Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitric oxide alleviate cadmium phytotoxicity by improving internal detoxification mechanisms of corn plants.

Plants develop several external and internal mechanisms to increase their tolerance to heavy metals (HMs) toxicity including cadmium (Cd). Symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) is one of the plants' strategies to tolerate HMs toxicity. Nitric oxide (NO), as a signaling molecule, is also involved in physiological responses of plants to various stresses. The present work was conducted as a factorial completely randomized design with three replications to study the effects of Funneliformis mosseae fungi and Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 mM) as a donor of NO alone, in combination (AMF + SNP) on corn plant growth, and internal detoxification mechanisms of Cd toxicity in a Cd-contaminated calcareous soil (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg Cd kg-1). The results showed that under Cd stress, AMF inoculation and/or foliar application of SNP significantly increased plant growth (32% to 103% for shoot and 44% to 84% for root) by decreasing Cd concentration in corn plant tissues (23% to 46% for shoot and 19% to 40% for root). Cd-induced oxidative stress was mitigated by AMF and/or SNP by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and concentration of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatin (PC). Increasing the tolerance index (TI) and decreasing the transfer factor (TF) in the corn plants treated with AMF and/or SNP, confirm the efficient role of SNP and AMF in stimulating the detoxification mechanisms of Cd within the plant cells, which was more pronounced at the lowest Cd level (25 mg Cd kg-1). In conclusion, symbiotic associations of corn plants with AMF alone or in combination with SNP mitigated the detrimental effect of Cd toxicity in corn grown in Cd-contaminated calcareous soil. The corn's internal detoxification mechanisms lowered the Cd concentration in plant tissue which resulted in the improvement of the corn's growth parameters.

Sublethal Exposure to Plasma-Activated Water Influences the Morphological Characteristics, Phagocytic Ability, and Virulence of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the ultrastructure, cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, and antioxidant responses of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites exposed to sublethal plasma-activated water. METHODS: Trophozoites were exposed to a sublethal treatment of PAW and compared to untreated viable trophozoites via adhesion assays on macrophage monolayers, osmo- and thermotolerance tests. Bacterial uptake was assessed in treated cells to evaluate their phagocytic characteristics. Oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant activities were compared in treated and untreated trophozoites. Finally, the expression of the mannose-binding protein (MBP), cysteine protease 3 (CP3), and serine endopeptidase (SEP) genes was determined in cells. RESULTS: In PAW-treated trophozoites, cytopathic effects were more extensive and resulted in the detachment of macrophage monolayers. Treated trophozoites could not grow at high temperatures (43 °C). Moreover, they showed osmotolerance to 0.5 M D-mannitol but not to 1 M. Results demonstrated a higher bacterial uptake rate by PAW-treated trophozoites than untreated cells. Activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and catalase were significantly greater in the treated trophozoites, and the glutathione and glutathione/glutathione disulfide were significantly lower in the PAW-treated cells. Exposure to PAW also significantly increased the malondialdehyde level and total antioxidant capacity. Treatment with PAW led to significantly higher expression of virulent genes like MBP, CP3, and SEP. CONCLUSION: PAW is a double-edged sword against A. castellanii. PAW is an effective antiamoebic agent in proper usage, whereas its sublethal exposure may reduce its effectiveness and increase amoebas' pathogenicity. An agent's adequate concentration and exposure time are essential to achieve optimum results.

Exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorine enhances the cytotoxicity of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Free-living amoebae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba are the causative agents of infections in humans and animals. Many studies are being conducted to find effective compounds against amoebae, but their sublethal concentration effects on surviving amoebae seem to have been overlooked. Chlorine is a common disinfection agent commonly added to public water facilities and supplies. In this study, the cytopathic and phagocytic properties of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites following exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorine were examined. Two hours of exposure to 5 ppm hypochlorite calcium was considered the sublethal concentration for A. castellanii trophozoites. To compare the pathogenic potential of treated and untreated Acanthamoeba trophozoites, cytotoxicity, adhesion assays in RAW 264.7 macrophages, osmo, and thermotolerance tests were carried out. Bacterial uptake was assessed in treated cells to evaluate their phagocytic characteristics. Oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant activities were compared in treated and untreated trophozoites. Finally, the mRNA expression of the mannose-binding protein (MBP), cysteine protease 3 (CP3), and serine endopeptidase (SEP) genes was determined in cells. In all the experiments, untreated trophozoites were considered the control. In comparison to untreated trophozoites, in chlorine-treated trophozoites, cytopathic effects were more extensive and resulted in the detachment of macrophage monolayers. Treated trophozoites could not grow at high temperatures (43 °C). Besides, they showed osmotolerance to 0.5 M D-mannitol but not to 1 M. Results demonstrated a higher bacterial uptake rate by chlorine-treated trophozoites than untreated cells. The treated and untreated cells had significantly different glutathione and glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratios. Antioxidant enzyme activities, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels were increased significantly in chlorine-treated cells. Quantifying mRNA expression in chlorine-treated trophozoites revealed that virulence genes were upregulated. Chlorine can form resistance and virulent amoebae if it is not used at a proper concentration and exposure time. Identification of stress responses, their mechanisms in Acanthamoeba, and their relation to amoeba virulence would give us a better perception of their pathophysiology.

Microplastics (MPs) distribution in Surface Sediments of the Freidounkenar Paddy Wetland.

There is an urgent need to increase knowledge on the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in wetlands because these are sites of special ecological value and the ever-growing use of plastic can threaten such fragile ecosystems. This research assesses, for the first time, the occurrence of MPs in surface sediment of the Freidounkenar International Wetland (Northern Iran), a valuable habitat for migratory birds. A total of 1368 MP/kg were identified in the surface sediments of the wetland. The distribution of MPs in sediments per area was Ezbaran (36.5%), Western Sorkhrood (32.0%), Freidounkenar (20.1%) and Eastern Sorkhrood Ab-bandans (11.4%). The most contaminated sites were located close to agricultural fields, Damgahs (agroecosystems for birds), fishing areas and roads. Fibers and white-transparent and black-grey MPs constituted the dominant MPs in the surface sediment. The most abundant MPs were < 250 µm and these were made of nylon, polypropylene-low density polyethylene copolymer, polystyrene, low density polyethylene and polypropylene. The identification of MPs was carried out visually and supported with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and micro-Raman techniques. There were weathering signs in large proportion of the MPs, according to SEM analysis, which evidences their formation from the degradation of other plastics. This is a comprehensive study on MPs in surface sediment of this sensitive internationally recognized ecosystem with high ecological value.

Pseudomonas fluorescens group bacterial strains interact differently with pathogens during dual-species biofilm formation on stainless steel surfaces in milk.

In order to develop strategies for preventing biofilm formation in the dairy industry, a deeper understanding of the interaction between different species during biofilm formation is necessary. Bacterial strains of the P. fluorescens group are known as the most important biofilm-formers on the surface of dairy processing equipment that may attract and/or shelter other spoilage or pathogenic bacteria. The present study used different strains of the P. fluorescens group as background microbiota of milk, and evaluated their interaction with Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Typhimurium during dual-species biofilm formation on stainless steel surfaces. Two separate scenarios for dual-species biofilms were considered: concurrent inoculation of Pseudomonas and pathogen (CI), and delayed inoculation of pathogen to the pre-formed Pseudomonas biofilm (DI). The gram-positive pathogens used in this study did not form dual-species biofilms with P. fluorescens strains unless they were simultaneously inoculated with Pseudomonas strains. E. coli O157:H7 was able to form dual-species biofilms with all seven P. fluorescens group strains, both in concurrent (CI) and delayed (DI) inoculation. However, the percentage of contribution varied depending on the P. fluorescens strains and the inoculation scenario. S. Typhimurium contributed to biofilm formation with all seven P. fluorescens group strains under the CI scenario, with varying degrees of contribution. However, under the DI scenario, S. Typhimurium did not contribute to the biofilm formed by three of the seven P. fluorescens group strains. Overall, these are the first results to illustrate that the strains within the P. fluorescens group have significant differences in the formation of mono-or dual-species biofilms with pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the possibility of forming dual-species biofilms with pathogens depends on whether the pathogens form the biofilm simultaneously with the P. fluorescens group strains or whether these strains have already formed a biofilm.

Microplastic occurrence in settled indoor dust in schools.

This study examines for the first time the characteristics and human exposure of microplastics (MPs) in settled indoor dust in schools. An average of 195 MPs·g-1 of dust were detected in settled indoor composite dust samples from 28 schools in Shiraz. White-transparent microfibres with lengths 500-1000 µm were the most abundant type of MP found among the samples examined. Polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene MPs were dominant across all types of MP found including microfibres. MPs had generally smooth morphology with sharp or regular edges which could have been released to the environment as primary MPs. Among all sampling sites, higher concentrations of MPs were found in the south and centre of the city. These were areas affected by high population density, high traffic load and high presence of industrial units and workshops. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed a positive strong correlation between sampling sites and MP physical characteristics. The PCA plots revealed that MP sheets and fragments were prevalent in sites in the North of Shiraz, whereas microfibres were mainly associated with sites in the South. The levels of MPs in the South of Shiraz were greater than in the rest of the country and the wind direction and topography were found to be important factors affecting the MP distribution observed. Compared to other population groups, elementary school students had relatively high exposure risk to MPs. This study reveals that microfibres are widespread in Shiraz' schools and pose a high exposure risk to MPs for young students.

Testing the Effects of Cinnamon Extract Supplementation on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Acrylamide.

We investigated the effects of cinnamon water extract supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in rats. This revealed acrylamide-intoxicated control group had significant higher levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), leptin and alanine transaminase, and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity compared to the negative control group. In contrast, cinnamon extract administration remedied the levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and leptin in the treatment groups. However, there was no significant effect on adiponectin or liver enzymes. This chapter presents a protocol involving production of the acrylamide-induced oxidative stress model, the aqueous extraction of cinnamon powder, and measurement of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.

Chlorine-stressed Salmonella cells are significantly more engulfed by Acanthamoeba trophozoites and have a longer intracystic survival than the non-stressed cells.

In the present study, the effect of sublethal chlorine-induced oxidative stress on the subsequent interaction of Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium with Acanthamoeba castellanii and A. polyphaga was evaluated. Sublethal chlorine concentration was determined using the lag phase extension information and used to prepare chlorine-stressed Salmonella cells. Coculture experiments of Acanthamoeba and Salmonella cells were performed in Page's amoeba saline (PAS) at 25 °C for 2 h. The results showed that the chlorine-stressed Salmonella cells were significantly more engulfed by A. castellanii and A. polyphaga trophozoites than the non-stressed cells. The uptake rates of the chlorine-stressed and non-stressed Salmonella cells were in the range of 14.17-27.34 and 6.51-11.52% for A. castellanii, and in the range of 8.32-17.76 and 2.28-6.12% for A. polyphaga trophozoites, respectively. Moreover, intracystic survival time of chlorine-stressed cells of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium was significantly longer than that of non-stressed cells. While, non-stressed Salmonella cells survived within A. castellanii and A. polyphaga cysts for 13-20 and 8-15 days, chlorine-stressed cells were recovered from A. castellanii and A. polyphaga cysts after 22-32 and 15-24 days, respectively. These results underscore the importance of bacterial exposure to sublethal chlorine concentrations in their interaction with free-living amoebae, and may lead to a better understanding of the parameters affecting the persistence of Salmonella enterica serovars in food-related environments.

Synergistic effects of curcumin and its analogs with other bioactive compounds: A comprehensive review.

Curcumin, as a natural compound, extracted from plant Curcuma longa, is abundant in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and have been used in a diverse array of pharmacological activities. Although curcumin has some limitations like low stability and low bioavailability, it has been proved that this compound induced apoptosis signaling and is also known to block cell proliferation signaling pathway. Recently, extensive research has been carried out to study the application of curcumin as a health improving agent, and devise new methods to overcome to the curcumin limitations and incorporate this functional ingredient into foods. Combinational chemotherapy is one of the basic strategies is using for 60 years for the treatment of various health problems like cancer, malaria, inflammation, diabetes and etc. Molecular hybridization is another strategy to make multi-pharmacophore or conjugated drugs with more synergistic effect than the parent compounds. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the pharmacological activity of curcumin and its analogs in combination with other bioactive compounds and cover more recent reports of anti-cancer, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory activities of these analogs.

Urban street dust in the Middle East oldest oil refinery zone: Oxidative potential, source apportionment، and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements.

The current study is the intented to investigate the intensity of pollution, source characterization, oxidative potential, and human health risks of fourteen potentially toxic elements in the street dust of the Middle East oldest oil refinery zone. Thirty five street dust samples were collected from various regions in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities. The mean concentration of As, Mo, Cu, Pb, Hg, Zn, Cd, and Sb in Abadan street dust were 5.55, 3.39, 83.68, 49.82, 4493.54, 281.24, 1.15,and 1.17, while in Khorramshahr As, Mo, Cu, Pb, Hg, Zn, Cd, and Sb were.14, 2.58, 74.35, 56.50, 0.74, 214.26, 0.62, and 1.18, respectively. The concentration of these elements in both cities is higher than the local background values. Potential ecological risk index and pollution load index at all stations of both cities are greater than 1, indicating a high pollution load in the study area. Calculated enrichment factor showed high enrichment of Hg, Sb, Cd, Mo, Cu, Pb, and Zn in both areas. Of particular concern is the enrichment factor for mercury which proved to be 3370.54 ppb in the vicinity of the petrochemical unit in Abadan city (EF > 40). The results of positive matrix factorization receptor model together with geochemical maps and multivariate statistics indicated that industrial activities (especially petrochemical industries) are responsible for Hg, Cu, and Zn pollution, while exhaust emissions are responsible for Mo, Pb, Cd, and Sb, and natural sources for Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni. The percentage of OPAA in the region ranged from 15.1 to 26.4 and OPGSH ranged from 9.5 to 24.4. The percentage of OPTOTAL/µg (OPAA/µg + OPGSH/µg) values varied between 0.6 and 1. The health risk evaluation models indicated that specific attention should be paid to Hg, Cd, Pb, and Zn and that the higher oxidative potential of street dust recovered from polluted locations is also a matter of concern in Abadan and Khorramshahr Cities.

Development and psychometric evaluation of performance-based upper extremity motor control test (PB-UE-MCT) for people with cerebral palsy / Desenvolvimento e avaliação psicométrica do Teste de Controle Motor das Extremidades Superiores com Base no Desempenho (PB-UE-MCT) para pessoas com paralisia cerebral

Abstract Introduction Upper extremity disorders limits the performance in the activities of daily living, especially, in bilateral (two-handed) activities. Objective This study was designed to develop a performance-based upper extremity motor control test (PB-UE-MCT) and to measure its psychometric properties (including, convergent validity, intrarater reliability, and interrater reliability) for people with cerebral palsy (CP). Method The PB-UE-MCT was developed in three phases, including planning, construction, and psychometric evaluation. The participants included 50 people with CP with an age range of 6 to 18 years. To measure internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was run (n=50). Intrarater and interrater reliability was measured for 25 participants. To assess convergent validity, the correlations of the PB-UE-MCT with the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and with the Selective Control Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES) were calculated. Results The values obtained for Cronbach's alpha (.90 to .96) indicated the excellent internal consistency of the PB-UE-MCT. The ICC values for intrarater reliability and interrater reliability were between .84 and .99 and between .89 and .99, respectively. The correlation coefficients obtained for the items of the PB-UE-MCT and those of the MACS were between .51 and .73. The correlation coefficients of the items of the PB-UE-MCT with those of the SCUES were in the range of .67 to .98, which proves the PB-UE-MCT's good to excellent levels of convergent validity. Conclusion The results confirm that the PB-UE-MCT is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the upper extremity performance of people with CP through task analysis.

Resumo Introdução Distúrbios dos membros superiores limitam o desempenho nas atividades da vida diária, especialmente em atividades bilaterais (com as duas mãos). Objetivo Desenvolver um teste de controle motor de membros superiores baseado em desempenho (PB-UE-MCT) para avaliar pessoas com paralisia cerebral espástica. Método O PB-UE-MCT inclui planejamento, construção e avaliação psicométrica. Os participantes incluíram 50 pessoas com paralisia cerebral entre 6 e 18 anos. Para medir a consistência interna, o alfa de Cronbach foi executado (n = 50). A confiabilidade intra-examinador foi medida para 25 participantes que realizaram o teste duas vezes com um intervalo de duas semanas. Para confiabilidade entre avaliadores, dois examinadores administraram separadamente o teste a 25 participantes. Para avaliar a validade convergente, foram calculadas as correlações do PB-UE-MCT com o Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) e com a Selective Control Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES). Resultados Os valores obtidos para o alfa de Cronbach (0,90 a 0,96) indicaram a excelente consistência interna do PB-UE-MCT. Os valores de ICC para confiabilidade intraexaminador e confiabilidade interexaminador estavam entre 0,84 e 0,99 e entre 0,89 e 0,99, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de correlação obtidos para os itens do PB-UE-MCT e do MACS ficaram entre 0,51 e 0,73. Os coeficientes de correlação dos itens do PB-UE-MCT com os das SCUES situaram-se na faixa de 0,67 a 0,98, o que comprova os níveis de validade convergente bons a excelentes do PB-UE-MCT. Conclusão O PB-UE-MCT é uma ferramenta válida e confiável para avaliar o desempenho dos membros superiores de pessoas com paralisia cerebral durante a realização de tarefas.

The role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in improving iron acquisition by altering physiological and molecular responses in quince seedlings.

Due to insoluble iron (Fe) sources in soil, limited Fe availability leads to the disruption of the photosynthetic apparatus; this affects the growth and productivity of plants such as quince (Cydonia oblonga) that are very sensitive to low Fe content. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) play an important role in the regulation of Fe uptake under its limited availability. Therefore, in this research, two PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Microccucuce yunnanensis), at two Fe levels [50 µM (Fe-sufficiency) or 5 µM (Fe-deficiency)], were used to investigate the impact of the given bacteria on improving the acquisition of Fe in quince seedlings. Upon Fe-deficiency, the highest shoot and root biomass (7.14 and 6.04 g plant-1 respectively), the greatest chlorophyll concentration (0.89 mg g-1FW), and the largest Fe concentrations in roots and shoots (30% and 48.7%, respectively) were shown in the quince treated with M. yunnanensis. Both PGPR increased the root citric acid and the phenolic compound concentration. Two days after Fe-deficiency and PGPR treatments, a 1.5- fold increase, was observed in the expression of HA7. The highest PAL1 gene expression and the greatest PAL activity (95.76 µmol cinnamic acid g-1FW) were obtained from the M. yunnanensis treatment. The expression of the FRO2 gene was also affected by Fe-deficiency and PGPR treatments, resulting in an increase in the FCR activity and a surge in the Fe concentrations of leaves and roots. It could, therefore, be concluded that the PGPR modulated Fe acquisition in the quince seedlings upon Fe-deficiency by influencing the physico-chemical and molecular responses.

Cinnamon extract supplementation improves inflammation and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide: An experimental animal study.

OBJECTIVE: Toxic effects of acrylamide on body organs incline researches to prevent or decrease these effects. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cinnamon extract (CE) supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two rats were divided into four groups as follow 1) The control group received distilled water, 2) Acrylamide- intoxicated group was administrated with 35 ml/kg/day acrylamide for two weeks, 3) Acrylamide- intoxicated rats treated with CE 250 mg/kg/day for 28 days, and 4) Acrylamide- intoxicated rats treated with CE 500 mg/kg day for 28 days. Fasting blood sample was obtained for subsequent analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that acrylamide- intoxicated group had significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha, high sensitive C reactive protein, leptin and alanine transaminase (p<0.05 to p<0.01) and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group; whereas, cinnamon extract administration remedied levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha, high sensitive C reactive protein and leptin in the treatment groups, but it did not have a significant effect on adiponectin and liver enzymes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that cinnamon extract may potentially be effective as a dietary source of bioactive compounds for managing acrylamide intoxication.

Effect of thermal treatment on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey.

Industrial treatments of commercial honeys during extraction and storage affect the quality of honey. One of the most common treatments in the honey industry is thermal treatment which could make some changes in the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey. This study was conducted to determine the effect of thermal treatment at 63 °C for 10, 20 and 30 min on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lotus, thyme, and multifloral honeys. Samples were analyzed for pH, free acidity, moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), color, total phenolic content, DPPH° radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Changes were more or less observed in all the physicochemical characteristics of honeys during the thermal treatment. However, among the physicochemical characteristics, increase in HMF content and decrease in total phenolic contents were more evident. Considering the antioxidant capacity of honeys, decreases in DPPH° radical scavenging activity of thyme honeys and FRAP values of thyme and lotus honeys during the thermal treatment were observed. Changes made in physicochemical characteristics of honeys during the thermal treatment are merely important from the standpoint of compliance with national and international legal limits. However, from the nutritional point of view, decrease in the antioxidant capacity of honeys is of particular importance and may affect the nutritional and health benefits of honey.

Effect of Sesamin Supplementation on Glycemic Status, Inflammatory Markers, and Adiponectin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Sesamin is one of the most abundant lignans in sesame and has multiple functions and high values such as antioxidative effect and promoting-immunity function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sesamin supplementation on glycemic status, serum levels of inflammatory markers and adiponectinin patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention group (sesamin capsules; 200 mg/day, n = 24) and control group (placebo capsules; 200 mg/day starch, n = 24). Anthropometric indices and serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin were assessed at the baseline and after 8 weeks. RESULT: Sesamin supplementation caused a significant reduction in FBS, HbA1C and TNF-α levels compared with the placebo (p < 0.05). Waist circumference, hip circumference, body adiposity index (BAI), FBS, HbA1c, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were decreased, and adiponectin levels were increased significantly in the intervention group at the end of study (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the beneficial effects of sesamin supplement on glycemic status and inflammatory factors, it may be considered as a supplementary therapeutic approach for diabetic patients. However, future investigations are needed in this field.

Taurine treatment preserves brain and liver mitochondrial function in a rat model of fulminant hepatic failure and hyperammonemia.

Ammonia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and energy crisis is known as a critical consequence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Hence, mitochondria are potential targets of therapy in HE. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the role of taurine treatment on the brain and liver mitochondrial function in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia. The animals received thioacetamide (400mg/kg, i.p, for three consecutive days at 24-h intervals) as a model of acute liver failure and hyperammonemia. Several biochemical parameters were investigated in the serum, while the animals' cognitive function and locomotor activity were monitored. Mitochondria was isolated from the rats' brain and liver and several indices were assessed in isolated mitochondria. Liver failure led to cognitive dysfunction and impairment in locomotor activity in the rats. Plasma and brain ammonia was high and serum markers of liver injury were drastically elevated in the thioacetamide-treated group. An assessment of brain and liver mitochondrial function in the thioacetamide-treated animals revealed an inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), collapsed mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial swelling, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, a significant decrease in mitochondrial ATP was detected in the brain and liver mitochondria isolated from thioacetamide-treated animals. Taurine treatment (250, 500, and 1000mg/kg) decreased mitochondrial swelling, ROS, and LPO. Moreover, the administration of this amino acid restored brain and liver mitochondrial ATP. These data suggest taurine to be a potential protective agent with therapeutic capability against hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and energy crisis.

Effects of Concentrated Pomegranate Juice on Subclinical Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of pomegranate juice have been reported in several studies. However, limited clinical trials have examined the effects of concentrated pomegranate juice (CPJ) on inflammatory factors. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of CPJ on metabolic risk factors, including inflammatory biomarkers, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a quasi-experiment trial, 40 type 2 diabetic patients were asked to consume 50 g of CPJ daily for 4 weeks. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, blood pressure measurements, and fasting blood samples were conducted at baseline and 4 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: The intake of CPJ produced a significant increase in both total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (4.7% and 3.9%, respectively) from baseline (P < 0.05). However, changes that were observed in serum triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure were not statistically significant. Administration of CPJ caused significant reduction in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05), but tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) remained unchanged during the study. The mean value of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was substantially increased (~ 75%) from 381.88 ± 114.4 at baseline to 1501 ± 817 after 4 weeks of CPJ consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of CPJ (50 g/day) appears to have favorable effects on some markers of subclinical inflammation, and to increase plasma concentrations of antioxidants in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Sesame Butter (Ardeh) versus Sesame Oil on Metabolic and Oxidative Stress Markers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders and is related to oxidative-stress-induced diseases. Given the role of dietary antioxidants in the control and prevention of diabetes, this study aimed to examine the effects of sesame butter versus sesame oil on the serum levels of glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male albino rats of Wistar strain were randomly divided into 4 groups (i.e., nondiabetic control rats, diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with sesame butter, and diabetic rats treated with sesame oil). Experimental diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Sesame butter (1.25 g/kg) and sesame oil (0.5 g/kg) were given by oral gavage to the diabetic rats for 6 weeks. Finally, serum glucose, lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Our data showed that the diabetic groups treated with sesame butter and sesame oil had significantly lower levels of glucose and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein than did the diabetic control group at the end of the study (P<0.05). Sesame butter supplementation also increased TAC and decreased MDA concentrations significantly in the diabetic rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The antihyperglycemic, antioxidative, and partly lipid-lowering effects of sesame butter make it an excellent candidate for future human studies on diabetes, although further research is needed to determine the exact dose and duration of supplementation.

Functions of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Liver Enzymes, Markers of Systemic Inflammation, and Adipokines in Patients Affected by Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disorder related to inflammation. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural compound that has recently been considered as an anti-inflammatory factor. In the current study we aimed to evaluate the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on liver enzymes, inflammation status, and adipokines in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Forty-one subjects with NAFLD participated in the current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: one group received CoQ10 capsules (100 mg once a day) and the other received placebo for 12 weeks. Blood samples of each patient were taken before and after the 12-week intervention period for measurement of liver aminotransferases, inflammatory biomarkers, and adipokines (adiponectin and leptin). RESULTS: Taking 100 mg CoQ10 supplement daily resulted in a significant decrease in liver aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [GGT]), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor α, and the grades of NAFLD in the CoQ10 group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, patients who received CoQ10 supplement had higher serum levels of adiponectin (p = 0.016) and considerable changes in serum leptin (p = 0.053). However, no significant changes occurred in serum levels of interleukin-6 in both groups. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that CoQ10 supplement at a dosage of 100 mg could be effective for improving the systemic inflammation and biochemical variables in NAFLD.

Effects of salicylic acid and putrescine on storability, quality attributes and antioxidant activity of plum cv. 'Santa Rosa'.

Plum fruit has a short shelf life with a rapid deterioration in quality after harvest. The primary goal of this study is to investigate and compare the effect of putrescine and salicylic acid on quality properties and antioxidant activity of plum during storage. The plum fruits (cv. 'Santa Rosa') were harvested at the mature ripe stage, and dipped in different concentrations of putrescine (1, 2, 3 and 4 mmol/L) and salicylic acid (1, 2, 3 and 4 mmol/L), as well as distilled water (control) for 5 min. The fruits were then packed in boxes with polyethylene covers and stored at 4 °C with 95 % relative humidity for 25 days. A factorial trial based on completely randomized block design with 4 replications was carried out. The weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, maturity index, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and antioxidant activity at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 days after harvest were recorded. During the storage period, the weight loss, total soluble solids, pH and maturity index increased significantly while the fruit firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and antioxidant activity decreased significantly (P < 0.05) for all treatments. Statistically significant differences were observed between different treatments (putrescine, salicylic acid and control) in all measured parameters. The data showed that the weight loss and softening of the plum fruits were decreased significantly by the use of putrescine and salicylic acid. Also, exogenous treatments of putrescine and salicylic acid are found to be effective in maintaining titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and antioxidant activity in plum fruits during storage at 4 °C. It was concluded that postharvest treatment of plum fruit with putrescine and salicylic acid were effective on delaying the ripening processes and can be used commercially to extend the shelf life of plum fruit with acceptable fruit quality.