The Beneficial Effect of Anthocyanidin‐Rich Vitis vinifera L. Grape Skin Extract on Metabolic Changes Induced by High‐Fat Diet in Mice Involves Antiinflammatory and Antioxidant Actions

We hypothesized that a polyphenol‐rich extract from Vitis vinifera L. grape skin (GSE) may exert beneficial effects on obesity and related metabolic disorders induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD). C57/BL6 mice were fed a standard diet (10% fat, control, and GSE groups) or an HFD (60% fat, high fat (HF), and HF + GSE) with or without GSE (200 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. GSE prevented weight gain; dyslipidemia; insulin resistance; the alterations in plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin; and the deregulation of leptin and adiponectin expression in adipose tissue. These beneficial effects of GSE may be related to a positive modulation of insulin signaling proteins (IR, pIRS, PI3K, pAKT), pAMPK/AMPK ratio, and GLUT4 expression in muscle and adipose tissue. In addition, GSE prevented the oxidative damage, evidenced by the restoration of antioxidant activity and decrease of malondialdehyde and carbonyl levels in muscle and adipose tissue. Finally, GSE showed an anti‐inflammatory action, evidenced by the reduced plasma and adipose tissue inflammatory markers (TNF‐α, IL‐6). Our results suggest that GSE prevented the obesity and related metabolic disorders in HF‐fed mice by regulating insulin sensitivity and GLUT4 expression as well as by preventing the oxidative stress and inflammation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Beneficial effects of quercetin on sperm parameters in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male rats

Quercetin (QR) is a strong antioxidant and has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the long‐term treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes in animal models. Antioxidants have significant effects on spermatogenesis, sperm biology and oxidative stress, and changes in antioxidant capacity are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetes mellitus. The present study aims to examine the influence of QR on spermatogenesis in STZ‐induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. Animals (n = 50) were allocated into five groups: Group 1: Control rats given 0.5 ml of 20% glycerol in 0.9% normal saline. Group 2: Control rats given buffer (pH4.0).Group 3: diabetic controls. Group 4: rats given QR 15 mg/kg/day (i.p.). Group 5: STZ + QR rats. Animals were kept in standard conditions. At the end of the experiment (28th day), blood samples were taken for determination of testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and levels of malondialdehyde and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein. All rats were euthanized, testes were dissected out and spermatozoa were collected from the epididymis for analysis. Sperm numbers, percentages of sperm viability and motility, and total serum testosterone increased significantly in QR‐treated diabetic rats (P < 0.05) compared with control groups. In histopathology, degeneration and inflammation in testes cells associated with diabetes were improved and testes weights in the QR‐treated diabetic group decreased significantly in comparison with controls (P < 0.05). We conclude that QR has significant beneficial effects on the sperm viability, motility, and serum total testosterone and could be effective for maintaining healthy sperm parameters and male reproductive function in diabetic rats. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Grape seed extract Vitis vinifera protects against radiation‐induced oxidative damage and metabolic disorders in rats

Whole body exposure to ionizing radiation induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different tissues provoking oxidative damage, organ dysfunction and metabolic disturbances. The present study was designed to determine the possible protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE), rich in proanthocyanidins against γ‐radiation‐induced oxidative stress in heart and pancreas tissues associated with serum metabolic disturbances. Irradiated rats were whole body exposed to 5 Gy γ‐radiation. GSE‐treated irradiated rats received 100 mg GSE/kg/day, by gavage, for 14 days before irradiation. The animals were killed on days 1, 14 and 28 after irradiation. Significant decreases of SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px activities associated with significant increases of TBARS levels were recorded in both tissues after irradiation. GSE administration pre‐irradiation significantly attenuated the radiation‐induced oxidative stress in heart tissues which was substantiated by a significant amelioration of serum LDH, CPK and AST activities. GSE treatment also attenuated the oxidative stress in pancreas tissues which was associated with a significant improvement in radiation‐induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that GSE would protect the heart and pancreas tissues from oxidative damage induced by ionizing irradiation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the antioxidant and the reactive oxygen species, which results in damage to cells or tissues. Recent studies have reported that oxidative stress is involved in obesity, in addition to many other human diseases and aging. A prospective, randomized, double‐blind study was performed to investigate the effect of astaxanthin (ASX), which is known to be a potent antioxidant, on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults in Korea. Twenty‐three adults with BMI > 25.0 kg/m² enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to two dose groups: ASX 5 mg and 20 mg once daily for 3 weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA), isoprostane (ISP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as oxidative stress biomarkers, were measured at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 weeks after ASX administration. Compared with baseline, the MDA (by 34.6% and 35.2%) and ISP (by 64.9% and 64.7%) levels were significantly lowered, whereas SOD (by 193% and 194%) and TAC (by 121% and 125%) levels were significantly increased in two dose groups after the 3 week intervention. This study revealed that supplemental ASX for 3 weeks improved oxidative stress biomarkers by suppressing lipid peroxidation and stimulating the activity of the antioxidant defense system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antioxidant effect of beta-carotene on hypoxia induced oxidative stress in male albino rats.

Hypoxia is known to induce oxidative stress in organisms leading to tissue injury. In the present study beta-carotene (BC) given at 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) in reducing the oxidative stress induced by hypoxia was evaluated on male albino rats. Hypoxia exposure caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and tissues, a concurrent decrease in blood glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), plasma protein and plasma BC content. Hemoglobin concentration, Red blood corpuscles (RBC) and White blood corpuscles (WBC) count were also increased under hypoxia. BC supplementation reversed the trend, inducing a significant decrease (P<0.05) in MDA and subsequent increase in plasma and tissue GSH levels in animals exposed to hypoxia. Blood GPx and plasma protein also increased significantly in BC supplemented animals. BC supplementation did not alter the changes in Hb concentration, RBC and WBC count. BC has potent antioxidant activities in reducing the oxidative stress induced by hypobaric hypoxia.     

Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed residues in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

An extract of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed residues has been shown to possess hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties in normal mice. The present study investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of seabuckthorn seed residues (ASSR) on serum glucose, lipid profiles and antioxidant parameters in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a normal control group; diabetic control group; diabetic groups supplemented with 5 mg/kg body weight glibenclamide (reference drug) and 400 mg/kg body weight ASSR. Diabetes in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight). Vehicle (distilled water), glibenclamide and ASSR were administered orally to normal and diabetic rats once a day lasting for 4 weeks. The data showed that administration of ASSR significantly lowered the serum glucose, triglyceride and nitric oxide levels in diabetic rats. Moreover, ASSR treatment also increased serum superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione level markedly. These results show that ASSR has hypoglycemic, hypotriglyceridemic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, suggesting that ASSR supplementation can be useful in preventing diabetic complications associated with hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of lycopene supplement on the spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress in infertile men: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Infertility is a major, worldwide problem that is affected, and mediated, by several factors, in particular, oxidative stress. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on spermatogram and seminal oxidative stress. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial study, 44 infertile men with oligozoospermia were randomly divided into two groups: The experimental group was supplemented with 25 mg of lycopene, and the control group received placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, physical activity and dietary assessment, semen analysis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention. At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in total sperm count and concentration in the lycopene group, and the latter total count remained significant after adjustment (p < .05). Intragroup analysis showed a significant increase in ejaculate volume, total sperm count, concentration total motility, nonprogressive, and nonmotility in lycopene group (p < .05). The TAC changes, in both groups, remained significant after adjustment (p < .05). Also, within‐group analysis showed a significant increase in TAC levels (p < .05). Lycopene supplement can improve sperm parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in oligozoospermia infertile men; however, further studies with larger sample size and duration are required.     

Protective action of aqueous black tea (Camellia sinensis) extract (BTE) against ovariectomy‐induced oxidative stress of mononuclear cells and its associated progression of bone loss

The protective action of aqueous black tea extract (BTE) against ovariectomy‐induced oxidative stress of mononuclear cells and its associated progression of bone loss was demonstrated in this study. Eighteen female adult 6‐month‐old Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham‐control (A), bilaterally ovariectomized (B) and bilaterally ovariectomized + BTE supplemented (C). Studies included the measurement of oxidative (nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation) and antioxidative (superoxide dismutase, catalase) markers, inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, TNF‐α), osteoclast differentiation factor (RANKL) and bone resorption markers (tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and hydroxyproline). Also quantitative histomorphometry and histological studies were undertaken. The bone breaking force was measured. The results indicate that BTE was effective in preserving and restoring skeletal health by reducing the number of active osteoclasts. Such changes with BTE supplementation were steadily linked with the reduced oxidative stress of mononuclear cells, serum levels of bone resorbing cytokines, osteoclast differentiation factor and resorption markers. The results of the bone breaking force, histological and histomorphometric analyses further supported the hypothesis. This study suggests that BTE has both protective and restorative actions against ovariectomy‐induced mononuclear cell oxidative stress and associated bone loss. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

大黄素通过减轻氧化应激和肝细胞凋亡对脂多糖诱导急性肝损伤的保护机制研究＊

目的 观察大黄素对脂多糖（lipopolysaccharide，LPS）诱导的急性肝损伤大鼠的影响，并探讨其可能的作用机制。方法 40只雄性清洁级SD大鼠随机分为空白组（Control），模型组（Model）、大黄素低浓度组（Emodin L），大黄素高浓度组（Emodin H），每组10只。除空白组，其他组均腹腔注射LPS建立急性肝损伤模型，造模后四组均给予正常食水，另大黄素低浓度组给予浓度为20 mg·kg^-1的大黄素（ig，bid），大黄素高浓度给予浓度为40 mg·kg^-1的大黄素（ig，bid），空白组及模型组给予等体积蒸馏水（ig，bid），苏木精-伊红（HE）染色观察大鼠肝组织病理变化，大鼠血清中天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）、丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）的变化，大鼠肝脏中氧化应激指标谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和丙二醛（MDA），运用脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记法（TUNEL）检测肝细胞凋亡情况，免疫荧光标记法（IF）观察促凋亡相关因子半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3（Caspase-3）的表达。免疫印迹试验（Western Blot）检测抗凋亡因子中B淋巴细胞瘤-2基因Bcl-2、促凋亡因子中抑癌基因p53的蛋白表达。结果 与Control组相比，LPS腹腔注射可以导致大鼠肝脏病理性损伤和肝功能异常，致使肝脏氧化应激明显增强，肝细胞凋亡数量明显增多，促凋亡因子半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3（Caspase-3）分泌明显增加，抗凋亡因子B细胞淋巴瘤-2（Bcl-2）蛋白表达受到抑制，促凋亡因子肿瘤抑制基因（p53）蛋白表达明显增强；而与模型组相比，大黄素组可以改善肝功能水平及肝脏病理变化，调节肝脏氧化应激，减轻肝细胞凋亡，减少半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3（Caspase-3）的分泌，增强抗凋亡因子Bcl-2的蛋白表达，降低促凋亡因子p53的蛋白表达。结论 大黄素对LPS诱导的急性肝损伤起保护作用，其作用机制可能通过调节氧化应激和减轻肝细胞凋亡途径来实现。     

Amaranthus paniculatus (Linn.) improves learning after radiation stress

Brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to its high utilization of oxygen and rather poorly developed antioxidative defense mechanism. Free radicals formation is greatly augmented during ionizing radiation exposure, which causes damage in cerebellum responsible for locomotor activity. Amaranthus paniculatus (Linn.) having high content of beta-carotene (about 15 mg/100g), ascorbic acid, Vitamin C and folate, may prove efficient antioxidants. To evaluate its antioxidative efficacy, healthy Swiss albino mice from an inbred colony were selected and divided into three groups having equal number of male and female in each group. All of these animals were initially trained in Hebb William's Maze, model D(1). After initial training of 10 days, two groups were supplemented with methanolic extract of A. paniculatus (Linn.) at a dose of 600 and 800 mg/kg bw per day, respectively for 15 days. One group without any treatment served as normal. It has been observed that mice, supplemented with extract took lesser time to reach goal than normal (without any treatment). Furthermore after supplementation of Amaranthus, followed by exposure to 9 Gy of gamma radiation by 60Co beam therapy unit, the survived mice took lesser time to reach to their goals than those without plant extract. Control mice (not supplemented with AE extract) showed continuous decline in their learning performance. Mice of Control group died within 12 days after exposure. Irradiated males try to recover from 10th day onwards but they died up to day 12. But in Experimental mice (AE treated), after initial decline in learning ability after exposure, recovery was noticed and not only this 70% of them survived beyond the observation period. Besides male mice showed faster learning ability as compared to females in all groups. After irradiation too, males took lesser time to reach to goals. Learning in all the groups before exposure has been much faster in between 9 and 15 days. After radiation, however it was followed by a sudden spurt and delayed learning response up to 12 days. Recovery was greater in males than females in treated groups. Recovery was greater in males of 600 mg/kg bw per day than other groups. Learning has been almost at the same level from 14th day onward, which indicates that both the dose levels have been found equally effective.     

The effects of ginger supplementation on markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify relevant clinical trials evaluating the effects of ginger on serum CRP (C‐reactive protein), TNF‐α (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha), IL‐6 (interleukin‐6), PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), TAC (total antioxidant capacity), and MDA (malondialdehyde) from inception up to September 2019. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random‐effects model. Potential publication bias was assessed using visual inspection of funnel plot and Egger's weighted regression tests. After excluding irrelevant records, 20 full‐text articles that included 25 separate studies were included to the meta‐analysis. Pooled results of this study indicated a statistically significant effect of ginger on serum CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, TAC, and MDA levels following ginger supplementation in compared to the controls. Also, the effects of ginger on serum PGE2 was marginally significant. Moreover, the high heterogeneity was disappeared in subgroup analysis performed by age, duration, dosage, and quality. This current analysis indicates that ginger supplementation has a significant effects on serum inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.     

Concentration‐dependent effect of (−) epicatechin in hypertensive patients

Non‐vitamin polyphenolic compounds are ubiquitous in food plants and therefore potentially present in human plasma in a diet‐dependent concentration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration‐dependent effect of (?) epicatechin, a polyphenol present in green tea with antioxidant activity, on various biomarkers of oxidative stress. The current study examined the in vitro concentration‐dependent (10^?4 M to 10^?7 M) effects of (?) epicatechin on biomarkers of oxidative stress viz. malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), membrane sulfhydryl (‐SH) group and protein carbonyl content in hypertensive patients and normal ones. This effect seems to be due to ability of (?) epicatechin to reduce MDA and protein carbonyl content while increase in GSH and membrane ‐SH group in hypertensive patients. It can be concluded that (‐) epicatechin exerts an antioxidant action inside the cell, responsible for the observed modulation of cellular response to oxidative challenges. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Artichoke leaf extract reduces oxidative stress and lipoprotein dyshomeostasis in rats fed on high cholesterol diet

Hypercholesterolemia and lipid peroxidation play complementary role in atherosclerosis. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) is rich in natural antioxidants and has a cholesterol‐reducing effect. However, there is no study investigating the effect of ALE on lipid levels and lipid peroxidation in experimental hypercholesterolemic conditions. Rats were fed on 4% (w/w) cholesterol and 1% (w/w) cholic acid supplemented diet for 1 month. ALE (1.5 g/kg/day) was given by gavage during the last 2 weeks. Serum lipid composition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and diene conjugate (DC) levels and plasma antioxidant activity (AOA) were measured. In addition, endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were determined in apo B‐containing lipoproteins (LDL+VLDL fraction). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL‐cholesterol decreased due to ALE treatment in rats fed on HC diet. Significant decreases in serum MDA and DC levels and increases in plasma AOA were detected in serum in ALE‐treated hypercholesterolemic rats. Endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were also lower in LDL+VLDL fraction due to ALE‐treatment in hypercholesterolemic rats. Our results indicate that ALE may be useful for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia‐induced pro‐oxidant state in LDL+VLDL fraction and the reduction of increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chronic treatment of silymarin improves hyperalgesia and motor nerve conduction velocity in diabetic neuropathic rat

The effect of chronic silymarin (SM) treatment on hyperalgesia, sciatic motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic neuropathic rat was evaluated. Rats were divided into control, diabetic, SM‐treated control and diabetic, and sodium salisylate (SS)‐treated control and diabetic. SM was administered daily at a dose of 100 mg/kg for two months. Finally, hyperalgesia and sciatic MNCV and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Diabetic rats showed a significant deficit in MNCV and markedly exhibited chemical and thermal hyperalgesia, indicating development of diabetic neuropathy. Antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) level significantly reduced and malondialdehyde (MDA) level significantly increased in diabetic rats compared to control rats; SM treatment significantly ameliorated the alteration in MNCV, hyperalgesia, MDA level and antioxidant enzyme SOD in diabetic rats. These results clearly suggest the potential effect of SM in prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x-radiation

The present studies were designed to evaluate supplemental grape seed extract (GSE) and vitamin E supplements on lipid peroxidation, on antioxidant systems and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x-rays. Three groups of rats were investigated: a control group (CG) received intraperitoneal (i.p.) physiological serum 1 mL/day (n=10), i.p.; a vitamin E group (VG) received 50 mg/kg/day (n=10); an i.p. grape seed extract group received 50 mg/kg/day (n=10). Four weeks later, a 6 Gy radiation dose was given to the rats. Blood samples were taken 24 h later after irradiation and lymphocyte, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrate, nitrite, reduced ascorbic acid, retinol, beta-carotene and ceruloplasmin concentrations were analysed. The levels of GSH (p<0.05), retinol (p<0.001), beta-carotene (p<0.05) and ceruloplasmin concentration (p<0.001) in the GSE group were found to be higher than in the control group but the level of MDA (p<0.001) and nitrite concentration (p<0.05) in rats supplemented with GSE were found to be lower than in the control group. The results indicate that GSE enhanced the antioxidant status and decreased the incidence of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation in blood samples of rats exposed to x-radiation. The antioxidant effect of GSE given to animals was more effective than vitamin E administered before whole-body irradiation in rats.     

The effect of sumac supplementation on insulin resistance,inflammation, oxidative stress,and antioxidant capacity in adults with metabolic syndrome: A randomized crossover clinical trial

The impact of sumac supplementation was not previously examined in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). So, we investigated the influence of sumac supplementation on insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant markers in adults with MetS. The current study was a single-center, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial that was conducted on 47 patients with MetS. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control in the first phase. They received capsules containing 500 mg sumac or placebo (lactose) twice a day, after lunch and dinner, for 6 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, the subjects crossed over to the alternate arm. In both arms, fasting venous blood samples were obtained at baseline and at the sixth week of the intervention to determine glycemic status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and antioxidant enzymes activity. The mean (±SD) age, weight, and body mass index of participants were respectively 58.7 ± 5.83 years, 79.9 ± 14.35 kg, and 31.6 ± 4.6 kg/m²; 80.9% of subjects were females (n = 38). Based on per-protocol analyses, the serum fasting insulin concentration was unexpectedly decreased in the placebo group (change in sumac vs. control: 0.95 ± 3.9 vs. −1.17 ± 3.9 mU/L; p = 0.04). Sumac supplementation, compared to control, has marginally enhanced catalase activity (change in sumac vs. control: 2.91 ± 9.5 vs. −1.07 ± 9.1 nmol/min/ml; p = 0.06). This supplementation has also increased serum TAC and the activity of superoxide dismutase, but these changes were not significant. This intervention did not affect other insulin resistance, inflammatory, or oxidative stress markers. We found that 1 g/day sumac consumption for 6 weeks, as adjuvant therapy, could improve the antioxidant defense system in adults with MetS but did not affect insulin resistance, inflammation, or oxidative stress.     

Supplementation with gliadin-combined plant superoxide dismutase extract promotes antioxidant defences and protects against oxidative stress

The potential benefits to health of antioxidant enzymes supplied either through dietary intake or supplementation is still a matter of controversy. The development of dietary delivery systems using wheat gliadin biopolymers as a natural carrier represents a new alternative. Combination of antioxidant enzymes with this natural carrier not only delayed their degradation (i.e. the superoxide dismutase, SOD) during the gastrointestinal digestive process, but also promoted, in vivo, the cellular defences by strengthening the antioxidant status. The effects of supplementation for 28 days with a standardized melon SOD extract either combined (Glisodin) or not with gliadin, were evaluated on various oxidative-stress biomarkers. As already described there was no change either in superoxide dismutase, catalase or glutathione peroxidase activities in blood circulation or in the liver following non-protected SOD supplementation. However, animals supplemented with Glisodin showed a significant elevation in circulated antioxidant enzymes activities, correlated with an increased resistance of red blood cells to oxidative stress-induced hemolysis. In the presence of Sin-1, a chemical donor of peroxynitrites, mitochondria from hepatocytes regularly underwent membrane depolarization as the primary biological event of the apoptosis cascade. Hepatocytes isolated from animals supplemented with Glisodin presented a delayed depolarization response and an enhanced resistance to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. It is concluded that supplementation with gliadin-combined standardized melon SOD extract (Glisodin) promoted the cellular antioxidant status and protected against oxidative stress-induced cell death.     

Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of astaxanthin (Asx) on paraoxonase (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status in soccer players. Forty soccer players were randomly assigned in a double‐blind fashion to Asx and placebo (P) group. Blood samples were obtained before, 45 and 90 days after supplementation. PON1 activity was assessed by using two substrates: paraoxon and diazoxon. The oxidative stress biomarkers were also examined: total sulphydryl group content (–SH groups), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products and redox balance. The significant interaction effect of supplementation and training (p < 0.05) on PON1 activity toward paraoxon was observed. The PON1 activity toward diazoxon increased in Asx group after 90 days (p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in P group. SH groups content rose from pre‐ to post‐supplementation period only in Asx group (supplementation and training, p < 0.05; training, p < 0.01). TBARS levels decreased after 45 days and increased after 90 days of regular soccer training in both groups (training, p < 0.001). Redox balance decreased significantly in response to the regular training, regardless of treatment group (training, p < 0.001). Asx supplementation might increase total SH groups content and improve PON1 activity through protection of free thiol groups against oxidative modification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Curcumin on Hepatic Antioxidant Enzymes Activities and Gene Expressions in Rats Intoxicated with Aflatoxin B1

Twenty‐eight rats were examined in a 5‐week experiment to investigate the effect of curcumin on gene expression and activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes in rats intoxicated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁). The rats were divided into four groups. Rats in 1–4 groups served as control, oral curcumin treated (15 mg/kg body weight), single i.p. dose of AFB₁ (3 mg/kg body weight) and combination of single i.p. dose of AFB₁ with oral curcumin treated, respectively. AFB₁ Liver damage and oxidative stress were evident in untreated AFB₁‐intoxicated rats as indicated by a significant elevation in hepatic transaminases, elevation in lipid peroxide biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS), reduction of reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes namely catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and down‐regulation of gene expression of these antioxidant enzymes compared to control. Liver sections of rats intoxicated with AFB₁ showed a disrupted lobular architecture, scattered necrotic cells and biliary proliferation. Administration of curcumin with AFB₁ resulted in amelioration of AFB₁‐induced effects compared to untreated AFB₁‐intoxicated rats via an up‐regulation of antioxidant enzyme gene expression, activation of the expressed genes and increase in the availability of GSH. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.