Eutigoside C attenuates radiation‐induced crypt injury in the mouse intestine

On Jeju Island, South Korea, the leaves of Eurya emarginata have been traditionally used to treat ulcers or as a diuretic. Eutigoside C isolated from the leaves has been reported to have in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects. We evaluated the radioprotective effects of eutigoside C on jejunal cell apoptosis and crypt survival in mice subjected to gamma irradiation. In addition, the ability of eutigoside C to protect against radiation‐induced oxidative stress was examined by evaluating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in radiation‐induced hepatic injury. Eutigoside C was administered intraperitoneally at 48, 12, and 1 h before irradiation. The administration of eutigoside C (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight) before irradiation protected the intestinal crypts from radiation‐induced apoptosis (p < 0.05), and attenuated radiation‐induced decrease of villous height (p < 0.05). Pretreating mice prior to irradiation with eutigoside C (100 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival of the jejunal crypt (p < 0.01). The dose reduction factor was 1.09 at 3.5 days after irradiation. Treatment of eutigoside C prior to irradiation significantly protected SOD and CAT activities in radiation‐induced hepatic injury (p < 0.05). These results suggest that eutigoside C is a useful radioprotector capable of defending intestinal progenitor cells against indirect depletion, such as oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by gamma irradiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Effects of Grape Seed Polyphenols on Oxidative Damage in Liver Tissue of Acutely and Chronically Exercised Rats

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers in liver tissue of acutely and chronically exercised rats. Rats were randomly assigned to six groups: Control (C), Control Chronic Exercise (CE), Control Acute Exercise (AE), GSE‐supplemented Control (GC), GSE‐supplemented Chronic Exercise(GCE) and GSE‐supplemented Acute Exercise (GAE). Rats in the chronic exercise groups were subjected to a six‐week treadmill running and in the acute exercise groups performed an exhaustive running. Rats in the GSE supplemented groups received GSE (100 mg.kg^?1.day^?1) in drinking water for 6 weeks. Liver tissues of the rats were taken for the analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels and total antioxidant activity (AOA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities. MDA levels decreased with GSE supplementation in control groups but increased in acute and chronic exercise groups compared to their non‐supplemented control. NO levels increased with GSE supplementation. XO activities were higher in AE group compared to the CE group. AOA decreased with GSE supplementation. In conclusion, while acute exercise triggers oxidative stress, chronic exercise has protective role against oxidative stress. GSE has a limited antioxidant effect on exercise‐induced oxidative stress in liver tissue. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Genistein Mitigates Radiation-induced Testicular Injury

The present study investigated the radioprotective effect of a multifunctional soy isoflavone, genistein, with the testicular system. Genistein was administered (200 mg/kg body weight) to male C3H/HeN mice by subcutaneous injection 24 h prior to pelvic irradiation (5 Gy). Histopathological parameters were evaluated 12 h and 21 days post‐irradiation. Genistein protected the germ cells from radiation‐induced apoptosis (p < 0.05 vs vehicle‐treated irradiated mice at 12 h post‐irradiation). Genistein significantly attenuated radiation‐induced reduction in testis weight, seminiferous tubular diameter, seminiferous epithelial depth and sperm head count in the testes (p < 0.05 vs vehicle‐treated irradiated mice at 21 days post‐irradiation). Repopulation and stem cell survival indices of the seminiferous tubules were increased in the genistein‐treated group compared with the vehicle‐treated irradiation group at 21 days post‐irradiation (p < 0.01). The irradiation‐mediated decrease in the sperm count and sperm mobility in the epididymis was counteracted by genistein (p < 0.01), but no effect on the frequency of abnormal sperm was evident. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated using DCFDA method and exposure to irradiation elevated ROS levels in the testis and genistein treatment resulted in a significant attenuation of radiation‐induced ROS production. The results indicate that genistein protects from testicular dysfunction induced by gamma‐irradiation by an antiapoptotic effect and recovery of spermatogenesis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modulation of Radiation‐Induced Alterations in Oxidative Stress and Cytokine Expression in Lung Tissue by Panax Ginseng Extract

We investigated the modulating effect of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) on radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) by measuring early changes in oxidative stress levels, cytokine expression, and the histopathology of mouse lung tissue treated with high dose of X‐ray radiation. The mice were pretreated with 25, 50, and 100‐mg/kg doses of PGE orally for four consecutive days, and their thoraces were then exposed to 15‐Gy X‐ray radiation 1 h after the last administration of PGE on day 4. The pretreatments with 50 and 100 mg/kg PGE led to significant reductions in the elevation of lipid peroxidation levels at 2 and 10 days, respectively, after irradiation. The mice pretreated with PGE exhibited dose‐dependent reductions in the irradiation‐induced production of tumor necrosis factor α and transforming growth factor β1 cytokines 10 days after irradiation, with these reductions nearly reaching the control levels after the 100‐mg/kg dose. Furthermore, together with providing significant protection against reductions in catalase activity and glutathione content, pretreatment with 100 mg/kg PGE resulted in a marked attenuation of the severity of inflammatory changes in lung tissue 10 days after irradiation. A high pretreatment dose of PGE may be a useful pharmacological approach for protection against RILI. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oxidative Inactivation of Liver Mitochondria in High Fructose Diet‐Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats: Effect of Glycyrrhizin Treatment

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health problem in the present world. Glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, has been reported to ameliorate the primary complications and hepatocellular damage in rats with the syndrome. In this study, we have explored metabolic syndrome‐induced changes in liver mitochondrial function and effect of glycyrrhizin against the changes. Metabolic syndrome was induced in rats by high fructose (60%) diet for 6 weeks. The rats were then treated with glycyrrhizin (50 mg/kg body weight) by single intra‐peritoneal injection. After 2 weeks of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed to collect liver tissue. Elevated mitochondrial ROS, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl, and decreased reduced glutathione content indicated oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome. Loss of mitochondrial inner membrane cardiolipin was observed. Mitochondrial complex I activity did not change but complex IV activity decreased significantly. Mitochondrial MTT reduction ability, membrane potential, phosphate utilisation and oxygen consumption decreased in metabolic syndrome. Reduced mitochondrial aconitase activity and increased aconitase carbonyl content suggested oxidative damage of the enzyme. Elevated Fe²⁺ ion level in mitochondria might be associated with increased ROS generation in metabolic syndrome. Glycyrrhizin effectively attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress and aconitase degradation, and improved electron transport chain activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract and resveratrol alleviate bisphenol‐A‐induced metabolic syndrome: Biochemical and molecular evidences

The mechanisms of bisphenol‐A (BPA)‐induced metabolic syndrome as well as the protective role of grape seed extract (GSE) and resveratrol were investigated. Rats were treated with BPA (0 and 35 mg·kg^?1·day^?1, gavage) plus resveratrol (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg^?1·day^?1, i.p.) or GSE (3, 6, 12 mg·kg^?1·day^?1, i.p.) or vitamin E (200 IU/kg/every other day, i.p.). After 2 months, mean systolic blood pressure, serum lipid profile, glycaemia, and fat index were examined. By enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, the serum concentrations of insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and paraoxonase 1, and by real‐time polymerase chain reaction as well as western blotting, key liver elements in cholesterol hemostasis (LDLR, CYP7A1, ABCG5 and 8) and insulin signaling (p‐Akt/Akt and p‐PI3K/PI3K) were measured. BPA increased mean systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced paraoxonase1 and the hepatic expression of both ABCG5 and ABCG8. It increased the body fat index, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and glycaemia level and decreased the hepatic protein expression of p‐Akt/Akt and p‐PI3K/PI3k. GSE, resveratrol, or vitamin E coadministration along with BPA restored the detrimental effects of BPA in some levels. Herein, the predisposing effects of BPA‐induced metabolic syndrome were restored by GSE and resveratrol, linked to the regulation of insulin signaling, ABCG8 expression, and their antioxidant properties.     

Antinociceptive properties of 25‐methoxy hispidol A,a triterpinoid isolated from Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae) through inhibition of NF‐κB signalling in mice

The 25‐methoxy hispidol A (25‐MHA) is a triterpenoid, isolated from the immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae). The pretreatment with 25‐MHA markedly (p < 0.001) attenuated the formalin‐induced biphasic responses as well as acetic acid‐induced writhing responses. The intraperitoneal administration of 25‐MHA significantly attenuated the mechanical hyperalgesia (p < 0.001) and allodynia (p < 0.05). Similarly, 25‐MHA also significantly attenuated (p < 0.001) complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced paw edema in mice. The 25‐MHA treatment significantly attenuated the production of nuclear kappa B (NF‐κB) (p65 nuclear subunit). The cytokines are the important mediators of inflammation and pain; however, treatment with 25‐MHA exhibited significant inhibition (p < 0.001) on the mRNA expression levels of various inflammatory mediators. The 25‐MHA administration also significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes (p < 0.001) and inhibited the oxidative stress markers. The current study indicates that 25‐MHA significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) in mice plasma. Similarly, the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining shows that 25‐MHA administration significantly inhibited the inflammatory process in the mice paw tissue compared with the CFA‐treated group. The 25‐MHA treatment did not exhibited any toxicity on the liver, kidney, muscles strength, and motor co‐ordination in mice. The 25‐MHA was coadministered with the various drugs such as tramadol, piroxicam, and gabapentin to observe the synergistic effect.     

Scutellaria radix Extract as a Natural UV Protectant for Human Skin

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces oxidative injury and inflammation in human skin. Scutellaria radix (SR, the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) contains flavonoids with high UV absorptivity and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential use of SR extract as an additive in cosmetic products for UV protection. SR extract and its butanol (BuOH) fraction strongly absorbed UV radiation and displayed free radical scavenging activity against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radials and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radicals. They also attenuated the UV‐induced death of HaCaT cells. Sunscreen creams, with or without supplementation of SR extract BuOH fraction, were tested in vivo in human trials to evaluate potential skin irritation and determine the sun protection factor (SPF). Both sunscreen creams induced no skin irritation. A sunscreen cream containing 24% ZnO showed an SPF value of 17.8, and it increased to 22.7 when supplemented with 5% SR extract BuOH fraction. This study suggests that SR‐derived materials are useful as safe cosmetic additives that provide UV protection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

β‐Elemene Radiosensitizes Lung Cancer A549 Cells by Enhancing DNA Damage and Inhibiting DNA Repair

β‐Elemene is a broad‐spectrum antitumor agent. In China, several studies have indicated that β‐elemene enhances the cytotoxic effect of radiation in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the alkaline comet assay and neutral comet assay were used to measure both DNA strand breaks and DNA repair activity in A549 cells exposed to β‐elemene, irradiation or combination treatment. The overall object of the study was to test whether β‐elemene radiosensitization is associated with an enhancement in radiation‐induced DNA damage or with a decrease in the repair of radiation‐induced damage. The results revealed high levels of DNA single strand breaks (SSB) and double strand breaks (DSB) in A549 cells after exposure to the combination of β‐elemene and irradiation. To assess SSB and DSB repair, alkaline comet assay and neutral comet assay were performed at 24 h postirradiation. The damage induced by the combination of β‐elemene and irradiation was repaired at a slower rate. These findings suggest that β‐elemene can enhance A549 cell radiosensitivity through the enhancement of DNA damage and the suppression of DNA repair. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Exploring the ameliorative potential of Punica granatum in dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis in mice

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Punica granatum in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis. DSS (2%) was administered orally in drinking water for 7 days to induce ulcerative colitis. The extent and severity of ulceration was analysed macroscopically, histopathologically and using a disease activity index. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a specific marker of inflammation; histamine, a marker of mast cell degranulation; superoxide anion generation and, lipid peroxides were analysed. Administration of DSS resulted in a significant development of ulceration in the colon along with a rise in histamine, MPO activity and oxidative stress. Treatment with Punica granatum extract and its ellagic acid rich fraction (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg p.o.) significantly attenuated DSS‐induced colonic inflammation along with attenuation of histamine, MPO and oxidative stress. The antiulcerative effect of Punica granatum extract and its ellagic acid rich fraction were comparable to sulphasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and sodium cromoglycate (40 mg/kg i.p). It is concluded that Punica granatum has a potential for ameliorating DSS‐induced colitis and its ellagic acid rich fraction may be responsible for this effect. Further, the antiulcerative effects may be attributed to mast cell stabilizing, antiinflammatory and antioxidant actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于生物信息学分析湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性的氧化应激相关基因及靶向防治中药筛选

目的 利用生物信息学方法筛选湿性年龄相关性黄斑变性（wet age-related macular degeneration,w AMD）的氧化应激相关差异表达基因及靶向中药，以期为wAMD的预防和治疗提供新思路。方法 从GEO数据库中筛选数据集，利用R软件limma包筛选差异基因，从Genecard数据库筛选氧化应激差异基因，并利用韦恩图得到共有基因。应用Metascape对氧化应激差异基因进行基因本体（gene ontology,GO）和京都基因与基因组百科全书（Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes,KEGG）分析，并通过String数据库构建蛋白质相互作用（protein-protein interaction,PPI）网络，再通过Cytoscape软件筛选出wAMD中氧化应激的关键（Hub）基因。采用GSE103060数据集验证Hub基因的差异表达。利用Coremine Medical预测靶向中药。结果 经筛选共得到差异表达基因1 874个，其中上调基因747个，下调基因1 127个。KEGG富集分析表明，差异表达基因主要富集于细胞外基...     

Schisandrin B stereoisomers protect against hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis and associated changes in the Ca2+‐induced mitochondrial permeability transition and mitochondrial membrane potential in AML12 hepatocytes

The effects of the schisandrin B stereoisomers, (±)γ‐schisandrin [(±)γ‐Sch] and (?)schisandrin B [(?)Sch B], on hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis were investigated in AML12 hepatocytes. Changes in cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, Ca²⁺‐induced mitochondrial permeability transitions (MPTs) and mitochondrial membrane potentials (Δψ_m values) were also examined in (±)γ‐Sch‐ and (?)Sch B‐treated cells, without or with hypoxia/reoxygenation challenge. The (±)γ‐Sch/(?)Sch B pretreatments (2.5–5.0 µm ) protected against hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis in AML12 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner, with the (?)Sch B effect being more potent. Drug antiapoptotic effects were further evidenced by suppression of hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced mitochondrial cytochrome c release and subsequent cleavage of caspase 3 and poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase by (?)Sch B pretreatment. Whereas hypoxia/reoxygenation challenge increased the extent of Ca²⁺‐induced MPT pore opening, and Δψ_m, in AML12 hepatocytes, cytoprotection afforded by (±)γ‐Sch/(?)Sch B pretreatment against hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis was associated with a decreased sensitivity to Ca²⁺‐induced MPT and an increased Δψ_m in both unchallenged and challenged cells, compared with the drug‐free control. The results indicate that (±)γ‐Sch/(?)Sch B pretreatment protected against hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis in AML12 hepatocytes and that the cytoprotection afforded by (±)γ‐Sch/(?)Sch B may at least in part be mediated by a decrease in sensitivity to Ca²⁺‐induced MPT, which may in turn result from enhancement of cellular GSH levels by drug pretreatments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Saponins derived from the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng attenuate scrotal heat‐induced spermatogenic damage via inhibiting the MAPK mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice

Heat stress (HS) reaction is a stress response caused by adverse conditions. Currently, the incidence of reproductive malignancies particularly in males has been constantly increasing. This work investigated the effects of saponins derived from the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng (GSLS) on testicular injury induced by scrotal hyperthermia in mice. GSLS (150, 300 mg/kg) were administered intragastrically to mice for 14 days, then exposed to a single scrotal heat treatment at 43°C for 18 min on seventh day. HS induced a significant loss of multinucleate giant cells, desquamation of germ cells in destructive seminiferous tubules. Moreover, HS reduced the serum testosterone, testicular tissue superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione (GSH) content, while significantly enhanced the production of malondialdehyde (p < .05). GSLS exhibited the protective potential against HS‐induced injury not only by modulating Bcl‐2 family and caspase protease family, but also by suppressing the protein levels of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and activation of Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (p < .05). In conclusion, we clearly demonstrated that GSLS exhibited a significant protective effect against HS‐induced testicular dysfunction, mainly the inhibition of oxidative stress associated apoptosis partly via regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.     

Stilbenoids from Rheum undulatum Protect Hepatocytes Against Oxidative Stress Through AMPK Activation

Oxidative stress promotes several diseases, including liver disease. We have isolated several stilbenoids from Rheum undulatum to investigate their hepatoprotective activities and mechanism. Stilbenoids from R. undulatum protects hepatocytes against arachidonic acid + iron (AA + Fe) induced oxidative stress. Pterostilbene (compound 5) shows stronger activity than the others. Trimethoxystilbenoid (compound 6) shows best activity on protection of HepG2 cells from AA + Fe‐induced oxidative stress, and trans‐stilbenoid (compound 7) shows weak activity. These stilbenoids suppress ROS generation in AA + Fe‐treated HepG2 cells and also suppress AA + Fe‐induced MMP disruption. Their protective effects on AA + Fe‐induced MMP disruption were abrogated by treatment of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, compound C or transfection of dominant negative form of AMPK. Taken together, stilbenoids from R. undulatum protect hepatocytes against AA + Fe‐induced oxidative stress through AMPK activation. And the methoxy groups in the aryl groups are important for their cytoprotective activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Crocin,an active constituent of Crocus sativus ameliorates cerulein induced pancreatic inflammation and oxidative stress

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a disorder of the pancreas marked by profound inflammation and oxidative stress. Phytoconstituents presents an important toolbox of preventive strategies to combat inflammatory disorders. To this end, we selected the active constituent of Crocus sativus, crocin for evaluation against cerulein‐induced AP, owing to its promising antiinflammatory activity in acute as well as chronic inflammatory conditions. The animals were randomly divided into five groups comprising of normal control, cerulein control, crocin low dose (30 mg/kg), crocin high dose (100 mg/kg), and crocin control (100 mg/kg). Various biochemical parameters and the levels of inflammatory cytokines and p65‐NFκB were measured. The mechanism was investigated by histology and immunohistochemistry. We found that crocin significantly reduced the pancreatic edema, amylase, and lipase levels. It abrogated the oxidative stress incurred by cerulein challenge. We found that crocin modulated the pancreatic inflammatory cytokine levels. Crocin perturbed the nuclear translocation of p65‐NFκB. Crocin reverted the pancreatic histology associated with AP. Furthermore, it upregulated the expression of Nrf‐2 and downregulated the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, nitrotyrosine, and NFκB. Cumulatively, these results indicate that crocin has promising potential to prevent cerulein induced AP and regular intake of saffron can prove beneficial for the pancreatic health.     

Neuroprotective Effect of Vitamin E Isoforms Against Chronic Alcohol‐induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity: Possible Involvement of Oxidative‐Nitrodative Stress

Small‐fiber painful peripheral neuropathy is one of the long‐term complications of alcohol for which there is no reliable successful therapy available. The precise mechanisms by which chronic alcohol consumption produces peripheral nerve fiber damage and loss remain unclear. Emerging data from clinical and preclinical studies suggest that increased oxidative‐nitrodative stress mediated release of proinflammatory cytokines from damaged neural tissues may play a central role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic neuropathy. The present study investigated the effect of both the isoforms of vitamin E (α‐tocopherol and tocotrienol) against chronic alcohol‐induced peripheral neuropathy in rats. Ethanol treated rats showed a significant decrease in paw‐withdrawal threshold in both Randall‐Selitto and von‐Frey hair tests along with a significant reduction in tail flick latency in the tail‐immersion test. A decreased pain threshold was associated with significant alterations in oxidative‐nitrodative stress markers and an increase in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐1β). The 4‐week treatment with tocotrienol significantly ameliorated behavioral, biochemical and molecular alterations in alcohol treated rats. However, α‐tocopherol failed to produce any protective effect. The results of the present study suggest that oxidative‐nitrodative stress mediated cytokine signaling may be responsible for alcohol‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity and tocotrienol treatment might be beneficial in chronic alcoholics exhibiting neuropathy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Effects of Oligomeric Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins on Heart,Aorta, Kidney in DOCA‐Salt Mice: Role of Oxidative Stress

Growing experimental and clinical data highlights the important roles of increased reactive oxygen species production in cardiovascular remodeling (CR). Oligomeric grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) have been shown to be potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Mice were treated with DOCA‐salt to induce CR and were given distilled water or oligomeric GSPs for 4 weeks. The heart weight (HW) index and kidney weight (KW) index were expressed as heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) and kidney weight/body weight (KW/BW); the histological changes were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson staining.The endothelial‐dependent vasodilation function induced by acetylcholine was investigated in isolated thoracic aorta ring. Colorimetric analysis was used to assay superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and nitric oxide (NO) content in serum and hydroxyproline content in cardiac tissue. Administration of GSPs markedly alleviated the elevation of HW/BW ratio, KW/BW ratio and cross‐sectional area of cardiomyocytes, decreased collagen deposition in heart and attenuated histopathology injury, and improves endothelial‐dependent aorta ring relaxation in vitro accompany by increasing of NO content in serum. Meanwhile, treatment with GSPs significantly ameliorated oxidative stress via increasing SOD activities and decreasing MDA formation. These findings suggest that administration of GSPs has the potential to attenuate DOCA‐salt induced CR and KH and preserve NO activity and endothelial function, which mechanism may contribute to its antioxidant characteristic, at least in part. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Myricetin attenuated LPS induced cardiac injury in vivo and in vitro

Sepsis induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is a common complication and leads to an increased mortality. SIMD is closely related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Myricetin exhibits strong capacities of anti‐inflammation and anti‐oxidative stress, but its pharmacological effects for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cardiac injury remains undefined. This study aimed to explore whether myricetin was efficient to alleviate SIMD in mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes injury. Mice administrated with myricetin (100 mg/kg, po, bid) or vehicle groups were challenged with LPS (10 mg/kg, ip), and cardiac functions examined by echocardiography after 12 hr LPS exposure. LPS markedly impaired mouse cardiac functions, which were significantly attenuated by myricetin administration. Myricetin significantly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines both in serum and cardiac tissue. Myricetin could inhibit the nuclear translocation of p65, degradation of IκBα, and cellular apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Myricetin also prevented overexpression of iNOS and reduction of oxidoreductase (SOD and GPx) activity. Besides, Myricetin treatment could attenuate production of inflammatory cytokines of peritoneal macrophages stimulated with LPS in vitro. Thus we concluded that myricetin could attenuate the LPS induced cardiac inflammation injury in vivo and in vitro. Myricetin may be a potential therapy or adjuvant therapy for SIMD.