozotocin and potential reduction in blood sugar level.

Evaluation of Argemone mexicana Linn. Leaves for wound healing activity

Abstract: The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Argemone mexicana Linn. (Family: Papaveraceae) were evaluated for their wound healing activity in rats using excision (normal and infected), incision and dead space wound models respectively. The effects of test samples on the rate of wound healing were assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation, wound breaking strength, weights of the granulation tissue, determination of hydroxyproline, super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and histopathology of the granulation tissues. Nitrofurazone (0.2% w/w) in Simple ointment I. P. was used as reference standard for the activity comparison. The results of the study revealed that the animals treated with methanol and aqueous extracts of A. mexicana showed faster rate of wound healing compared to other extracts under study. The chloroform extract of the selected plants also produced promising results but the effects are seen to be of lesser extent than the corresponding methanol and aqueous extracts. The petroleum ether extract did not produce significant results. The wound healing effects of the chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts may be attributed to the presence of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, triterpenoids, tannins and flavonoids in the extracts which are known to promote the wound healing process mainly due to their astringent, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The present work justifies the use of the leaves of A. mexicana for wound healing activity as claimed in the folklore literature.

Effect of Drought Stress on Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Some Chickpea Cultivars

Abstract: 2 Abstract: To evaluate the effects of drought stress on antioxidant enzymes activity of three chickpea cultivars, an experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Islamic Azad University, Karaj branch and laboratories of Tarbiyat Moallem University of Tehran. For field studies, a spilt-split plot design on the basis of RCBD with four replications was used. The main factor was irrigation (at two levels of normal and drought stress), the sub factor was selenium (in two levels of selenium spraying and without selenium) and the sub-sub factor was three chickpea cultivars. Evaluated traits in this study were super oxide dismutase enzymes, catalase, glutation peroxidase and malondialdehyde. The results showed that treatments significantly affected the activity of MDA, CAT, GPX and SOD enzymes. The results of biochemical analysis showed the activity of antioxidant enzymes increases under stress conditions. Application of 20 g/ha selenium increased enzymes activity except the catalase. Finally, this research indicated that the Bivanij cultivar is the most tolerant to drought stress among the studied cultivars.

Effect of green tea extract on doxorubicin induced cardiovascular abnormalities: antioxidant action

Abstract: Doxorubicin (DOX) induces oxidative stress leading to cardiovascular abnormalities. Green tea extract (GTE) is reported to possess antioxidant activity mainly by means of its polyphenolic constituent, catechins. Our study was aimed to find out the effect of GTE (100 mg/kg / day p.o. for 28 days) on DOX induced (3 mg/kg, IP on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28) cardiovascular abnormalities in rat heart. DOX treatment led to significant increase in blood pressure, ST interval, serum levels of LDH, CK, SGOT, lipid peroxidation .The antioxidant enzymes such as super oxide dismutase, catalase and reduced-glutathione were decreased considerably in the heart of DOX treated rats as compared to the normal control. A combined treatment with GTE and DOX showed a considerable decrease in serum markers of cardiotoxicity such as LDH, CK, SGOT and lipid peroxides. There was significant increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and also showed improvement in hemodynamic parameters and ECG changes as compared to DOX treated animals. DOX treatment caused disorganization of myocardial tissue which was restored in animals treated with GTE along with DOX. Thus it can be concluded that GTE possesses an antioxidant activity and by virtue of this action it can protect the heart from DOX induced cardiovascular abnormalities.

Wound Healing Effects Of Ageratum Conyzoides Linn.

Abstract: The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides Linn. (Asteraceae) were evaluated for their wound healing activity in rats using excision (normal and infected), incision and dead space wound models respectively. The effects of test samples on the rate of wound healing were assessed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation, wound breaking strength, weights of the granulation tissue, determination of hydroxyproline, super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and histopathology of the granulation tissues. Nitrofurazone (0.2% w/w) in Simple ointment I. P. was used as reference standard for the activity comparison. The results of the study revealed that the animals treated with methanol and aqueous extracts of A. conyzoides showed faster rate of wound healing compared to other extracts under study. The chloroform extract of the selected plants also produced promising results but the effects are seen to be of lesser extent than the corresponding methanol and aqueous extracts. The petroleum ether extract did not produce significant results. The present work justifies the use of the leaves of A. conyzoides for wound healing activity as claimed in the folklore literature.

Protective Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) on Amiodarone-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosisin Rat.

Abstract: Treatment with amiodarone, a commonly prescribed antidysrhythmic agent, is associated with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) which is a commonly progressive and untreatable disease. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a phenolic antioxidant and an active anti-inflammatory , anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant component of propolis (bee glue; a resinous hive product collected by honey bees). In the current study, the effects of CAPE on amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat were investigated. Male rats were divided in to 4 groups. The first group only received amiodarone (6.25 mg/Kg) on first and third day. The second group received only vehicle (distilled water) with the same volume and in the same time as the first group. The third and fourth groups received amiodarone and were treated with CAPE , 5 and 10 µmol /day respectively, from 2 days before the first dose of amiodarone and until 21 days after the second dose of amiodarone. At the end of treatment course, lung tissue was removed for histopathology and biochemical evaluations. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, myeloperoxidase MPO) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in lung tissue. Histopathological evaluation was performed using light microscopy. MDA level and the activity of myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes significantly decreased in the group which was treated with CAPE (5 µmol/Kg). However, 10 µmol/Kg CAPE had not such an effect. Both doses of CAPE could histopathologically reduce the fibrogenic effects of amiodarone . CAPE was shown to be effective in reducing amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis with the dose of 5 µmol/Kg.

Bradykinin potentiating factor isolated from Buthus occitanus venom has a protective effect against cadmium-induced rat liver and kidney damage.

Abstract: Bradykinin and its related peptides are widely distributed in venomous animals, including scorpion. A peptide fraction isolated from the venom of the Egyptian scorpion Buthus occitanus was proved to have a bradykinin-potentiating activity. The aim of the present study was conducted to investigate whether the treatment with bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) offers more beneficial effects in reversing cadmium-induced oxidative stress in rat liver and kidney. Adult male rats, equally divided into control and two treated groups, 10 animals in each group. group (I) was orally given (1 ml) saline and served as a control group; group (II) of rats was given cadmium chloride (4 mg/kg) alone, once daily an oral dose for 7 successive days; group (III) of rats was given ip injection (1 ml) BPF, once daily a dose for 7 successive days prior to CdCl 2 treatment and on the next 7 successive days with the same dose of cadmium as group II. Both organs were subjected to histopathological analysis with the light microscope. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum were measured as indicators of the liver function. As parameters of the kidney function, creatinine, uric acid and urea concentrations in serum were determined. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined in both tissues. Cd exposure caused a significant decrease or inhibition in the activities of GSH, SOD, and CAT, with significant increase in the level of MDA, in versus to control groups in both liver and kidney. Also, when Cd was treated in co-administration with BPF induced increase or stimulation in the activity of GSH, SOD, and CAT, with significant decrease in the level of MDA when compared to Cd group in both organs. Histopathological changes of liver and kidney were also in accordance with the biochemical findings. Our data showed that Cd treatment induced histopathological alteration in the liver, severe hydropic degeneration in centrolobular zones. Inflammatory cells infiltration around the congested central vein and an obvious injury in some renal tubules. Bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) administration prevented the histopathological alterations which observed in Cd-groups and both liver and kidney had essentially normal appearance in histopathological examination. In conclusion, BPF markedly ameliorated cadmium-induced liver and kidney tissue damage as evidenced by histological and biochemical examinations and acts as a potent scavenger of free radicals to protect the liver and kidney against the deleterious effect of acute cadmium intoxication.

Hydrogel substrate alleviates salt stress with increase antioxidant enzymes activity of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under salinity stress

Abstract: The effect of varying hydrogel (0, 0.05 and 0.1% w/w) supply on major antioxidant enzyme (super oxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT and peroxidase, POD) activity, membrane permeability and salt tolerance index (STI) of bean plants in different salt source and doses stress were investigated. Plants were treated with eight salt sources (NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2, CaSO4, KCl, K2SO4, MgCl2, and MgSO4) and four concentrations (0, 30, 60, and 120 mM doses) for 60 days in a growth media. Salt type, doses and hydrogel (HG) affected soil electrical conductivity. Soil salinity affected the parameters considered and changed the antioxidant activity of plants. Different salt concentrations negatively affected STI of plants. High salt concentration caused substantial increase leakage of plant. CAT antioxidant enzyme activities of plants decreased with increasing salt doses, and the lowest value was obtained for NaCl application. SOD and POD enzyme activity of plant were increased with increasing salt doses, and the highest value was obtained for NaCl application. HG added to saline soil significantly improved the variables affected by high salinity and also reduced soil electricity conductivity, electrolyte leakage of plant, enhanced STI and caused decrease SOD and POD enzyme activity. The result suggested that HG have great potential for use in alleviating salinity stress on plant growth and growth parameter, in saline soils of arid and semi-arid areas. This HG appears to be highly effective for use as soil conditioners in vegetable growing, to improve crop tolerance and growth saline conditions. It is intended to confirm the results of these studies by field trials. Key words: Bean, salinity, enzyme activity, hydro gel.

Toxicological and antioxidant effects of ethanolic extract of Baphia nitida on diazepam induced oxidative stress in rats

Abstract: The toxicological and antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extracts of Baphia nitida on diazepam induced oxidative stress in rats were investigated. Forty Sprague Dawley albino rats divided into eight groups of five animals each were employed in the study. Group one or control was not administered diazepam or ethanolic extract of B. nitida but received saline while group two received diazepam only. Groups three, four and five were administered the extract only and groups six, seven and eight were administered both diazepam and the extract, respectively. Diazepam induced oxidative stress in the rats resulted from administration of a single dose of orally administered diazepam (1 mg/100 g body weight). Ethanol was used to extract and prepare B. nitida leaves at the concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and orally administered daily to rats for 10 days. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation and blood taken and used for blood chemistry analysis. Liver anti-oxidant enzymes namely super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and peroxidase activities were assayed. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of B. nitida leaves and histopathological studies of the liver and kidney tissues were also carried out. Blood chemistry parameters, such as SOD, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, total bilirubin, triacylglycerols, uric acid and urea levels were significantly (p 0.05) in the activities of the liver anti-oxidant enzymes of the rats administered the ethanolic extract of B. nitida compared with the control. The histopathological examinations revealed no abnormality in the hepatocytes and kidney tissues of the experimental animals compared with the control. Data of the study show that the ethanolic extract of B. nitida contained several secondary metabolites which positively affected some blood chemistry parameters in the experimental rats compared with the control rats and they did not cause liver or kidney damage. We conclude therefore that the ethanolic extract of B. nitidapossess ability to bring about reversal of the negative effects of diazepam induced oxidative stress in rat model. Key words: Baphia nitida, blood chemistry, anti-oxidant, liver, diazepam.

Effect of lead on malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, proline activity and chlorophyll content in Capsicum annum.

Abstract: This study investigated toxic impacts of lead over the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxide dismutase (SOD), proline activity and chlorophyll content in Capsicum annum. Despite a reduction in the growth of the plant, its MDA, SOD and proline contents were increased, whereas its chlorophyll content was decreased under the heavy metal stress, corresponding to the concentration of the metal ion. Increased amount of MDA was indicative for the formation of free radicals in plants under heavy metal stress, while increased levels of SOD and proline were pointed to the occurrence of a scavenging mechanism. The decrease in chlorophyll content is an indication of reduction in the growth of the plants leading to a decrease in the yield.

Protective Effects of Boerhaavia Diffusa Against AcetaminophenInduced "ephrotoxicity in Rats

Abstract: Summary The current study designed to investigate the effects of pre)treatment of aqueous extract of B. diffusa root (200 – 400 mg/kg/day) in repeated dose acetaminophen nephrotoxic rats for 14 days. Administration of acetaminophen to rats induced marked detritions of renal function, characterized by a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (p < 0.01) and injured the renal cells evident from increased level of kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), protein thiol (p < 0.01) along with depletion of super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.01), however pre)treatment with B. diffusa extract protected against these changes. Histopathological changes showed that acetaminophen caused significant structural damages to kidneys like tubular necrosis, degeneration of epithelial cells, glomerular damage and congestion which was reversed with B. diffusa . The results suggest that B. diffusa has the potential in preventing the acetaminophen)induced nephrotoxicity.

Evaluation of Oxidant and Anti-Oxidant Balancein Experimentally Induced TesticularInjury by Ischemia Reperfusion in Rats

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the oxidant and antioxidant balance in experimentally induced testicular injury by ischemia reperfusion in rats with different time intervals of torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord. Method: Male rats were divided into thirteen groups and each group containing six rats. All rats were subjected to right spermatic cord torsion followed by detorsion for different time intervals except the sham control group. Result: Malondialdehyde, super oxide dismutase, catalase levels were estimated in testicular tissue of each rat. Spermatic cord torsion/ detorsion induced a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde contents and significant decrease in SOD, catalase levels when compared to sham control group in a time dependent manner. Conclusion: Our findings clearly represents that torsion for 4 hours followed by detorsion for 4 hours induces the highest oxidative stress with a great extent of lipid peroxidation and drastic reduction of SOD and catalase levels of the testis and is, therefore, a valid model for studying the oxidative antioxidant effects of the ischemia/ reperfusion injury in rat testis.