红景天苷对非酒精性脂肪性肝炎大鼠肝组织氧化应激的抑制作用

 目的：观察红景天苷（salidroside ,SDS）对大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝炎（NASH）肝组织氧化应激的影响。方法：以高脂高胆固醇饮食14周诱导建立大鼠NASH模型,药物干预组在造模第8周末时给予SDS 300 mg·kg-1·d-1体重灌胃连续6周,在14周末检测大鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、总胆固醇（TC）和甘油三酯（TG）,以及肝组织TC、TG、丙二醛（MDA）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和谷胱甘肽（GSH）含量的变化,ELISA检测8-异前列腺素F2α(8-iso-PGF2α)的水平变化, HE染色观察肝组织病理学变化,免疫组化观察8-羟基脱氧鸟苷酸（8-OHdG）表达的变化。结果：在14 周末, NASH模型组大鼠肝组织病理学检查显示肝组织呈中重度脂肪变性并同时伴有炎症细胞浸润;与正常对照组相比,NASH模型组大鼠血清ALT、AST、TG和TC,以及肝TG、TC和MDA的含量显著上升,而肝SOD和GSH的含量显著下降,8-iso-PGF2α的水平显著上升,免疫组化显示8-OHdG表达的阳性细胞数显著增多。与模型组相比,SDS药物干预组大鼠ALT、AST、TG、TC、MDA和8-iso-PGF2α的含量均显著下降,而肝SOD和GSH的含量显著上升,肝病理学变化得到显著改善,8-OHdG表达的阳性细胞数明显减少。结论：SDS对高脂高胆固醇饮食诱导的NASH有较好的抑制效果,其机制可能与SDS的抗氧化作用有关。     

Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Free Radical Metabolism of Liver in Mice During Endurance Exercise

This study investigated the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on Free Radical Metabolism of Liver in mice during endurance exercise. Forty-eight mice were divided into the quiet group and the exercised group. And the two groups were both grouped again, including the control group and the drug-treated group. After exhaustive exercise, the exercised groups were subdivided into the immediate group and the recovery group. The swimming time to exhaustion significantly prolonged in the exercised drug-treated group as compared with the exercised control group (P <0.05); The SOD activity of drug-treated groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the control groups and MDA content was significantly lower (P <0.05). The SOD activity and MDA content of exercised control groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the quiet control group. The SOD activity and MDA content of exercised drug-treated groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the quiet drug-treated group. The results indicated that Ginkgo biloba extract can obviously increase the body''s endurance exercise capacity in mice and delay fatigue; Ginkgo biloba extract can help to increase the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue, reduce the lipid peroxidation injury in liver tissue caused by free radicals, improve athletic ability, and promote the recovery process after exercise in mice.     

Protective effect of curcumin on experimentally induced inflammation, hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in rats: Evidence of its antioxidant property

The present study investigates the protective effects of curcumin on experimentally induced inflammation, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity using various animal models with biochemical parameters like serum marker enzymes and antioxidants in target tissues. In addition, liver and cardiac histoarchitecture changes were also studied. Curcumin treatment inhibited carrageenin and albumin induced edema, cotton pellet granuloma formation. The increased relative weight of liver and heart in CCl₄ induced liver injury and isoproterenol induced cardiac necrosis were also reduced by curcumin treatment. Elevated serum marker enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased lipid peroxidation, decreased gluthione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in edematous, granulomatus, liver and heart tissues during inflammation, liver injury and cardiac necrosis, respectively. Curcumin treatment reversed all these above mentioned biochemical changes significantly in all animal models studied. Even histoarchitecture alterations observed in liver injury and cardiac necrosis observed were partially reversed (improved) by curcumin treatments. In in vitro experiments too curcumin inhibited iron catalyzed lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates, scavenged nitric oxide spontaneously generated from nitroprusside and inhibited heat induced hemolysis of rat erythrocytes. The present in vitro and in vivo experimental findings suggest the protective effect of curcumin on experimentally induced inflammation, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity in rats.     

Burn-Induced Multiple Organ Injury and Protective Effect of Lutein in Rats

Thermal injury may lead to multiple organ dysfunction through release of proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen radicals. This study investigated the effects of thermal injury on remote organs of rats and the possible protective effect of lutein. Thermal trauma was induced in the back of rats by exposing them to 90 °C bath for 10 s. Rats were sacrificed 48 h after burn, and blood samples were collected to monitor liver and kidney functions. Tissue samples from liver, kidneys, and lungs were taken for studying oxidative stress parameters, gene expressions of TNF-α and Casp-3, besides histopathological examination. Skin scald injury caused significant elevations of liver and kidney function biomarkers in the serum. In tissue samples, increments of MDA, GPx, and 8-OHdG were recorded while GSH level and the activities of CAT and SOD were suppressed. The expressions of TNF-α and caspase-3 mRNA were increased, and histopathological results revealed remote organ injury. Oral administration of lutein (250 mg/kg) resulted in amelioration of the biochemical and molecular changes induced by burn as well as the histopathological alterations. According to the findings of the present study, lutein possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects that protect against burn-induced damage in remote organs.     

Chemopreventive Efficacy of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) in Ethionine Induced Rat Hepatocarcinogenesis

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosco) is widely used in foods as a spice all around the world. It has been reported to have antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. We investigated the effect of ginger in ethionine induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: group 1 and 2 served as controls and they received normal rat chow and olive oil respectively. Group 3 was fed with ginger oleoresin dissolved in olive oil at 100 mg/kg body wt. Group 4 was fed with choline deficient diet and 0.1% ethionine in drinking water (CDE diet), and group 5 received ginger with CDE diet. Blood samples were taken from the orbital sinus at 0 and 8 weeks of experiment for the determination of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase and lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA). Rats were also killed at 8 weeks for the observation of liver tumor formation. CDE diet induced the formation of liver nodules in rats and increased SOD activity. However, it had no effect on catalase, GPx and MDA levels when compared to both controls at 8 weeks of experiment. When CDE rats were treated with ginger, the formation of liver tumour, SOD activity and MDA level reduced, catalase activity was increased but no change was observed for GPx activity when compared to CDE group. In conclusion, ginger supplementation suppressed liver carcinogenesis by scavenging the free radical formation, and by reducing lipid peroxidation.     

右美托咪定减轻酒精诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤

目的:探讨右美托咪定(DEX)对酒精诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤的作用及机制。方法:50只昆明小鼠随机分为5组(n=10):生理盐水对照(NS)组、酒精性肝损伤模型(E)组、DEX低剂量(10μg/kg)治疗(E+L)组、DEX中剂量(50μg/kg)治疗(E+M)组和DEX高剂量(100μg/kg)治疗(E+H)组。各组动物乙醇灌胃后6 h处死,采集血和肝组织标本。测定各组血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)水平以及甘油三酯(TG)浓度;测定各组肝组织丙二醛(MDA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)的含量及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性;ELISA测定小鼠肝组织肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)的浓度;Western blot检测肝组织细胞色素P4502E1(CYP2E1)和核因子κB(NF-κB)的表达;HE染色观察肝组织病理学改变并进行肝损伤评分。结果:与NS组比较,E组血清的AST、ALT水平及TG含量升高,与E组比较,E+M组和E+H组血清AST、ALT水平及TG含量降低;与NS组比较,E组肝组织MDA含量升高,GSH含量和SOD活性降低,与E组比较,E+M组和E+H组肝组织MDA含量降低,GSH含量及SOD活性升高;与NS组比较,E组肝组织TNF-α和IL-1β含量升高,与E组比较,E+M组和E+H组肝组织TNF-α和IL-1β含量降低;与NS组比较,E组肝组织CYP2E1和NF-κB表达升高,与E组比较,E+M组和E+H组肝组织CYP2E1和NF-κB表达降低;肝组织病理学检查可见,DEX中、高剂量可明显减轻肝细胞变性和坏死及炎性细胞浸润程度。结论:右美托咪定通过抗炎及抗氧化作用对急性酒精性损伤的肝脏具有一定的保护作用,其作用机制可能与抑制CYP2E1和NF-κB的表达有关。     

丹参酮IIA对CCl4诱导小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

目的 研究丹参酮IIA(tanshinone ⅡA, Tan ⅡA)对CCl4诱导小鼠急性肝损伤的抗氧化、保护作用及其可能的作用机制。 方法 将C57BL/6J小鼠随机分成正常组、CCl4组以及Tan ⅡA保护组(Tan ⅡA 20 mg/kg+CCl4),每组10只。腹腔注射CCl4构建小鼠急性肝损伤模型。计算各组小鼠的肝脏指数,检测血清AST和ALT活性,测定肝组织SOD活性及GSH、MDA含量,HE染色观察肝组织病理变化,免疫组织化学法和Western blot检测肝组织PI3K、p-PI3K、Akt、p-Akt、Nrf2和HO-1蛋白表达水平。 结果 与CCl4组相比,Tan ⅡA保护组肝脏指数显著下降(P<0.01),血清AST(P<0.01)和ALT活性降低(P<0.05),肝组织SOD活性(P<0.01)及GSH含量升高(P<0.05),MDA含量降低(P<0.05),肝组织病理变化得到显著改善。同时,Tan ⅡA使肝组织p-PI3K和p-Akt表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),显著诱导Nrf2转位入核(P<0.01),促使其下游靶蛋白HO-1表达水平明显升高(P<0.01)。 结论 Tan ⅡA能够显著改善CCl4诱导的急性肝损伤,其机制可能与PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1信号通路有关。     

Influence of ezetimibe on selected parameters of oxidative stress in rat liver subjected to ischemia/reperfusion

Introduction

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is considered to be one of the main causes of liver damage after transplantation. The authors evaluated the effect of ezetimibe on selected oxidative stress parameters in ischemic/reperfused (I/R) rat liver.

Material and methods

Rats were administered ezetimibe (5 mg/kg) (groups E and E-I/R) or saline solution (groups C and C-I/R) intragastrically for 21 days. Livers of animals in groups C-I/R and E-I/R were subjected to 60 min of partial ischemia (left lateral and median lobes) followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Alanine and asparagine aminotransferase (ALT, AST) activity was determined in blood before I/R and during reperfusion (at 15 and 240 min). After the reperfusion period, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined in liver homogenates using colorimetric methods.

Results

Ezetimibe caused a significant increase in GSH level in groups subjected to I/R (E-I/R (99.91 ±9.01) vs. C-I/R (90.51 ±8.87), p < 0.05). Additionally, under I/R the decrease of GPx activity in the drug-treated group was lower compared to the non-treated group (E-I/R (3.88 ±1.11) vs. E (5.31 ±1.83), p = 0.076). Neither ezetimibe nor I/R affected SOD or MDA levels. I/R produced a significant increase in aminotransferase levels (ALT240-0: C-I/R (42.23 ±43.56) vs. C (9.75 ±11.09), and E-I/R (39.85 ±26.53) vs. E (4.38 ±1.36), p < 0.05 in both cases; AST 240-0: E-I/R (53.87 ±17.23) vs. E (24.10 ±9.66), p < 0.05) but no effect of ezetimibe on those enzymes was found.

Conclusions

Ezetimibe demonstrates antioxidant properties in rat livers subjected to I/R. However, neither a hepatoprotective nor a hepatotoxic effect of ezetimibe was demonstrated, regardless of I/R.     

The impact of allicin on lead-induced oxidative damage in selected organs of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Lead-induced oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of lead poisoning. Considering the antioxidant properties of allicin, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of allicin in preventing lead-induced oxidative damage in the liver, kidney, brain, and gill of the common carp. Fish were divided randomly into five groups, depending on the combination of lead acetate and allicin treatments. The oxidative stress was measured by the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in tissue homogenates. Lead acetate exposure (7.0?mgL^?1, 10?days) caused a significant decrease in GSH concentration in the liver, kidney, and brain; SOD activity in the liver, kidney, and gill; and GPx activity in the liver and brain. MDA content in the liver, kidney, brain, and gill showed a significant increase following lead acetate treatment compared with the normal control group. Administration of allicin was markedly effective in decreasing lead-induced lipid peroxidation and increasing the cellular antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels. These results suggest that allicin can modulate lead-induced oxidative stress and might have some therapeutic and prophylactic effects on lead poisoning.     

Increased salivary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine may be a marker for disease activity for periodontitis

Background: 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is commonly used as a marker to evaluate oxidative DNA damage in disorders including chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory periodontal pathologies. In the current study we hypothesized that the level of 8-OHdG in saliva increases by the periodontal destruction severity determined by clinical parameters as clinical attachment level (CAL). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sum of 60 age gender balanced; chronic periodontitis (CP) (n = 20), chronic gingivitis (CG) (n = 20) and healthy (H) (n = 20) individuals. Clinical periodontal parameters and salivary 8-OHdG levels were evaluated. Results: The mean 8-OHdG level in the saliva of the CP group was significantly higher than H and CG groups (p < 0.001). Statistically significant correlation was only observed between the salivary levels of 8-OHdG and age (p < 0.05), probing depth (PD) and CAL (p < 0.001) in CP group. However, when CP patients were classified according to their CAL levels (CAL≥ 3 mm (n = 11) and CAL<3 mm (n = 9)) statistically significant correlation was only observed between the salivary levels of 8-OHdG and CAL≥ 3 mm patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We suggest that elevated salivary levels of 8-OHdG may be a marker for disease activity and it may reflect indirectly disease severity parameters such as CAL.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone improves hepatic antioxidant systems after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits

This study evaluated the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the oxidant [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH)] systems in liver after renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rabbits. Thirty rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 10: group I (sham operation), group II (renal IR group), and group III (DHEA, 25 mg/kg, s.c., 15 min pre-ischemia). Renal IR injury in group II caused a decrease of SOD (25%), GPx (36%), and CAT (26%) activities and GSH levels (32%), and increases of MDA (30%) in liver and of ALT and AST activities in serum, compared to group I. DHEA administration decreased the hepatic MDA level (19%) and serum ALT activity (30%) (p <0.01 and p <0.05, respectively), and considerably increased hepatic GSH levels and GPx activities (p <0.01 for both) in group III, compared to group II. These results suggest that DHEA treatment has beneficial effects on antioxidant defenses against hepatic injury after renal IR in rabbits, possibly by augmenting GSH levels and lowering MDA production.     

Correlations between Oxidative DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress and Coenzyme Q10 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

The correlation of coronary artery disease (CAD) with pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and oxidative DNA damage was investigated.Seventy-seven patients with CAD and 44 healthy individuals as control were included in this study. The comparative ratios of ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10, 8-hydroxy-2^''-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine and the level of MDA measured by HPLC and the activities of GPX and SOD by colorimetric approach in blood samples obtained from patients with CAD were unraveled.8-OHdG/dG ratios, serum MDA level and GPX activity were found significantly elevated level in serum of CAD patients compared to control group. The SOD activity was observed in stable levels in CAD patients. Ubiquinol-10/ubiquinone-10 ratio was significantly lower in patients with CAD than the controls.The positive correlation was observed between 8-OHdG/dG ratios in both MDA levels and GPX activity, while the significant negative correlation was seemed between the ratio of 8-OHdG/dG and ubiquinol-10/ ubiquinone-10 as well as MDA levels and ubiquinol-10/ ubiquinone-10 ratio.We conclude that, both the disruption of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and oxidative stress in DNA may play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.     

Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of traditional aqueous extract of Zygophyllum album in streptozotocin diabetic mice

Objective: The aim of this work was to investigate the antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of Zygophyllum album on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Methods: Diabetes was induced in Swiss albino mice by the administration of STZ (45mg/kg b.w.) intraperitoneally. Aqueous extract of Z. album (100 and 300mg/kg b.w.) was administered by oral gavage once a day for a period of 15days. The effect of the extract on blood glucose, lipids, cholesterol levels in plasma, and also on enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants of defence systems such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities, and vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione reductase (GSH) levels in liver and pancreas were studied. Results: Our results showed that Z. album extract reduced the blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in STZ-diabetic mice. It also significantly abolished the increase in MDA level, and GPx, SOD and CAT activities in both liver and pancreas. The levels of GSH, vitamin C and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly augmented in Z. album treated diabetic mice in comparison with control group. Our findings suggest that Z. album aqueous extract prevented the diabetic induced MDA levels via the enhancement of the tissue GSH and blood vitamin C levels. Conclusions: These results suggest that Z. album extract exerts the anti-diabetic and antihypercholesterolemic activities through its antioxidant properties.     

Protective effect of lycopene against ochratoxin A induced renal oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of lycopene against the renal toxic effects of OTA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (<200 g, n = 6) were treated with OTA (0.5 mg/kg/day) and/or lycopene (5 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 14 days. Histopathological examinations were performed and apoptotic cell death in both cortex and medulla was evaluated by TUNEL assay. Besides, biochemical parameters and activities of renal antioxidant selenoenzymes [glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR)], catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD); concentrations of total glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. OTA treatment was found to induce oxidative stress in rat kidney, as evidenced by marked decreases in CAT (35%) activity and GSH levels (44%) as well as increase in SOD activity (22%) vs control group. Furthermore, TUNEL analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells in cortex (49%) and medulla (75%) in OTA administrated group compared to control (p < 0.05). Lycopene supplementation with OTA increased GPx1 activity and GSH levels, and decreased apoptotic cell death in both cortex and medulla vs. control. The results of this study showed that at least one of the mechanisms underlying the renal toxicity of OTA is oxidative stress and apoptosis is the major form of cell death caused by OTA. Besides, our data indicate that the natural antioxidant lycopene might be partially protective against OTA-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat.     

Effect of Potassium Bromate on the Liver of Adult Male Albino Rat and A Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C: Histological,Immunohistochemical, and Biochemical Study

Potassium bromate (KBrO₃) is a food additive which is used primarily as a maturing agent for flour. It is proved as a toxic agent with significant reduction in the activities of antioxidant capacity. The therapeutic efficacy of vitamin C as antioxidant may provide a possible solution to KBrO₃ mediated oxidative damage. Twenty four adult male albino rats were used to evaluate the protective role of vitamin C against KBrO₃ induced hepatotoxicity and divided into four groups; Group 1 (control), Group 2: received 30 mg/Kg/day vitamin C orally for 4 weeks, Group 3: received 20 mg/Kg/dose KBrO₃ orally twice weekly for 4 weeks and Group 4: received both KBrO₃ and vitamin C. Liver specimens were processed for histological study by light and electron microscopes and stained immunohistochemically to detect glial fibriller acidic protein (GFAP). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were estimated as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in all dissected tissues were determined. KBrO₃ induced histological alterations in the form of degeneration, cellular infiltration and significant increase in collagen deposition in portal tracts with a significant increase in immunoexpression of GFAP. Significant rise in serum levels of AST, ALT, and MDA in liver tissues were recorded. However, levels of GSH and SOD were significantly decreased. Most of these changes were improved by vitamin C treatment. In conclusion, vitamin C ameliorates the histological and biochemical alterations of the liver induced by KBrO₃. Anat Rec, 299:1256–1269, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist abrogates lipopolysaccharide-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rat liver

Endotoxemia-induced hepatotoxicity is characterized by disturbed intracellular redox balance, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation inducing DNA, proteins and membrane lipid damages. In the present study, the protective effects of montelukast (MNT) against Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced oxidative stress were investigated in rat liver. LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected and the animals were sacrificed 6 h after LPS challenge. MNT (10 mg/kg) was administered orally for seven successive days before endotoxemia induction. Blood samples were withdrawn for assessing the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and levels of serum total bilirubin, total protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Livers were dissected out and used for histological examination or stored for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Sepsis significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, total bilirubin, TNF-α and IL-1β, MPO, MDA and PCC levels and decreased total protein, GSH and enzymatic antioxidants (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px). MNT decreased the markers of liver injury (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and total bilirubin), inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-alpha, IL-1β), MDA, PCC and MPO after LPS challenge. In conclusion, MNT abrogates LPS-induced markers of liver injury and suppresses the release of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers via its antioxidant properties and enhancement enzymatic antioxidant activities.     

Glutathione S-Transferase P1 Correlated with Oxidative Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) is an important phase II enzyme that can protect cells from oxidative stress in various human cancers. However, few clinical studies were undertaken on the relationship between GSTP1 and oxidative stress in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was therefore aimed to evaluate the potential associations between GSTP1 and oxidative stress in HCC patients.Methods: The GSTP1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was determined by flow cytometry from 38 HCC patients and 38 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The GSTP1 mRNA level in PBMCs was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the oxidative stress status, including plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), reduced glutathione hormone (GSH) and glutathione-S-transferases (GST).Results: Significantly decreased GSTP1 protein expression was found in HCC patients than in CHB patients (P<0.05). The GSTP1 mRNA expression of HCC patients was also decreased compared with CHB patients (P<0.05). MDA and XOD levels were significantly higher in HCC patients than in CHB patients, while plasma GSH and GST levels were statistically lower in HCC patients than in CHB patients. GSTP1 expression level was correlated with plasma levels of MDA (P<0.01), XOD (P = 0.01) and GSH (P< 0.01), GST (P< 0.01).Conclusion: We demonstrated that the reduced GSTP1 expression might contribute to oxidative stress in the development of HCC from CHB.     

Methionine-supplemented diet augments hepatotoxicity and prooxidant status in chronically ethanol-treated rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether high methionine (HM) diet may influence the development of ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and prooxidant–antioxidant balance in the liver. Rats received drinking water containing ethanol (20% v/v) and/or methionine supplemented diet (2% w/w) for 75 days. Although prooxidant–antioxidant balance did not change in the liver of rats in HM group, ethanol treatment was observed to increase plasma transaminase activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels, but not glutathione (GSH), vitamin E and vitamin C levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione transferase (GST) activities in the liver of rats as compared to controls. However, ethanol plus HM diet caused further increases in plasma transaminase activities and hepatic MDA and PC levels. In addition, SOD, GSH-Px and GST activities were observed to decrease, but GSH, vitamin E and vitamin C levels remained unchanged in the liver as compared to ethanol, HM and control groups. Our results show that HM diet may augment hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in the liver of chronically ethanol-treated rats.     

The pattern of the coronary arterial orifices in hearts with congenital malformations of the outflow tracts: a marker of rotation of the outflow tract during cardiac development?

Outflow tract defects, including cardiac neural crest defects (so-called conotruncal defects) and transposition of the great arteries, are due to an abnormal rotation of the outflow tract during cardiac development. Coronary orifices are often abnormal in outflow tract defects, particularly in common arterial trunk (CAT). A recent study indicates that abnormal coronary artery pattern in a mouse model with common arterial outlet (Tbx1−/− mouse mutant) could be due to a reduced and malpositioned subpulmonary coronary-refractory myocardial domain. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the relation between coronary orifices pattern in outflow tract defects in human and the abnormal embryonic rotation of the outflow tract. We analyzed 101 heart specimens with outflow tract defects: 46 CAT, 15 tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), 29 TOF with pulmonary atresia (TOF-PA), 11 double-outlet right ventricle with subaortic ventricular septal defect (DORV) and 17 controls. The position of left and right coronary orifices (LCO, RCO) was measured in degrees on the aortic/truncal circumference. The anterior angle between LCO and RCO (α) was calculated. The LCO was more posterior in TOF (31 °), TOF-PA (47 °), DORV (44 °), CAT (63 °), compared with controls (0 °, P < 0.05), and more posterior in CAT than in other outflow tract defects (P < 0.05). The RCO was more anterior in TOF (242 °), TOF-PA (245 °) and DORV (271 °) than in controls (213 °, P < 0.05), but not in CAT (195 °). The α angle was similar in TOF, TOF-PA, DORV and controls (149 °, 162 °, 133 °, 147 °), but significantly larger in CAT (229 °, P < 0.0001). In all outflow tract defects but CAT, the displacement of LCO (anterior) and RCO (posterior), while the α angle remains constant, might be due to incomplete rotation of the myocardium at the base of the outflow tract, leading to an abnormally positioned subpulmonary coronary-refractory myocardial domain. The larger α angle in CAT could reflect its dual identity, aortic and pulmonary.