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Objectives: While the protective effects of Alhagi maurorum have been shown against various ailments, its role against norfloxacin-induced adverse effects has not been studied. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of A. maurorum aqueous extract against norfloxacin-induced side effects in rats. Methods: Twenty-four male albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups, which received normal saline, norfloxacin (50 mg/kg b.wt orally once a day), A. maurorum aqueous extract (300 mg/kg b.wt orally once a day), and norfloxacin with A. maurorum aqueous extract by the same previous mentioned dosages. Blood samples were collected for hematological examination to evaluate liver and kidney function tests. Hepatic and renal tissue samples were obtained to assess antioxidant activity and histopathological examination. Results: A. maurorum aqueous extract significantly ameliorated norfloxacin-induced elevation in tissue malondialdehyde, and reduction in tissue antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities as well as reduced glutathione concentration. Concurrent administration of A. maurorum aqueous extract with norfloxacin significantly reduced serum alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, and uric acid and increased RBCs count, Hb concentration, PCV, leucocyte, and monocyte counts compared with the norfloxacin-treated group. Co-administration of A. maurorum aqueous extract with norfloxacin prevented the degenerative changes induced by norfloxacin alone in liver and kidney tissues. The phytochemical profile of the extract showed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, and flavonoids. Conclusion: These findings indicated that A. maurorum possesses potent antioxidant activities and could be used to attenuate norfloxacin-induced side effects.
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Objective: To study the effects of cadmium stress on mycelial growth and accumulation of metabolites in Ganoderma lucidum, and to explore the mechanisms affecting growth and accumulation of metabolites, and to provide evidence for controlling cadmium in the production and cultivation of G. lucidum. Methods: The mycelium of G. lucidum was cultured under the conditions of heavy metal ion cadmium concentration of 0, 0.5, 1, 4, 10, and 40 mg/L, and its biomass accumulation, intracellular ROS level, membrane oxidative damage, anti-oxidant enzyme activity, and ROS regulation related enzyme expression were analyzed. Results: When the concentration of cadmium reached 4 mg/L, the mycelial growth was inhibited. The levels of intracellular ROS, H2O2, and MDA increased significantly, increasing by 76%, 46% and 325%, respectively, and increased with the increase of cadmium concentration; The NADPH expression levels of oxidase gene (NOXA), superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1 and SOD4), and CATalase gene (CAT) were significantly up-regulated. When the cadmium concentration reached 10 mg/L, the inhibitory effect was significant. The colony growth diameter and the dry weight inhibition rate of fermentation mycelium were 26.15% and 32.78%, respectively. The total triterpenoid inhibition rate of G. lucidum was 33.7%, and the inhibition rate of total protein synthesis was 30.3%. Inhibition of polysaccharides was not significant. When the cadmium concentration reached 40 mg/L, the expression levels of Ascorbate peroxidase gene (APX) and Glutathione peroxidase gene (GPX) were significantly up-regulated. With the increase of cadmium concentration, the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, and GPX increased first and then decreased. When the concentration of cadmium reached 1 mg/L, the activity of GPX decreased and the activity of APX increased significantly. Exogenous addition of diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and vitamin C (VC) had significant effects on cadmium-induced G. lucidum clearance of ROS and reduction of MDA content. Conclusion: Cadmium stress causes the decrease of mycelial production and metabolite accumulation of G. lucidum, which may be due to the inhibition of GPX activity by cadmium ions, resulting in the accumulation of H2O2, causing the increase of ROS level and membrane oxidative damage, inhibiting mycelial growth and accumulation of metabolites, and regulating NOX. Up-regulation of gene expression results in an increase in anti-oxidant enzyme activity and expression to increase the clearance of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the cadmium content should be controlled within the range of 1 mg/L during the production process.
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Objective: To find out the incidence and associations ofbronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates.Design: Descriptive cohort.Methods: All consecutively born neonates <33 weeks gestationrequiring oxygen or respiratory support during first 3 days of lifewere enrolled from a level III neonatal unit in Chandigarh, India.Those with malformations were excluded. Placenta wasexamined for histological chorioamnionitis in preterm rupture ofmembranes and/or preterm spontaneous onset of labour. SerumMalondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) andCatalase levels were estimated on day 3 of life. All recruitedneonates were followed up till discharge or death.Results: Out of 250 neonates enrolled, 170 (68%) survived tillday 28 and BPD developed in 19 (11.2%) infants. The meangestation and birth weight were significantly lower in infants whodeveloped BPD. Chorioamnionitis (clinical 5.3% vs 1.9%,P=0.375; and histological 37.5% vs 16.7%, P<0.001), patentductus arteriosus (PDA) (52.6% vs 8.9%, P<0.001), median (IQR)sepsis episodes [2 (2,3) vs 1 (1,2), P<0.001], invasive ventilation(84.2% vs 11.3%, P<0.001), and duration of ventilation [56 (4) d vs4 (5) d, P=0.001] were significantly higher in infants with BPD.Serum MDA, SOD and Catalase levels were comparable betweenthe two groups.Conclusion: Chorioamnionitis, PDA and sepsis were significantlyassociated with BPD.
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Background: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes and practices of cosmetic surgery among female medical students at King Saud University (KSU). Methods: A quantitative observational cross-sectional approach was used to carry out the study at the KSU College of Medicine. A web-based questionnaire was first developed to collect the data necessary to fulfill the objectives of the research. The population under study included a random sample in which the questionnaire was sent to all female medical students at KSU. The sample size was estimated by using a single proportion formula with an acceptable margin of error at 5%. The sample size obtained was 384. Results: A response rate of 99% was achieved. The mean age of the participants was 20.9±1.48.Out of 381 KSU female medical students in our study, almost all participants (360, 94.5%) have heard about cosmetic surgery. Television was the source of knowledge for more than one third (38%) of participants who had already heard about cosmetic surgery. Just over half (51.4%) of surveyed KSU female medical students recognized the best definition of cosmetic surgery as “a surgery that modifies or improves the appearance of a physical feature electively”. A great majority of participants (86%) reported knowing of a particular type of cosmetic surgery, namely breast augmentation. Almost all participants (92.4%) agreed that “women perform more cosmetic surgery than men”. Only 9% of participants reported undergoing cosmetic surgery, where most of them (19 out of 35) went through laser treatment for the skin and almost the same number had a cosmetic surgery for personal satisfaction. Conclusion: From this research, we recommend further studies to go beyond educational institutions to the public at large, and to study different sub-populations.
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This mini-review summarises the risk factors for acquiring Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) infection, and describes the harmful effects of the infection in pre-term infants. Moreover, theoretical considerations are discussed for the prevention of RSV infection in high-risk infant categories, such as pre-term infants. Background: Neonates positive for RSV are more prone to severe infection than neonates infected with other common respiratory viruses. Despite RSV infection being more common in late neonates than in early ones, pre-term infants ≤ 35 wk gestational age (GA) are at high risk for developing severe RSV disease. Efforts to prevent infection include case management, vaccination and the identification of risk factors. The morbidity and mortality risks of RSV disease are highest in pre-term newborns with other underlying disease, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (hsCHD). Associations between RSV-positive neonates and climate factors are also discussed. Nosocomial-acquired respiratory syncytial virus infections in pre-term infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are reported. The development of an RSV vaccine has been challenging, and vaccine in pre-term infants is currently unavailable. Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody licensed for the prevention of RSV, lowers respiratory tract disease in pre-term infants. The home healthcare nurse can play an important role. By developing patient and caregiver trust, the nurse can implement an RSV prevention plan, leading to a decrease in the hospitalization of premature infants with RSV. Conclusions: Commercially-insured late pre-term infants with RSV infection are at high risk of recurrent wheezing and infantile asthma for 1 year after the initial episode, and pose a significant economic burden on the healthcare system. Education is critical for the continuing development of clinical NICU nursing practice.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) stress on the growth and physiological characteristics of Panax ginseng (ginseng). Methods: Two-year old ginseng was cultivated in barrels in phytotrone with different concentration of Cd (0, 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/kg) soil for a whole growth period. In red fruit stage, the contents of biomass and SPAD, the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, and contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined and analyzed. Results: With Cd concentration increasing, the relative growth rate of ginseng expressed a slowly decreasing trend, and showed negative linear correlations with Cd stress level (P stem > root. Conclusion: Ginseng has an adaptability to the contaminated soil with Cd (≤1.0 mg/kg), and at this time ginseng can enhance the activity of anti-oxidant enzyme and other physiological and biochemical responses to eliminate reactive oxygen species, maintain stability of the cell membrane, alleviate the harm from the stress of Cd; Though with Cd (>1 mg/kg), the contents of MDA could increase significantly, and the oxidative damage of ginseng is very serious. The growth of plants is affected, resulting in a decline in ginseng biomass.
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Aim: Our case report aims to inform practicing clinicians of an unusual presentation of vitamin C deficiency in the setting of a developed nation where this illness is rare and underappreciated. Case Presentation: We present the case of a noncompliant 16-year-old African American female with vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a CD4 count of 4 and a hemoglobin level of 5.7 g/dL. In the ED, she was found to have persistent low-grade bleeding initially believed to be of an upper gastrointestinal origin, but which was later found come from the oral mucosa. Her stools were dark in color and guaiac positive. She was hemodynamically unstable, for which she was transfused with packed red blood cells and briefly treated with continuous norepinephrine infusion. Her initial coagulation studies were noncontributory with an international normalized ratio of 1.1, a prothrombin time of 35, and a platelet count that was also within normal limits. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and a colonoscopy were both unremarkable. Bone marrow biopsy showed normocellular marrow with 80% cellularity and trilinear hematopoiesis. Her vitamin C level was zero. She was diagnosed with scurvy and treated with vitamin C supplementation. Discussion and Conclusion: Vitamin C deficiency can lead to an often-forgotten medical condition called scurvy. It can cause defective collagen synthesis leading to fragile capillaries, gingival bleeding, and cutaneous changes. Unrecognized, this condition can lead to significant bleeding and can be lethal in select patient populations. Our case is unique in that it shows that vitamin C deficiency can masquerade as upper gastrointestinal bleeding and may present with significant hemodynamic instability requiring blood transfusions and vasopressor support. It is therefore imperative to keep in mind the diagnosis of scurvy as a potential cause of hemodynamic instability even in an industrialized nation such as the United States. Vitamin C deficiency is a rare and underdiagnosed medical entity in the hospital setting that can lead to hemodynamic instability. Scurvy patients can present with melena and oral bleeding, mimicking hematemesis.
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This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-diabetic potential of passion fruit Passiflora edulis (EPE) extracts in diabetic rats, following Streptozotocin (STZ) induced oxidative stress. Thirty adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups, with six rats in each group. The control rats were injected intraperitoneally with citrate buffer (pH 4.5). The remaining groups of rats were administered single dose of 45 mg·kg(-1) of STZ by intraperitoneal route to induce diabetes. The diabetic animals were treated with 250 and 500 mg·kg(-1) of EPE and glibenclamide 0.6 mg·kg(-1) for fifteen days by oral route. Blood glucose, end organ oxidative stress marker, and anti-oxidants were assayed. Further, histopathological investigation of pancreas was studied at the end of the experimentation. The results revealed that subacute administration of EPE significantly (P < 0.001) controlled the blood glucose level in the diabetic rats. In addition, EPE extract protected the end organs by restoring the anti-oxidants enzyme, significantly increasing super oxide dismutase level (SOD) and decreasing catalase (CAT) and TBARS level in visceral organs. In conclusion, that EPE extracts showed anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant potential against streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Antidiarrheals , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Antioxidants , Metabolism , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Blood Glucose , Metabolism , Catalase , Metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental , Drug Therapy , Metabolism , Pathology , Fruit , Insulin , Blood , Oxidative Stress , Pancreas , Pathology , Passiflora , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Rats, Wistar , Seeds , Superoxide Dismutase , MetabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the effects of 4-nonylphenol (NP), a ubiquitously present surfactant in aquatic environments, on the anti-oxidant systems of the liver in the Far Eastern catfish Silurus asotus. METHODS: Changes in biochemical parameters involved in glutathione (GSH)-related and other anti-oxidant systems were analyzed following 4 weeks of 4-NP administration (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) via a formulated diet to catfish. RESULTS: 4-NP exposure induced an elevation in hepatic lipid peroxide levels and an accompanying decrease in reduced state GSH after 2 weeks, suggesting pro-oxidant effects of the chemical in catfish. This oxidative stress was associated with an inhibition of the GSH-utilizing enzyme glutathione peroxidase at the same time point. This inhibition was restored after 4 weeks. The activities of other anti-oxidant enzymes, i.e., glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased after 4 weeks. These enzyme increases occurred more strongly at the higher 4-NP concentration (1.0 mg/kg diet). CONCLUSIONS: 4-NP given to catfish at 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg diet, concentrations relevant to environmental levels, depletes the endogenous anti-oxidant molecule GSH and temporarily inhibits GSH-related anti-oxidant enzymes. Such declines in anti-oxidant capacity and elevated oxidative stress seem to be compensated eventually by subsequent activation of various anti-oxidant enzyme systems.
Subject(s)
Catalase , Catfishes , Detergents , Diet , Glutathione , Glutathione Peroxidase , Glutathione Reductase , Liver , Oxidative Stress , Superoxide DismutaseABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the effects of 4-nonylphenol (NP), a ubiquitously present surfactant in aquatic environments, on the anti-oxidant systems of the liver in the Far Eastern catfish Silurus asotus. METHODS: Changes in biochemical parameters involved in glutathione (GSH)-related and other anti-oxidant systems were analyzed following 4 weeks of 4-NP administration (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) via a formulated diet to catfish. RESULTS: 4-NP exposure induced an elevation in hepatic lipid peroxide levels and an accompanying decrease in reduced state GSH after 2 weeks, suggesting pro-oxidant effects of the chemical in catfish. This oxidative stress was associated with an inhibition of the GSH-utilizing enzyme glutathione peroxidase at the same time point. This inhibition was restored after 4 weeks. The activities of other anti-oxidant enzymes, i.e., glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased after 4 weeks. These enzyme increases occurred more strongly at the higher 4-NP concentration (1.0 mg/kg diet). CONCLUSIONS: 4-NP given to catfish at 0.1 to 1.0 mg/kg diet, concentrations relevant to environmental levels, depletes the endogenous anti-oxidant molecule GSH and temporarily inhibits GSH-related anti-oxidant enzymes. Such declines in anti-oxidant capacity and elevated oxidative stress seem to be compensated eventually by subsequent activation of various anti-oxidant enzyme systems.
Subject(s)
Catalase , Catfishes , Detergents , Diet , Glutathione , Glutathione Peroxidase , Glutathione Reductase , Liver , Oxidative Stress , Superoxide DismutaseABSTRACT
Background: Overiectomized rats suffer from osteoporosis that mainly results from oxidative stress (OS). Studies revealed that the levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase, catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase could be used to determine and follow-up OP. The anti-oxidant activity of anti-osteoporotic drugs needs further investigations to be proved to add more confidence in the ability of these drugs to control the disease. Objective: To investigate the possible anti-oxidant effect of treatment with ibandronate, a highly potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, on activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase anti-oxidant enzymes, thiobarbituric reactive substance (TBARS), as a marker of lipid peroxidation and DEPPD free radicals in liver homogenates of ovariectomized rats. Methods: Fifty adult female albino rats were divided into five equal groups ( n=10 rats): Group (1): served as control injected with saline, 2nd group: rats were subjected to ovariectomy, 3rd group: rats were exposed to ovariectomy and treated with estradiol, 4th group: were ovariectomized and treated with ibandronate and 5th group: were ovariectomized and treated with both estradiol and ibandronate. Duration of therapy with either drug was 12 weeks. Results: Estradiol alone or in combination with ibandronate to ovariectomized rats showed significant increase in activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. Both drugs reduces hepatic TBARS and DEPPD free radicals in hepatic homogenates in this model of OP. Conclusion: The present study can conclude that ovariectomy leading to oxidative changes liver of tested rats. Co-administration of estradiol and ibandronate provides a kind of protection against alterations in anti-oxidative/oxidative balance. The results support the hypothesis stated by experimental studies that anti-osteoporotic treatment could also possess anti-oxidative protective property.
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Mechanisms of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced endotoxemia are not clear; their protective role is being investigated so that they may effectively modulate the host cytokine levels during endotoxemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate protective effects of IL-18 and IL-10 in experimentally induced endotoxemia in mice correlating the changes in tissue anti-oxidant enzymes and circulating cytokines. Liver injury was determined by estimation of serum glutamate oxalate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum nitric oxide (NOx), hepatic anti-oxidant enzyme and cytokine content in LPS (250 g/kg) induced endotoxemic mice receiving either IL-18 (500 ng/mouse) or IL-10 (600 ng/mouse) treatment. Mice (87% of IL-10 treated and 74% of IL-18 treated) survived when administered prior to LPS challenge. Pre-treatment of mice with either IL-10 or IL-18 followed by LPS, lead to reduction in SGPT and SGOT level, serum NOx, and altered hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes activity and myeloperoxidase activity than the only LPS treated group. Marked reduction in the amounts of LPS-induced hepatic and splenic TNF- content has been observed after IL-10 pre-treatment. Results suggested that attenuating the induction of TNF- and IFN- and subsequent induction of nitric oxide formation in response to LPS may in part account for efficient protection by IL-18 and IL-10 in the reduction of LPS-induced liver injury.