Association of Vegetable and Fruit Consumption with Urinary Oxidative Biomarkers in Teenaged Girls: A School-Based Pilot Study in Japan.

Hexanoyl-lysine (HEL), 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and dityrosine (DT) have served as potential biomarkers for detecting oxidative modified lipids, DNA, and proteins in biological samples, respectively. Whether regular higher levels of consumption of vegetables/fruit (V/F) would decrease oxidative modification of these biomolecules in the body remain unelucidated. To examine the association of regular V/F consumption with the generation of these reactive oxygen species-induced biomarkers, this study evaluated V/F consumption in a school-based sample of teenaged girls (mean age 15.6 ± 1.7 years, n = 103), and quantified the formation of oxidative stress biomarkers in their urine. Only 19.4% and 23.3% of participants reported that they consumed the recommended daily amount of vegetables and fruits, respectively. Individuals who consumed lower levels of fruit (<100g/day) or vegetables (<250g/day) had significantly higher HEL excretion in their urine than those who consumed higher levels of fruit (≥100g/day) (p < 0.05) or vegetables (≥250g/day) (p = 0.057). The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that vegetable consumption was an important inhibiting factor of early lipid peroxidation measured as HEL in urine, independent of various confounders (ß = - 0.332, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that relatively higher consumption of vegetables would help in the prevention of early lipid peroxidation in adolescents.

Microwave Irradiation: Effects on the Change of Colour Characteristics and Main Phenolic Compounds of Cabernet Gernischt Dry Red Wine during Storage.

Wine colour is an essential organoleptic property considered by consumers. In this paper, the potential effects on colour characteristics and the content of main phenolic compounds in red wine under microwave irradiation were investigated during wine storage. The results showed that the changing trend of colour characteristics of microwave-treated and untreated wines was very similar. Moreover, total phenolic compounds, total monomeric anthocyanins, main anthocyanins, main flavonoids, and main phenolic acids (gallic acid; caffeic acid; syringic acid; (+)-catechin; Cy-3-glu; Mv-3-glu) also showed similar change trends during storage. In other words, microwave irradiation had a long-term effect on the colour properties and main phenolic compounds of red wine, changes that require long-time aging in traditional processing. In terms of the studied parameters, the changes in microwave-treated wine were faster than those in untreated wine. These results showed that microwave technology, as a promising artificial aging technology, could in a short time produce red wine of similar quality to traditional aging.

Analysis of chemical compounds and toxicological evaluation of Forsythia suspensa leaves tea.

To determine the compositions of Forsythia suspensa leaves tea (FSLT) and its safety, the chemical compounds were analysed with some methods, and the toxicity was evaluated in Kunming mice and Wistar rats. The results showed that FSLT contained rich flavonoid, lignans, triperpene acids, amino acids, and mineral elements. In the acute toxicity study, none of the mice died, and no obvious poisoning symptoms were observed after 14 days in mice at the dose of 15 mg/g·body weight (bw) FSLT; in the sub-chronic toxicity, no abnormal or dead rat was found at the dose of 1, 3, and 10 mg/g·bw during 90 days feeding administration; there was no significant difference in bw and food consumption; no significant differences were found in each hematology and serum biochemistry parameter and organ/body weight ratio comparing with the control experimental group. The results revealed that the FSLT has low or no toxicity via oral administration. Therefore, FSLT is very suitable and safe to be used as a new resource food.

Psychosocial Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Japanese Adolescents: A School-Based Study in Japan.

A few studies in Japan have demonstrated positive attitudes, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barrier were associated with fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in adults; however, limited evidence addresses the association of psychosocial factors with F&V intake in adolescents. A cross-sectional study through a questionnaire survey was conducted at junior and senior high schools, and 933 students completed the questionnaire. Data were analyzed by X2 test and Student t-test. The findings demonstrated 2.7% of participants were aware of the current recommendations for vegetable and 2.0% for fruit. Only 4% and 8.1% of participants reported they consumed recommended amount of vegetables and fruits. In comparison with males, females showed higher scores of attitude (p < 0.01), responsibility (p < 0.01), and social support (p < 0.01). The barriers to vegetable intake were "I'm eating enough now", "not always available when eating away from home"; the barriers to fruit intake were "don't have a habit of having 100% juice or fruit in the morning", and "cost too much". The findings suggest the change of adolescents' knowledge about what they should eat is needed in boosting F&V consumption. The development of an intervention program for adolescents needs to target socio-environmental factors such as family support, and nutritional education for early healthy habit formation.

Effects of a Forest Walk on Urinary Dityrosine and Hexanoyl-Lysine in Young People: A Pilot Study.

A few studies indicate exposure to forests may alleviate oxidative stress in the body. However, more evidence is needed to support this potentiality. The purpose of the current study aimed at examining whether there is any difference in urinary levels of oxidatively modified proteins or lipids-dityrosine (DT) and hexanoyl-lysine (HEL), respectively, after a forest or urban walk. The study was performed on 29 university students who took part in forest walks (Shinjo Village) in Okayama Prefecture of Japan and on 42 university students who took part in urban walks in the downtown area of Okayama City. Urine samples before and after the walks were analyzed for DT and HEL excretion. Air phytoncides during the walks were also measured. We found a decreased tendency in urinary DT and HEL (p < 0.05) in most participants after the forest walks, but not after the urban walks. We further found the total levels of air phytoncides in the forest field were 1.50 times higher compared with those in the urban field. This study suggests the possibility that regular immersion in a forest environment might contribute toward weakening of the oxidative modifications of proteins or lipids in the body.

Screening of cardioprotective diseases bioactive components from Danshen extracts and LC-MS analysis.

A rapid and efficient analysis and screening method is adopted for cell affinity capture coupled with HPLC-MS (CAC-HPLC-MS) analysis of bioactive components that have possible efficiency against cardiovascular diseases. This method involves affinity capture, concentration, and separation of bioactive components from Danshen library using oxidatively damaged endothelial cells induced by H2 O2 , as well as analysis and identification of targeted compounds with HPLC and MS. It combines the specific interaction between cell membrane receptors and bioactive components with the powerful analysis and identification function of HPLC-MS. The CAC-HPLC-MS method was also used for analysis and screening of bioactive components from crude extracts of Danshen. A total of 19 components were found to be bound to oxidatively damaged endothelial cells with seven of these identified. Existing literature confirms that these seven components have many activities related to cardioprotective diseases. Therefore, the combination of biological affinity capture with HPLC-MS should be regarded as an attractive method with great potential for rapid and efficient screening of bioactive components related to anti-cardiovascular diseases from natural product libraries.

Effect of hydrogen peroxide on normal and acatalasemic mouse erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVES: Normal and acatalasemic mouse erythrocytes were used to clarify the relationship between oxidative damage in H2O2-treated erythrocytes and catalase activity. DESIGN & METHODS: Generation of hydrolysis-resistant erythrocytes and hemolysis were examined. The osmotic fragility test, the negative charges and the number of membrane-flickering erythrocytes among the H2O2-treated erythrocytes were investigated. RESULTS: Small amounts of hydrolysis-resistant mouse erythrocytes were generated by treatment with 0.1 mM H2O2, and the amount of acatalasemic erythrocytes was larger than untreated controls. Hemolysis in the acatalasemic erythrocytes was observed 30 min after the addition of the H2O2. A drastic increase in hydrolysis-resistant erythrocytes and a loss of membrane proteins in the acatalasemic erythrocytes were found as a result of the addition of 1 mM H2O2. Hemolysis in normal erythrocytes was observed at 3 mM H2O2. CONCLUSIONS: Catalase is a potent H2O2-scavenger even in acatalasemic mouse erythrocytes. It is concluded that the drastic increase of hydrolysis-resistant erythrocytes is induced by a loss of membrane function and is associated with the low catalase activity in these cells.

Changes in Urinary Hydrogen Peroxide and 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine Levels after a Forest Walk: A Pilot Study.

Some studies have shown that exposure to forests has positive effects on human health, although the mechanisms underlying the health benefits of a forest environment have not been elucidated yet. The current study was aimed at examining how the levels of urinary hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) change after a forest or urban walk in healthy subjects. Twenty-eight volunteers (19 men and 9 women) participated in the study. The forest walks were carried out in a forest in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, and the urban walks (15 men and 7 women) were carried out in the downtown area of Okayama city, each for two hours. Spot urine samples were collected before the walk, the next day and one week after the forest or urban walk. Compared with pre-forest walk levels, urinary H2O2 (p < 0.1) and 8-OHdG (p < 0.1) concentrations significantly decreased in the participants the day after the forest walk; furthermore, urinary 8-OHdG remained at a low level even at one week after the forest walk (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in the concentrations of these oxidative biomarkers after the urban walk. These findings suggest the possibility that exposure to forests may alleviate oxidative stress in the body.

Psychosocial Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in a Japanese Population.

There is limited evidence in Japan regarding the psychosocial determinants of fruit/vegetable intake. We performed a cross-sectional study of people aged 18 years or older in four regions of Japan; 2308 (men: 1012, women: 1296) individuals who completed the questionnaires were included. We found that 24.8% of people were aware of the current recommendations for vegetables and 13.2% for fruit and that "ability to design meals" and "availability when eating outside of the home" were the most important factors related to self-efficacy and barriers to fruit and vegetable intake, respectively. People with high self-efficacy (OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.17, 4.60 for fruit; OR: 4.52; 95% CI: 3.08, 6.64 for vegetables) were more likely to consume more fruit and vegetables. People with high scores on attitude (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.24) and social support (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.27) were more likely to consume more fruit. People with high perceived barriers (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.98) were less likely to consume fruit. This study suggests a need to increase the general population's awareness of the fruit and vegetable intake recommendations; facilitating positive attitudes, self-efficacy, and social support for individuals and strengthening the ability of individuals to design meals with more vegetables and fruit might be useful intervention programs.

The influence of lifestyle on the incidence of dental caries among 3-year-old Japanese children.

The present cohort study examined how lifestyle, household environment, and caries activity test score of Japanese children at age 1.5 years affected their dental caries incidence at age 3. Inclusion criteria were 1.5-year-old children with no dental caries. Dental examinations were performed for 33,655 children who participated in routine dental examinations at 1.5 years of age, and the exam was repeated approximately 21 months later (at age 3) at the Kobe City Public Health Center in Japan. After excluding 622 children who had caries at age 1.5 and 1831 children with missing lifestyle and household environment data in the questionnaires, the final data analysis was performed on a total of 31,202 children (16,052 boys, 15,150 girls).The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated a strong association of the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages/snacks, less frequent tooth brushing by the parents, lack of fluoride varnish, family history of smoking, with the risk of developing dental caries. A child's late bedtime is also one of the major risk factors for dental caries development. Further investigation is needed to examine whether the short duration or the irregularity of the sleep-wake cycle would affect early childhood oral health and whether there is a relationship between late bedtime and late night snack intake.

Association of dietary fat and carbohydrate consumption and predicted ten-year risk for developing coronary heart disease in a general Japanese population.

We examined the relationships between dietary carbohydrate, protein, fat, and the ratio of n6/n3 fatty acid intakes with the predicted 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in a general Japanese population. We used the Framingham risk score to determine the 10-year CHD risk of the subjects, who were employees of 6 companies in a single prefecture in Japan. After excluding the subjects who reported any history of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, diabetes, or cancer, and those with missing data resulting in the inability of estimation of 10-year CHD risk and food intakes, the final data analysis was carried out for 809 subjects. The logistic regression models revealed a significantly increased odds ratio of 10-year CHD risk in the subjects with the highest tertile of carbohydrate intake (% energy) (odds ratio 3.64, 95% CI, 2.07-6.40); after adjustment for other variables, the odds ratio for the 10-year CHD risk was also higher in the subjects with the highest tertile of carbohydrate intake (odds ratio 1.72, 95% CI, 0.70-4.25). We also found that fat intake and the ratio of n6/n3 fatty acids were inversely associated with the predicted 10-year CHD risk (p for trend<0.01). The present findings added evidence of a positive association of dietary carbohydrate and inverse associations of total fat and n6/n3 fatty acid ratio with the predicted 10-year CHD risk in a general Japanese population.

Comparison of serum ferritin and oxidative stress biomarkers between Japanese workers with and without metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is closely associated to life-style and is characterized by central obesity causing severe diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) or atherosclerosis. This study investigates the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in MS. SUBJECTS: Total of 685 workers stratified by gender (293 men and 392 women) with a mean age of 41.2 ± 10.4 in different offices in a city in Japan. METHODS: Fasting blood and urine tests for MS, oxidative and/or inflammatory biomarker analysis and blood pressure (BP) measurement were performed. MS was defined on the basis of the Japanese criterion. RESULTS: Serum ferritin and urinary hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were significantly higher in subjects with MS than those without. Ferritin was positively correlated with 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in all subjects and it was negatively correlated with 8-isoprostane and H2O2 in men. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between ferritin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R) in men. By using multiple regression analysis, ferritin was closely correlated with HOMA-R, γ-GT, 8-OHdG, smoking value and amount of alcohol ingestion in men, and it was correlated with 8-OHdG, γ-GT, HOMA-R in women under 50 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Ferritin is a useful marker of MS including insulin resistance, reflecting the importance of oxidative stress as a cause of MS, especially in men.

Allergic airway inflammation by nasal inoculation of particulate matter (PM2.5) in NC/Nga mice.

To evaluate the effect of airborne particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in winter on airway inflammation, water-soluble supernatant (Sup) and water-insoluble precipitate (Pre) in PM2.5 were inoculated in NC/Nga mice with high sensitivity to mite allergens. Sup with aluminum oxide was injected intraperitoneally for sensitization. Five days later, Sup, Pre or both Sup and Pre were inoculated via the nasal route five times for more sensitization and a challenge inoculation on the 11th day in NC/Nga mice. On the 12th day, mice were examined for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), BALF cell count and IL-1ß concentration, mRNA expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, chemokines such as eotaxin 1 and eotaxin 2, inflammasomal complex molecules such as IL-1ß, caspase 1 and the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue as well as histopathology. The synergistic effect of Sup and Pre was observed in terms of increases in AHR, BALF cells, the mRNA expression of IL-13, eotaxin1 and IL-1ß, and the IL-1ß concentration in BALF. Intracellular deposits of insoluble particulates were observed in macrophages around inflammatory granulation of the mouse group treated with Sup and Pre. These results suggest that PM2.5 can induce airway hyperresponsiveness in mice with genetically high sensitivity to mite allergens by an inflammasome-associated mechanism and synergistic action of insoluble particulates and soluble components.

Associations of serum retinol, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol with biomarkers among healthy Japanese men.

Retinol, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol are fat-soluble vitamins acting as antioxidants via the prevention of lipid oxidation. Little is known about circulatory levels in healthy individuals. The present cross-sectional study aimed at elucidating the relationship between these antioxidants and clinical biomarkers in 206 male (median age 41 years, range 23-67) employees from companies located in the Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Subjects younger than 40 years (n = 94) showed a positive association of the frequency of alcohol consumption with the circulating retinol (ß = 0.344, p = 0.001) and γ-tocopherol levels (ß = 0.219, p = 0.041), and an inverse association of fast insulin with serum retinol (ß = -0.301, p = 0.009). In participants older than 40 years (n = 112) we found that an inverse association of HOMA-R with serum retinol (ß = -0.262, p = 0.021), α-tocopherol (ß = -0.236, p = 0.035), and γ-tocopherol levels (ß = -0.224, p = 0.052); and cigarette smoking was inversely associated with the levels of serum α-tocopherol (ß = -0.286, p = 0.008) and γ-tocopherol (ß = -0.229, p = 0.040). We further found negative relationships between serum ferritin and the retinol (ß = -0.211, p = 0.032) and α-tocopherol levels (ß = -0.223, p = 0.022) in men over 40 years of age. The present study suggests that the circulatory levels of antioxidant vitamins may modulate the action of insulin and that higher levels of iron might decrease the levels of antioxidant vitamins in the blood.

Evaluation of serum arginase I as an oxidative stress biomarker in a healthy Japanese population using a newly established ELISA.

OBJECTIVE: We reported previously that serum arginase I increased in asthmatic patients and was associated with oxidative stress in a small healthy population. However, the exact association of arginase I with oxidative stress is not known. The present study aimed to analyze the association of arginase I with oxidative stress in a larger healthy population by a newly established ELISA. DESIGN AND METHODS: The new ELISA for the measurement of human arginase I was established by generating recombinant arginase I protein in human arginase I gene-transfected Escherichia coli via an ARG1 cDNA fragment-inserted vector and -specific antibody in rabbits. Serum arginase I was evaluated in a cross-sectional study on a healthy population (n=721) by comparing a commercial ELISA kit with the new ELISA. RESULTS: The mean levels of serum arginase I were 20.3 ± 0.7 ng/mL and 4.7 ± 0.2 ng/mL using the commercial ELISA kit and the new ELISA, respectively. Arginase I was correlated with WBC, RBC, hs-CRP, 8-OHdG, HDL-c, ALT, and BMI. Logistic regression analysis showed independent positive associations of arginase I with WBC, RBC, and urinary 8-OHdG and inverse independent associations with serum insulin and age. The association of arginase I with hs-CRP was not independent. CONCLUSION: The independent associations of arginase I with urinary 8-OHdG and serum insulin may reflect its involvement in oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus.

Relationship between ceruloplasmin and oxidative biomarkers including ferritin among healthy Japanese.

Serum ceruloplasmin (CP), a marker relevant to copper metabolism, is one of famous inflammation markers with a reduction in Wilson's disease, whereas serum ferritin is a marker relevant to iron metabolism. Recently, ferritin is pointed out to be related with oxidative stress. However, there is still no population research which showed the relation of CP and ferritin. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between CP and ferritin including oxidative stress biomarkers among healthy Japanese (n = 389). We measured serum CP, ferritin, Fe, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and urinary oxidative stress biomarkers [H2O2, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-isoprostane] and so on. Subjects showed that age; 41.7 ± 10.0 (year), CP; 31.9 ± 6.8 (mg/dl), ferritin; 123.5 ± 121.0 (ng/ml), hs-CRP; 0.89 ± 2.53 (mg/l), 8-OHdG; 10.2 ± 4.4 [ng/mg creatinine (Cre)] and H2O2; 6.5 ± 10.9 (µM/g Cre), (All data mentioned above were expressed as mean ± SD). CP was significantly and positively correlated with hs-CRP and inversely correlated with ferritin, Fe and 8-OHdG. By a multiple logistic regression analysis, odds ratio of CP according to quartiles of hs-CRP was 4.86, and according to quartiles of 8-OHdG was 0.39 after adjusting for age and other confounding factors. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CP was an antioxidative biomarker which controls oxidative stress, whereas ferritin was a marker which may participate in the generation of oxidative stress.

Effect of vitamin E on alloxan-induced mouse diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Alloxan generates hydrogen peroxide in the body, and a small amount of alloxan administered to acatalasemic mice results in diabetes. D-α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) is an antioxidant which helps prevent excess oxidation in the body. In this study, we examined the effect of vitamin E on diabetes caused by alloxan administration in mice. METHODS: Mice were maintained on a vitamin E-deprived diet and supplemented diet, respectively, for 14 weeks. Alloxan was then intraperitoneally administered, and blood glucose, glucose tolerance and the insulin level in mouse blood were examined. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia was observed in the mice maintained on the vitamin E-deprived diet. The incidence of hyperglycemia in the mice maintained on the vitamin E-deprived diet was significantly higher than that in the mice maintained on the supplemented diet. The abnormal glucose metabolism caused by alloxan administration was ameliorated by the vitamin E-supplemented diet. CONCLUSIONS: It is deduced that vitamin E can prevent a decrease of insulin concentration in the blood in this mouse model.

Resveratrol inhibited hydroquinone-induced cytotoxicity in mouse primary hepatocytes.

Hydroquinone (1,4-benzenediol) has been widely used in clinical situations and the cosmetic industry because of its depigmenting effects. Most skin-lightening hydroquinone creams contain 4%-5% hydroquinone. We have investigated the role of resveratrol in prevention of hydroquinone induced cytotoxicity in mouse primary hepatocytes. We found that 400 µM hydroquinone exposure alone induced apoptosis of the cells and also resulted in a significant drop of cell viability compared with the control, and pretreatment of resveratrol to a final concentration of 0.5 mM 1 h before hydroquinone exposure did not show a significant improvement in the survival rate of the hepatocytes, however, relatively higher concentrations of resveratrol (≥1 mM) inhibited apoptosis of the mouse primary hepatocytes and increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and in particular the survival rate of the hepatocytes was recovered from 28% to near 100% by 5 mM resveratrol. Interestingly, pretreatment with resveratrol for longer time (24 h), even in very low concentrations (50 µM, 100 µM), blocked the damage of hydroquinone to the cells. We also observed that resveratrol pretreatment suppressed hydroquinone-induced expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 mRNA dose-dependently. The present study suggests that resveratrol protected the cells against hydroquinone-induced toxicity through its antioxidant function and possibly suppressive effect on the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1.

Relation of prenatal and postnatal status to calcaneus quantitative ultrasound in adolescents.

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship of prenatal and/or postnatal factors, including acquired factors, with the calcaneus stiffness index as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS-SI) in adolescents. We recruited 1,143 adolescents with a mean age of 14.8 ± 1.8 years (501 boys and 642 girls). The subjects' calcaneus QUS-SI was measured using an ultrasound bone densitometer. We also measured the subjects' height, weight, and grip strength. Data on prenatal and postnatal factors were obtained from maternal and child health handbooks. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to obtain information on subjects' secondary sexual characteristics and lifestyle factors. We found that maternal weight gain during pregnancy was independently associated with calcaneus QUS-SI in girls, and that grip strength was also significantly associated with calcaneus QUS-SI in both sexes. The present findings suggest that excessive restriction of maternal weight gain would have a negative effect on the calcaneus QUS-SI of girls, and that exercise and strength-building activities are likely to result in a higher calcaneus QUS-SI in both sexes of adolescents.

Acatalasemic mice are mildly susceptible to adriamycin nephropathy and exhibit increased albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Catalase is an important antioxidant enzyme that regulates the level of intracellular hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. The effects of catalase deficiency on albuminuria and progressive glomerulosclerosis have not yet been fully elucidated. The adriamycin (ADR) nephropathy model is considered to be an experimental model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. A functional catalase deficiency was hypothesized to exacerbate albuminuria and the progression of glomerulosclerosis in this model. METHODS: ADR was intravenously administered to both homozygous acatalasemic mutant mice (C3H/AnLCs(b)Cs(b)) and control wild-type mice (C3H/AnLCs(a)Cs(a)). The functional and morphological alterations of the kidneys, including albuminuria, renal function, podocytic, glomerular and tubulointerstitial injuries, and the activities of catalase were then compared between the two groups up to 8 weeks after disease induction. Moreover, the presence of a mutation of the toll-like receptor 4 (tlr4) gene, which was previously reported in the C3H/HeJ strain, was investigated in both groups. RESULTS: The ADR-treated mice developed significant albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis, and the degree of these conditions in the ADR-treated acatalasemic mice was higher than that in the wild-type mice. ADR induced progressive renal fibrosis, renal atrophy and lipid peroxide accumulation only in the acatalasemic mice. In addition, the level of catalase activity was significantly lower in the kidneys of the acatalasemic mice than in the wild-type mice during the experimental period. The catalase activity increased after ADR injection in wild-type mice, but the acatalasemic mice did not have the ability to increase their catalase activity under oxidative stress. The C3H/AnL strain was found to be negative for the tlr4 gene mutation. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that catalase deficiency plays an important role in the progression of renal injury in the ADR nephropathy model.