Protective Effect of Maize Silks (Maydis stigma) Ethanol Extract on Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice

Maize silks, dried cut stigmata of maize female flowers, are a traditional medicinal plant. This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effect of maize silks ethanol extract (MSE) against oxidative damage in vivo. γ-radiation was employed to induce oxidative stress in mice and the variation of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio (GSH/GSSG), blood cells, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and related antioxidant enzymes were examined. The results showed that radiation elevate levels of MDA, induce hematological abnormalities and decrease levels of GSH/GSSG and Nrf2 expression in liver and kidney. MSE administration significantly abolished elevation of MDA levels in liver, maintained hepatic GSH/GSSG ratio and ameliorated hematological abnormalities dose dependently. Moreover, MSE up-regulated the hepatic protein expression of Nrf2 dose dependently and the activities as well as protein expression of Nrf2-related antioxidant enzymes were also increased. However, the antioxidant ability of MSE seemed not to be as effective in kidney as in liver. These findings firstly proved the protective role of MSE against oxidative stress, which was in part via up-regulation of Nrf2 and seemed to be tissue specific.     

Beneficial Effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC) on Blood Glucose and Pancreatic Antioxidant System in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of S-allyl cysteine (SAC) on the antioxidant defense system of pancreas in streptozotocin(STZ) induced diabetes in rats. The levels of blood glucose and TBARS in plasma and pancreas were estimated in control and experimental groups of rats. To assess the changes in the cellular antioxidant defense system, the level of reduced glutathione in plasma and pancreas and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were assayed in pancreatic tissue homogenate. The levels of glucose, TBARS and enzymatic antioxidants were altered in diabetic rats. These alterations were reverted back to near control levels after the treatment of SAC. The antidiabetic and antioxidant effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide, a well-known hypoglycemic drug. These findings suggest that SAC treatment exerts a therapeutic protective nature in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress.     

Quinoa flavonoids and their bioaccessibility during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

This research evaluated the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility of flavonoid compounds present in quinoa products (seeds, sprouts, and flakes) and changes in their antioxidant activity. Flavonoids that were present after treatment with gastric and intestinal enzymes were characterized using HPLC-ESI-MS³, and the antioxidant activity was measured using two different antioxidant assays. Seven out of eleven flavonoid compounds were found intact after in vitro digestion, and their concentration were significantly increased after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The increase in flavonoids led to an approximately 2-fold increase in the antioxidant activity. The main class of flavonoid compounds identified in quinoa were flavonols, mainly quercetin and kaempferol glycosides. The results suggest that flavonoid compounds from quinoa products, which are associated with health benefits, are bioaccessible after efficient extraction by the digestive enzymes, and are available for further absorption in the intestine.     

Surfactant and antioxidant properties of an extract from Chenopodium quinoa Willd seed coats

Chenopodium quinoa Willd (quinoa) has been a source of food for millennia by the Andes region native population. Because of its bitter taste, quinoa seeds are commercialized without their coat for human consumption. Quinoa coats are surfactant sub-products of the quinoa food industry, which have been only characterized to contain triterpene saponins. We postulated that this coat should also contain antioxidant molecules as part of the defense system of the quinoa seed. We found that a quinoa seed coats hydroalcoholic extract, displayed thiol compounds in addition to polyphenols, recognized antioxidants. Accordingly, it inhibited microsomal lipid peroxidation and the loss of microsomal thiol content, both oxidative phenomena promoted by Cu²⁺/ascorbate. Microsomal glutathione S-transferase (GST) is inhibited by reducing agents, which decrease the content of catalytically active disulfide-linked dimers. The effects of this quinoa extract on microsomal GST are consistent with it displaying disulfide reducing properties. The occurrence of thiol compounds in this quinoa extract is discussed in terms of the potential of their antioxidant properties.     

The Potential Protective Effect and Possible Mechanism of Peptides from Oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) Hydrolysate on Triptolide-Induced Testis Injury in Male Mice

Peptides from oyster hydrolysate (OPs) have a variety of biological activities. However, its protective effect and exact mechanism on testicular injury remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of OPs on triptolide (TP)-induced testis damage and spermatogenesis dysfunction and investigate its underlying mechanism. In this work, the TP-induced testis injury model was created while OPs were gavaged in mice for 4 weeks. The results showed that OPs significantly improved the sperm count and motility of mice, and alleviated the seminiferous tubule injury. Further study showed that OPs decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) level and increased antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GPH-Px) activities, attenuating oxidative stress and thereby reducing the number of apoptotic cells in the testis. In addition, OPs improved the activities of enzymes (LDH, ALP and ACP) related to energy metabolism in the testis and restored the serum hormone level of mice to normal. Furthermore, OPs promoted the expression of Nrf2 protein, and then increased the expression of antioxidant enzyme regulatory protein (HO-1 and NQO1) in the testis. OPs inhibited JNK phosphorylation and Bcl-2/Bax-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, OPs have a protective effect on testicular injury and spermatogenesis disorders caused by TP, suggesting the potential protection of OPs on male reproduction.     

Dietary Supplementation of Almond Prevents Oxidative Stress by Advocating Antioxidants and Attenuates Impaired Aversive Memory in Male Rats

Scopolamine, an anti-muscarinic agent, has been shown to induce amnesia and oxidative stress similar to that observed in the older age. The present study was designed to determine the relationship between the oxidative status and memory improvement in scopolamine injected rats pre-administered with almonds. Rats (n?=?8) in the almond group were administered orally with 400 mg/kg almond suspension for 28 days daily before the intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg). Passive avoidance task (PAT) was used to assess memory function at the end of treatment. The present study revealed that scopolamine injection significantly impaired the memory function in rats pre-treated with saline which was accompanied by increased oxidative stress as evident by increased brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes as compared to healthy controls. Pre-treatment with almond significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced oxidative stress and memory dysfunction. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with almonds may have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of oxidative stress-induced memory loss and delaying or preventing the onset of age-related memory impairment.     

水杨酸对干旱胁迫下小麦幼苗抗氧化特性的影响

为了给水杨酸在小麦栽培中的应用提供参考依据,以小麦品种百农AK58为材料,用17.5%聚乙二醇6000(PEG6000)模拟干旱胁迫,研究了外源水杨酸对干旱胁迫下小麦幼苗叶片和根系抗氧化特性的影响。结果表明,干旱胁迫显著提高了根、叶细胞质膜透性、丙二醛(MDA)含量及过氧化物岐化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)等抗氧化酶活性。与单独干旱胁迫处理相比,外源施加水杨酸可使干旱下小麦幼苗根系APX、POD、SOD和CAT活性分别增加190.9%、20.4%、42.3%和89.4%,使其膜透性和MDA含量分别降低19.7%和54.6%;对叶片而言,水杨酸可使其APX和POD活性分别增加31.5%和159.6%,使其膜透性和MDA含量分别降低23.7%和53.9%。上述结果说明,干旱胁迫加剧了小麦的氧化胁迫,小麦幼苗则通过增强根、叶抗氧化酶活性以抵抗氧化伤害。外源施加水杨酸可增强小麦幼苗根、叶相关抗氧化酶的活性,从而缓解小麦在干旱下所遭受的氧化伤害,增强其抗旱性。     

人工老化处理对芝麻种子生理生化特性的影响

以郑芝4号黑芝麻种子为材料,研究了人工加速老化处理对种子发芽指标﹑丙二醛(MDA)含量﹑过氧化物酶(POD)活性和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性的影响。试验结果表明：随着种子老化加深,发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数﹑活力指数逐渐降低, 丙二醛含量逐渐升高。另外,老化种子内POD活性和SOD活性变化的总趋势是随老化时间延长而降低。由此认为芝麻种子人工老化及劣变的主要机制与抗氧化酶活性降低与和膜脂过氧化作用加剧有关。人工老化种子生活力出现快速下降的发芽势拐点是80%,其下降的趋势又与POD活性下降非常一致,POD可作为一个检测指标显示种子活力高低及丧失的特征。     

外施海藻糖对高温胁迫下小麦幼苗膜脂过氧化的影响

在非生物胁迫条件下,海藻糖可以提高植物的抗逆性,减少逆境胁迫对植物组织的伤害,维持植物的相对正常生长。为了解其具体的作用机制,以小麦为材料,通过检测高温胁迫及室温恢复过程中丙二醛(MDA)含量、过氧化氢(H2O2)含量、超氧自由基(O·-2)含量、抗氧化物质[抗坏血酸(AsA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)]含量、抗氧化酶[超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)]活性及其基因转录的表达调控,以探究外源海藻糖对小麦幼苗抗氧化系统的影响。结果表明,在高温胁迫下外源海藻糖处理主要提高了AsA含量,增强了CAT和APX活性,同时上调了Mn-SOD、Cu/ZnSOD、CAT、POD和APX的相对表达量,从而降低了MDA及H2O2的产生。而随后的室温恢复过程基本与高温胁迫的结果一致,也提高了这些酶的基因转录水平以及AsA含量,主要差别是对抗氧化酶活性的影响,即室温恢复阶段外源海藻糖主要提高了POD和APX活性。综合来看,外源海藻糖在小麦幼苗的高温胁迫及室温恢复过程中,通过促进抗氧化酶基因的上调表达,提高抗氧化酶活性和抗氧化物质含量,以酶促和非酶促两种机制共同清除高温胁迫产生的活性氧,减少氧化胁迫的损伤,维持小麦幼苗的生长。     

多巴胺引发对盐胁迫下水稻种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

【目的】探讨多巴胺(Dopamine,DA)引发对盐胁迫下水稻种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响。【方法】 以新疆自育水稻品种新稻17号为研究对象,分别用0（纯水）、0.1、0.5、1、1.5 mg/L的DA溶液(分别用S0、S0.1、S0.5、S1、S1.5表示)引发种子,采用浓度为100 mmol/L的NaCl溶液模拟盐胁迫,以未引发无盐胁迫处理作为对照1(CK),未引发有盐胁迫处理作为对照2(S-CK),研究多巴胺引发对盐胁迫下水稻种子萌发、幼苗生长及生理特性的影响。【结果】与CK相比,盐胁迫下(S-CK)水稻种子的萌发受到明显抑制且萌发速率降低,幼苗长势弱。引发处理不同程度缓解了盐胁迫对种子萌发的抑制,提高发芽率(13.3%~25.8%)和发芽速率,促进幼苗生长;可溶性糖和脯氨酸含量增加(16.4%~51.8%和6.5%~31.2%),超氧化物歧化酶 (28.9%~72.7%)、过氧化物酶 (15.0%~60.1%)和过氧化氢酶 (35.1%~133.0%)活性显著提高,丙二醛 (7.1%~26.8%)含量明显降低。表明对种子进行引发处理,通过增强盐胁迫下水稻种子活力,提高幼苗渗透调节物质含量和抗氧化酶活性,降低丙二醛含量,增强了水稻种子及幼苗的耐盐性,其中1.0 mg/L的多巴胺溶液(S1)引发效果优于水引发(S0)。【结论】对于新疆自育水稻品种新稻17而言,1.0 mg/L多巴胺溶液引发能够有效提高其对盐胁迫的抵抗能力,促进种子萌发和幼苗生长。     

盐胁迫条件下杂交水稻种子发芽特性和幼苗耐盐生理基础

 两个杂交稻组合汕优10号和两优培九种子分别放在H2O、50 mmol/L、100 mmol/L和150 mmol/L的NaCl溶液中于30℃下发芽，测定种子发芽性能和淀粉酶活性及幼苗保护酶活性、丙二醛（MDA）含量和脯氨酸、可溶性糖、果糖和蔗糖等相容性溶质含量。结果表明，盐胁迫条件下杂交水稻种子平均发芽时间延长，发芽指数降低，但发芽势和发芽率变化不明显。盐胁迫后明显降低两优培九种子α，β-淀粉酶活性，而汕优10号中， 除在50 mmol/L NaCl溶液中α-淀粉酶活性高于对照（H2O）外，其余处理均降低了α，β-淀粉酶活性。不同盐胁迫程度下杂交水稻幼苗超氧物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和丙二醛含量及脯氨酸、可溶性糖、果糖和蔗糖等相容性溶质含量变化有差异，但未见规律性趋势。杂交水稻幼苗相对含水量和耐盐比率随着盐胁迫程度加深而明显下降。试验还表明，盐胁迫条件下杂交水稻组合汕优10号种子发芽性能比两优培九好，淀粉酶和保护酶活性、相容性溶质含量和相对含水量及耐盐指数和耐盐比率也均高于两优培九，说明汕优10号幼苗耐盐性强于两优培九。     

Effect of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium quinoa) in Diet on some Biochemical Parameters and Essential Elements in Blood of High Fructose-Fed Rats

The effect of Chenopodium quinoa seeds on lipid profile, glucose level, protein metabolism and selected essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) level was determined in high—fructose fed male Wistar rats. Fructose decreased significantly LDL [42%, p < 0.01] and activity of alkaline phosphatase [20%, p < 0.05], and increased triglycerides level [86%, p < 0.01]. The analysis of blood of rats fed quinoa indicated, that these seeds effectively reduced serum total cholesterol [26%, p < 0.05], LDL [57%, p < 0.008] and triglycerides [11%, p < 0.05] when compared to the control group. Quinoa seeds also significantly reduced the level of glucose [10%, p < 0.01] and plasma total protein level [16%, p < 0.001]. Fructose significantly decreased HDL [15%, p < 0.05] level in control group but when the quinoa seeds were added into the diet the decrease of HDL level was inhibited. Quinoa seeds did not prevent any adverse effect of increasing triglyceride level caused by fructose. It was shown in this study that quinoa seeds can reduce most of the adverse effects exerted by fructose on lipid profile and glucose level.     

Protective Effects of Fucoxanthin on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Calcification of Heart Valve Interstitial Cells

Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and aortic valve sclerosis involve inflammatory reactions triggered by various stimuli, causing increased oxidative stress. This increased oxidative stress causes damage to the heart cells, with subsequent cell apoptosis or calcification. Currently, heart valve damage or heart valve diseases are treated by drugs or surgery. Natural antioxidant products are being investigated in related research, such as fucoxanthin (Fx), which is a marine carotenoid extracted from seaweed, with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Fx on heart valves under high oxidative stress, as well as the underlying mechanism of action. Rat heart valve interstitial cells under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress were treated with Fx. Fx improved cell survival and reduced oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, which was assessed by cell viability analysis and staining with propidium iodide. Alizarin Red-S analysis indicated that Fx has a protective effect against calcification. Furthermore, Western blotting revealed that Fx abrogates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via reducing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins as well as modulate Akt/ERK-related protein expression. Notably, in vivo experiments using 26 dogs treated with 60 mg/kg of Fx in combination with medical treatment for 0.5 to 2 years showed significant recovery in their echocardiographic parameters. Collectively, these in vitro and in vivo results highlight the potential of Fx to protect heart valve cells from high oxidative stress-induced damage.     

Effect of Spinacia oleraceae L. and Perilla frutescens L. on Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation in an Intervention Study in Healthy Individuals

Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables is frequently recommended to prevent several diseases. This health-promoting effect is considered to be in part due to the antioxidant content of fruits and vegetables and their ability to decrease oxidative stress. To investigate whether the ingestion of preparations from spinach or perilla, two carotenoid-rich leafy vegetables, is followed by an increase in carotenoid concentration and/or affects parameters of oxidative stress in human blood plasma. 12 healthy volunteers ingested a perilla- or spinach preparation for 10 days (5 mg lutein/d). We quantified antioxidant levels in plasma, kinetics of lipid peroxidation, MDA concentration, and total antioxidative capacity of plasma. We observed a significant increase in lutein content and a moderate increase (n.s.) in β-carotene content in human blood plasma after consumption of spinach or perilla. The markers of lipid peroxidation tended to decrease, but no influence on antioxidative capacity of plasma could be detected. The high lutein content of perilla caused a more pronounced increase of lutein compared to spinach. Both vegetables seem to be able to influence lipid peroxidation in a beneficial manner.     

Chronic Nicotine Toxicity is Prevented by Aqueous Garlic Extract

Based on the potent antioxidant effects of garlic, we investigated the putative protective role of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) against nicotine-induced oxidative organ damage. Male Wistar albino rats (200–250 g) were injected with nicotine hydrogen bitartrate (0.6 mg/kg; i.p.) alone or with aqueous garlic extract (125 mg/kg; i.p.) for 21 days. At the end of the experimental period (22^nd day) rats were killed by decapitation. The aorta, heart, kidney and urinary bladder tissues were taken for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen contents. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in blood were measured for the evaluation of renal functions and tissue damage, respectively. Tissues were also examined microscopically.The decrease in GSH levels and increases in MDA level, MPO activity and collagen contents induced by chronic nicotine administration indicated that tissue injury involves free radical formation. Treatment of rats with AGE restored the reduced GSH levels while it decreased MDA levels as well as MPO activity. Increased collagen contents of the tissues by chronic nicotine were reversed back to the control levels with AGE. Since AGE administration reversed these oxidant responses, improved renal function and histological damage, it seems likely that AGE protects the tissues against nicotine-induced oxidative damage.     

外源腐胺对干旱胁迫下冬小麦幼苗叶片膜脂过氧化的调节效应

为了研究外源物质对小麦抗旱性的诱导作用,水培条件下研究了外源腐胺对干旱胁迫(15%PEG-6000)条件下冬小麦幼苗叶片膜脂过氧化及抗氧化酶活性的影响.结果表明,干旱胁迫48 h后冬小麦幼苗叶片含水量下降了27.43%, O_2(÷)的产生速率、丙二醛(MDA)和H_2O_2含量随时间的推移均呈增加的趋势,SOD、POD、CAT活性分别下降了23%、37%、70%.外源腐胺处理下叶片含水量仅下降了7.62%;叶片 MDA含量降低80%左右,H_2O_2的含量下降50%左右,O_2(÷)的产生速率降低了1/3,而叶片SOD、POD、CAT活性分别提高了41%、165.8%、246%.因此认为,外源腐胺可通过抑制活性氧(O_2,H_2O_2)的产生,降低MDA含量,提高抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、CAT)的活性,缓解干旱胁迫造成的冬小麦幼苗叶片细胞膜脂过氧化损伤,提高冬小麦的抗旱性.     

S-诱抗素拌种对干旱胁迫下玉米生长调控作用

干旱胁迫下,研究不同浓度S-诱抗素拌种对玉米种子萌发作用和生理生化影响,综合评价后筛选出缓解玉米干旱胁迫的最佳S-诱抗素拌种浓度。系统聚状分析和主成分分析结果表明,不同浓度S-诱抗素拌种能提高玉米发芽率和发芽势,提高种子抗旱能力。S-诱抗素拌种能显著提高玉米抗氧化酶活性,降低MDA含量,减缓叶绿素的降解,同时通过提高PEP羧化酶和RuBP羧化酶活性,进而提高玉米光合能力,提高玉米抗旱性。S-诱抗素拌种对玉米有低促高抑效应,其中,0.01 g a.i./100 kg种子的S-诱抗素拌种能有效提高玉米抗旱性。     

外源钙及其抑制剂对蝴蝶兰幼苗耐热性的影响

为探讨Ca²⁺信号参与调节蝴蝶兰耐热性形成的生理机制,采用适宜浓度的外源Ca²⁺（CaCl₂）、胞外Ca²⁺螯合剂（EGTA）和质膜Ca²⁺通道抑制剂（LaCl₃）溶液喷施蝴蝶兰幼苗植株,以喷施蒸馏水为对照,测定高温胁迫下蝴蝶兰幼苗植株的抗氧化酶活性、丙二醛、渗透调节物质和光合色素含量的变化。结果表明,与对照相比,CaCl₂处理能显著增强超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性,增加脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖、叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量,显著降低丙二醛含量,减轻了蝴蝶兰幼苗的高温伤害,而LaCl₃和EGTA处理不同程度地降低SOD、POD和CAT活性,降低脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖、叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量,显著增加丙二醛含量,使蝴蝶兰幼苗受害加重。由此认为,Ca²⁺信号可通过参与抗氧化酶活性、脯氨酸和光合色素的代谢过程来调控蝴蝶兰幼苗耐热性的形成。     

Effect of Anthocyanin-Rich Extract from Black Rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L. <Emphasis Type="Italic">indica</Emphasis>) on Hyperlipidemia and Insulin Resistance in Fructose-Fed Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of an anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice on hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats. Rats fed fructose diet for 4 weeks exhibited significantly higher plasma insulin levels and lower insulin sensitivity than the control rats fed AIN-93G diet. Dietary supplementation with the anthocyanin-rich extract (5 g/kg of high-fructose diet) prevented the development of fructose-induced insulin resistance. After fructose-induced insulin resistance had been established, 4-week treatment with the anthocyanin-rich extract (5 g/kg of high-fructose diet) or pioglitazone (270 mg/kg of high-fructose diet) ameliorated the glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia, but the extract failed to reverse the fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia as pioglitazone did. In addition, rats supplemented by the extract exhibited lower oxidative stress than the fructose-fed controls, as indicated by the lower concentrations of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and blood oxidized glutathione. Overall, these results suggest that the anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice improves certain metabolic abnormalities associated with diets high in fructose.     

苯肽胺酸对低温胁迫下玉米幼苗抗氧化系统和氮代谢的影响

以玉米品种郑单958为试材,设常温下喷施清水（CK）、常温下喷施苯肽胺酸（PA）、低温下喷施清水（LT）和低温下喷施苯肽胺酸（LT+PA）4个不同处理,低温处理7 d后将玉米幼苗移入常温环境下恢复3 d,测定各处理幼苗生长情况、细胞质膜透性、活性氧（ROS）、抗氧化酶活性和氮代谢相关指标。结果表明,低温胁迫下,幼苗叶片活性氧和丙二醛（MDA）含量显著增加,膜透性增大,胁迫前期会诱导酶促抗氧化防御系统活性增强,随胁迫时间延长,抗氧化酶活性均呈下降趋势;氮素吸收量逐步减少,氮代谢相关酶活性呈明显降低趋势,玉米幼苗生长受到严重抑制。叶面喷施苯肽胺酸可显著减少膜损伤来促进根系对NO₃^-的吸收和提高抗氧化酶活性,同时氮代谢关键酶活性的上升和GS/GOGAT代谢途径的正常运行在氮代谢中发挥积极作用。