CX43 and oxidative stress are the targets of BCB staining to predict the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes.

This study used the brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining method to group buffalo oocytes (BCB+ and BCB-) and perform in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. At the same time, molecular biology techniques were used to detect gap junction protein expression and oxidative stress-related indicators to explore the molecular mechanism of BCB staining to predict oocyte developmental potential. The techniques of buffalo oocytes to analyse their developmental potential and used immunofluorescence staining to detect the expression level of CX43 protein, DCFH-DA probe staining to detect ROS levels and qPCR to detect the expression levels of the antioxidant-related genes SOD2 and GPX1. Our results showed that the in vitro maturation rate, embryo cleavage rate and blastocyst rate of buffalo oocytes in the BCB+ group were significantly higher than those in the BCB- group and the control group (p < .05). The expression level of CX43 protein in the BCB+ group was higher than that in the BCB- group both before and after maturation (p < .05). The intensity of ROS in the BCB+ group was significantly lower than that in the BCB- group (p < .05), and the expression levels of the antioxidant-related genes SOD2 and GPX1 in the BCB+ group were significantly higher than those in the BCB- group (p < .05). Brilliant cresyl blue staining could effectively predict the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes. The results of BCB staining were positively correlated with the expression of gap junction protein and antioxidant-related genes and negatively correlated with the reactive oxygen species level, suggesting that the mechanism of BCB staining in predicting the developmental potential of buffalo oocytes might be closely related to antioxidant activity.

Oxidative stress and galectin-3 levels during skin grafting after hand injury: gender differences.

The study included 40 patients of both genders who underwent skin transplantation after a hand injury. The study aims to evaluate the oxidative stress parameters in patients' blood and serum levels of galectin-3 in order to investigate gender differences pre- and post- skin transplantation. The results of the study suggest a significant increase in superoxide anion radical levels, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione levels in females before skin transplantation. The surgical treatment caused significant increase in superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide levels as prooxidants in males, while superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were also increased 7 days after the procedure. In females, superoxide anion radical and TBARS levels increased after surgical procedure as well as the activity of catalase. Regarding galectin-3 levels, a significant interaction between gender and time was observed (gender×time; p=0.000). Correlation analysis of different oxidative stress markers with gal-3 revealed the existence of a significant negative correlation of superoxide anion radical, catalase, and reduced glutathione with gal-3, but only in female patients. It can be concluded that OS as well as galectin-3 play important roles at least in the first 7 days of the postoperative period.

The role of uncoupling protein 2 in experimental periodontitis-associated renal injury in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore changes in uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in experimental periodontitis-associated renal injury induced by ligation and investigate the effect of UCP2 on renal injury induced by periodontitis. METHODS: Twelve Wistar male rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and periodontitis groups. A periodontal model was built by ligating the maxillary first molars area with 0.2 mm orthodontic ligature wire. After 8 weeks, the intraoral condition of the rats was observed and periodontal clinical indices such as gingival bleeding index (BI), periodontal probing depth (PD), and tooth mobility (TM) were detected. The maxillary bone was scanned by Micro CT to observe the alveolar bone resorption. The tissue mineral density (TMD), bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular bone separation (Tb.Sp) were recorded, and the distance from the enamel bone boundary to the alveolar crest (CEJ-ABC) of the maxillary first molar was measured. The oxidative stress indexes such as malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected using frozen rat kidney tissue. The gene expression of UCP2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) was observed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) test. The gingival tissue of the rats was used for immunohistochemical staining to observe the expression of the UCP2 protein. The fixed rat kidney tissue was used for hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-schiff (PAS), MitoSOX Red, JC-1, and immunohistochemical staining to observe the renal histopathology, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the level of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression of UCP2, Nrf2, and PGC-1α protein. Rat serum was collected to detect renal function indices, namely, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), and albumin (Alb). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the periodontitis group showed red, swollen, and soft gingival tissue, with gingival probing bleeding, periodontal PD increased, tooth loosening, alveolar bone resorption, decreased TMD, BMD, BV/TV, and Tb.Th indices, and increased Tb.Sp index, CEJ-ABC, and gingival UCP2 protein expression. Compared with the control group, the levels of MDA and ROS in the kidney tissue of periodontitis rats and the gene and protein expression of UCP2 increased, and the levels of MMP, GSH, and SOD and the gene and protein expression of Nrf2 and PGC-1α decreased. Renal functional indices, namely, BUN, Cre, and Alb, were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: UCP2 may play a role in renal injury induced by periodontitis through oxidative stress.

Effect of tangeretin on cisplatin-induced oxido-inflammatory brain damage in rats.

Cisplatin (CIS) is a platinum-derived chemotherapeutic agent commonly utilized in the treatment of various malignant tumours. However, anticancer doses of the drug cause serious damage to the brain. This study aimed to determine the potential protective effects of tangeretin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity on BALB/c mice brains. Male BALB/c mice were randomized and separated into four groups. Tangeretin was given for 10 days by gavage. CIS was injected as a single dose of 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip) on the 10th day. Brain tissues, malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured to determine oxidative damage and myeloperoxidase, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-6 and IL-10 were measured to determine inflammatory activity. In addition, 8-OHdG and caspase-3 were analysed by immunofluorescence methods. While CIS administration remarkably elevated reactive oxygen species, MDA, and NO levels in brain tissue compared to the control, tGSH, GPx, SOD and CAT levels were significantly decreased. Also, it has been detected that TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 obtained in CIS-treated groups increased as well as IL-10 decreased, thereby elevating the inflammatory response. In addition, 8-OHdG and caspase-3 immunoreactivity in neurons increased with CIS administration. Treatment with tangeretin ameliorated the deterioration in oxidant/antioxidant status, overpowered neuroinflammation and ameliorated neurotoxicity-induced apoptosis. This study shows that tangeretin has beneficial effects on CIS-induced neurodegeneration. Possible mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects include the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tangeretin.

Exogenously applied silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) differentially affect bacterial blight disease control in twenty-seven wheat cultivars.

The bacterial blight of wheat is an important global disease causing a significant decline in crop yield. Nanotechnology offers a potential solution for managing plant diseases. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in controlling bacterial blight in 27 locally grown wheat cultivars. The study examined the impact of AgNPs at three distinct time points: 1, 3, and 5 days after the onset of the disease. Biochemical assay revealed that one day after applying the disease stress, the Inia cultivar had the highest amount of soluble protein (55.60 µg.g-1FW) content in the treatment without AgNPs. The Azadi cultivar, without AgNPs treatment, had the lowest amount of soluble protein content (15.71 µg.g-1FW). The Tabasi cultivar had the highest activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) (61.62 mM.g-1FW) with the combination treatment of AgNPs. On the other hand, the Karchia cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (0.6 mM.g-1FW) in the treatment of disease without AgNPs. Furthermore, three days after the application of stress, the Mahdavi cultivar had the highest amount of soluble protein content (54.16 µg.g-1FW) in the treatment of disease without AgNPs. The Niknejad cultivar had the highest activity of the SOD (74.15 mM.g-1FW) with the combined treatment of the disease without AgNPs. The Kavir cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (1.95 mM.g-1FW) and the lowest peroxidase (POX) activity (0.241 mM g-1FW min-1) in the treatment of the disease with AgNPs. Five days after exposure to stress, the Mahooti cultivar had the highest SOD activity (88.12 mM.g-1FW) with the combined treatment of the disease with AgNPs, and the Karchia cultivar had the lowest SOD activity (2.39 mM.g-1FW) in the treatment of the disease with AgNPs. Further, the results indicated that exposure to AgNPs could improve the antioxidant properties of wheat seeds in blight-infected and disease-free conditions in some cultivars.

Certolizumab Has Favorable Efficacy on Preventing Pancreas and Target Organs Damage in Acute Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: It was targeted to assess the efficacy of certolizumab on pancreas and target organs via biochemical parameters and histopathologic scores in experimental acute pancreatitis (AP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the following 5 equal groups: group 1 (sham group), group 2 (AP group), group 3 (AP + low-dose certolizumab group), group 4 (AP + high-dose certolizumab group), and group 5 (placebo group). Rats in all groups were sacrificed 24 hours after the last injection and amylase, tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor ß, interleukin 1ß, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were studied in blood samples. Histopathological investigation of both the pancreas and target organs (lungs, liver, heart, kidneys) was performed by a pathologist blind to the groups. In silico analysis were also accomplished. RESULTS: The biochemical results in the certolizumab treatment groups were identified to be significantly favorable compared to the AP group (P < 0.001). The difference between the high-dose group (group 4) and low-dose treatment group (group 3) was found to be significant in terms of biochemical parameters and histopathological scores (P < 0.001). In terms of the effect of certolizumab treatment on the target organs (especially on lung tissue), the differences between the low-dose treatment group (group 3) and high-dose treatment group (group 4) with the AP group (group 2) were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Certolizumab has favorable protective effects on pancreas and target organs in AP. It may be a beneficial agent for AP treatment and may prevent target organ damage.

The Protective Effect of Gallic Acid Against Bisphenol A-Induced Ovarian Toxicity and Endocrine Disruption in Female Rats.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of gallic acid (GA) against ovarian damage induced by bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in female rats. We evaluated whether GA can mitigate the adverse effects of BPA on ovarian structure, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and reproductive hormone levels. Methods: Thirty-two female rats were categorized into four groups: control, GA, BPA, and GA+BPA. Histopathological evaluations of ovarian tissue were performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The immunohistochemical analysis was conducted for inflammatory, oxidative DNA damage, and apoptotic markers (Tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], cyclooxygenase-2 [COX2], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1ß], 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], and caspase 3). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels. Furthermore, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Histopathological outcomes revealed that BPA significantly induced follicular degeneration, which was effectively mitigated by GA treatment (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis highlighted the exacerbation of inflammatory responses and oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis (TNFα, COX-2, IL-1ß, 8-OHdG, and caspase 3) in BPA-exposed tissues, which were reduced in the presence of GA (P < 0.05). The assessment of oxidative stress demonstrated that GA could significantly decrease lipid peroxidation and partially restore antioxidant defense mechanisms disrupted by BPA (P < 0.05). Hormonal profiling indicated that BPA exposure altered the levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone, with GA treatment showing a capacity to modulate these changes, especially in progesterone levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that GA exhibits protective properties against BPA-induced ovarian damage through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, alongside its ability to modulate hormonal imbalances. This research underscores the therapeutic potential of GA in safeguarding reproductive health against environmental toxicants.

GPCR-Gα13 Involvement in Mitochondrial Function, Oxidative Stress, and Prostate Cancer.

Gα13 and Gα12, encoded by the GNA13 and GNA12 genes, respectively, are members of the G12 family of Gα proteins that, along with their associated Gßγ subunits, mediate signaling from specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Advanced prostate cancers have increased expression of GPCRs such as CXC Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4), lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR), and protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). These GPCRs signal through either the G12 family, or through Gα13 exclusively, often in addition to other G proteins. The effect of Gα13 can be distinct from that of Gα12, and the role of Gα13 in prostate cancer initiation and progression is largely unexplored. The oncogenic effect of Gα13 on cell migration and invasion in prostate cancer has been characterized, but little is known about other biological processes such as mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Current knowledge on the link between Gα13 and oxidative stress is based on animal studies in which GPCR-Gα13 signaling decreased superoxide levels, and the overexpression of constitutively active Gα13 promoted antioxidant gene activation. In human samples, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) correlates with prostate cancer risk and prognostic Gleason grade. However, overexpression of SOD2 in prostate cancer cells yielded conflicting results on cell growth and survival under basal versus oxidative stress conditions. Hence, it is necessary to explore the effect of Gα13 on prostate cancer tumorigenesis, as well as the effect of Gα13 on SOD2 in prostate cancer cell growth under oxidative stress conditions.

Metabolic and Transcriptional Analysis Reveals Flavonoid Involvement in the Drought Stress Response of Mulberry Leaves.

Abiotic stress, especially drought stress, poses a significant threat to terrestrial plant growth, development, and productivity. Although mulberry has great genetic diversity and extensive stress-tolerant traits in agroforestry systems, only a few reports offer preliminary insight into the biochemical responses of mulberry leaves under drought conditions. In this study, we performed a comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis on the "drooping mulberry" (Morus alba var. pendula Dippel) under PEG-6000-simulated drought stress. Our research revealed that drought stress significantly enhanced flavonoid accumulation and upregulated the expression of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were elevated. In vitro enzyme assays and fermentation tests indicated the involvement of flavonol synthase/flavanone 3-hydroxylase (XM_010098126.2) and anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase 5 (XM_010101521.2) in the biosynthesis of flavonol aglycones and glycosides, respectively. The recombinant MaF3GT5 protein was found to recognize kaempferol, quercetin, and UDP-glucose as substrates but not 3-/7-O-glucosylated flavonols and UDP-rhamnose. MaF3GT5 is capable of forming 3-O- and 7-O-monoglucoside, but not di-O-glucosides, from kaempferol. This implies its role as a flavonol 3, 7-O-glucosyltransferase. The findings from this study provided insights into the biosynthesis of flavonoids and could have substantial implications for the future diversified utilization of mulberry.

Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Physcion against Sclerotium rolfsii, the Causal Agent of Peanut Southern Blight.

Peanut southern blight, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, is a widespread and devastating epidemic. Frequently, it is laborious to effectively control by labor-intensive foliar sprays of agrochemicals due to untimely find. In the present study, seed treatment with physcion (PHY) at doses of 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 g AI kg-1 seed significantly improved the growth and photosynthetic activity of peanuts. Furthermore, PHY seed treatment resulted in an elevated enzymatic activity of key enzymes in peanut roots, including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, lipoxygenase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, as well as an increase in callus accumulation and lignin synthesis at the infection site, ultimately enhancing the root activity. This study revealed that PHY seed treatment could promote the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) in peanut roots, while also decreasing the content of malondialdehyde levels in response to S. rolfsii infection. The results were further confirmed by transcriptome data and metabolomics. These findings suggest that PHY seed treatment activates the plant defense pathways mediated by SA and JA/ET in peanut roots, enhancing the resistance of peanut plants to S. rolfsii. In short, PHY is expected to be developed into a new plant-derived immunostimulant or fungicide to increase the options and means for peanut disease control.

Alteration of salivary LPO, MDA, LDH, glutathione, GPx, SOD and vitamins in oral submucous fibrosis: A three-level meta-analysis study.

This study aims to investigate the alteration of salivary biomarker profiling in the development of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and to explore the influence of saliva in the diagnosis of OSMF. A systematic search of published articles using the PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify relevant studies on OSMF and saliva. All eligible studies, including case-control, cross-sectional studies, cohort, and pilot studies, contained the evaluation of salivary biomarker profiling in patients with OSMF. Salivary biomarker data from 28 selected articles were categorized into nine groups, and their mean values were determined. A three-step meta-analysis was performed by grouping salivary biomarker profiling into more heterogeneous categories based on OSMF classification, considering functional, histological, and clinical grading. The salivary biomarker profiling analysis revealed significant alterations in all markers, indicating their efficacy in OSMF diagnosis. Subgroup analyses highlighted significant associations in oxidative stress and protein with increased mean values, particularly emphasizing lipid peroxidase (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Conversely, decreased mean values were observed in glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamins. Notably, OSMF grading analysis demonstrated a significant difference in weighted effect sizes for histological grading, particularly in stage IV. The study underscores the alteration of specific salivary biomarkers, particularly those associated with LPO, MDA, LDH, glutathione, GPx, SOD, and vitamins, in diagnosing and grading OSMF.

Rescue of nucleus pulposus cells from an oxidative stress microenvironment via glutathione-derived carbon dots to alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration.

The senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs), which is induced by the anomalous accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a major cause of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). In this research, glutathione-doped carbon dots (GSH-CDs), which are novel carbon dot antioxidant nanozymes, were successfully constructed to remove large amounts of ROS for the maintenance of NP tissue at the physical redox level. After significantly scavenging endogenous ROS via exerting antioxidant activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity, GSH-CDs with good biocompatibility have been demonstrated to effectively improve mitochondrial dysfunction and rescue NPCs from senescence, catabolism, and inflammatory factors in vivo and in vitro. In vivo imaging data and histomorphological indicators, such as the disc height index (DHI) and Pfirrmann grade, demonstrated prominent improvements in the progression of IVDD after the topical application of GSH-CDs. In summary, this study investigated the GSH-CDs nanozyme, which possesses excellent potential to inhibit the senescence of NPCs with mitochondrial lesions induced by the excessive accumulation of ROS and improve the progression of IVDD, providing potential therapeutic options for clinical treatment.

Effects of Ultra-High-Pressure Treatment on Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Free, Esterified and Bound Phenolics from Phyllanthus emblica L. Fruits.

Phyllanthus emblica L. fruits (PEFs) were processed by ultra-pressure (UHP) treatment and then extracted by the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The influence of UHP on the phenolic composition, enzyme inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of the free, esterified, and bound phenolic fractions from PEFs were compared. UHP pretreatment of PEFs significantly increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents (p < 0.05). A total of 24 chemical compositions were characterized in normal and UHP-treated PEFs by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS. Compared with normal PEFs, these three different phenolic fractions had stronger antioxidant activities and inhibitory effects on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells (p < 0.05). The ROS inhibition might be due to an up-regulation of the expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities. In addition, these three different phenolic fractions also significantly inhibited the activities of metabolic enzymes, including α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase. This work may provide some insights into the potential economics and applications of PEFs in food and nutraceutical industries.

Basidiomycetes Polysaccharides Regulate Growth and Antioxidant Defense System in Wheat.

Higher-fungi xylotrophic basidiomycetes are known to be the reservoirs of bioactive metabolites. Currently, a great deal of attention has been paid to the exploitation of mycelial fungi products as an innovative alternative in crop protection. No data exist on the mechanisms behind the interaction between xylotrophic mushrooms' glycopolymeric substances and plants. In this study, the effects of basidiomycete metabolites on the morphophysiological and biochemical variables of wheat plants have been explored. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Saratovskaya 29) seedlings were treated with extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) isolated from the submerged cultures of twenty basidiomycete strains assigned to 13 species and 8 genera. The EPS solutions at final concentrations of 15, 40, and 80 mg/L were applied to wheat seedlings followed by their growth for 10 days. In the plant samples, the biomass, length of coleoptile, shoot and root, root number, rate of lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde concentration, content of hydrogen peroxide, and total phenols were measured. The peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were defined. Most of the EPS preparations improved biomass yields, as well as the morphological parameters examined. EPS application enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreased oxidative damage to lipids. Judging by its overall effect on the growth indices and redox system of wheat plants, an EPS concentration of 40 mg/L has been shown to be the most beneficial compared to other concentrations. This study proves that novel bioformulations based on mushroom EPSs can be developed and are effective for wheat growth and antioxidative response. Phytostimulating properties found for EPSs give grounds to consider extracellular metabolites produced in the xylotrophic basidiomycete cultures as an active component capable of inducing plant responses to stress.

The repertoire of iron superoxide dismutases from Leishmania infantum as targets in the search for therapeutic agents against leishmaniasis.

Species of Leishmania and Trypanosoma genera are the causative agents of relevant parasitic diseases. Survival inside their hosts requires the existence of a potent antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Four iron superoxide dismutases have been described in trypanosomatids (FeSODA, FeSODB1, FeSODB2, and FeSODC) that hold a potential as therapeutic targets. Nonetheless, very few studies have been developed that make use of the purified enzymes. Moreover, FeSODC remains uncharacterised in Leishmania. In this work, for the first time, we describe the purification and enzymatic activity of recombinant versions of the four Leishmania FeSOD isoforms and establish an improved strategy for developing inhibitors. We propose a novel parameter [(V*cyt. c - Vcyt. c)/Vcyt. c] which, in contrast to that used in the classical cytochrome c reduction assay, correlates linearly with enzyme concentration. As a proof of concept, we determine the IC50 values of two ruthenium carbosilane metallodendrimers against these isoforms.

Melatonin mitigated methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity through interrelated biological processes.

BACKGROUND: Hepatotoxicity associated with methotrexate (MTX) is mainly due to disruption of redox balance and development of oxidative injury to hepatocytes. Melatonin (MLT) is a potent antioxidant and regulates wide range of biological functions, processes and utilized as adjuvant for number of medical applications. The current study investigated the mitigating effect of MLT on the MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult male rats received MLT (25 mg/kg, orally) for seven days flowed by single injection of MTX (20 mg/kg, ip) then treat with MLT continued for additional 7 days. The present result showed MLT treatment mitigated histopathological changes in the liver that associated with normalization of ALT and AST activity as well as bilirubin, albumin and alfa-fetoprotein levels in serum of MLT + MTX-treated rat to comparable control level. MLT treatment significantly reduced MDA content and myeloperoxidase activity while enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione content in the liver indicating the empowerment of the antioxidant status. Amelioration of MLT-induced oxidative stress resulted in a reduction in the inflammatory response due to antioxidant restoration and inhibited apoptosis indicated by downregulation of caspase-3 expression. The replenishment of antioxidant content powers the defense system of the hepatocytes. As a result, apoptosis is reduced which might be due to the ability of MLT protect DNA integrity thus maintaining hepatocyte functions and structure. Consequently, liver histology was protected. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, MLT modulates liver function and structure by orchestrating linked processes, including redox balance, inflammatory response, suppression of caspase-3, and DNA damage.

Prepubertal Repeated Berberine Supplementation Enhances Cerebrocerebellar Functions by Modulating Neurochemical and Behavioural Changes in Wistar Rats.

Antioxidant-rich supplementation plays an essential role in the function of mammals' central nervous system. However, no research has documented the effect of berberine (BER) supplementation on the cerebrocerebellar function of prepubertal rats. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of BER supplementation on neurochemical and behavioural changes in prepubertal male rats. Five groups (90 ± 5 g, n = 7 each) of experimental rats were orally treated with corn oil or different doses of BER (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg bw) from the 28th at 68 post-natal days. On the 69 days of life, animals underwent behavioural assessment in the open field, hanging wire, and negative geotaxis tests. The result revealed that BER administration improved locomotive and motor behaviour by increasing distance travelled, line crossings, average speed, time mobile, and absolute turn angle in open field test and decrease in time to re-orient on an incline plane, a decrease in immobility time relative to the untreated control. Furthermore, BER supplementation increased (p < 0.05) antioxidant enzyme activities such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, and TSH and prevented increases (p < 0.05) in oxidative and inflammatory levels as indicated by decreases in RONS, LPO, XO, carbonyl protein, NO, MPO, and TNF-α compared to the untreated control. BER-treated animals a lessened number of dark-stained Nissl cells compared to the untreated control rats. Our findings revealed that BER minimised neuronal degeneration and lesions, improved animal behaviour, and suppressed oxidative and inflammatory mediators, which may probably occur through its agonistic effect on PPAR-α, PPAR-δ, and PPAR-γ - essential proteins known to resolve inflammation and modulate redox signalling towards antioxidant function.

Molecular and biochemical evaluation of oxidative effects of cord blood CD34+ MPs on hematopoietic cells.

A graft source for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is umbilical cord blood, which contains umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (MNCs and mesenchymal stem cells, both an excellent source of extracellular microparticles (MPs). MPs act as cell communication mediators, which are implicated in reactive oxygen species formation or detoxification depending on their origin. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in both the development of cancer and its treatment by triggering apoptotic mechanisms, in which CD34+ cells are implicated. The aim of this work is to investigate the oxidative stress status and the apoptosis of HL-60 and mononuclear cells isolated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) following a 24- and 48-hour exposure to CD34 + microparticles (CD34 + MPs). The activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase, as well as lipid peroxidation in the cells, were employed as oxidative stress markers. A 24- and 48-hour exposure of leukemic and mononuclear cells to CD34 + -MPs resulted in a statistically significant increase in the antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation in both cells types. Moreover, CD34 + MPs affect the expression of BCL2 and FAS and related proteins and downregulate the hematopoietic differentiation program in both HL-60 and mononuclear cells. Our results indicate that MPs through activation of antioxidant enzymes in both homozygous and nonhomozygous cells might serve as a means for graft optimization and enhancement.

Immunotoxicity and oxidative damage in Litopenaeus vannamei induced by polyethylene microplastics and copper co-exposure.

This study examines the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) and copper (Cu2+) on the immune and oxidative response of Litopenaeus vannamei. PE-MP adsorbed with Cu2+ at 2.3, 6.8, and 16.8 ng (g shrimp)-1) were injected into L. vannamei. Over 14 days, survival rates were monitored, and immune and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. The results showed that combined exposure to PE-MP and Cu2+ significantly reduced the survival rate and decreased total haemocyte count. Immune-related parameters (phagocytic rate, phenoloxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and antioxidant-related parameters (SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase mRNA and enzyme) also decreased, while respiratory burst activity significantly increased, indicating immune and antioxidant system disruption. Additionally, there was a significant increase in oxidative stress, as measured by malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological analysis revealed severe muscle, hepatopancreas, and gill damage. These results suggest that simultaneous exposure to PE-MP and Cu2+ poses greater health risks to white shrimp.

Nano titanium dioxide alleviates the toxic effects of tris (2-chloropropyl) phosphate on the digestive gland and hemolymph of thick-shell mussel Mytilus coruscus.

In the marine environment, nanoparticles play a role in adsorbing and catalytically degrading organic pollutants, thereby mitigating their toxic effects on aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the impact of nano titanium dioxide (nTiO2) and tris (2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) on the hemolymph and digestive function of the thick-shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. Mussels were divided into a control group, a group exposed to TCPP alone, a group exposed to a combination of TCPP and 0.5 mg/L nTiO2, and a group exposed to a combination of TCPP and 1 mg/L nTiO2. After 14 days of exposure, oxidative stress responses, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, immune defense responses, including acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities, and gene expression, including HSP70 expression, were measured in the hemolymph and digestive glands of the mussels. Compared to the control group, mussels solely exposed to 100 µg/L TCPP exhibited a significant reduction in SOD activity in the hemolymph. When TCPP was co-exposed with 0.5 mg/L nTiO2, there were significant increases in MDA content and AKP activity in both the digestive gland and hemolymph compared to the control group. Upon co-exposure of TCPP with 1 mg/L nTiO2, MDA content and AKP activity in the digestive gland significantly decreased, while SOD, ACP, and AKP activity in the hemolymph significantly increased and MDA content significantly decreased, returning to the control group levels. Furthermore, in the combined exposure, HSP70 gene expression significantly decreased as the nTiO2 concentration increased from 0.5 mg/L to 1 mg/L. In summary, TCPP impacted the hemolymph and digestive function of mussels, whereas a concentration of 1 mg/L nTiO2 effectively alleviated the toxic effects of TCPP. This study is crucial for assessing the ecological risks of nanoparticles and emerging organic pollutants in marine environments, and provides new insights into the interaction between nTiO2 and TCPP, as well as the influence of nTiO2 concentration on mitigating TCPP toxicity.