Ameliorative effect of white tea from 50-year-old tree of Camellia sinensis L. (Theaceae) on kidney damage in diabetic mice via SIRT1/AMPK pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Diabetic kidney damage (DKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, which is known as a chronic inflammatory kidney disease caused by persistent hyperglycemia. White tea was originally used as a folk medicine to treat measles in ancient China. What arouses our interest is that there is a traditional method to treat diabetes with white tea taken from over 30-year-old tree of Camellia sinensis L. However, there are few reports on the renal protection of white tea. AIM OF THE STUDY: This present study was designed to study the potential protective effects of white tea (WT) and old tree white tea (OTWT) on high-fat-diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice to explore the possible mechanism of WT/OTWT against DKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: NC, T2D, WT (400 mg/kg·b.w, p.o.), OTWT (400 mg/kg·b.w, p.o.). Diabetes was established in all groups except NC group, by six weeks of HFD feeding combined with STZ (50 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 times, treatments were administered for six weeks and then all the animals were decapitated; kidney tissues and blood samples were collected for the further analysis, including: levels of insulin, lipid metabolism (TG, TC, HDL, LDL, FFA), antioxidative enzymes (catalase (CAT), super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, COX-2, iNOS, MCP-1), advanced glycation end products (AGE), receptor of AGE (RAGE), Nrf2, AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC-1α. H&E, PAS and Masson staining were performed to examine the histopathological alterations of the kidneys. RESULTS: Our data showed that WT and OTWT reversed the abnormal serum lipids (TG, TC, HDL, LDL, FFA) in T2D mice, upregulated antioxidative enzymes levels (CAT, SOD, GPx) and inhibit the excessive production of proinflammatory mediators (including MCP-1, TNF-α, IL1ß, COX-2 and iNOS) by varying degrees, and OTWT was more effective. In histopathology, OTWT could significantly alleviate the accumulation of renal AGE in T2D mice, thereby improving the structural changes of the kidneys, such as glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular basement membrane thickening and kidney FIbrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Both WT and OTWT could alleviate the diabetic changes in T2D mice via hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, while OTWT was more evident. OTWT could prominently alleviate the accumulation of AGE in the kidneys of T2D mice, thereby ameliorating the renal oxidative stress and inflammatory damage, which was associated with the activation of SIRT1/AMPK pathway.

The blood and mRNA levels of antioxidant-related factors in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed p-Coumaric acid.

The natural antioxidants are well known for their antioxidative activity without side effects when compared to antibiotics. Hence, the present study aimed at evaluating p-Coumaric acid as an antioxidant additive on the blood and mRNA levels of antioxidant-related factors in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish fed the basal diet supplemented with p-Coumaric at 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg for 56 days, then the serum, intestine, and liver samples were collected. The growth performance of fish fed with CA showed significantly (P < 0.05) improved FW, WG, and SGR compared to those of the control one. However, the feed conversion ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in fish fed 1 and 1.5 g/kg diet levels. SOD was not significantly differed among the groups fed with varied p-Coumaric acid (P > 0.05). Serum GPX and TAC were enhanced considerably by p-Coumaric acid regarding the control with the highest being in fish fed 1.5 g/kg diet (P < 0.05). Serum CAT was more elevated in fish provided p-Coumaric acid at 1 or 1.5 g/kg than the control while fish fed 0.5 g/kg did not display significant changes. MDA level significantly decreased by all p-Coumaric acid groups compared to the control one, and the lowest level was observed in 1.5 g/kg (P < 0.05). The mRNA level of CAT was significantly upregulated in the liver by p-Coumaric acid at 1 or 1.5 g/kg (P < 0.05), while the intestine CAT did not influence by p-Coumaric acid (P > 0.05). The measured SOD in the liver and intestine samples revealed no changes in common carp fed p-Coumaric acid (P > 0.05). GPX was significantly upregulated in the intestine by p-Coumaric acid at 1 or 1.5 g/kg (P < 0.05), whereas the liver GPX was upregulated by p-Coumaric acid at 1.5 g/kg. The mRNA level of the GST gene in the intestine of common carp was upregulated by p-Coumaric acid at 1.5 g/kg, whereas the liver displayed upregulated GST in fish fed 1 g/kg diet. The present study approved the application of p-Coumaric acid as a natural antioxidant for friendly, sustainable aquaculture.

Dietary enzymatically-treated Artemisia annua L. supplementation could alleviate oxidative injury and improve reproductive performance of sows reared under high ambient temperature.

The medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. is well known for its antimalarial compound artemisinin and the antioxidant capacity of its active ingredients. However, low bioavailability of Artemisia annua L. limits its therapeutic potential, fermentation of Artemisia annua L. can improve its bioavailability. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of enzymatically-treated Artemisia annua L. (EA) on reproductive performance, antioxidant status, milk composition of heat-stressed sows and intestinal barrier integrity of their preweaning offspring. 135 multiparous sows of average parity 4.65 (Landrace × large white) at day 85 of pregnancy were randomly distributed into 3 treatments. Sows in the control group were housed at control rooms (temperature: 27.12 ± 0.18 °C, temperature-humidity index (THI): 70.90 ± 0.80) and fed the basal diet. Sows in the HS, HS + EA groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 or 1.0 g/kg EA respectively, and reared at heat stress rooms (temperature: 30.11 ± 0.16 °C, THI: 72.70 ± 0.60). Heat stress increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reduced the activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) of sows and piglets, and seriously compromised the antioxidant capacity of the sows and the intestinal integrity of their offspring. However, dietary supplementation of 1.0 g/kg EA reduced the MDA content, increased the activities of T-SOD and T-AOC in serum, colostrum, and milk of heat-stressed sows, and increased colostrum yield and 14-d milk fat content. EA supplementation also increased piglet weaning weight and the activities of T-SOD and T-AOC in serum. In addition, the abundances of intestinal tight junction proteins claudin-1 and occludin were up-regulated in piglets in EA-supplemented group. In conclusion, dietary EA supplementation at 1.0 g/kg can alleviate the oxidative stress in heat-stressed sows, improve the antioxidant capacity in both sows and their offspring, and promote the intestinal barrier integrity in their offspring. EA may be a potent dietary supplement that ameliorates oxidative stress in livestock production by improving the antioxidant capacity.

Estimation of dietary manganese requirement for laying duck breeders: effects on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, tibial characteristics, and serum biochemical and antioxidant indices.

This study was aimed at estimating the dietary manganese (Mn) requirement for laying duck breeders. A total of 504 Longyan duck breeders (body weight: 1.20 ± 0.02 kg) aged 17 wk were randomly allocated to 6 treatments. The birds were fed with a basal diet (Mn, 17.5 mg/kg) or diets supplemented with 20, 40, 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg of Mn (as MnSO4·H2O) for 18 wk. Each treatment had 6 replicates of 14 ducks each. As a result of this study, dietary Mn supplementation did not affect the productive performance of laying duck breeders in the early laying period (17-18 wk), but affected egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 19 to 34 wk (P < 0.05), and there was a linear and quadratic effect of supplement level (P < 0.05). The proportion of preovulatory ovarian follicles increased (P < 0.01) linearly and quadratically, and atretic follicles (weight and percentage) decreased (P < 0.05) quadratically with dietary Mn supplementation. The density and breaking strength of tibias increased (quadratic; P < 0.05), the calcium content of tibias decreased (linear, quadratic; P < 0.01), and Mn content increased (linear, quadratic; P < 0.001) with increase in Mn. The addition of Mn had a quadratic effect on serum contents of estradiol, prolactin, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (P < 0.001). Dietary Mn supplementation decreased serum contents of total protein (linear, P < 0.05), glucose (quadratic, P < 0.05), total bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and calcium (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). The serum total antioxidant capacity and total and Mn-containing superoxide dismutase activities increased (linear, quadratic; P < 0.001), and malondialdehyde content decreased (linear, quadratic; P < 0.001) in response to Mn supplemental levels. The dietary Mn requirements, in milligram per kilogram for a basal diet containing 17.5 mg/kg of Mn, for Longyan duck breeders from 19 to 34 wk of age were estimated to be 84.2 for optimizing egg production, 85.8 for egg mass, and 95.0 for FCR. Overall, dietary Mn supplementation, up to 160 mg/kg of feed, affected productive performance, tibial characteristics, and serum biochemical and antioxidant status of layer duck breeders. Supplementing this basal diet (17.5 mg/kg of Mn) with 85 to 95 mg/kg of additional Mn was adequate for laying duck breeders during the laying period.

Effects of dietary supplementation of natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and accumulation in the egg yolk of laying hens.

The present study evaluated the effects of natural astaxanthin (ASTA) from Haematococcus pluvialis on the antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and ASTA accumulation in the egg yolk of laying hens. Hy-Line Brown layers (n = 288, 50 wk old) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatment groups. Each group had 6 replicates of 12 hens each. All birds were given a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 wk. The results showed that the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase level, and glutathione peroxidase level in the plasma, livers, and egg yolks were significantly increased in the ASTA groups compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05), whereas the content of malondialdehyde linearly decreased (P < 0.05). The plasma levels of high-density and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the ASTA groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, ASTA supplementation decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the other lipid metabolism parameters among the ASTA-supplemented groups relative to the control group except for an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the liver. Compared with the control, dietary ASTA supplementation significantly increased the enrichment of ASTA in egg yolks at the end of week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) and very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) in the ASTA groups was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group in the liver and ovaries, respectively. In conclusion, these results suggest that dietary ASTA enhances the antioxidant capacity and regulates lipid metabolism in laying hens. ASTA enrichment in egg yolks may be closely related to the upregulation of SCARB1 and VLDLR gene expression.

Uric acid is a key player in salt-induced endothelial dysfunction: the therapeutic role of Stigma maydis (corn silk) extract.

Hyperuricemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis and complications of cardiovascular diseases with associated elevated oxidant events. There is evidence that excessive salt intake results in cardiometabolic disturbances but the mechanism is elusive. Also, Stigma maydis (corn silk) is noted for its antioxidant properties among other beneficial roles. This study, therefore, aimed to establish the effect of high-salt diet (SD) on uric acid (UA) production and the role of S. maydis in salt-induced phenotypes. Four groups of randomly selected rats (n = 5) were fed with normal rat feed, corn silk extract (500 mg/kg), SD (8%) and corn silk extract plus high-salt feed. After 6 weeks of the experimental procedure, each animal was anesthetized by exposure to chloroform vapor and blood samples collected by cardiac puncture. Data were expressed in means ± SEM and p values <0.05 were accepted as significant. SD resulted in reduced plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) but not endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Also, plasma UA and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) increased in the SD group compared with control. However, S. maydis extract in the SD-exposed group increased NO and GPx and not SOD. Also, S. maydis extract attenuated UA and VCAM-1. In conclusion, high-salt intake may initiate deleterious cardiovascular events through UA-dependent mechanism and S. maydis extract has therapeutic potential in high-salt-induced oxidative damage and/or UA-dependent endothelial pathologies.

Effects of co-exposure to lead and zinc on redox status, kidney variables, and histopathology in adult albino rats.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that induces a wide range of biochemical and physiological effects in humans. Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in Pb toxicity. The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities of zinc (Zn) supplement against lead acetate-induced kidney injury in rats. In this study, adults male rats were treated for 15 days with Pb (0.344 g/kg body weight (bw)) associated or not with Zn (10 mg/kg bw). Our study showed that supplementation with Zn prevented renal dysfunction as indicated by plasma biomarkers (urea, uric acid, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase levels) and oxidative stress-related parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein product, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamins (A, E)) in kidney tissue. The corrective effect of Zn on Pb-induced kidney nephrotoxicity recovered normal kidney histology. Overall, this study indicates that Zn alleviated the toxic effects of this heavy metal on renal tissue, suggesting its role as a potential antioxidant and nephroprotective agent.

In Healthy Young Men, a Short Exhaustive Exercise Alters the Oxidative Stress Only Slightly, Independent of the Actual Fitness.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the apparent disagreement regarding the effect of a typical cycling progressive exercise, commonly used to assess VO2max, on the kinetics of ex vivo copper induced peroxidation of serum lipids. Thirty-two (32) healthy young men, aged 24-30 years, who do not smoke and do not take any food supplements, participated in the study. Blood was withdrawn from each participant at three time points (before the exercise and 5 minutes and one hour after exercise). Copper induced peroxidation of sera made of the blood samples was monitored by spectrophotometry. For comparison, we also assayed TBARS concentration and the activity of oxidation-related enzymes. The physical exercise resulted in a slight and reversible increase of TBARS and slight changes in the activities of the studied antioxidant enzymes and the lag preceding peroxidation did not change substantially. Most altered parameters returned to baseline level one hour after exercise. Notably, the exercise-induced changes in OS did not correlate with the physical fitness of the subjects, as evaluated in this study (VO2max = 30-60 mL/min/kg). We conclude that in healthy young fit men a short exhaustive exercise alters only slightly the OS, independent of the actual physical fitness.

Regular Yoga Practice Improves Antioxidant Status, Immune Function, and Stress Hormone Releases in Young Healthy People: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to highlight the beneficial effects of yoga practice on bio-parameters, such as oxidative stress, antioxidant components, immune functions, and secretion of stress hormones, in healthy young people. STUDY DESIGN: This study was conducted on healthy volunteers recruited from among university students, who were divided into two groups: a control (no yoga intervention, n=13) group and a yoga (n=12) group. Yoga practice was with an instructor for 90 minutes once a week spread over 12 weeks, with recommendations to practice daily at home for 40 minutes with the help of a DVD. The yoga program consisted of yoga body poses (asanas), exercises involving awareness, voluntary regulation of breath (pranayama), and meditational practices. Whole blood samples were collected when the volunteers had fasted for 8 hours at 0 and 12 weeks. The oxidative stress/antioxidant components, immune-related cytokines, and stress hormones were evaluated in serum or plasma. RESULTS: Serum levels of nitric oxide, F2-isoprostane, and lipid peroxide were significantly decreased by yoga practice (p<0.05 or p=0.01), whereas serum total glutathione (GSH) contents, activities of GSH-peroxidase, and GSH-s-transferase were remarkably increased after yoga practice compared with the control group (p<0.05 or p=0.01). Yoga practice also significantly increased immune-related cytokines, such as interleukin-12, and interferon-γ, in serum (p<0.05 or p=0.01). Yoga practice significantly reduced the plasma levels of adrenalin (p<0.05) and increased plasma levels of serotonin compared with the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regular yoga practice remarkably attenuated oxidative stress and improved antioxidant levels of the body. Moreover, yoga beneficially affected stress hormone releases as well as partially improved immune function.

Effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation at different EPA:DHA ratios on the spontaneously hypertensive obese rat model of the metabolic syndrome.

The increasing incidence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a combination of risk factors before the onset of CVD and type 2 diabetes, encourages studies on the role of functional food components such as long-chain n-3 PUFA as preventive agents. In the present study, we explore the effect of EPA and DHA supplementation in different proportions on spontaneously hypertensive obese (SHROB) rats, a model for the MetS in a prediabetic state with mild oxidative stress. SHROB rats were randomised into four groups (n 7), each supplemented with EPA/DHA at ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2, or soyabean oil as the control for 13 weeks. The results showed that in all the proportions tested, EPA/DHA supplementation significantly lowered total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, compared with those of the control group. EPA/DHA supplementation at the ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 significantly decreased inflammation (C-reactive protein levels) and lowered oxidative stress (decreased excretion of urinary isoprostanes), mainly at the ratio of 1:2. The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased in erythrocytes, abdominal fat and kidneys, with magnitudes depending on the EPA:DHA ratio. PUFA mixtures from fish affected different MetS markers of CVD risk factors in SHROB rats, depending on the ratios of EPA/DHA supplementation. The activation of endogenous defence systems may be related to the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effect of short-term zinc supplementation on zinc and selenium tissue distribution and serum antioxidant enzymes.

BACKGROUND: A significant association between Zn and Se homeostasis exists. At the same time, data on the influence of zinc supplementation on selenium distribution in organs and tissues seem to be absent. Therefore, the primary objective of the current study is to investigate the influence of zinc asparaginate supplementation on zinc and selenium distribution and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in Wistar rats. METHODS: 36 rats were used in the experiment. The duration of the experiment was 7 and 14 days in the first and second series, respectively. The rats in Group I were used as the control ones. Animals in Groups II and III daily obtained zinc asparaginate (ZnA) in the doses of 5 and 15 mg/kg weight, respectively. Zinc and selenium content in liver, kidneys, heart, muscle, serum and hair was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum SOD and GPx activity was analysed spectrophotometrically using Randox kits. RESULTS: Intragastric administration of zinc asparaginate significantly increased liver, kidney, and serum zinc content without affecting skeletal and cardiac muscle levels. Zinc supplementation also stimulated selenium retention in the rats' organs. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between zinc and selenium content was observed. Finally, zinc asparaginate treatment has been shown to modulate serum GPx but not SOD activity. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data indicate that zinc-induced increase in GPx activity may be mediated through modulation of selenium status. However, future studies are required to estimate the exact mechanisms of zinc and selenium interplay.

Astaxanthin from shrimp by-products ameliorates nephropathy in diabetic rats.

AIM: This study investigated the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of shrimp astaxanthin on the kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Animals were distributed into four groups of six rats each: a control group (C), a diabetic group (D), a diabetic group supplemented with Astaxanthin (D+As) dissolved in olive oil and a diabetic group supplemented with olive oil (D+OO). In vitro antidiabetic effect was tested in plasma and kidney tissue. RESULTS: The group D of rats showed significant (P < 0.05) increase of glycemia, creatinine, urea and uric acid levels compared to those of the control group (C). Moreover, plasma and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) levels for the rats of the group D were significantly increased compared to the control group. Contrariwise, antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and non-enzymatic levels of reduced glutathione, were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the plasma and kidney of diabetic rats compared to the control ones. The astaxanthin supplementation in rats diet improved the antioxidant enzyme activities and significantly decreased the MDA and PCO levels compared to diabetic rats. Indeed, no significant (P ≥ 0.05) improvement was observed for the fourth group (D+OO) compared to the control group (C). Histological analysis of kidney showed glomerular hypertrophy and tubular dilatation for the diabetic rats. For D+As rats, these histopathological changes were less prominent. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that shrimp astaxanthin may play an important role in reduction of oxidative damage and could prevent pathological changes in diabetic rats suggesting promising application of shrimp astaxanthin in diabet treatment.

Anti-diabetic effect of dietary mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, the composition of mango peel powder (MPP) collected from the mango pulp industry was determined and the effect of MPP on ameliorating diabetes and its associated complications was studied. RESULTS: Mango peel was rich in polyphenols, carotenoids and dietary fibre. Peel extract contained various bioactive compounds and was found to be rich in soluble dietary fibre. Peel extract exhibited antioxidant properties and protected against DNA damage. Therefore, the effect of peel on ameliorating diabetes was investigated in a rat model of diabetes. A significant increase in urine sugar, urine volume, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein, and decrease in high density lipoprotein were observed in the rats; however, these parameters were ameliorated in diabetic rats fed with diet supplemented with mango peel at 5% and 10% levels in basal diet. Treatment of diabetic rats with MPP increased antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma, kidney and liver compared to untreated diabetic rats. Glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria levels were ameliorated in MPP treated diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: Mango peel, a by-product, can be used as an ingredient in functional and therapeutic foods.

Attenuation of anti-tuberculosis therapy induced hepatotoxicity by Spirulina fusiformis, a candidate food supplement.

Therapy using Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) leads to induction of hepatotoxicity in some individuals undergoing anti-tuberculosis treatment. In this study, we assessed the effect of Spirulina fusiformis on INH and RIF induced hepatotoxicity in rats compared with hepatoprotective drug Silymarin. Induction of hepatotoxicity was measured by changes in the liver marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase). The antioxidant status was also analyzed in liver tissue homogenate and plasma by measurement of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and lipid peroxidation levels. We also aimed to study the binding and interactions of the transcription factors Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) and Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) with INH, RIF, and representative active compounds of Spirulina fusiformis by in silico methods. The administration of INH and RIF resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the antioxidant levels and total protein levels. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of liver marker enzymes. Spirulina fusiformis was seen to protect the parameters from significant changes upon challenge with INH and RIF in a dose-dependent manner. This was corroborated by histological examination of the liver. The results of the in silico analyses further support the wet lab results.

Modulation of antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats following intake of red palm oil and/or rooibos.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of red palm oil (RPO), rooibos tea extract (RTE) and their combined treatment (RPO + RTE) on antioxidant status in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and the rats were treated for 7 weeks. Antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD)], antioxidant capacity [trolox equivalence antioxidant capacity (TEAC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)] as well as total protein, albumin, globulin, total glutathione, conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were investigated. RESULTS: Treatment with RPO, RTE and RPO + RTE significantly (p>0.05) improved liver SOD and plasma ORAC in the diabetic rats. Similarly, diabetic rats treated with RTE and RPO + RTE enhanced liver GPx. A significant (P<0.05) increase in the plasma TBARS in the diabetic control group was observed when compared with the normal control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with RTE and RPO + RTE reduced plasma TBARS to a level not significantly different at P<0.05 from the normal control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed the anti-oxidative potentials of red palm oil, rooibos and their combination in diabetic conditions and hence, they could be useful in the management of diabetes and its complications.

The potential protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats is mediated by suppression of oxidative stress and downregulation of MMP-9 expression.

The active constituent profile in Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) juice was determined by GC-MS. Quercetin and kaempferol were active components in the juice. In this study we have evaluated its potential protective effect on hepatic injury and fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Twenty-eight rats divided into 4 groups: Group I served as control group, and Group II received weekly i.p. injection of 2 mL CCl4/kg bwt for 12 weeks. Group III were supplemented with Physalis juice via the drinking water. The animals of Group IV received Physalis juice as Group III and also were intraperitoneally injected weekly with 2 mL CCl4/kg bwt for 12 weeks. Hepatoprotective effect was evaluated by improvement in liver enzymes serum levels, reduction in collagen areas, downregulation in expression of the fibrotic marker MMP-9, reduction in the peroxidative marker malonaldehyde and the inflammatory marker nitric oxide, and restoration of the activity of antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic systems, namely, glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities. The results show that the potential hepatoprotective effects of Physalis peruviana may be due to physalis acts by promotion of processes that restore hepatolobular architecture and through the inhibition of oxidative stress pathway.

Stress mitigating and growth enhancing effect of dietary tryptophan in rohu (Labeo rohita, Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings.

An experiment was conducted to study the stress mitigation and growth enhancing role of dietary L-tryptophan (TRP) under thermal stress in rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings for 45 days. Seven hundred and twenty fishes were distributed in three major groups that are ambient temperature (26 °C), 34 and 38 °C in triplicate following a complete randomized design. Acclimation of fishes to 34 and 38 °C over average ambient temperatures were carried out at 1 °C/day. Each group was fed with a diet supplemented with 0, 0.36, 0.72 or 1.42 % L-TRP. Results showed that blood glucose and serum cortisol level were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the higher temperature groups than the ambient temperature group. Similarly, aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, CAT, superoxide dismutase activities were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control groups (0 % L-TRP) and decreasing activities of these enzymes were observed with the increasing level of dietary L-TRP. In different temperature groups, L-TRP-supplemented groups were found to have higher (p < 0.05) growth, RGR and PER. The results obtained in the present study indicate that dietary L-TRP mitigates thermal stress and enhances growth. From the present study, we can conclude that dietary supplementation of L-TRP at the 0.72 % level in the diet is found to be optimum to reduce thermal stress even up to 38 °C in rohu, L. rohita. The baseline data obtained here could be useful for the farmers to formulate feeds to culture the fish in different agro-climatic zones.

Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist on heart of rabbits with acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: To explore protective effect of rosiglitazone on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. METHODS: A total of 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (A), I/R group(B), high dose of rosiglitazone (C), low dose of rosiglitazone (D). Plasm concentration of creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, hsCRP, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET) were measured 1 h later after I/R. 24 h after I/R hearts were harvested to observe pathological and ultrastructural changes. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting was used to test CD40 expression in myocardial tissue. Area of myocardial infarction were tested, arrhythmia rate during I/R was recorded. RESULTS: Plasm concentration of creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, hsCRP, NO, MDA and ET were decreased in group C, D compared with group B. Plasm concentration of T-SOD and GSH-Px was increased significantly in group C, D compared with group B. Compared with group B, pathological and ultrastructural changes in group C, D were slightly. Myocardial infarction area and arrhythmia rate were lower in group C, D compare with group B. CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone can protect myocardium from I/R injury by enhancing T-SOD and GSH-Px concentration, inhibit inflammatory reaction, improve endothelial function, reduce oxidative stress and calcium overload.

Effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B on the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B on rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 in each group): A sham operation group, B ischemic reperfusion group model group, C low dose salvianolic acid B group, D median dose salvianolic acid B group, E high dose salvianolic acid B group. One hour after establishment of the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model, the concentration and the apoptotic index of the plasma level of myocardial enzymes (CTn I, CK-MB), SOD, MDA, NO, ET were measured. Heart tissues were obtained and micro-structural changes were observed. RESULTS: Compared the model group, the plasma CTn, CK-MB, MDA and ET contents were significantly increased, NO, T-SOD contents were decreased in the treatment group (group C, D, and E) (P<0.05); compared with group E, the plasma CTn I, CK-MB, MDA and ET levels were increased, the NO, T-SOD levels were decreased in groups C and D (P<0.05). Infarct size was significantly reduced, and the myocardial ultrastructural changes were improved significantly in treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Salvianolic acid B has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. It can alleviate oxidative stress, reduce calcium overload, improve endothelial function and so on.

Antimalarial potential of kolaviron, a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seeds, against Plasmodium berghei infection in Swiss albino mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antimalarial potential of kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seeds, against Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) infection in Swiss albino mice. METHODS: The study consists of seven groups of ten mice each. Groups I, II and III were normal mice that received corn oil, KV1 and chloroquine (CQ), respectively. Groups IV, V, VI and VII were infected mice that received corn oil, CQ, KV1 and KV2, respectively. CQ, KV1 and KV2 were given at 10-, 100- and 200-mg/kg daily, respectively for three consecutive days. RESULTS: Administration of KV1 and KV2 significantly (P<0.05) suppressed P. berghei-infection in the mice by 85% and 90%, respectively, while CQ produced 87% suppression relative to untreated infected group after the fifth day of treatment. Also, KV2 significantly (P<0.05) increased the mean survival time of the infected mice by 175%. The biflavonoid prevented a drastic reduction in PCV from day 4 of treatment, indicating its efficacy in ameliorating anaemia. Significant (P<0.05) oxidative stress assessed by the elevation of serum and hepatic malondialdehydewere observed in untreated P. berghei-infected mice. Specifically, serum and hepatic malondialdehyde levels increased by 93% and 78%, respectively in the untreated infected mice. Furthermore, antioxidant indices, viz; superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, gluathione peroxidase and reduced gluathione decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the tissues of untreated P. berghei-infected mice. KV significantly (P<0.05) ameliorated the P. berghei-induced decrease in antioxidant status of the infected mice. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that kolaviron, especially at 200 mg/kg, has high antimalarial activities in P. berghei-infected mice, in addition to its known antioxidant properties.