OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cell model. METHODS: Normal human hepatocyte LO2 cells were treated with 1 mmol/L free fatty acids (FFA) mixture for 24 h to induce NAFLD cell model. Cells were divided into 5 groups, including control, model, low-, medium- and high dose LBP (30,100 and 300 µg/mL) groups. The monosaccharide components of LBP were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography. Effects of LBP on cell viability and intracellular lipid accumulation were assessed by cell counting Kit-8 assay and oil red O staining, respectively. Triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and oxidative stress indicators were evaluated. Energy balance and mitochondrial biogenesis related mRNA and proteins were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Heteropolysaccharides with mannose and glucose are the main components of LBP. LBP treatment significantly decreased intracellular lipid accumulation as well as TG, ALT, AST and malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and ATP in NAFLD cell model (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of uncoupling protein 2 was down-regulated and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α/nuclear respiratory factor 1/mitochondrial transcription factor A pathway was up-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION LBP promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and improves energy balance in NAFLD cell model.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/drug therapy* ; Lycium/metabolism* ; Catalase/metabolism* ; Organelle Biogenesis ; Alanine Transaminase ; Uncoupling Protein 2 ; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ; Mannose ; Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1/metabolism* ; PPAR gamma/metabolism* ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Polysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Triglycerides ; RNA, Messenger ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Glucose ; Adenosine Triphosphate

Seed vigor is a key factor affecting seed quality. The mechanical drying process exerts a significant influence on rice seed vigor. The initial moisture content (IMC) and drying temperature are considered the main factors affecting rice seed vigor through mechanical drying. This study aimed to determine the optimum drying temperature for rice seeds according to the IMC, and elucidate the mechanisms mediating the effects of drying temperature and IMC on seed vigor. Rice seeds with three different IMCs (20%, 25%, and 30%) were dried to the target moisture content (14%) at four different drying temperatures. The results showed that the drying temperature and IMC had significant effects on the drying performance and vigor of the rice seeds. The upper limits of drying temperature for rice seeds with 20%, 25%, and 30% IMCs were 45, 42, and 38 °C, respectively. The drying rate and seed temperature increased significantly with increasing drying temperature. The drying temperature, drying rate, and seed temperature showed extremely significant negative correlations with germination energy (GE), germination rate, germination index (GI), and vigor index (VI). A high IMC and drying temperature probably induced a massive accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anions in the seeds, enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, and increased the abscisic acid (ABA) content. In the early stage of seed germination, the IMC and drying temperature regulated seed germination through the metabolism of H₂O₂, gibberellin acid (GA), ABA, and α-amylase. These results indicate that the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes, GA, ABA, and α-amylase might be involved in the mediation of the effects of drying temperature on seed vigor. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the mechanical drying of rice seeds.
Abscisic Acid/metabolism* ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Catalase/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects* ; Germination ; Gibberellins/metabolism* ; Hydrogen Peroxide/chemistry* ; Malondialdehyde/chemistry* ; Oryza/metabolism* ; Oxygen/chemistry* ; Plant Proteins/genetics* ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Seeds/metabolism* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Superoxides/chemistry* ; Temperature ; Weather ; alpha-Amylases/metabolism*

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of puerarin on angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation and to explore the molecular mechanisms of action. Considering the role of HO in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation, we hypothesized that modulating catalase activity would be a potential target in regulating the redox-sensitive pathways. Our results showed that the activation of Rac1 was dependent on the levels of intracellular HO. Puerarin blocked the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2, abolished activator protein (AP)-1 binding activity, and eventually attenuated cardiac fibroblast proliferation through the inhibition of HO-dependent Rac1 activation. Further studies revealed that angiotensin II treatment resulted in decreased catalase protein expression and enzyme activity, which was disrupted by puerarin via the upregulation of catalase protein expression at the transcriptional level and the prolonged protein degradation. These findings indicated that the anti-proliferation mechanism of puerarin was mainly through blocking angiontensin II-triggered downregulation of catalase expression and HO-dependent Rac1 activation.
Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Catalase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Fibroblasts ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Heart ; drug effects ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Myocardium ; cytology ; enzymology ; metabolism ; NADPH Oxidases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Neuropeptides ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Transcription Factor AP-1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Transcriptional Activation ; drug effects ; rac1 GTP-Binding Protein ; metabolism

The well-known detrimental effects of cadmium (Cd) on plants are chloroplast destruction, photosynthetic pigment inhibition, imbalance of essential plant nutrients, and membrane damage. Jasmonic acid (JA) is an alleviator against different stresses such as salinity and drought. However, the functional attributes of JA in plants such as the interactive effects of JA application and Cd on rapeseed in response to heavy metal stress remain unclear. JA at 50 µmol/L was observed in literature to have senescence effects in plants. In the present study, 25 µmol/L JA is observed to be a "stress ameliorating molecule" by improving the tolerance of rapeseed plants to Cd toxicity. JA reduces the Cd uptake in the leaves, thereby reducing membrane damage and malondialdehyde content and increasing the essential nutrient uptake. Furthermore, JA shields the chloroplast against the damaging effects of Cd, thereby increasing gas exchange and photosynthetic pigments. Moreover, JA modulates the antioxidant enzyme activity to strengthen the internal defense system. Our results demonstrate the function of JA in alleviating Cd toxicity and its underlying mechanism. Moreover, JA attenuates the damage of Cd to plants. This study enriches our knowledge regarding the use of and protection provided by JA in Cd stress.
Brassica napus/metabolism* ; Cadmium/toxicity* ; Catalase/metabolism* ; Cyclopentanes/pharmacology* ; Oxylipins/pharmacology* ; Photosynthesis ; Plant Leaves/metabolism* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Objective: To explore the protective effect of Tongjingling (TJL) against sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress in the rat model of experimental varicocele (EVC). METHODS: We randomly divided 75 Wistar male rats into five groups of equal number: sham operation, EVC model, high-dose TJL, mid-dose TJL, and low-dose TJL. The EVC model was established in the rats by partial ligation of the left renal vein, followed by 8 weeks of medication from the 4th week after modeling. Then we observed the general status of the rats, detected the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in the epididymis by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), and measured the content of hydroperoxide (H2O2) and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis by colorimetry. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the EVC models showed significantly increased sperm DFI in the epididymis (P <0.01) and elevated level of H2O2 and activities of CAT and SOD in the testis (P <0.01). In comparison with the EVC models, the rats of the TJL groups exhibited remarkably reduced sperm DFI and H2O2 content, but increased activities of SOD and CAT. CONCLUSIONS TJL can improve sperm DNA integrity by increasing the activities of SOD and CAT and reducing the H2O2 level and hence oxidative stress in the testis tissue.
Animals ; Catalase ; analysis ; DNA ; drug effects ; DNA Fragmentation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epididymis ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; analysis ; Ligation ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spermatozoa ; Superoxide Dismutase ; analysis ; Testis ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Varicocele ; etiology ; genetics ; metabolism

The aim of the present study is to investigate how cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) 2C8-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) regulate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and protect against oxidative stress-induced endothelial injuries in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with CYP2C8 or pretreated with exogenous EETs (1 μmol/L) before TNF-α (20 ng/mL) stimulation. Apoptosis and intracellular ROS production were determined by flow cytometry. The expression levels of ROS-associated NAD(P)H subunits gp91 and p47, the anti-oxidative enzyme catalase (CAT), Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that CYP2C8-derived EETs decreased apoptosis of HUVECs treated with TNF-α. Pretreatment with 11, 12-EET also significantly blocked TNF-α-induced ROS production. In addition, 11, 12-EET decreased oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the ability of 11, 12-EET to protect cells against TNF-α-induced apoptosis via oxidative stress was abrogated by transient transfection with Nrf2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). In conclusion, CYP2C8-derived EETs prevented TNF-α-induced HUVECs apoptosis via inhibition of oxidative stress associated with the Nrf2 signaling.
8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; genetics ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Atherosclerosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Catalase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C8 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Models, Biological ; NADPH Oxidase 2 ; NADPH Oxidases ; genetics ; metabolism ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influences of ultrafiltration and alcohol sedimentation on protective effects of Radix Astragali and Radix Hedyseri against rat's cerebral ischemia.

METHODSUsing dexamethasone (im.) and ligating common carotid artery, the rat stasis model combined transient cerebral ischemia was established to evaluate the effects of the ultrafiltration and alcohol sedimentation through detecting antioxidant system and other indexes in brain tissue.

RESULTSThe results showed that the 6 g/kg water extract(crude drug), ultrafiltration and alcohol sedimentation of Radix Astragali and Radix Hedyseri could upgrade adenosine-triphosphate (ATP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and degrade malondialdehyde(MDA) and water content of brain tissue in rat stasis model combined transient cerebral ischemia, the water extract and ultrafiltration of them could degrade lactic acid (LD) of brain tissue, and the effects of alcohol sedimentation of Radix Astragali and Radix Hedyseri become weaker than water extract of them.

CONCLUSIONThe water extract, ultrafiltration and alcohol sedimentation of Radix Astragali and Radix Hedyseri have some protective effects on cerebral ischemia in rats, the effective differences of the extract through the same extraction method are not remarkable, and alcohol precipitation method has obvious influences effect on Radix Astragali and Radix Hedyseri.

Alcohols ; chemistry ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Astragalus Plant ; chemistry ; Brain ; drug effects ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Cerebral Infarction ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Rats ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Ultrafiltration

In order to search for a new pathway to improve the yield of ginseng through growing at the full sun shine accompanied by salicylic acid (SA), the net photosynthetic rate (P(n)), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA) in Panax ginseng leaves, and the content of ginsenosides in roots were compared under various concentrations of SA and full sun shine with the traditional shade shed. Under the full sun shine, 0.05, 0.2 mmol x L(-1) SA increased net photosynthetic rate to a great extent. Under the cloudy day, the average net photosynthetic rate increased by 127.8% and 155.0% over the traditional shade shed, 13.9% and 27.5% over the treatment without SA respectively; under the clear day, 23.5% and 30.4% over the traditional shade shed, 8.6% and 14.6% over the treatment without SA, particularly obvious in the morning and late afternoon. With such concentration, SA increased activities of SOD, CAT, POD, and decreased the contents of the MDA. This difference resulted from different light intensity, rise of light saturation point, and fall of compensation point. Full sun shine decreased ginsenosides contents, but with SA, the ginsenosides regained, the content of Rg1 and Re, Rb1, total six types of ginsenosides in SA 0.2 mmol x L(-1) group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05) and other groups. The application of 0.2 mmol x L(-1) SA under full sun shine during a short time has little threat to the P. ginseng in spring, and could enhance the resistance to the adversity, which would improve the yield of ginseng heavily.
Catalase ; analysis ; metabolism ; Ginsenosides ; analysis ; metabolism ; Light ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; metabolism ; Panax ; chemistry ; drug effects ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Peroxidases ; analysis ; metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; drug effects ; Plant Proteins ; analysis ; metabolism ; Salicylic Acid ; pharmacology ; Seasons ; Superoxide Dismutase ; analysis ; metabolism

Radiation encephalopathy is the main complication of cranial radiotherapy. It can cause necrosis of brain tissue and cognitive dysfunction. Our previous work had proved that a natural antioxidant shikonin possessed protective effect on cerebral ischemic injury. Here we investigated the effects of shikonin on carbon ion beam induced radiation brain injury in mice. Pretreatment with shikonin significantly increased the SOD and CAT activities and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in mouse brain tissues compared with irradiated group (P<0.01), while obviously reduced the MDA and PCO contents and the ROS levels derived from of the brain mitochondria. The shikonin also noticeably improved the spatial memory deficits caused by carbon ion beam irradiation. All results demonstrated that shikonin could improve the irradiated brain injury which might resulted from its modulation effects on the oxidative stress induced by the 12C6+ ion beam.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Brain Injuries ; prevention & control ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Heavy Ion Radiotherapy ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Naphthoquinones ; pharmacology ; Protein Carbonylation ; Radiation Injuries, Experimental ; prevention & control ; Radiation-Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDOenanthe javanica (O. javanica) has been known to have high antioxidant properties via scavenging reactive oxygen species. We examined the effect of O. javanica extract (OJE) on antioxidant enzymes in the rat liver.

METHODSWe examined the effect of the OJE on copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rat liver using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups; (1) normal diet fed group (normal-group), (2) diet containing ascorbic acid (AA)-fed group (AA-group) as a positive control, (3) diet containing OJE-fed group (OJE-group).

RESULTSIn this study, no histopathological finding in the rat liver was found in all the experimental groups. Numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells and their protein levels were significantly increased in the AA-fed group compared with those in the normal-group. On the other hand, in the OJE-group, numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells in the liver were significantly increased by about 190%, 478%, 685%, and 346%, respectively, compared with those in the AA-group. In addition, protein levels of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the OJE-group were also significantly much higher than those in the AA-group.

CONCLUSIONOJE significantly increased expressions of SOD1 and SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the liver cells of the rat, and these suggests that significant enhancements of endogenous enzymatic antioxidants by OJE might be a legitimate strategy for decreasing oxidative stresses in the liver.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Ascorbic Acid ; pharmacology ; Catalase ; metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Liver ; drug effects ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Male ; Oenanthe ; chemistry ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism