Vasomodulatory effects of semi-purified fractions of garlic aqueous extract on chick chorioallantoic membrane.

Allium sativum (As), commonly known as garlic, has been used for a long time, for its therapeutic effects. Recent studies showed the ability of As to modulate vascular activity. The present study aimed to investigate the vasomodulatory effects of aqueous extract of As and to analyse the molecular nature of the active components. Experiments were performed on chick chorioallantoic membrane. Fractions of garlic were directly injected using micropipette on a high vessel density area. Our results clearly indicated that garlic increased permeability and induced vasodilatation of blood vessels and capillaries. These effects were dose-dependent and had been observed just few minutes after the onset of treatment. The active component responsible of these effects, which had a low molecular weight seems to be of peptide nature and appeared different from Dially Sulfide (DAS) and Dially Disulfide (DADS).

Neuroprotective benefits of grape seed and skin extract in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, and it involves oxidative stress. Our goal was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Vitis vinifera red grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) in a model of Parkinson's disease. GSSE is very rich in phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, catechins and stilbenes, which are present in the pulp, seeds, and leaves of the fruit. GSSE is known for its antioxidant properties and has shown beneficial effects against oxidative injury in different organs, such as the kidneys, liver, heart and brain. In this study, we revealed the neuroprotective effect of GSSE on midbrain dopaminergic neurons both in vitro and in vivo. We used the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), which induces oxidative damage and mimics the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons observed in Parkinson's disease. We found that GSSE was effective in protecting dopamine neurons from 6-OHDA toxicity by reducing apoptosis, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Furthermore, we found that GSSE treatment efficiently protected against neuronal loss and improved motor function in an in vivo 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Altogether, our results show that GSSE acts at multiple levels to protect dopamine neurons from degeneration in a model of PD.

Aluminum induced oxidative stress, astrogliosis and cell death in rat astrocytes, is prevented by curcumin.

Aluminum (Al) is recognized potent neurotoxic metal, which causes oxidative stress leading to intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative diseases. Among several medicinal plants with beneficial effects on health, curcumin acts as a multi-functional drug with antioxidant activity. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of curcumin against aluminum induced-oxidative stress and astrocytes death, in vitro ad in vivo. Incubation of cultured rat astrocytes with two concentrations of Al (37 µM and 150 µM) for 1 h provoked a dose-dependent reduction of the number of living cells as evaluated by Fluorescein diacetate and lactate dehydrogenase assay. Al-treated cells exhibited a reduction of both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Pretreatment of astrocytes with curcumin (81 µM) prevented Al-induced cell death. Regarding in vivo study, rats were exposed acutely during three consecutive days to three different doses of Al (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, i.p injection), together with curcumin treatment (30 mg/kg). For the chronic model, animals were exposed to Al (3 g/l) in drinking water from intrauterine age to 4 months ages, plus curcumin treatment (175 mg/kg). Data showed that both acute and chronic Al intoxication induced an obvious astrogliosis within motor cortex and hippocampus, while, such effects were restored by curcumin. We showed herein that Al was highly toxic, induced astrocytes death. Then, curcumin protected astrocytes against Al-toxicity. The cytoprotective potential of curcumin is initiated by stimulation of endogenous antioxidant system.

Improvement of Diabetes Symptoms and Complications by an Aqueous Extract of Linum usitatissimum (L.) Seeds in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Although progress has been made to show the role of raw flaxseed and flaxseed extracts in health promotion, identification of mechanism(s) of action and molecule(s) underpinning beneficial effects largely remain unknown. The present study evaluated the efficacy of an aqueous flaxseed extract (AFE) to correct alloxan-induced diabetes in mice. Mice were divided into five groups: one nondiabetic (negative control) and four diabetic. Diabetic mice were treated with AFE, gallic acid (GA) (major component of AFE), insulin (positive control), or remained untreated (positive control). Oral administration of AFE strongly improved serum glucose, oral glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, body weight, and polyphagia in diabetic mice. AFE was effective in controlling lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in liver and kidney, which undergo diabetes-related complications due to hyperglycemia. These results demonstrated that GA alone was sufficient to account for the beneficial health effects of AFE against diabetes.

Protective role of vitamin E against cadmium induced oxidative stress into the rat liver.

INTRODUCTION: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal used in various industrial applications and therefore can cause, both by environmental or professional exposure, several damage in all body systems. The present study was developed to determine the toxic effect of high dose of Cd on the rat's liver as well as the putative protective effect of vitamin E. METHODS: During the experiment, rats were administrated Cd per orally (PO) (15mg/Kg bw) alone or associated with an intraperitonial (IP) injection of alphatocopherol (Vitamin E) (300mg/Kg / day) for three weeks. We analyzed the effect of vitamin E on Cd induced liver remodeling by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), and by the determination of the antioxidant profiles and lipid peroxidation in rats's livers. RESULTS: Data confirmed that high dose of cd induced a loss of the liver weight and a pro-oxidative state into hepatocytes characterized by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and peroxidase (POD), no changes in catalase (CAT) and a decrease on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. These disturbances may be explained by a decrease in the level of hepatic calcium (Ca). Co-treatment with Vitamin E, decreased MDA and POD activities, increased CAT and SOD activities and restored Ca level. All these corrections were accompanied by an improvement of the liver 's structure. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Cd induced an oxidative stress into rat liver and Vitamin E exerted antioxidant properties which can be mediated by the modulation of Ca level.

Human peroxidasin 1 promotes angiogenesis through ERK1/2, Akt, and FAK pathways.

Aims: The term angiogenesis refers to sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. The angiogenic process involves cell migration and tubulogenesis requiring interaction between endothelial cells and the extracellular matrix. Human peroxidasin 1 (hsPxd01) is a multidomain heme peroxidase found embedded in the basement membranes. As it promotes the stabilization of extracellular matrix, we investigated its possible role in angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Methods and results: We analysed the effects of peroxidasin 1 gene silencing and supplementation by recombinant hsPxd01 in TeloHAEC endothelial cells on cell migration, tubulogenesis in matrigel, and intracellular signal transduction as assessed by kinase phosphorylation and expression of pro-angiogenic genes as measured by qRT-PCR. We further evaluated the angiogenic potential of recombinant peroxidasin in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane model. RNA silencing of endogenous hsPxd01 significantly reduced tube formation and cell migration, whereas supplementation by the recombinant peroxidase promoted tube formation in vitro and stimulated vascularization in vivo through its catalytic activity. Moreover, recombinant hsPxd01 promoted phosphorylation of Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinases (ERK1/2), Protein kinase B (Akt), and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), and induced the expression of pro-angiogenic downstream genes: Platelet Derived Growth Factor Subunit B (PDGFB), endothelial-derived Heparin Binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), CXCL-1, Hairy-Related Transcription Factor 1 (HEY-1), DNA-binding protein inhibitor (ID-2), Snail Family Zinc Finger 1 (SNAI-1), as well as endogenous hsPxd01. However, peroxidasin silencing significantly reduced Akt and FAK phosphorylation but induced ERK1/2 activation after supplementation by recombinant hsPxd01. While hsPxd01 silencing significantly reduced expression of HEY-1, ID-2, and PDGFB, it did not affect expression of SNAI-1, HB-EGF, and CXCL-1 after supplementation by recombinant hsPxd01. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a role of enzymatically active peroxidasin 1 as a pro-angiogenic peroxidase and a modulator of ERK1/2, Akt and FAK signalling.

Preventive effect of ethanolic extract of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes on methotrexate-induced oxidative damage of the small intestine in Wistar rats.

CONTEXT: Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic element for various inflammatory diseases. The cytotoxic effect of MTX is also seen in normal tissues having a high proliferation rate including gastrointestinal and bone marrow. AIMS: The aim of this study was to find out whether oxidative damage could be relevant for MTX-induced toxicity in vivo using Wistar rats and to investigate the preventive potential of cactus cladodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult and healthy male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were pretreated by ethanol fraction of cactus cladodes. Following a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg), either vehicle (saline) or ethanolic (400 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally. All animals were killed 24 h after the intraperitoneal injection of MTX. Small intestine samples were collected for malondialdehyde (MDA) level, protein carbonyl generation, and peroxidase and catalase (CAT) activity measurement. The small intestine was also collected for histopathology analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Each experiment was conducted in triplicate separately. Values were presented as a mean ± standard deviation. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Our results showed that MTX-induced significant alterations in oxidative stress markers noticed in the form of intestinal tissues damage, MDA level increased and protein carbonyls generation. CAT and peroxidase activities decreased with MTX administration. The combined treatment of MTX with cactus extracts showed a reduction of MTX-induced oxidative damage. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that cactus cladodes extract was effective in protecting the small intestine against MTX-induced damage.

Ficus carica aqueous extract alleviates delayed gastric emptying and recovers ulcerative colitis-enhanced acute functional gastrointestinal disorders in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ficus carica fruit, a source of bioactive functional ingredients, have been traditionally long time used for its medicinal benefits as they improve the digestive system, treating constipation and used as a natural laxative. AIM OF THE STUDY: The recent study was investigated the ameliorative effect of Ficus carica L. aqueous extract (FCAE) on delayed gastric emptying and ulcerative colitis-improved motility disturbances in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were assigned randomly and received 5% DSS for seven days. Ulcerative colitis diagnosis was confirmed by clinical signs, visible fecal blood and histopatological evaluation. The estimation of the action of colitis on TGI and constipation as well as the protective effect of extract, the intestinal biochemical and physiological parameters were measured using the charcoal meal test, loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation as well as spectrophotometric assays. FCAE (150 and 300 mg kg-1) was administered orally once per day for seven days 1 h after the loperamide treatment. Phenol-red colorimetric method was used to explore the action of FCAE on gastric emptying process. RESULTS: Ulcerative colitis caused a significantly gastrointestinal motility inhibition in normal rats and notably aggravated the constipation in LOP group. Oppositely, FCAE oral intake significantly increased levels of the gastrointestinal transit ratio and gastric emptying by accelerating of their times. Moreover, constipation severity induced by colitis was remarkably reduced in the FCAE treatment group, as demonstrated by a marked management of fecal parameters, water content, oxidative stress indicators, lipid metabolism, and intracellular mediators. Phytochemical analysis of FCAE revealed the presence of carbohydrates, polysaccharides, phenolic acids as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid and ellagic acid, and flavonoids (e.g. rutin, catechin, epicatechin and apeginine). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results indicated that FCAE exhibits a natural laxative effect without provoking diarrhea and ameliorates functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders thus justifying its traditional usage.

Opposite Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Juice Depending on Fruit Maturity Stage on Gastrointestinal Physiological Parameters in Rat.

The phytochemical composition and the effect of the green and ripe Opuntia ficus-indica juice on some gastrointestinal (GI) physiological parameters such as stomach emptying and small-intestinal motility and permeability were determined in rats administered multiple concentrations of the prickly pear juice (5, 10, and 20 mL kg-1, b.w., p.o.). Other separate groups of rats were received, respectively; sodium chloride (0.9%, b.w., p.o.), clonidine (α-2-adrenergic agonist, 1 mg kg-1, b.w., i.p.), yohimbine (α-2-adrenergic antagonist, 2 mg kg-1, b.w., i.p.), and loperamide (5 mg kg-1, b.w., p.o.). In vivo reverse effect of juice on GI physiological parameters was investigated using a charcoal meal test, phenol-red colorimetric method, loperamide-induced acute constipation, and castor oil-caused small-bowel hypersecretion. However, the opposite in vitro influence of juice on intestinal permeability homeostasis was assessed by the Ussing chamber system. Mature prickly pear juice administration stimulated significantly and dose dependently the GI transit (GIT; 8-26%) and gastric emptying (0.9-11%) in a rat model. Conversely, the immature prickly pear juice reduced gastric emptying (7-23%), GIT (10-28%), and diarrhea (59-88%). Moreover, the standard drugs have produced their antagonistic effects on GI physiological functions. The permeability of the isolated perfused rat small-intestine has a paradoxical response flowing prickly pear juices administration at diverse doses and maturity grade. Most importantly, the quantitative phytochemical analyses of both juices showed a different composition depending on the degree of maturity. In conclusion, the prickly pear juice at two distinct phases of maturity has different phytochemical characteristics and opposite effects on GI physiological actions in rat.

Reverse Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Juice and Seeds Aqueous Extract on Gastric Emptying and Small-Bowel Motility in Rat.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of juice and seeds on gastric emptying, small-bowel motility and intestinal ion transport. Separate groups of rats were randomized to receive NaCl, increasing doses of juice (5, 10, and 20 mL/kg, b.w.) or seeds aqueous extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.). Simultaneously, two other groups were received, the reference drugs; clonidine (1 mg/kg) and yohimbine (2 mg/kg). The charcoal meal was used as a suspension for gastrointestinal motility test. The purgative action of juice was confirmed using the loperamide (5 mg/kg, p.o.) induced constipation. To evaluate the antisecretory effect, we were used as a hypersecretion agent, the castor oil at the dose of 5 mL/kg. Compared to the control and standard groups, we were showed that the prickly pear has an opposite effect on small-bowel motility and gastric emptying. Indeed, the juice at various doses has a laxative effect of gastrointestinal transit in healthy and constipated-rats. However, the aqueous extract of the seeds leads to a reduction of motility in normal rats which gives it a remarkable antidiarrhoeal activity, a notable intestinal fluid accumulation decline and electrolyte concentrations reestablishment. Moreover, orally juice administered at different doses accelerated the stomach emptying time in contrast to the seeds aqueous extract. More importantly, a significant variation in the phytochemical constituents levels between juice and seeds was found. These findings confirm the reverse therapeutic effects of this fruit in the treatment of digestive disturbances such as difficulty stool evacuation and massive intestinal secretion, likewise, the gastric emptying process perturbation.

Phytochemical properties and pharmacological effects of Quercus ilex L. aqueous extract on gastrointestinal physiological parameters in vitro and in vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Several research studies have reported on the pharmacological relevance of the medicinal plants used for treating various gastrointestinal disorders and controlling the dietary glucose uptake in the intestinal tract. METHODS: Male rats were used to investigate the pharmacological effects of green oak acorn aqueous extract (GOAE) on gastrointestinal physiological parameters in vivo and in vitro. In this respect, the gastro-intestinal motility and hypersecretion essays were evaluated using a simple test meal (10% charcoal in 5% gum arabic) and castor oil induced diarrhea. However, the effect of GOAE on glucose absorption and homeostasis was assessed by the Ussing chamber system and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures. RESULTS: Various doses of the Quercus ilex aqueous extract (125, 250 and 500mgkg-1) administered orally produced a significantly dose-related inhibition of gut meal travel distance in normal rat. The highest intestinal transit reduction of 49.34% was obtained with 500mgkg-1 compared to 58.33% caused by reference drug (clonidine, 1mgkg-1). In castor oil induced diarrhea in rat, Q. ilex extract reduced the frequency of defecation, fluid accumulation and electrolyte transport. These effects were associated with decreased histopathological damage and regulation of intracellular mediators disturbance in the intestinal mucosa. In addition, GOAE treatment improved glucose tolerance and significantly and dose-dependently reduced (>50%) the glucose absorption via intestinal epithelium. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many bioactive natural compounds. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the extract was effective towards reducing diarrhea, fluid accumulation, electrolyte transport and glucose absorption, and no toxic effects of the GOAE presented on this study.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of carob pods and leaves (Ceratonia siliqua L.) on the gastrointestinal tract: A review.

Carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua L., is a medicinal plant used in Tunisian traditional medicine for the treatment of the gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders. In this respect, a relatively large number of scientific publications on the carob tree have been published in recent years. Therefore, the present review was aimed to analyze the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Ceratonia siliqua on the GI tract. Indeed, previous investigations on the carob pods and leaves have revealed the presence of a number of compounds including high amounts of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, minerals, polyphenols, flavonoids and low amounts of protein and lipids. This plant possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diarrheique, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-constipation and anti-absorptive of glucose activities in the gastrointestinal tract. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of C. siliqua, we concluded that this species has beneficial preventive and therapeutic properties, especially, in digestive tract.

Morus alba leaf extract mediates neuroprotection against glyphosate-induced toxicity and biochemical alterations in the brain.

Recent studies demonstrate that glyphosate exposure is associated with oxidative stress and some neurological disorders such as Parkinson's pathology. Therefore, phytochemicals, in particular phenolic compounds, have attracted increasing attention as potential agents for neuroprotection. In the present study, we investigate the impact of glyphosate on the rat brain following i.p. injection and the possible molecular target of neuroprotective activity of the phenolic fraction from Morus alba leaf extract (MALE) and its ability to reduce oxidative damage in the brain. Wistar rats from 180 to 240 g were i.p. treated with a single dose of glyphosate (100 mg kg-1 b.w.) or MALE (100 µg mL-1 kg-1 b.w.) for 2 weeks. Brain homogenates were used to evaluate neurotoxicity induced by the pesticide. For this, biochemical parameters were measured. Data shows that MALE regulated oxidative stress and counteracted glyphosate-induced deleterious effects and oxidative damage in the brain, as it abrogated LDH, protein carbonyls, and malonyldialdehyde. MALE also appears to be able to scavenge H2O2 levels, maintain iron and Ca2+ homeostasis, and increase SOD activity. Thus, in vivo results showed that mulberry leaf extract is a potent protector against glyphosate-induced toxicity, and its protective effect could result from synergism or antagonism between the various bioactive phenolic compounds in the acetonic fraction from M. alba leaf extract.

Brain proteomic modifications associated to protective effect of grape extract in a murine model of obesity.

In recent years, the obesity epidemic has developed into a major health crisis worldwide. With current treatments limited to expensive, high-risk surgery and minimally efficacious pharmacotherapy, new therapeutic options are urgently needed to fight against this alarming trend. Though brain dysfunction has been studied linked to high fat diet (HFD) and grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) correction, the proteomic modifications linking the two effects on brain lipotoxicity are not well understood. To this end rats were exposed for 8 weeks to HFD treatment, to GSSE (500mg/kg BW) and to binary mixture of HFD and GSSE to gain insight into the potential pathways altered with metabolic disease and the protection afforded by GSSE. Significant modifications of brain proteins were detected using mass spectrometry-based differential proteomics. These proteins were mainly related to oxidative stress, glycolysis and calcium signaling. Additionally, proteins involved in the cytoskeleton were also affected by HFD treatment. Interestingly, whether up- or down regulated protein abundances, GSSE corrected most of the disturbances of HFD treatment. These findings provide impetus for future therapeutic investigation on GSSE against other metabolic disorders.

Effect of grape seed and skin supplement on milk yield and composition of dairy ewes.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of grape seed and skin supplement (GSSS), on lactating dairy ewes' production. Ten dairy pregnant ewes from northern Tunisia were allocated to two groups: control diet (C) and supplemented with 20 % (w/w) GSSS. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks and took place after 2 months of lambing. During the experiment, daily milk yield and milk composition were determined. Supplementation of the diet with GSSS increased milk production (P < 0.001), calcium (P < 0.01), free iron (P < 0.01) and urea content (P < 0.001) but had no effect on milk fat nor protein. From these data, it is concluded that the inclusion of GSSS in sheep diets increased significantly ewes' milk yield.

Protective Effect of Ceratonia siliqua L. Against a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Alterations in Liver and Kidney in Rat.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential protective role of Ceratonia siliqua L. against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in liver and kidney of rats. The hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were induced in rats by oral administration of synthetic DSS (5%) in the drinking water for over 7 days. However, carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE; 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) was given by oral administration for 21 days. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde, H2O2 content, as well as the levels of antioxidant enzymes in organs were measured to observe the possible mechanisms. As a result, the CPAE counteracted DSS-induced increase of MPO activity, lipoperoxidation, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT). DSS administration increased also in the organs hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and free iron levels, whereas the CPAE pretreatment reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. It was concluded that the CPAE exerted a potential protective effect against DSS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the rat organs. Consequently, it is essential that adequate care is taken when we use carob pods for patients with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Grape seed and skin extract protects kidney from doxorubicin-induced oxidative injury.

The study investigated the protective effect of grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) against doxorubicin-induced renal toxicity in healthy rats. Animals were treated with GSSE or not (control), for 8 days, administered with doxorubicin (20mg/kg) in the 4th day, and renal function as well as oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Data showed that doxorubicin induced renal toxicity by affecting renal architecture and plasma creatinine. Doxorubicin also induced an oxidative stress characterized by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), calcium and H(2)O(2) and a decrease in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Unexpectedly doxorubicin increased peroxidase (POD) and decreased carbonyl protein and plasma urea. Treatment with GSSE counteracted almost all adverse effects induced by doxorubicin. Data suggest that doxorubicin induced an oxidative stress into rat kidney and GSSE exerted antioxidant properties, which seem to be mediated by the modulation of intracellular calcium.

Efficacy of grape seed and skin extract against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress in rat liver.

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline used in chemotherapy, although it causes toxicity and oxidative stress. Grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) is a mixture of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. To evaluate the hepato-toxicity of Dox on healthy rats as well as the protective effect of GSSE, rats were treated with GSSE (500mg/kg bw) during 8 days. At the 4th day of treatment, they received a single dose of Dox (20 mg/kg bw). After the treatment (9th day), livers were collected and processed for oxidative stress status. Dox increased MDA (+ 900%), decreased catalase (-60%) and increased peroxidase (+90%) and superoxide dismutase (+100%) activities. In this latter case Dox mainly increased the iron isoform. Furthermore Dox altered intracellular mediators as catalytic free iron (-75%), H2O2(-75%) and calcium (+30%). Dox also affected liver function by elevating plasma triacylglycerol and transaminases and liver morphology by altering its typical architecture. Importantly all Dox-induced liver disturbances were alleviated upon GSSE treatment. Dox induced liver toxicity and an oxidative stress mainly characterized by increased lipoperoxidation but not protein carbonylation. GSSE efficiently protected the liver from Dox-induced toxicity and appeared as a safe adjuvant that could be incorporated into chemotherapy protocols.

Gastroprotective effect of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rat.

BACKGROUND: We aimed in the present study, at investigating the gastroprotective effect of carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE) against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats as well as the mechanism implicated. METHODS: Adult male wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of ten each: control, EtOH (80% v/v, 4 g/kg b.w.), EtOH 80% + various doses of CPAE (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, b.w.) and EtOH + Famotidine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) Animals were perorally (p.o.) pre-treated with CPAE during 15 days and intoxicated with a single oral administration of EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.) for two hours. RESULTS: The colorimetric analysis demonstrated that the CPAE exhibited an importance in vitro antioxidant activity against ABTS and DPPH radicals. We found that CPAE pretreatment in vivo, protected against EtOH-induced macroscopic and histological changes induced in stomach mucosa. Carob extract administration also protected against alcohol-induced volume gastric juice decrease. More importantly, We showed that CPAE counteracted EtOH-induced gastric lipoperoxidation, reversed the decrease of sulfhydryl groups (-SH) an hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CPAE exerted a potential gastro-protective effect against EtOH-induced oxidative stress in rats, due in part, to its antioxidants properties.

Dietary supplement enriched in antioxidants and omega-3 protects from progressive light-induced retinal degeneration.

In the present study, we have evaluated one of the dietary supplements enriched with antioxidants and fish oil used in clinical care for patient with age-related macular degeneration. Rats were orally fed by a gastric canula daily with 0.2 ml of water or dietary supplement until they were sacrificed. After one week of treatment, animals were either sacrificed for lipid analysis in plasma and retina, or used for evaluation of rod-response recovery by electroretinography (ERG) followed by their sacrifice to measure rhodopsin content, or used for progressive light-induced retinal degeneration (PLIRD). For PLIRD, animals were transferred to bright cyclic light for one week. Retinal damage was quantified by ERG, histology and detection of apoptotic nuclei. Animals kept in dim-cyclic-light were processed in parallel. PLIRD induced a thinning of the outer nuclear layer and a reduction of the b-wave amplitude of the ERG in the water group. Retinal structure and function were preserved in supplemented animals. Supplement induced a significant increase in omega-3 fatty acids in plasma by 168% for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 142% for docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and 19% for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and a decrease in the omega-6 fatty acids, DPA by 28%. In the retina, supplement induced significant reduction of linolenic acid by 67% and an increase in EPA and DPA by 80% and 72%, respectively, associated with significant decrease in omega-6 DPA by 42%. Supplement did not affect rhodopsin content or rod-response recovery. The present data indicate that supplement rapidly modified the fatty acid content and induced an accumulation of EPA in the retina without affecting rhodopsin content or recovery. In addition, it protected the retina from oxidative stress induced by light. Therefore, this supplement might be beneficial to slow down progression of certain retinal degeneration.