Showing papers on "Super oxide dismutase published in 2021"

Foliar application of silicon nanoparticles affected the growth, vitamin C, flavonoid, and antioxidant enzyme activities of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) plants grown in lead (Pb)-spiked soil.

Abstract: Lead (Pb) is among the most abundant toxic trace elements which causes direct and indirect negative effects on humans, animals, and plants. Thus, there is a need to alleviate the Pb toxicity in plants for good quality food production especially from marginal soils. In this study, the effects of silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) were investigated on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) biomass, vitamin C, flavonoid, antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and super oxide dismutase (SOD)), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Pb concentration in plants subjected to different Pb concentrations. Treatments included four levels of Pb (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg of soil), and two levels of Si NPs (0 and 1.5 mM) in all combinations. The Pb treatments alone decreased the plant biomass and vitamin C while increased the flavonoid, MDA, antioxidant enzyme activities, and Pb concentration in tissues depending upon the Pb treatments. The foliar-applied 1.5 mM Si NPs alleviated the adverse impacts of Pb on coriander plants which were due to the minimization of Pb concentration in plants and improvements in the plant defense system. Si NPs minimized accumulation of MDA in plant tissues and adjusted the activities of POD, CAT, and SOD in plants under Pb stress. Overall, Si NP foliar application might be a suitable approach in reducing the Pb concentrations in plants. However, field studies with various plant species and environmental conditions are required to highlight the role of Si NPs on the plant under toxic trace element stress.

Modulation of Cellular Redox Status and Antioxidant Defense System after Synergistic Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Salicylic Acid in Rice (Oryza sativa) Plant under Arsenic Stress.

Abstract: The objective of this research was to determine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and/or salicylic acid (SA) under arsenic (As) stress on rice (Oryza sativa). ZnONPs are analyzed for various techniques viz., X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All of these tests established that ZnONPs are pure with no internal defects, and can be potentially used in plant applications. Hence, we further investigated for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the extent of ZnONPs and SA induced oxidative stress damages. More restricted plant growth, gas exchange indices, significant reduction in the SPAD index and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and brutal decline in protein content were noticed in As-applied plants. In contrast, foliar fertigation of ZnONPs and/or SA to As-stressed rice plants lessens the oxidative stress, as exposed by subordinate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis. Improved enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), proline and total soluble protein contents under ZnONPs and SA treatment plays an excellent role in the regulation of various transcriptional pathways participated in oxidative stress tolerance. Higher content of nitrogen (N; 13%), phosphorus (P; 10%), potassium (K; 13%), zinc (Zn; 68%), manganese (Mn; 14%), and iron (Fe; 19) in ZnONPs and SA treated plants under As-stress, thus hampered growth and photosynthetic efficiency of rice plants. Our findings suggest that toxicity of As was conquering by the application of ZnONPs and SA in rice plants.

The Immunostimulatory Effects of Commercial Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Non-specific Immune Response, Antioxidants Assay, and Intestinal Morphometry of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Abstract: The main objective of the present research was to investigate the impacts of commercial immunostimulants on growth, non-specific immune response, antioxidant enzymes, and intestinal morphometry of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (100 ± 6.5 g) were randomly divided into five groups in triplicates (150 fish in each replicate), stocked in 20 m2 of aerated concrete ponds. The fish were fed on a control diet (30.0% crude protein) (control), and four experimental diets supplemented with Yeast Plus®, Digestarom®, and Biotronic® Top3 at 1 kg ton-1, and Sanolife PRO-F® at 0.5 kg ton-1. After the experimental period, the highest significant yield (kg m-3), mean final weight (g fish-1), average weight gain (g fish-1), and specific growth rate (% body weight day-1), were recorded in fish fed on the diet supplemented by Sanolife PRO-F, followed by Yeast Plus ponds. The lowest yield was recorded in the control group. However, the feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased with Sanolife PRO-F diet. Furthermore, the hematological analysis increased in the following ascending order: Sanolife PRO-F®; Yeast Plus®; Biotronic® Top3 and finally Digestarom® groups. The lowest concentrations of white blood cells, red blood cells, hematocrite, and hemoglobin (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in the control group. The levels of phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were significantly higher in fish fed with Sanolife PRO-F® group (P ≤ 0.05). Likewise, serum lysozyme activity was significantly highest in Sanolife PRO-F (0.63 and 0.68 U/mL, after 0.5 min and 3 min, respectively). Levels of total serum proteins, globulin, Immunoglobulin M, catalase, and super oxide dismutase were significantly higher in fish fed with Sanolife PRO-F® supplement. On the contrary, length measurement of the intestinal villus height/width, absorption area, crypt depth, and goblet cells, were significantly lower in the control group, whereas their highest values was observed in fish fed Sanolife PRO-F (P ≤ 0.05). Consequently, Sanolife PRO-F® is recommended at a level of 0.5 kg ton-1, to improve the growth performance, antioxidative capacity, and immune response of Nile tilapia.

The effectiveness of Rutin for prevention of surgical induced endometriosis development in a rat model

Abstract: Apoptosis and antioxidant mechanisms are pathways for the treatment of endometriosis (Endo) Rutin (Rtn) is an antioxidant flavonol that induces apoptosis This study, for first time, was conducted to evaluate the effects of rutin on Endo through apoptosis and antioxidant mechanisms The experimental Endo was induced in 24 rats and then the animals were subdivided into Endo-sole, 3000 and 6000 µg/kg rutin (Rtn-3000 and Rtn-6000) and vitamin C groups After 4 weeks, the expression of Bcl2, Bax, anti Pro Caspase-9, cleaved Caspase-9, pro PARP, pro Cleaved PARP, Pro PARP, pro mTOR and mTOR were assessed by western blotting technique The protein concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity, and super oxide dismutase and gutathione peroxidase were also evaluated TUNEL staining was also used for the detection of apoptosis Caspase-9 and concentration of antioxidants were higher in the treated groups compared to Endo-sole group (P < 005) The results also showed that rutin decreased the expression of Bcl2 and MDA concentration (P < 005) The results for TUNEL staining showed that the animals treated with Rtn-6000 and vitamin C showed higher apoptosis Rutin induces apoptosis by the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase and also antioxidant activity by increasing antioxidants concentrations

Protective Effect of Resveratrol against Hepatotoxicity of Cadmium in Male Rats: Antioxidant and Histopathological Approaches

Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is widely used in some industries and emitted from fossil fuels. It is a heavy metal with a number of side effects, including hepatotoxicity. Resveratrol (Rs) is considered an important polyphenol, which is a secondary plant metabolite and has the ability to scavenge free radicals. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on Cd, which induced hepatotoxicity, by the assessment of some histopathological and biochemical alterations. Forty male albino rats were divided into four groups: the 1st group was the control group, the 2nd group was treated with Cd (5 mg/kg), the 3rd group was given Rs (20 mg/kg), and the 4th group was treated with Cd in combination with Rs intraperitoneally for 30 successive days. The results indicate that Cd increased liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase ALP and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) while reducing the total protein level; Cd increased the malondialdhyde (MDA) level while decreasing the levels of other antioxidant enzymes super oxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (SOD, CAT and GPx). Serious congestion and hemorrhage related to the hepatic tissues were noticed in the Cd group, and Rs plays a major role in alleviating histopathological injuries and hepatic oxidative damage. It is clear that Rs has the ability to minimize the hepatotoxicity induced by Cd in male rats.

Iron oxide nanoparticles effect on growth, physiological traits and nutritional contents of Moringa oleifera grown in saline environment

Abstract: Using of nanoparticles in various aspects of life including agriculture, medicine and industry is very crucial. One of the important source for Fe nutrition in plants is Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) due to its efficiency in releasing under different pH range. Thus, in the Model Farm of National Research Centre Egypt at El Tour South Sinai, a field experiment was carried out, to study the effect of different concentration of Fe3O4NPs (0, 20, 40, 60 ppm) on the physiological parameters and the nutritive value of Moringa under saline condition. The obtained results indicate that foliar spraying of Fe3O4NPs significantly promote growth (plant height, branches leaves number per plant, leaf area, stem diameter and biomass). Foliar treatment also increased photosynthetic pigments (chlo.a, chlo b, chlo a/b and carotenoids) and indole acetic acid (IAA) contents comparing with control. Hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation contents of Moringa oleifera leaves were decreased significantly as compared with control plant. The maximum activities of antioxidant enzymes Peroxidase (POX), poly phenol oxidase (PPO), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrate reductase (NR) were observed in plants treated with 40 ppm. Different concentrations of Fe3O4NPs increased significantly crude protein, crude fiber and ash percentages as well as, some nutrient contents of moringa leaves (N, P, K and K/Na) compared with untreated control plants, meanwhile decreased Na contents. Treatment of Moringa oleifera plant with Fe3O4NPs at different concentrations greatly decrease the harmful effect of salinity on growth by its promotive role on different studied biochemical and physiological aspects.

Effects of dietary flavonoids on performance, blood constituents, carcass composition and small intestinal morphology of broilers: a meta-analysis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the influence of dietary flavonoids on the growth performance, blood and intestinal profiles, and carcass characteristics of broilers by employing a meta-analysis method. METHODS A database was built from published studies which have reported on the addition of various levels of flavonoids from herbs into broiler diets and then monitored growth performance, blood constituents, carcass proportion and small intestinal morphology. A total of 42 articles were integrated into the database. Several forms of flavonoids in herbs were applied in the form of unextracted and crude extracts. The database compiled was statistically analyzed using mixed model methodology. Different studies were considered as random effects, and the doses of flavonoids were treated as fixed effects. The model statistics used were the p-values and the Akaike information criterion. The significance of an effect was stated when its p-value was <0.05. RESULTS Dietary flavonoids increased (quadratic pattern; p<0.05) the average daily gain of broilers in the finisher phase. There was a reduction (p<0.01) in the feed conversion ratio of the broilers both in the starter (linear pattern) and finisher phases (quadratic pattern). The mortality rate tended to decrease linearly (p<0.1) with the addition of flavonoids, while the carcass parameter was generally not influenced. A reduction (p<0.001) in cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations (both linearly) was observed, while super oxide dismutase activity increased linearly (p<0.001). Increasing the dose of flavonoids increased (p<0.01) the villus height (VH) and villus height and crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio (p<0.05) in the duodenum. Similarly, the VH:CD ratio was elevated (p<0.001) in the jejunum following flavonoid supplementation. CONCLUSION Increasing levels of flavonoids in broilers diet leads to an improvement in growth performance, blood constituents, carcass composition and small intestinal morphology.

Effects of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides on bone tissue structure and skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with disuse.

Abstract: Purpose To study effects of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides (RGP) on bone tissue structure and skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with disuse. Methods A rat model of disuse osteoporosis combined with muscle atrophy was established by removing the bilateral ovaries of rats and fixing their hind limbs for a long time. Forty SD rats were administered intragastrically for 12 weeks. The bone histomorphometry parameters and the level of oxidative stress were measured. In addition, the changes of muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) mRNA expression in skeletal muscle of rats were observed. Results RGP significantly increased the percentage of fluorescence perimeter and bone mineralization deposition rate of the second lumbar vertebrae of rats. It also significantly increased the wet weight ratio and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle of rats. At the same time, RGP significantly increased the levels of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the skeletal muscle of rats, and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides also significantly reduced the expression levels of FOXO1, MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle. Conclusions RGP could improve the bone structure of osteoporotic rats. It could also improve muscle that atrophy may be related to the inhibition of FOXO1-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Isolation and characterization of PoWRKY, an abiotic stress-related WRKY transcription factor from Polygonatum odoratum.

Abstract: WRKY transcription factors play vital roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. As a kind of high value medicinal plant, Polygonatum odoratum has an ability to tolerate various abiotic stresses because of the special growth condition. In current study, a novel WRKY gene from P. odoratum is isolated and compared with homologous sequences from other plants. PoWRKY1 possesses two typical WRKY domains and two C2H2 zinc-finger motifs. Evolutionary analysis indicated that PoWRKY1 is most closely related to WRKY protein from Asparagus officinalis. Expression analysis showed that expression of PoWRKY1 is induced by cold and drought stresses but not salt stress. Overexpression of PoWRKY1 in Arabidopsis improved seed germination and root growth of transgenic plants during cold stress and drought. In addition, super oxide dismutase activity and proline content in transgenic plants increased under cold and drought stresses, whereas malondialdehyde levels and relative electrolyte leakage reduced under similar stress conditions. Taken together, these results showed that PoWRKY1 enhances the tolerance to cold and drought stresses. This study lays a potential foundation to understand the molecular mechanism of tolerance to abiotic stress in P. odoratum.

The effects of ozone and melatonin on busulfan-induced testicular damage in mice.

Abstract: Objective Busulfan is one of the most common chemotherapeutic drugs and has the ability to induce apoptosis in testicular germ cells, which leads to infertility. In this study, the effects of ozone therapy and melatonin were evaluated on testicular disorders induced by busulfan. Methods In this study, we divided 24 male mice into four groups: control group, groups treated with busulfan, busulfan/melatonin, and busulfan/ozone. At the end of a 35-day period, blood samples were taken from the mice and their testosterone levels were measured. Both of the mice's testes were removed and weighed, afterwards, each one of them was used for evaluation of morphology by Johnson's score, as well as for measuring the diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubules. The other testis was homogenized for measuring Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant status using Catalase (CAT), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels. Epididymis spermatozoa were also used to evaluate motility, morphology, and sperm count. Results Busulfan significantly reduced the testis quality (weight, sperm parameters, testosterone, CAT, SOD, and TAC levels) and increased MDA and destruction of seminiferous tubules compared to the control group. Ozone and melatonin treatments significantly increased testis quality, sperm parameters, MDA, and antioxidant status, but they did not affect the TAC level. Conclusions This study showed that similar to melatonin, ozone can reduce the effect of busulfan toxicity on mice testis. However, further studies are needed to understand the precise mechanism of ozone function on testis.

Sericin Alleviates Thermal Stress Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior and Cognitive Impairment Through Regulation of Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Heat-Shock Protein-70 in the Hippocampus

Abstract: Exposure to heat stress (HS) has adverse effects on brain function, leading to anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment. Sericin is a silk derived protein with various neurobiological activities. The present study has investigated the effects of sericin on anxiety and cognitive impairments, in HS-received mice. The adult male mice were exposed to HS (43 oC, 15 min once a day for 14 days) and simultaneously treated with 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg/day of sericin through oral gavage. Elevated plus-maze and Lashley III Maze tests were used to evaluate anxiety and learning and memory, respectively. The hippocampal BAX, BCL-2, caspase3, caspase9 and heat-shock protein-70 (HSP-70) were evaluated by western blotting and oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), super oxide dismutase (SOD) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were evaluated by spectroscopy method. The serum was collected for the analysis of the corticosterone levels. Treatment with sericin in higher doses reversed anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficit induced by HS. Moreover, heat exposure increased serum corticosterone, hippocampal MDA, apoptotic proteins and HSP-70 levels. Sericin administration decreased serum corticosterone and enhanced hippocampal antioxidant defense and attenuated apoptosis and HSP-70 levels. The results show that the protective effects of sericin against HS-mediated cognitive dysfunction and anxiety-like behavior is possibly through suppressing HSP-70, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Contraceptive potential of Andrographis paniculata is via androgen suppression and not induction of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats.

Abstract: Andrographis paniculata has been shown to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction, although the available data are scarce and inconsistent, and the associated mechanisms are elusive. Hormonal mechanism via hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and non-hormonal mechanism primarily through oxidative stress, are involved in the modulation of male reproductive function. We therefore, hypothesized that suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and/or oxidative stress is involved in Andrographis paniculata-induced reproductive dysfunction. Male Wistar rats received either vehicle or Andrographis paniculata in varying doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight daily for 8 weeks. Treatment with Andrographis paniculata led to reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. Andrographis paniculata treatment also resulted in distorted spermatogenesis and reduced serum testosterone. On the other hand, Andrographis paniculata led to reduction in the testicular content of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6, and testicular activities of xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase, but raised testicular levels of reduced glutathione content and enhanced activity of super oxide dismutase. However, body weight gain, and absolute and relative reproductive organ weights were similar across all the groups. These findings demonstrate that Andrographis paniculata induces reproductive toxicity via suppression of testosterone and not induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, Andrographis paniculata could be a potential and safe male contraceptive.

Poly ethylene glycol mediated in vitro screening and physico-biochemical changes induced in mango callus due to moisture stress

Abstract: A method for in vitro screening and selection of drought (moisture stress) tolerant mango calli was developed. Poly ethylene glycol (PEG) (Molecular weight 6000) at various concentrations was used to induce moisture stress and reveal the underlying mechanisms used by mango calli for low moisture stress tolerance. The results demonstrated that there was significant impact of PEG induced moisture stress on various growth and biochemical parameters of mango calli. Based on the mortality rate, the calculated Lethal Dose 50 suggested that amongst the five mango genotypes, the polyembryonic (Olour, Kurakkan and K-2) had almost double tolerance level as compared to the monoembryonic (Amrapali and Dashehari) genotypes. Osmolytes like proline and total soluble sugars were higher in calli of the tolerant as compared to susceptible genotypes. The highest proline (0.683 µM g−1 FW) and total soluble sugars (24.61 mg g−1 FW) were observed in Olour. However, the highest malondialdehyde was in noted in Dashehari (20.25 µM g−1 FW) followed by Amrapali (19.68 µM g−1 FW). The activity of different antioxidant enzymes, namely, catalase, super oxide dismutase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were increased in the mango calli when grown in the PEG supplemented media though intensity varied in susceptible and tolerant genotypes. These results can be used for in vitro screening and selection for low moisture stress tolerance in other mango genotypes, somaclones, in vitro induced mutants etc. PEG induced drought stress reduced the growth and modulated various biochemical parameters under in vitro conditions. Polyembryonic mango genotypes (Olour and Kurakkan) were observed to be distinctly moisture stress tolerant.

Amelioration of Juglanin against LPS-Induced Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Chondrocytes Mediated by SIRT1

Abstract: Arthritis is characterized by irreversible joint destruction and presents a global health burden. Natural alternatives to synthetic drugs have been gaining popularity for their safety and effectiveness. Juglanin has demonstrated a range of anti-inflammatory effects in various tissues and cell types. However, the pharmacological function of Juglanin in arthritis and chondrocytes has been little studied. ATDC5 cells were treated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of juglanin (2.5, 5 μM) for 24 h. The effects of juglanin on cellular nucleotide-binding domain leucin-rich repeat receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex and endproduct interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin (IL-18) were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot experiments. The oxidative stress was measured by super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression. The dependent effect of juglanin on silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) was evaluated by siRNA knockdown approach. Juglanin significantly reduced cellular oxidative stress by downregulating NOX4 expression production and rescuing the decreased activity of total SOD induced by LPS. Juglanin inhibited the activation of the TxNIP/NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis, and decreased production of IL-1β and IL-18. Moreover, juglanin rescued the LPS-induced decrease in SIRT1 expression. SIRT1 silencing abolished the anti-NLRP3 inflammasome effect of juglanin, indicating that the effects of juglanin are dependent on its amelioration on SIRT1 expression. Juglanin possesses an anti-inflammatory and anti-ROS capacity in chondrocytes, and this study provides available evidence that juglanin may be of use in the treatment of arthritis.

Dietary Supplementation of Brown Seaweed and/or Nucleotides Improved Shrimp Performance, Health Status and Cold-Tolerant Gene Expression of Juvenile Whiteleg Shrimp during the Winter Season.

Abstract: This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Sargassumpolycystum and nucleotides- supplemented diets to improve immune response and cold-tolerance of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Four treatments were evaluated: T1, the control, shrimp received only a basal diet; T2, a basal diet with 500 ppm nucleotides; T3, a basal diet with 500 ppm S.polycystum powdered; T4, a basal diet with 500 ppm nucleotides and 500 ppm S.polycystum powdered. Shrimp were fed experimental diets for 56 days. Results revealed shrimp fed T4 diet exhibited the best significant improvement in water quality, survival, growth, and feed utilization indices followed by T2, and T3, while T1 showed the worst values. Additionally, nonspecific immune responses (phagocytosis (%), lysozyme, phenoloxidase, super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total nitric oxide) were improved with 1.7-3.2-fold in T4 higher than T1. Histomorphology of hepatopancreas in T4 showed the most increased activation of the hepatic glandular duct system compared with the other treatments. Moreover, nucleotides/seaweed-supplemented diets upregulated relative expression of cMnSOD, Penaeidin4, and heat shock protein70 (HSP70) genes, while translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) was downregulated. In conclusion, the synergistic effects of both S. polycystum and nucleotides have many advantages as a growth promoter, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, and cold-tolerant stimulant to L. vannamei.

Conjugated linoleic acid protects brain mitochondrial function in acrolein induced male rats

Abstract: Acrolein (AC) is a toxic substance that can have a neurotoxic effect. It can cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a dietary supplement, has many biological functions. Limited information is available about the effect of CLA on AC-induced brain toxicity. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of CLA on mitochondrial oxidative stress, respiratory enzymes, krebs cycle enzymes and ATP levels in AC treated rat brain. Sprague Dawley male rats were given AC (5 mg/kg i.p.), CLA (200 mg/kg orally) and CLA with AC for six days per week for 30 days. Some oxidative stress parameters and mitochondrial enzymes such as manganese super oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), malate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LP), protein carbonyl (PC), oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) enzymes, and ATP levels were determined. AC significantly decreased the activities of GSH, antioxidant enzymes, OXPHOS enzymes (complex I and IV), TCA enzymes (ICDH and α-KGDH) and ATP levels. Significant increases were also observed in mitochondrial LP and PC levels in AC group. Co-treatment with AC + CLA improved oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by AC. As a result of our findings, it was observed that CLA was effective in improving oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial functions in brain tissue by the effect of AC. Considering the association between neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondrial dysfunction, CLA can play a role in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders.

Regulatory effect of vitamin D on pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-oxidative enzymes dysregulations due to chronic mild stress in the rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortical area.

Abstract: Chronic stress increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the brain, which underlay cognitive and psychological problems. In addition to the anti-depressants, vitamin D is known to act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agent. This study investigates the specific effects of vitamin D in protecting hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex (PFC) against chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and decreasing the activation of anti-oxidative enzymes super oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Rats were exposed to CMS for 3 weeks. Two groups of rats received vitamin D (5 and 10 μg/kg) and another received fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) along with CMS. Control groups were not exposed to CMS, but received treatments similar to CMS groups. Serum corticosterone and IL-6, TNF-α and SOD and GPx levels in the hippocampus and PFC were measured at the end of three weeks. CMS significantly increased corticosterone, IL-6, TNF-α and decreased SOD and GPx levels (P < 0.0001) in hippocampus and PFC. Vitamin D treatment reduced corticosterone levels (P < 0.01), increased SOD (P < 0.0001) and GPx (P < 0.01) and decreased IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.0001) levels in the hippocampus and PFC compared to rats treated with vitamin D vehicle. Vitamin D-10 regulation of SOD and IL-6 levels was more effective than fluoxetine (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.01, respectively, in hippocampus). This study suggests that vitamin D effectively protects the key regions of the brain related to cognition and affective behavior, against the inflammation and oxidative stress caused by the chronic stress.

Variability in drought response among the plus tree accessions of Tectona grandis (Linn f.) from the provenances of Kerala, South India

Abstract: Moisture stress is one of the major impediments in establishment of plantations since the seedlings are susceptible to moisture stress. Rapid recovery from the drought stress is as important as stress tolerance of tree seedlings. Present study evaluated the physiological and biochemical responses related with stress tolerance and recovery in plus trees of teak from different provenances. One-and-a-half-year-old ramets of eleven plus trees of teak from different provenance of Kerala were exposed to two consecutive drought treatments, till most of leaves exhibited symptoms of wilting with an intervening period of stress relief through rehydration for six days in green house nursery. During the second cycle of drought stress and recovery, physiological parameters like relative water content, canopy air temperature, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll stability index and cell membrane stability index were determined. The biochemical constituents like total soluble protein, nitrate reductase, free amino acid, proline, glycine betaine, soluble sugar, super oxide dismutase, peroxidase and malondialdehyde were also recorded in addition to leaf numbers before and after stress. The results showed that physiological and biochemical parameters are crucial to maintain seedling functions during drought and to rapidly recover after re-watering during early vegetative stage. During stress and after rehydration, accessions exhibited variation between full and partial recovery in which both genetic and epigenetic factors may play crucial role. Combinations of photo-protection, osmoregulants and antioxidants measures are employed by teak to combat drought stress. Our results also suggest considerable variation that both drought stress and recovery among the plus trees that were originally selected for growth and wood quality and the potential to use them for further breeding.

Efficacy of Ozone on Mortality, Super Oxide Dismutases, Nitric Oxide Enzymes and Ultrastructural Alterations on Some Stored Product Insect Larvae in Egypt

Abstract: Laboratory studies were carried out to determine the efficacy of ozone (O3) technology as a management tool against larvae of Ephestia cautella, Plodia interpunctella, Trogoderma granarium and Tribolium castaneum In addition, some biochemical changes and ultrastructural alterations in the above-mentioned larvae were studied Larval mortality of the four species increased as concentration and exposure periods increased Complete mortality was observed after 8 h The LT50–99 values of ozone gas against the larvae decreased as concentration increased Caterpillars were more sensitive to O3 than grubs Data also showed that the effective effect of ozonation towards the four larval species indicated that not all insects had the same sensitivity to ozone gas There was a significant increase in super oxide dismutase (SOD) levels in E cautella and T castaneum subjected to LT50 of ozone Moreover, there was a significant decrease in nitric oxide concentration in both larvae after LT50 of ozone exposure Ozone-treated larvae suffered from heterogeneous muscles with degenerated nuclei The neurosecretory cells were found with accumulated neurosecretory materials The neuropil glia appeared loose and vacuolated Antenna appeared with loose sinus, and there were no artery nor trachea found The mushroom body of brain calyces appeared with distributed Kenyon cells The cuticular layer was degenerated The tracheae were collapsed Thus, ozone gas may be used as a clean and safe agent to fight these pests

Evaluation of Structural Changes and Molecular Mechanism Induced by High Hydrostatic Pressure in Enterobacter sakazakii.

Abstract: The contamination of infant milk and powder with Enterobacter sakazakii poses a risk to human health and frequently caused recalls of affected products. This study aims to explore the inactivation mechanism of E. sakazakii induced by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), which, unlike conventional heat treatment, is a nonthermal technique for pasteurization and sterilization of dairy food without deleterious effects. The mortality of E. sakazakii under minimum reaction conditions (50 MPa) was 1.42%, which was increased to 33.12% under significant reaction conditions (400 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent staining results showed that 400 MPa led to a loss of physical integrity of cell membranes as manifested by more intracellular leakage of nucleic acid, intracellular protein and K+. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis presents a downregulation of three functional genes (glpK, pbpC, and ompR), which were involved in cell membrane formation, indicating a lower level of glycerol utilization, outer membrane protein assembly, and environmental tolerance. In addition, the exposure of E. sakazakii to HHP modified oxidative stress, as reflected by the high activity of catalase and super oxide dismutase. The HHP treatment lowered down the gene expression of flagellar proteins (fliC, flgI, fliH, and flgK) and inhibited biofilm formation. These results determined the association of genotype to phenotype in E. sakazakii induced by HHP, which was used for the control of food-borne pathogens.