Effects of astaxanthin on biochemical and histopathological parameters related to oxidative stress on testes of rats on high fructose regime.

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a xanthophyll family of hydroxycarotenoids which contains several double bonds. It is produced by Haemococcus pluvialis, a microalgae and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to test whether ASX could protect against oxidative damage in the testicular tissues of rats receiving high fructose. The rats (n = 24) were randomly divided into two main groups: control and fructose (30%, via drinking water) and then each main group either not supplemented or supplemented with ASX (1 mg kg-1 day-1 , within 0.2 ml olive oil) via oral gavage. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA. High fructose consumption tended to increase testis weight and serum testosterone concentration and decreased testicular tissue glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, but did not affect testicular tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Astaxanthin administration increased testosterone, GST and SOD levels and testis weight and decreased MDA concentration. However, ASX administration did not reverse alterations in antioxidant parameters caused by high fructose consumption. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) tended to increase in sertoli cell, spermatid and spermatogonia, but not in spermatocytes and leydig cell in response to high fructose consumption. Astaxanthin administration tended to reverse elevation in iNOS in testis cells. In conclusion, ASX could help alleviate oxidative damage caused by high fructose consumption.

The effect of sulforaphane on oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with toxic hepatitis induced by acetaminophene.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to reveal the possible effect of sulforaphane on oxidative stress and inflammation in rats liver with toxic hepatitis induced by acetaminophene. BACKGROUND: Sulforaphane is a compound with high antioxidant properties. Acetaminophen, which is a para-aminophenol derivative, can lead to fatal hepatic necrosis with direct hepatotoxic effects at high doses. METHODS: Thirty six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Control group (n = 9) was fed with standard rat chow and water for 3 days. Group APAP (n = 9) received a single dose acetaminophen 1 g/kg by oral gavage in addition to standard chow and water. Group SFN (n = 9) received sulforaphane 500 µg/kg by oral gavage in addition to standard chow and water for 3 days. Group APAP+SFN (n = 9) received sulforaphane 500 µg/kg and a single dose acetaminophen 1 g/kg by oral gavage in addition to standard chow and water. Acetaminophen was administered three hours after SFN administration. RESULTS: Neopterin, MDA, AST, ALT and CRP levels of group APAP were significantly increased compared to control group. GSH level of group APAP was significantly lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Sulforaphane is a protective agent against acetaminophen-induced liver damage and it can be added in the treatment protocol (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 51).

Comparison of the effects of dietary supplementation of flavonoids on laying hen performance, egg quality and egg nutrient profile.

1. The aim of this experiment was to compare the effects of dietary supplementation of hesperidin, naringin and quercetin on laying hen performance, egg quality and egg yolk lipid and protein profiles. 2. A total of 96 Lohmann White laying hens weighing an average of 1500 g at 28 weeks of age were randomly assigned to a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented (0.5 g/kg) with either hesperidin, naringin or quercetin. Each treatment was replicated in 6 cages in an 8-week experimental period. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. 3. None of the dietary flavonoids affected laying performance and eggshell quality. Hesperidin and quercetin supplementations decreased albumen and yolk indexes. 4. As compared to the control group, egg yolk cholesterol content decreased and egg yolk protein content increased in response to dietary hesperidin and quercetin supplementation. The mean egg yolk cholesterol (mg/g) and protein (g/100 g) contents were 10.08/14.28, 16.12/14.08, 14.75/15.04 and 15.15/14.85 for the control group and groups supplemented with naringin, hesperidin and quercetin, respectively. 5. Egg yolk lipid and protein profiles were variable. 6. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of hesperidin or quercetin could be used in the diets during the early laying period to reduce egg yolk cholesterol and increase egg yolk protein, which may be attractive to consumers.