scholarly journals Pharmacological and biochemical studies on the protective effects of melatonin during stress-induced behavioral and immunological changes in relation to oxidative stress in rats

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishi Pal ◽  
Kavita Gulati ◽  
B.D. Banerjee ◽  
Arunabha Ray

Stress is known to precipitate neuropsychiatric diseases, and depending upon its nature and intensity it can also influence the functioning of the immune system. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine) a pineal gland hormone and potent antioxidant is known to protect against many diseases. Effect of melatonin in stress-induced neuro-immunomodulation is not well elucidated. Therefore in the present study, the protective effects of melatonin were evaluated in restraint stress (RS)-induced behavioral and immunological changes in rats. RS for 1 h significantly reduces (i) percentage of open-arm entries and (ii) percentage of time spent on open-arm in elevated plus maze (EPM) test parameters (p < 0.01) and significant increase in MDA levels in brain homogenate when compared to non-RS control groups (p < 0.05). In immunological studies, both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to antigen were significantly suppressed by RS for 1 h for 5 consecutive days, as evidenced by significant reduction in (i) anti-SRBC antibody titre, (ii) PFC counts, (iii) percentage change in paw volume, and (iv) Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokine levels (p < 0.001 in all parameters). These RS-induced immunological changes were associated with significantly increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in serum and significantly decreased activity of (i) SOD, (ii) CAT, and (iii) GSH levels in RS (X5)-exposed group (p < 0.02). Pretreatment with melatonin (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg) significantly reversed these RS-induced changes in EPM test parameters and humoral and cell-mediated immunological parameters, as well as oxidative stress markers in a dose-dependent manner by differential degrees (p < 0.001). Results are strongly suggestive of the involvement of free radicals during stress-induced neurobehavioral and immunological changes. These changes were significantly restored by melatonin pretreatment. We can conclude that melatonin may have a protective role during such stress-induced neuro-immunomodulation.

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Noren Hooten ◽  
Ngozi Ejiogu ◽  
Alan B. Zonderman ◽  
Michele K. Evans

Background. Since high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is predictive of cardiovascular events, it is important to examine the relationship between hsCRP and other inflammatory and oxidative stress markers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) etiology. Previously, we reported that hsCRP induces the oxidative stress adduct 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and that these markers are significantly associated in women. Recent data indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may have a role in CVD.Methods and Results. We examined BDNF levels in 3 groups of women that were age- and race-matched with low (<3 mg/L), mid (>3–20 mg/L), and high (>20 mg/L) hsCRP (n=39per group) and found a significant association between hsCRP, BDNF, and 8-oxodG. In African American females with high hsCRP, increases in BDNF were associated with decreased serum 8-oxodG. This was not the case in white women where high hsCRP was associated with high levels of BDNF and high levels of 8-oxodG. BDNF treatment of cells reduced CRP levels and inhibited CRP-induced DNA damage.Conclusion. We discovered an important relationship between hsCRP, 8-oxodG, and BDNF in women at hsCRP levels >3 mg/L. These data suggest that BDNF may have a protective role in counteracting the inflammatory effects of hsCRP.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Khalid Mashai Al-Anazi ◽  
Ali Abdullah Al-Mareed ◽  
Mohammed Abul Farah ◽  
M. Ajmal Ali ◽  
Waleed A. Q. Hailan ◽  
...  

Despite the commercial value of potassium bromate (KBrO3), it has been linked to many diseases including cancer. Capparis spinosa possesses exceptional ethnobotanical, pharmaceutical, and economic prominence by virtue of its bioactive components. The present study was designed to explore the protective role and antioxidant potential of ethanolic leaves extract of C. spinosa against the oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and apoptosis induced by KBrO3 in an experimental animal model. The results of the study revealed remarkable diminution in the levels of oxidative stress in all the treatment groups. C. spinosa extract attenuated the toxic effects of KBrO3 significantly ( p  < 0.05) in a time- and dose-dependent manner by restoring the normal levels of ROS and antioxidative enzymes in serum and liver tissues. The extract also abolished the oxidative DNA damage as it was evident in decreased frequency of micronuclei. A marked increase in viable cells was observed in annexin-V apoptosis assay. In conclusion, the findings of the present study demonstrate that ethanolic leaves extract of C. spinosa has considerable protective effects against KBrO3-induced toxicity in experimental mice which is attributed to its antioxidant activity. Therefore, leaves of C. spinosa could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidant and bioactive compounds.


2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Alpsoy ◽  
G Agar ◽  
M Ikbal

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamins A, C, and E against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on blood cultures in relation to induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE). The results indicated genotoxic and mutagenic damage in cultured human lymphocytes exposed to AFB1. The results showed that 5 μM concentration of AFB1 increased SCE. When vitamins A, C, and E were added to AFB1, the frequency of SCE decreased. These results suggest that vitamins A, C, and E could effectively inhibit AFB1-induced SCE, which may partially responsible for its mutagenic effect of AFB1. Besides, the protective effect of vitamins A, C, and E against AFB1 was increased in a dose-dependent manner (i.e., as the doses increased, their protective effects also increased). There was a significant decrease in the SCE frequency in AFB1-treated group compared with the groups receiving AFB1 and also vitamins A, C, and E. The most effective concentration was 100 microM vitamin C, and the lowest effective concentration was 0.5 microM vitamin A. Vitamin C has the most effective concentration of 100 μM, and vitamin A has the lowest effective concentration of 0.5 μM. The order of the decreasing effect of the SCE frequency of vitamins was as follows: vitamin C > vitamin E > vitamin A.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-qiang Pei ◽  
Yong-qiu Zheng ◽  
Yao-dong Ding ◽  
Qi-xiang Xu ◽  
Di Cao ◽  
...  

Background: Triptolide (TP), a naturally derived compound from Tripterygium wilfordii, has been proven effective in protecting against cardiovascular system, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its protective effects are poorly understood. In the current study, we sought to test the potential protective role of TP in the regulation of vascular calcification in a rat model and explore whether TP attenuates medial vascular calcification by upregulating miRNA-204.Methods: Vitamin D3 plus nicotine (VDN) was used to induce a vascular calcification (VC) model of rat aorta. Von Kossa and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining were applied to assess the degree of calcification of rat aortas. Calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to quantify miRNA-204 expression. The localization of runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.Results: Administration of TP greatly reduced vascular calcification in a dose-dependent manner compared with VC controls. The increase in ALP activity and calcium content was ameliorated by TP. Moreover, protein expression levels of BMP2 and RUNX2 were significantly reduced in calcified aortas. MiRNA-204 expression was increased in the TP-treated groups compared with VC controls and the effects of TP were reversed by the intravenous injection of miRNA-204-interfering lentivirus. However, the miRNA-204-overexpressing lentivirus had no additional effects on ALP activity, calcium content, BMP2 and RUNX2 expressions compared with those from TP group.Conclusion: TP inhibited BMP2 and RUNX2 expression and attenuated vascular calcification via upregulating the level of miRNA-204. TP appears to be a potential new therapeutic option for treating vascular calcification.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 800-806
Author(s):  
Alireza Gazeri ◽  
Azadeh Aminzadeh

Because of the numerous industrial applications of lead (Pb), Pb poisoning is an important public health threat in the world particularly in developing and industrialized countries. Oxidative stress is one of the important mechanisms of Pb-mediated toxicity. Deferoxamine (DFO) is an iron chelating agent that has recently shown antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. This study investigated the protective capacity of DFO against Pb-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. We used five groups in this study: control, DFO (300 mg/kg), Pb (50 mg/kg), DFO (150 mg/kg) + Pb, DFO (300 mg/kg) + Pb. DFO was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before intraperitoneal injection of Pb for 5 days. After drug treatment, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant enzymes were measured in serum and heart samples. The results showed that pretreatment with DFO reduced Pb-induced oxidative stress markers in serum and cardiac tissues. We found that LDH and LPO levels were significantly increased in Pb-treated rats and decreased with DFO pre-administration. Furthermore, the decreased activities of total antioxidant capacity, and GSH were observed after Pb treatment. However, DFO administration effectively prevented the Pb-induced alterations of these antioxidant enzymes activities. In conclusion, the results presented here indicate that DFO has protective effects in Pb-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, probably due to its antioxidant action and inhibition of oxidative stress.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioana Miruna Balmus ◽  
Alin Ciobica ◽  
Iulia Antioch ◽  
Romeo Dobrin ◽  
Daniel Timofte

The correlation between the affective disorders and the almost ubiquitous pathological oxidative stress can be described in a multifactorial way, as an important mechanism of central nervous system impairment. Whether the obvious changes which occur in oxidative balance of the affective disorders are a part of the constitutive mechanism or a collateral effect yet remains as an interesting question. However it is now clear that oxidative stress is a component of these disorders, being characterized by different aspects in a disease-dependent manner. Still, there are a lot of controversies regarding the relevance of the oxidative stress status in most of the affective disorders and despite the fact that most of the studies are showing that the affective disorders development can be correlated to increased oxidative levels, there are various studies stating that oxidative stress is not linked with the mood changing tendencies. Thus, in this minireview we decided to describe the way in which oxidative stress is involved in the affective disorders development, by focusing on the main oxidative stress markers that could be used mechanistically and therapeutically in these deficiencies, the genetic perspectives, some antioxidant approaches, and the relevance of some animal models studies in this context.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinnong Liu ◽  
Qingtian Zhu ◽  
Min Zhang ◽  
Tao Yin ◽  
Rong Xu ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid monomer with confirmed antioxidant activity. However, the specific effects of ISL on AP have not been determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of ISL on AP using two mouse models. In the caerulein-induced mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) model, dynamic changes in oxidative stress injury of the pancreatic tissue were observed after AP onset. We found that ISL administration reduced serum amylase and lipase levels and alleviated the histopathological manifestations of pancreatic tissue in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, ISL decreased the oxidative stress injury and increased the protein expression of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. In addition, after administering a Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) or HO-1 inhibitor (zinc protoporphyrin) to block the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, we failed to observe the protective effects of ISL on AP in mice. Furthermore, we found that ISL mitigated the severity of pancreatic tissue injury and pancreatitis-associated lung injury in a severe acute pancreatitis model induced by L-arginine. Taken together, our data for the first time confirmed the protective effects of ISL on AP in mice via inhibition of oxidative stress and modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Yan Meng ◽  
Yu-Pei Yuan ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Chun-Yan Kong ◽  
Peng Song ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis play critical roles in the development of doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced cardiotoxicity. Our previous study found that geniposide (GE) could inhibit cardiac oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes but its role in DOX-induced heart injury remains unknown. Our study is aimed at investigating whether GE could protect against DOX-induced heart injury. The mice were subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (15 mg/kg) to induce cardiomyopathy model. To explore the protective effects, GE was orally given for 10 days. The morphological examination and biochemical analysis were used to evaluate the effects of GE. H9C2 cells were used to verify the protective role of GE in vitro. GE treatment alleviated heart dysfunction and attenuated cardiac oxidative stress and cell loss induced by DOX in vivo and in vitro. GE could activate AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of AMPKα could abolish the protective effects of GE against DOX-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. GE could protect against DOX-induced heart injury via activation of AMPKα. GE has therapeutic potential for the treatment of DOX cardiotoxicity.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Borut Poljšak ◽  
Rok Fink

Overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species can result from exposure to environmental pollutants, such as ionising and nonionising radiation, ultraviolet radiation, elevated concentrations of ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, cigarette smoke, asbestos, particulate matter, pesticides, dioxins and furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and many other compounds present in the environment. It appears that increased oxidative/nitrosative stress is often neglected mechanism by which environmental pollutants affect human health. Oxidation of and oxidative damage to cellular components and biomolecules have been suggested to be involved in the aetiology of several chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and aging. Several studies have demonstrated that the human body can alleviate oxidative stress using exogenous antioxidants. However, not all dietary antioxidant supplements display protective effects, for example,β-carotene for lung cancer prevention in smokers or tocopherols for photooxidative stress. In this review, we explore the increases in oxidative stress caused by exposure to environmental pollutants and the protective effects of antioxidants.


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