Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of taxifolin in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell line.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in numerous pregnancy-related disorders. Biologically active plant secondary metabolites, which are present in everyday diet, could prove effective therapeutic agents in preventing these disorders. This study evaluated effects of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) on ROS production, markers of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, activity of antioxidant enzymes and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells. Taxifolin in 10 µM and 100 µM concentrations attenuated oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, as evidenced by a decrease in MDA content, extracellular LDH activity, carbonyl groups and nitrite contents. A reduction in the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx in cells pre-treated with taxifolin, prior to H2O2 exposure, was also observed, along with a reduction in intracellular ROS production. Both evaluated concentrations of taxifolin showed anti-inflammatory activity in trophoblast cells, by reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6. In this model of H2O2-induced oxidative stress, taxifolin showed marked antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in trophoblast cells, adding further evidence of its protective effects and showing potential as a therapeutic agent in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The relationship between the cholinergic mechanism of toxicity and oxidative stress in rats during subacute diazinon poisoning.

Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide (OP) that has significant potential for accidental and intentional poisoning of wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The aim of the study is to investigate the correlation between cholinesterase activity and oxidative stress parameters in liver and diaphragm by continuous monitoring as a function of time during prolonged use of diazinon. Wistar rats were treated orally with diazinon (55 mg/kg/day): 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. At the end of each period, blood, liver and diaphragm were collected to examine cholinesterase activity and enzymatic/non-enzymatic oxidative stress parameters: superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl groups. In all four time periods, there was a significant change in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in erythrocytes and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in blood plasma, CAT in liver and diaphragm and SOD1 in diaphragm. Parameters significantly altered during the cholinergic crisis included: cholinesterases and TBARS in liver and diaphragm and partially SOD1 in liver. Protein carbonyl groups in liver and diaphragm were significantly altered outside the cholinergic crisis. In the liver, there was a very strong negative correlation between BuChE and TBARS in all four time periods and BuChE and CAT on day 7. In the diaphragm, a very strong negative correlation was found between AChE and TBARS at days 7 and 14, and a very strong positive correlation between AChE and SOD1 at days 14, 21 and 28. A better understanding of the relationship between cholinergic overstimulation and oxidative stress may help to better assess health status in prolonged OPs intoxication.

Dietary Supplementation of Chestnut Tannins in Prepartum Dairy Cows Improves Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms Interacting with Thyroid Status.

Cows in the peripartal period undergo changes in thyroid hormones and are susceptible to lipomobilization and/or oxidative stress. The addition of chestnut tannins as polyphenolic compounds in the diet may improve feed efficiency and prevent oxidative stress-related health disorders in transition cows. However, the relationship between chestnut tannin supplementation and thyroid function, which plays an important role in metabolic regulation, has not been investigated in dairy cows. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chestnut tannin supplementation during the close-up period on thyroid status and to evaluate the interaction between thyroid hormones and oxidative stress biomarkers in prepartum dairy cows. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were fed either a diet containing chestnut tannins (CNTs, n = 20, 1.96 g chestnut tannins/kg feed, dry matter) or a non-supplemented diet (CON, n = 20) during the last 25 ± 2 days of gestation. Blood samples were collected on the first day of study (before chestnut tannin supplementation) and d 5 before parturition to measure hormonal and oxidative stress indices. Serum concentrations of T3 (p = 0.04) and T4 (p = 0.05) were higher in CNT cows than in the CON group on day 5 before parturition. Thyroid status of CNT cows was associated with higher serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, p < 0.01), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, p = 0.03) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, p = 0.01), and reduced glutathione concentration (GSH, p = 0.05). Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were lower (p = 0.04) which was associated with lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST, p = 0.02), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, p = 0.01) activities in the CNT than in the CON group. Estradiol and progesterone did not differ between CNT and CON cows. Chestnut tannin supplementation improves antioxidant protection, prevents oxidation-reduction processes, reduces the degree of liver cell membrane damage, and protects thyroid tissue from damage, allowing higher T3 and T4 synthesis. Considering the importance of the thyroid hormone status before parturition, mechanisms of thyroid hormone regulation in CNT-supplemented dairy cows require more detailed investigations.

Oleuropein Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Human Trophoblast Cells.

Olive-derived bioactive compound oleuropein was evaluated against damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in human trophoblast cells in vitro, by examining the changes in several markers implicated in oxidative stress interactions in the placenta. Trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells were preincubated with OLE at 10 and 100 µM and exposed to H2O2, as a model of oxidative stress. Protein and lipid peroxidation, as well as antioxidant enzymes' activity, were determined spectrophotometrically, and DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. iNOS protein expression was assessed by Western blot, while the mRNA expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes BAX and BCL2 and transcription factor NFE2L2, as well as cytokines IL-6 and TNF α were determined by qPCR. Oleuropein demonstrated cytoprotective effects against H2O2 in trophoblast cells by significantly improving the antioxidant status and preventing protein and lipid damage, as well as reducing the iNOS levels. OLE reduced the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF α, however, it did not influence the expression of NFE2L2 or the BAX/BCL2 ratio after H2O2 exposure. Oleuropein per se did not lead to any adverse effects in HTR-8/SVneo cells under the described conditions, confirming its safety in vitro. In conclusion, it significantly attenuated oxidative damage and restored antioxidant functioning, confirming its protective role in trophoblast.

Relationship between biochemical parameters and paraoxonase 1 activity of boar seminal plasma and semen quality.

The aim of this study was to examine the biochemical components and the parameters of antioxidant protection in the seminal plasma (SP) of boars, as well as their relationship with semen quality parameters. Thirty-six boars were included in the study, whose ejaculates were divided into two groups: Group I (good quality semen, > 70% progressively motile sperm, < 20% spermatozoa with abnormal morphology, n = 16), and Group II (poor quality semen, < 70% progressively motile sperm, > 20% spermatozoa with abnormal morphology, n = 20). Significantly higher concentrations of ionized calcium (iCa), total cholesterol (TC), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as significantly higher values ​​of antioxidant protection parameters: thiol groups (-SH), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) ) were found in the good quality semen, while higher phosphorus (P) concentrations and increased alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) activity were found in the semen of poor quality. A negative correlation of total and progressive sperm motility with P and ALP was found in all examined semen samples, while a positive correlation was found with PON1 and TAC. The percentage of fast sperm cells positively correlated with iCa, chlorine (Cl), lactate, LDH and TAC, while a negative correlation was found with P, magnesium (Mg) and the enzyme creatine-kinase (CK). The percentage of immobile sperm positively correlated with P and ALP, and negatively correlated with TC, CK, PON1 and TAC. Elevated values ​​of PON1 and TAC in SP and a positive correlation with sperm motility indicate the possible use of these parameters as sensitive biomarkers of boar semen quality. To the best of our knowledge there are no published data on association between PON1 activity and boar semen quality.

Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Normal, Obese, Prediabetic and Diabetic Persons Exposed to Thyroid Hormone In Vitro.

Diabetes, a chronic group of medical disorders characterized byhyperglycemia, has become a global pandemic. Some hormones may influence the course and outcome of diabetes, especially if they potentiate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is a close relationship between thyroid disorders and diabetes. The main objective of this investigation was to find out whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are more prone to DNA damage by triiodothyronine (T3) (0.1, 1 and 10 µM) at various stages of progression through diabetes (obese, prediabetics, and type 2 diabetes mellitus-T2DM persons). In addition, some biochemical parameters of oxidative stress (catalase-CAT, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-TBARS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated. PBMCs from prediabetic and diabetic patients exhibited increased sensitivity for T3 regarding elevated level of DNA damage, inhibition of catalase, and increase of TBARS and LDH. PBMCs from obese patients reacted in the same manner, except for DNA damage. The results of this study should contribute to a better understanding of the role of thyroid hormones in the progression of T2DM.

Caffeic acid protects human trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

Caffeic acid is highlighted as one of the major phenolic compounds present in foods with known antioxidant activity. This phenolic is among commonly consumed substances in everyday diet of pregnant women. However, there is not enough information on its effects during pregnancy, especially the most vulnerable early stage. Extravillous trophoblast cells are specific cells of the placenta that come in direct contact with maternal uterine tissue. Through this study we investigated the cytoprotective effects of caffeic acid on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo. Investigated concentrations (1-100 µM) of caffeic acid showed neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic effects on HTR-8/SVneo cells. The treatment with caffeic acid 100 µM significantly increased the percentage of cells in G2/M phase of the cell cycle, compared to non-treated cells. Pretreatment with caffeic acid (10 and 100 µM) attenuated oxidative DNA damage significantly, reduced cytotoxicity, protein and lipid peroxidation, and restored antioxidant capacity in trophoblast cells following H2O2 exposure. This beneficial outcome is probably mediated by the augmentation of GSH and effective ROS scavenging by caffeic acid. These promising results require further investigations to reveal the additional mechanisms/pathways and confirmation through studies in vivo.

MTT based L-aminoacid oxidase activity test for determination of antivenom potency against Vipera ammodytes envenomation.

The MTT assay is routinely used to detect the activity of living cells. While working with Vipera ammodytes venom we detected the reduction of MTT without the presence of cells, in a concentration-dependent manner. By combining non-reducing PAGE, L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) assays, and standard MTT assays, we established and confirmed that venom MTT reduction is catalyzed by only one enzyme, the LAAO. Even though it was previously known that the dimeric and tetrameric forms of LAAO are active, we conclude that the enzyme is also active in the monomeric form. Our results have led to the definition of a new MTT assay in a microtiter plate for in vitro testing of svLAAO activity i.e. from the venom of the V. ammodytes snake. Potentially, this method can be used for testing hemorrhagic venoms of other snakes as well as the LAAO neutralization capability of appropriate antivenoms.

Recovery of brain cholinesterases and effect on parameters of oxidative stres and apoptosis in quails (Coturnix japonica) after chlorpyrifos and vitamin B1 administration.

Chlorpyrifos is a extensively used organophosphate pesticide (OP). In this study, we closely looked into neurotoxicity of CPF and effect of vitamin B1, by checking the levels of cholinesterases, determining the activity of parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation and also level of apoptotic regulator. The study was performed on a total of 80 male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica), (two control and 6 experimental groups, n = 10). Three group of quails were given by gavage chlorpyrifos (CPF) for 7 consecutive days at doses of 1.50 mg/kg b.w., 3.00 mg/kg b.w., and 6.00 mg/kg b.w. Another three groups were treated with 10 mg/kg b.w. of vitamin B1 i.m. 30 min after CPF application (in above mentioned doses). Our study have proved that all doses of CPF significantly inhibited cholinesterases in brain, while vitamin B1 reactivated them. CPF has led to an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), while tiamin changed the activity of antioxidant enzymes: CAT, SOD, GST. CPF stimulated apoptosis by decreasing B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) in brain, while application of vitamin B1 caused an increase of this parameter. CPF amplified inflammatory effect by elevating levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Thiamine proved its anti-inflammatory property by decreasing the expression of iNOS and interleukin-1(IL-1) and interleukin-6(IL-6). This study is highly pertinent because there is little defense currently available to humans and animals to prevent toxic effects of pesticides.

Dry olive leaf extract attenuates DNA damage induced by estradiol and diethylstilbestrol in human peripheral blood cells in vitro.

Phenolic groups of steroidal or nonsteroidal estrogens can redox cycle, leading to oxidative stress, where creation of reactive oxygen species are recognized as the main mechanism of their DNA damage properties. Dry olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract is known to contain bioactive and antioxidative components and to have an ability to modulate the effects of various oxidants in cells. The main goal of this study was to investigate antigenotoxic potential of a standardized dry olive leaf extract on DNA damage induced by 17ß-estradiol and diethylstilbestrol in human whole blood cells in vitro, using comet assay. Our results indicated that both hormones showed a genotoxic effect at a concentration of 100 µM (P < 0.05, n = 6). Dry olive leaf extract was efficient in reducing number of cells with estrogen-induced DNA damage at tested concentrations (0.125, 0.5 and 1 mg/mL) (P < 0.05, n = 6) and under two experimental protocols, pre-treatment and post-treatment, exhibiting antigenotoxic properties. Analysis of antioxidant properties of the extract revealed moderate ABTS radical scavenging properties and reducing power. Overall, our results suggested that the protective potential of dry olive leaf extract could arise from the synergistic effect of its scavenging activity and enhancement of the cells' antioxidant capacity.

Antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential of medicinal mushrooms (Immune Assist) against DNA damage induced by free radicals-an in vitro study.

Immune Assist (IA) is produced from extract of six species of medical mushrooms: Agaricus blazei - Cordyceps sinensis - Grifola frondosa - Ganoderma lucidum - Coriolus versicolor - Lentinula edodes. The genoprotective potential of IA was evaluated for the first time. Significant antigenotoxic effects were detected in human peripheral blood cells against H2O2 induced DNA damage, in the pretreatment and in the posttreatment. The most efficient concentration of IA in pretreatment was 500 µg/mL, while in posttreatment it was the concentration of 250 µg/mL. Kinetics of attenuation of H2O2 induced DNA damage in posttreatment with the optimal concentration of IA showed significant decrease in the number of damaged cells at all time periods (15-60 min), reaching the greatest reduction after 15 and 45 min. Remarkable ·OH scavenging properties and moderate reducing power, together with the modest DPPH scavenging activity, could be responsible for the great attenuation of DNA damage after 15 min of exposure to IA, while reduction of DNA damage after 45 min could be the result in additional stimulation of the cell's repair machinery. Our results suggest that IA displayed antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties. A broader investigation of its profile in biological systems is needed.

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal, obese, prediabetic and diabetic persons exposed to adrenaline in vitro.

Diabetes represents one of the major health concerns, especially in developed countries. Some hormones such as the stress hormone adrenaline can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may worsen the diabetes. Therefore, the main aim of the investigation was to find out whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from normal persons have less DNA damage induced by adrenaline (0.1, 1 and 10 µM) in comparison to PBMCs from obese, prediabetic and diabetic patients. Also, the biochemical parameters of oxidative stress (TBARS, catalase) and lactate dehydrogenase were monitored. It was observed that higher concentrations of adrenaline (1 and 10 µM) induced DNA damage in the obese, prediabetic and diabetic groups. In healthy individuals only the highest concentration of adrenaline caused significant increase in the DNA damage. In summary, total comet score (TCS) comparison has shown significant differences between groups, and DNA damaging effects of adrenaline were most evident in diabetic patients. The results of the biochemical analysis also demonstrate that adrenaline exerts most obvious effects in diabetic individuals which is manifested as significant change of parameters of oxidative stress. In summary, the obtained results demonstrated that diabetics are more sensitive to genotoxic effects of adrenaline and this effect probably resulted from decreased antioxidative defence mechanisms in various stages of progression through diabetes. Therefore, these results could contribute to a better understanding of a role of endocrine factors to damage of cellular biomolecules which could be useful in finding novel therapeutic approaches and lifestyle changes with an aim to lower the possibility of diabetes complications.

Paraoxonase 1 in bovine milk and blood as marker of subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

The aim of this study was to determine serum lipid values and parameters of oxidative stress in blood and milk of cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM) caused by Staphylococcus aureus and to establish association between these parameters. The study was performed on total of 104 cows assigned into control group of healthy animals (n = 12) and two groups of cows with SCM, either SCM1 group (n = 37) with ˂ 1000 CFU/mL of S. aureus or SCM2 group (n = 55) with ≥1000 CFU/mL of causative agent in milk. Significantly lower serum concentrations of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLC) in SCM2 group and higher low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in both SCM groups were recorded. Significantly lower paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and higher lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) concentration in blood and milk were recorded in both groups of SCM cows vs control. In blood serum of cows from SCM2 group significantly higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but significantly lower total antioxidative capacity (TAC) were obtained. In milk serum of SCM cows were detected significantly higher concentrations of H2O2 and MDA, but significantly lower TAC vs control. There was a significant positive correlation between PON1 in serum with HDLC, but negative correlation with LDL-C and LOOH. In milk, PON1 negatively correlated with LOOH and somatic cell counts (SCC). Strong positive correlation was obtained between PON1 in blood and milk. Oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction induced by SCM significantly lowered PON1 activity in blood and milk of affected cows.

Betaine modulates oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and Akt/mTOR signaling in methionine-choline deficiency-induced fatty liver disease.

We examined the effects of betaine, an endogenous and dietary methyl donor essential for the methionine-homocysteine cycle, on oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy in methionine-choline deficient diet (MCD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Male C57BL/6 mice received standard chow (control), standard chow and betaine (1.5% w/v in drinking water), MCD, or MCD and betaine. After six weeks, serum and liver samples were collected for analysis. Betaine reduced MCD-induced increase in liver transaminases and inflammatory infiltration, as well as hepatosteatosis and serum levels of low-density lipoprotein, while it increased that of high-density lipoprotein. MCD-induced hepatic production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species was significantly reduced by betaine, which also improved liver antioxidative defense by increasing glutathione content and superoxide-dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase activity. Betaine reduced the liver expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6, as well as that of proapoptotic mediator Bax, while increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 in MCD-fed mice. In addition, betaine increased the expression of autophagy activators beclin 1, autophagy-related (Atg)4 and Atg5, as well as the presence of autophagic vesicles and degradation of autophagic target sequestosome 1/p62 in the liver of NAFLD mice. The observed effects of betaine coincided with the increase in the hepatic phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its activator Akt. In conclusion, the beneficial effect of betaine in MCD-induced NAFLD is associated with the reduction of liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, and the increase in cytoprotective Akt/mTOR signaling and autophagy.

Nitroso-Oxidative Stress, Acute Phase Response, and Cytogenetic Damage in Wistar Rats Treated with Adrenaline.

This study is aimed at analysing biochemical and genetic endpoints of toxic effects after administration of adrenaline. For this purpose, the study was carried out on Wistar rats and three doses of adrenaline were used: 0.75 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, and 3 mg/kg body weight. To achieve these aims, we investigated the effects of adrenaline on catalase (CAT), Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite (NO2-), carbonyl groups (PCC), and nitrotyrosine (3-NT). Total activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), its relative distribution (LDH1-LDH5) activity, level of acute phase proteins (APPs), and genotoxic effect were also evaluated. The obtained results revealed that all doses of adrenaline induced a significant rise in CAT activity, MDA level, PCC, NO2 -, and 3-NT and a significant decrease in SOD activity compared to control. Adrenaline exerted an increase in total activity of LDH, LDH1, and LDH2 isoenzymes. Further study showed that adrenaline significantly decreased serum albumin level and albumin-globulin ratio, while the level of APPs (α 1-acid glycoprotein and haptoglobulin) is increased. The micronucleus test revealed a genotoxic effect of adrenaline at higher concentrations (1.5 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg body weight) compared to untreated rats. It can be concluded that adrenaline exerts oxidative and nitrative stress in rats, increased damage to lipids and proteins, and damage of cardiomyocytes and cytogenetic damage. Obtained results may contribute to better understanding of the toxicity of adrenaline with aims to preventing its harmful effects.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine protects dental tissue stem cells against oxidative stress in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate whether N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) could protect stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) against oxidative damage, during in vitro cultivation, to preserve regenerative potential of these cells. Accordingly, we examined the potential of cell culture supplementation with NAC in prevention of lipid peroxidation, unfavorable changes of total lipids fatty acid composition, and the effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the extent of oxidative damage in SHED after 48 h treatment with different NAC concentrations. Cellular lipid peroxidation was determined upon reaction with thiobarbituric acid. All enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically, based on published methods. Fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Concentration of 0.1 mM NAC showed the most profound effects on SHED, significantly decreasing levels of lipid peroxidation in comparison to control. This dose also diminished the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, NAC treatment significantly changed fatty acid composition of cells, reducing levels of oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids and increasing linoleic acid, n-6, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportions. CONCLUSION: Low dose of NAC significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and altered fatty acid composition towards increasing PUFA. The reduced oxidative damage of cellular lipids could be strongly related to improved SHED survival in vitro. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low doses of antioxidants, applied during stem cells culturing and maintenance, could improve cellular characteristics in vitro. This is prerequisite for successful use of stem cells in various clinical applications.

Suppression of methionine-induced colon injury of young rats by cysteine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

Changes in the methionine metabolism can cause a state called hyperhomocysteinemia, inducing oxidative stress in the gut. The production of free radicals is important in the colon damage caused by methionine. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the use of L-cysteine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine on the colon morphometry of young rats treated with methionine. A total number of 32 male rats were distributed in a randomized experimental design in 4 groups: control group treated with saline; methionine group; cysteine + methionine group, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine + methionine group. After 21 days of treatment, rats were sacrificed and the colon samples were taken for histological and biochemical analysis. Methionine load increased depth of crypts, the lamina muscularis mucosae thickness, the mucosal height, and the number of cells in lamina propria (p < 0.01). Combination of methionine with L-cysteine (C group) and with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (N group) reversed methionine effects. Methionine treatment increased the GPx activity and MDA concentration, while L-cysteine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine increased the catalase activity compared to methionine group. It was concluded that the use of L-cysteine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine was beneficial to decrease intestinal mucosal height and oxidative damage when methionine was used in combination with them.

Antigenotoxic Properties of Agaricus blazei against Hydrogen Peroxide in Human Peripheral Blood Cells.

The ability of Agaricus blazei mushroom in its dried and powdered mycelial form was evaluated for its antigenotoxic properties for the first time. Antigenotoxic effects in human peripheral blood cells against H2O2-induced DNA damage were examined in pretreatment and posttreatment protocol by comet assay. The results showed better antigenotoxic properties of Agaricus blazei on the interventional level, respectively, after treatment. Agaricus blazei in concentration of 250 µg/mL after treatment was most efficient in regard to its action against DNA damage. The evaluation of repair kinetics showed decrease in H2O2 induced DNA damage 15 min after the application of A. blazei, reaching the maximum potency after 30 min. Analysis of antioxidant properties of Agaricus blazei revealed strong •OH scavenging properties and moderate reducing power, while its DPPH scavenging ability was weak. In regard to our findings, we can conclude that our preliminary results demonstrated antigenotoxic properties of Agaricus blazei and its strong •OH scavenging ability. Mechanisms underlying its properties should be further evaluated in in vivo studies.

Dry Olive Leaf Extract in Combination with Methotrexate Reduces Cell Damage in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients-A Pilot Study.

The effects of co-administration of dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) with standard methotrexate (MTX) therapy on the parameters of cell damage and inflammation in patients with early and long-term rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks. Patients were assigned to groups: the early phase RA group on MTX monotherapy (E MTX), and the two RA groups that received co-treatment with DOLE and MTX: early (E MTX + DOLE) and long-term phase patients (L-t MTX+ DOLE). Baseline values indicated increased parameters of cell damage and disruption of redox balance in all groups. After three weeks the E MTX + DOLE group maintained high catalase activity, exhibited decrease of lipid peroxidation and protein damage indicators-thiols and nitrites, while levels of DNA damage and pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 were significantly reduced. In E MTX group catalase activity remained unaltered while significant lipid peroxidation and DNA damage reductions were seen only after six weeks. L-t MTX + DOLE group showed only modest alterations of cell damage parameters during six weeks. Combined administration of DOLE with MTX contributes to faster reduction of cell damage, restores oxidative balance and improves interleukin-6 suppression during high disease activity in early phase RA, but not in long term patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

N-Acetyl-l-cysteine enhances ex-vivo amplification of deciduous teeth dental pulp stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: Obtaining high number of stem cells is of interest for cell based therapies. N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) acts as a source of sulfhydryl groups and an anti-oxidative agent. The aim of this study was to test different NAC concentration on proliferation and differentiation of deciduous teeth dental pulp stem cells (DTSCs) in vitro as well as to define the possible underlining mechanism of its effect. DESIGN: Number of viable, apoptotic and senescent DTSCs was determined after addition of NAC (0.1mM, 1.0mM, 2.0mM). Also, cell cycle analysis, HIF1-α expression, LDH isoenzymes, superoxide-dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, sulfhydryl groups content, the level of lipids' and proteins' oxidative damage and differentiation capacity of NAC treated DTSCs was determined. RESULTS: DTSCs expressed HIF-1α in all conditions. The lowest NAC dose (0.1mM) increased the number of DTSCs by one fifth comparing to the control, most likely stimulating entry of cells into S phase of cell cycle and enhancing the activity of LDH5 isoenzyme. The highest NAC dose (2mM) inhibited DTSCs proliferation. Also, DTSCs had the lowest level of oxidative damage with 0.1mM NAC. All tested NAC concentrations enhanced DTSCs osteo-chondrogenesis. CONCLUSION: The lowest NAC dose exerted significant positive effect on DTSCs proliferation as well as antioxidative protection creating beneficial environment for stem cells in vitro cultivation especially when their clinical use is important for stimulation of osteo-chondrogenesis.