Ameliorative effects of crocin on paraquat-induced oxidative stress in testis of adult mice: An experimental study

Background: Paraquat (PQ), as a pyridine compound, is widely used worldwide to control annual weeds. The oxidative stress caused by PQ can cause deleterious changes in the testicular tissue. Objective: An investigation on the protective effects of Crocin (CCN) against PQinduced oxidative damages and apoptotic indices in testicular tissue. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight adult male albino mice (20-25 gr) were divided into four groups (n = 7/each). The control group received 0.1 ml/day of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection (IP); sham-control group received PQ 5 mg/kg/day, IP, and the experimental groups received PQ (CCN+PQ) and CCN-sole (200 mg/kg/day, IP), respectively, for 35 continuous days. At the end of the treatment period, the testes were dissected out and used for biochemical, molecular, and histological analyses. The expressions of tumor suppressor p53, B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2), and caspase-3 were considered as hallmark factors of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, the testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated as key biomarkers for oxidative stress. Results: The PQ significantly (p < 0.02, p < 0.01) diminished the spermatogenesis indices and SOD, increased MDA levels, and enhanced the apoptosis-related gene expression. However, the co-administration of CCN and PQ significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.02) ameliorated the spermatogenesis ratio, upregulated the SOD level as well as bcl-2 expression, and reduced the MDA content and apoptosis vs the PQ-sole group. Conclusion: This study showed that the antioxidant properties of CCN enable to ameliorate the PQ-induced destructive effects by upregulating the testicular structure, antioxidant and apoptotic status. Key words: Histology, Testis, Paraquat, Crocin, Mice.

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Thymoquinone, but Not Metformin, Protects against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Renal Dysfunction in Rats

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11093981 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 3981

Author(s):

Mansour Alsharidah ◽

Abdel-Moneim Hafez Abdel-Moneim ◽

Ashwag Saleh Alsharidah ◽

Mugahid A. Mobark ◽

Arshad Husain Rahmani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Serum Creatinine ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Male Rats ◽

Control Group ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Concurrent Administration ◽

Protective Mechanisms ◽

Oxidative Markers ◽

Tract Infections

Background: Gentamicin (GM) is an antibiotic that is widely used to treat many Gram-negative bacteria, such as those involved in urinary tract infections. However, being nephrotoxic, GM dose adjustment and reno-protective elements must be concurrently administered with GM to minimize kidney damage. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a promising therapeutic substance, that is being extensively studied in many diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, hypertension, and others. The powerful antioxidant properties of TQ may greatly help in minimizing GM nephrotoxicity. Metformin (MF) is a well-known, clinically approved oral hypoglycaemic drug that has many other actions, including antioxidant properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible antioxidant and reno-protective effects of TQ and metformin in GM-induced nephrotoxicity in the same model (rats) at the same time. In addition, we aimed to further understand the effects underlying GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: Twenty male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: the first group (control) received distilled water; the second group received GM only; the third group received concurrent oral TQ and GM; and the fourth group received concurrent oral MF and GM. After 4 weeks, renal function and histopathology, as well as levels of the oxidative markers glutathione peroxidase-1 (GLPX1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidney tissues, were assessed. Results: Compared with the control group, and as expected, the GM-injected rats showed significant biochemical and histological changes denoting renal damage. Compared with GM-injected rats, the concurrent administration of TQ with GM significantly reduced the levels of serum creatinine, serum urea, and tissue MDA and significantly increased the levels of GLPX1 and SOD. Concurrent metformin administration with GM significantly increased the levels of both GLPX1 and SOD and significantly decreased the levels of tissue MDA but had no significant effect on serum creatinine and urea levels. Compared with GM-injected rats, the addition of either TQ or MF resulted in a reduction in endothelial proliferation and mesangial hypercellularity. Conclusions: Both TQ and MF effectively alleviated the oxidative stress in GM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, with TQ but not MF producing a complete reno-protective effect. Further studies for evaluation of different reno-protective mechanisms of TQ should be conducted.

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Folic Acid Protects Melanocytes from Oxidative Stress via Activation of Nrf2 and Inhibition of HMGB1

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity ◽

10.1155/2021/1608586 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Pengran Du ◽

Shaolong Zhang ◽

Shuli Li ◽

Yuqi Yang ◽

Pan Kang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Folic Acid ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Vital Role ◽

Related Factor ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Abnormal Growth ◽

Oxidative Damages ◽

Human Melanocytes

Vitiligo is a cutaneous depigmentation disease due to loss of epidermal melanocytes. Accumulating evidence has indicated that oxidative stress plays a vital role in vitiligo via directly destructing melanocytes and triggering inflammatory response that ultimately undermines melanocytes. Folic acid (FA), an oxidized form of folate with high bioavailability, exhibits potent antioxidant properties and shows therapeutic potential in multiple oxidative stress-related diseases. However, whether FA safeguards melanocytes from oxidative damages remains unknown. In this study, we first found that FA relieved melanocytes from H2O2-induced abnormal growth and apoptosis. Furthermore, FA enhanced the activity of antioxidative enzymes and remarkably reduced intracellular ROS levels in melanocytes. Subsequently, FA effectively activated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, and Nrf2 knockdown blocked the protective effects of FA on H2O2-treated melanocytes. Additionally, FA inhibited the production of proinflammatory HMGB1 in melanocytes under oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings support the protective effects of FA on human melanocytes against oxidative injury via the activation of Nrf2 and the inhibition of HMGB1, thus indicating FA as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of vitiligo.

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Vinpocetine attenuates fluoxetine-induced liver damage in rats; Role of Nrf2 and PPAR-γ

Human & Experimental Toxicology ◽

10.1177/09603271211051597 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 096032712110515

Author(s):

Gellan Alaa Mohamed Kamel

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Liver Injury ◽

Mrna Expression ◽

Liver Damage ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Control Group ◽

Related Factor ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Ppar Γ

Background Fluoxetine (FLX) has been widely used as first-line treatment in cases of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Although its safety has been approved, the use of FLX was associated with liver injury and chronic liver disease. Vinpocetine (Vinpo), a nootropic drug, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Vinpo on FLX-induced liver damage pointing to the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Methods Rats were randomized to four groups: control group, Vinpo group (20 mg/kg/day; orally), FLX group (10 mg/kg/day; orally), and Vinpo + FLX group. Results FLX-induced liver damage was evidenced through elevated liver function biomarkers and induced hepatic histopathological changes. Concurrent Vinpo treatment resulted in a significant decrease in hepatotoxicity biomarkers and histopathological alterations. FLX-induced oxidative stress and inflammation were attenuated by Vinpo. In addition, Vinpo attenuated the hepatic NRF2 and HO-1 levels and up-regulated PPAR-γ expression. Moreover, FLX elevated Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) mRNA expression and decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) mRNA expression were markedly reversed by Vinpo. Conclusion Vinpo possesses ameliorative effects against FLX-induced liver injury in rats. This effect may be due to attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation, in addition to upregulation of PPAR-γ expression.

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Glycine and L-Arginine supplementation ameliorates gastro-duodenal toxicity in a rat model of NSAID (Diclofenac)-gastroenteropathy via inhibition of oxidative stress

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0307 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Akinleye Stephen Akinrinde ◽

Halimot Olawalarami Hameed

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Total Protein ◽

Therapeutic Index ◽

Control Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Serum Total Protein ◽

Significant Amelioration ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Abstract Objectives This study examined the possible protective roles of exogenous glycine (Gly) and L-Arginine (l-Arg) against Diclofenac (DIC)-induced gastro-duodenal damage in rats. Methods Rats were divided into Group A (control), Group B (DIC group) and Groups C–F which were pre-treated for five days with Gly1 (250 mg/kg), Gly2 (500 mg/kg), l-Arg1 (200 mg/kg) and l-Arg2 (400 mg/kg), respectively, before co-treatment with DIC for another three days. Hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were then carried out. Results DIC produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in PCV (13.82%), Hb (46.58%), RBC (30.53%), serum total protein (32.72%), albumin (28.44%) and globulin (38.01%) along with significant (p<0.05) elevation of serum MPO activity (83.30%), when compared with control. In addition, DIC increased gastric H2O2 and MDA levels by 33.93 and 48.59%, respectively, while the duodenal levels of the same parameters increased by 19.43 and 85.56%, respectively. Moreover, SOD, GPx and GST activities in the DIC group were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the stomach (21.12, 24.35 and 51.28%, respectively) and duodenum (30.59, 16.35 and 37.90%, respectively), compared to control. Treatment with Gly and l-Arg resulted in significant amelioration of the DIC-induced alterations although l-Arg produced better amelioration of RBC (29.78%), total protein (10.12%), albumin (9.93%) and MPO (65.01%), compared to the DIC group. The protective effects of both amino acids against oxidative stress parameters and histological lesions were largely similar. Conclusions The data from this study suggest that Gly or l-Arg prevented DIC-induced gastro-duodenal toxicity and might, therefore be useful in improving the therapeutic index of DIC.

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Neurological Alterations and Testicular Damages in Aging Induced by D-Galactose and Neuro and Testicular Protective Effects of Combinations of Chitosan Nanoparticles, Resveratrol and Quercetin in Male Mice

Coatings ◽

10.3390/coatings11040435 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 435

Author(s):

Reham Z. Hamza ◽

Mohammad S. Al-Harbi ◽

Munirah A. Al-Hazaa

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Chitosan Nanoparticles ◽

Oxidative Stress Marker ◽

Control Group ◽

Antioxidant Enzyme Activities ◽

Enzymatic Antioxidants ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Biochemical Alterations ◽

Wide Range ◽

Neurological Alterations

Aging is a neurological disease that is afforded by incidence of oxidative stress. Chitosan has received global interests due to its wide medical uses. Quercetin (Q) is a bioflavonoid and widely distributed in vegetables and fruits. Resveratrol is considered as a potent antioxidant and is a component of a wide range of foods. The using of either chitosan nanopartciles (CH-NPs), querectin (Q), and resveratrol (RV) to reduce the oxidative stress and biochemical alterations on brain and testicular tissues induced by D-galactose (DG) (100 mg/Kg) were the aim of the present study. This study investigated the probable protective effects of CH-NPs in two doses (140,280 mg/Kg), Q (20 mg/Kg) and RV (20 mg/Kg), against DG induced aging and neurological alterations. Brain antioxidant capacity as malonaldehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GRx), as well as histopathological damages of the brain and testicular tissues were measured. The DG treated group had significantly elevated the oxidative stress markers by 96% and 91.4% in brain and testicular tissues respectively and lower significantly the antioxidant enzyme activities of both brain and testicular tissues than those of the control group by 86.95%, 69.27%, 83.07%, and 69.43%. Groups of DG that treated with a combination of CH-NPs in two doses, Q and RV, the levels of oxidative stress marker declined significantly by 68.70%, 76.64% in brain tissues and by 74.07% and 76.61% in testicular tissues, and the enzymatic antioxidants increased significantly by 75.55%, 79.24%, 62.32%, and 61.97% as compared to the DG group. The present results indicate that CH-NPs, Q, and RV have protective effects against DG-induced brain and testis tissue damage at the biochemical and histopathological levels. Mechanisms of this protective effect of used compounds against neurological and testicular toxicity may be due to the enhanced brain and testis antioxidant capacities.

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Ethanol Extract of Maclura tricuspidata Fruit Protects SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage via Inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB Signaling

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22136946 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (13) ◽

pp. 6946

Author(s):

Weishun Tian ◽

Suyoung Heo ◽

Dae-Woon Kim ◽

In-Shik Kim ◽

Dongchoon Ahn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Free Radical ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Cell Damage ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Neuroprotective Effects

Free radical generation and oxidative stress push forward an immense influence on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Maclura tricuspidata fruit (MT) contains many biologically active substances, including compounds with antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of MT fruit on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with MT, and cell damage was induced by H2O2. First, the chemical composition and free radical scavenging properties of MT were analyzed. MT attenuated oxidative stress-induced damage in cells based on the assessment of cell viability. The H2O2-induced toxicity caused by ROS production and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was ameliorated by MT pretreatment. MT also promoted an increase in the expression of genes encoding the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). MT pretreatment was associated with an increase in the expression of neuronal genes downregulated by H2O2. Mechanistically, MT dramatically suppressed H2O2-induced Bcl-2 downregulation, Bax upregulation, apoptotic factor caspase-3 activation, Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (JNK, ERK, and p38), and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, thereby preventing H2O2-induced neurotoxicity. These results indicate that MT has protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y cells and can be used to prevent and protect against neurodegeneration.

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Consequences of Microwave oven Exposed Diet on The Basal Lamina of Seminiferous Tubules of Mice

10.53350/pjmhs211582141 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 2141-2144

Author(s):

Kishwar Naheed ◽

Muhammad Saad Abdullah ◽

Maria Yousaf ◽

Humaira Ali ◽

Fareeha Mushtaq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Basal Lamina ◽

Treated Group ◽

Testicular Tissue ◽

Microwave Oven ◽

Mentha Piperita ◽

Seminiferous Tubules ◽

Control Group ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Trial Methodology ◽

Experimental Group

Usage of electronic gadgets like microwave oven is increasing day by day that heats the food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiations which has many hazardous effects on human health including fertility. Aim: To find the effects of microwave oven exposed diet on basal lamina of seminiferous tubules of mice alongwith protective effects of Mentha piperita and melatonin on the same tissue. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Methodology: Adult male mice (n=32) were divided into four groups. Control group (G1) received standard pellets prepared for mice. Second group (G2) was given mice pellets exposed to microwave oven. Third group (G3) received Mentha Piperita leaf extract along with mice pellets exposed to microwave oven and the fourth group (G4) received oral melatonin along with pellets exposed to microwave oven. Later their testicular tissue was removed for histological examination while basal lamina disruption was assessed by scoring. Data analyzed by SPSS 22.0v. Results: In group G2, there was slight disruption in the basal lamina in 75% of the cases while in experimental group G3, there was slight disruption of basal lamina only in 12.5% of the cases. However, in group G4, only 25% specimen had slight disruption of basal lamina Conclusion: It was concluded that microwave oven exposed diet produced severe disruption of basal lamina in group G2 that decreased in Mentha piperita and melatonin treated groups. However, Mentha piperita treated group produced better results than melatonin treated group. Keywords: Mice, Testis, Basal Lamina, Mentha piperita and Melatonin

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A Polysaccharide Purified from Morchella conica Pers. Prevents Oxidative Stress Induced by H2O2 in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293T Cells

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms19124027 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (12) ◽

pp. 4027 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Na Xu ◽

Yi Lu ◽

Jumin Hou ◽

Chao Liu ◽

Yonghai Sun

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Average Molecular Weight ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Ultrastructural Observation ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Ferrous Ions ◽

Nuclear Condensation ◽

Morchella Conica

Morchella conica Pers. (M. conica) has been used both as a medical and edible mushroom and possesses antimicrobial properties and antioxidant activities. However, the antioxidant properties of polysaccharides purified from M. conica have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant properties of a polysaccharide NMCP-2 (neutral M. conica polysaccharides-2) purified from M. conica, as determined by radical scavenging assay and H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HEK 293T cells. Results showed that NMCP-2 with an average molecular weight of 48.3 kDa possessed a much stronger chelating ability on ferrous ions and a higher ability to scavenge radical scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) than the other purified fraction of NMCP-1 from M. conica. Moreover, 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that NMCP-2 dose-dependently preserved cell viability of H2O2-induced cells. The NMCP-2 pretreated group reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and increased the mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) levels. In addition, Hoechst 33342 staining revealed cells treated with NMCP-2 declined nuclear condensation. Ultrastructural observation revealed that NMCP-2 pretreatment alleviated the ruptured mitochondria when exposed to H2O2. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed that NMCP-2 prevented significant downregulation of the protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspases 3, and upregulated Bcl-2 levels. These results suggest the protective effects of NMCP-2 against H2O2-induced injury in HEK 293T cells. NMCP-2 could be used as a natural antioxidant of functional foods and natural drugs.

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Exploration of the optimal strategy for dietary calcium intervention against the toxicity of liver and kidney induced by cadmium in mice: An in vivo diet intervention study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0250885 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. e0250885

Author(s):

Zhaofang Chen ◽

Kexin Shi ◽

Wenjie Kuang ◽

Lei Huang

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Essential Element ◽

Control Group ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽

Diet Intervention ◽

Stress Biomarkers ◽

Exposure Pathway ◽

Group 2

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic non-essential element, while calcium (Ca) is an essential element with high chemical similarity to Cd. Dietary intake is the major Cd exposure pathway for non-smokers. A multi-concentration dietary intervention experiment was designed to explore the optimum concentration of Ca in diet with obvious protective effects against the toxicity of livers and kidneys induced by Cd in mice. The mice were divided into six groups with different concentrations of Cd and Ca in their food: control-group (no Cd or Ca), Ca-group (100 g/kg Ca, without Cd), Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, without Ca), CaL+Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, 2 g/kg Ca), CaM+Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, 20 g/kg Ca) and CaH+Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, 100 g/kg Ca). The organ indexes, oxidative stress biomarkers, lesions and Cd concentrations were detected after a 30-day exposure period. Results showed that serum Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) level in CaH+Cd-group was significantly lower than that in Cd-group, while close to that in control-group. The contents of Serum Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) in different groups showed the same trend. Concentrations of all oxidative stress biomarkers (GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA) in CaH+Cd-group were close to the normal levels of control-group while significantly different from those in Cd-group. The only exception was the Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in kidneys. This study suggests that Ca plays a protective role in relieving the Cd-induced toxicity of livers and kidneys and a concentration of 100 g/kg for Ca in diet showed the best protective effects. These findings could provide a clue for further studies concerning human diet intervention for Cd control.

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Protective Effects of 3-benzoyl-7-hydroxy Coumarin on Liver of Adult Rat Exposed to Aluminium Chloride

Acta Chimica Slovenica ◽

10.17344/acsi.2020.6390 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 222-228

Author(s):

Ahmet Özkaya ◽

Kenan Türkan

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Enzyme Activity ◽

Aluminium Chloride ◽

Control Group ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Adult Rat ◽

Antioxidant Enzyme System ◽

Hydroxy Coumarin

In this study, the effects of 3-benzoyl-7-hydroxy coumarin molecule on mineral and antioxidant enzymes were investigated in rat liver exposed to oxidative stress with aluminium chloride (AlCl3). Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups as Control, Coumarin, AlCl3, and Coumarin + AlCl3. Coumarin at the dose of 10 mg/kg and AlCl3 at the dose of 8.3 mg/kg were administered for 30 days every other day. In AlCl3 group, malondialdehyde (MDA), iron (Fe), aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu) levels increased compared to the control group, while glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and carboxylesterase (Ces) enzyme activity levels decreased. In Coumarin + AlCl3 group, MDA, Fe, Al and Cu levels decreased with the effect of coumarin compared to AlCl3 group, while GSH level, and GST enzyme activity levels increased. According to our results, AlCl3 generates oxidative stress in rat livers, and we believe that 3-benzoyl-7-hydroxy coumarin has an ameliorative effect on antioxidant enzyme system, Al, Fe and Cu levels.

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