Home About us Contact | |||
GSH Levels (gsh + level)
Kinds of GSH Levels Selected AbstractsThe Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Penicillin-induced Epileptiform Activity in RatsEPILEPSIA, Issue 7 2007Mustafa Ayyildiz Summary:,Purpose: Epileptic seizure results from excessive discharge in a population of hyperexcitable neurons. A number of studies help to document the effects of active oxygen free radical scavengers such as ,-tocopherol or ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In the present study, we examined the effects of ascorbic acid, at the six different doses, on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Methods: A single microinjection of penicillin (2.5 ,l, 500 units, intracortically) into the left sensorimotor cortex induced epileptiform activity within 2,5 min, progressing to full seizure activity lasting ,3,5 h. In the first set of experiments, 30 min after penicillin injection, six different doses of ascorbic acid (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (IP). The other group of animals received the effective dose of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, IP) for 7 days. Ascorbic acid administration was stopped 24 h before penicillin treatment. Another group of rats received the effective dose of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, IP) 30 min before penicillin treatment. In the second set of experiments, the lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels of brain were measured in the control, control + ascorbic acid, penicillin, and penicillin + ascorbic acid groups. Results: Ascorbic acid, at the low dose (50, 100 mg/kg, 30 min after penicillin injection), decreased both the frequency and amplitude of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats. Ascorbic acid, at intermediate doses (200, 400 mg/kg, 30 min after penicillin injection), decreased the frequency of epileptiform activity without changing the amplitude. Ascorbic acid, at the lowest dose (25 mg/kg) and highest dose (800 mg/kg) (30 min after penicillin injection), did not change either the frequency or amplitude of epileptiform activity. Ascorbic acid, at the low dose (100 mg/kg) was the most effective dose in changing the frequency and amplitude of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Pretreatment with ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) 30 min before penicillin treatment caused a significant delay in the onset of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Pretreatment with ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) for 7 days did not change the latency of epileptiform activity. The most effective dose of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) prevented both the decrease in GSH level and the increase in lipid peroxidation level (MDA) occurring after penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Conclusions: These data indicate that ascorbic acid has neuroprotective activity against penicillin-induced epileptiform electrocorticogram activity. [source] The effect of modulation of , -glutamyl transpeptidase and nitric oxide synthase activity on GSH homeostasis in HepG2 cellsFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Inga Kwiecie Abstract High glutathione (GSH) level and elevated , -glutamyl transpeptidase (,GT) activity are hallmarks of tumor cells. Toxicity of drugs and radiation to the cells is largely dependent on the level of thiols. In the present studies, we attempted to inhibit ,GT activity in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells to examine whether the administration of ,GT inhibitors, acivicin (AC) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) influences cell proliferation and enhances cytostatic action of doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (CP) on HepG2 cells. The effects of these inhibitors were determined by 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan (MTT), BrdU and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests and by estimation of GSH level. Additionally, we investigated the changes in caspase-3 activity, which is a marker of apoptosis. The obtained results showed that the ,GT inhibitors introduced to the medium alone elicited cytotoxic effect, which was accompanied by an increase in GSH level in the cells. TIQ concomitantly increased caspase-3 activity. Doxorubicin and CP proved to be cytotoxic, and both inhibitors augmented this effect. As well DOX as CP radically decreased GSH levels, whereas ,GT inhibitors had diverse effects. Therefore, the obtained results confirm that ,GT inhibitors can enhance pharmacological action of DOX and CP, which may permit clinicians to decrease their doses thereby alleviating side effects. Aminoguanidine (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) given alone was little cytotoxic to HepG2 cells, while its introduction to the medium together with DOX and CP significantly increased their cytotoxicity. Aminoguanidine on its own did not show any effect on GSH level in HepG2 cells, but markedly and significantly elevated its concentration when added in combination with CP but not with DOX. This indicates that when CP was used as a cytostatic, GSH level rose after treatment with its combination with both AC and aminoguanidine. [source] Induction of avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma proteins by toxic bile acid inhibits expression of glutathione synthetic enzymes and contributes to cholestatic liver injury in mice,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Heping Yang We previously showed that hepatic expression of glutathione (GSH) synthetic enzymes and GSH levels fell 2 weeks after bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice. This correlated with a switch in nuclear anti-oxidant response element (ARE) binding activity from nuclear factor erythroid 2,related factor 2 (Nrf2) to c,avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (c-Maf)/V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog G (MafG). Our current aims were to examine whether the switch in ARE binding activity from Nrf2 to Mafs is responsible for decreased expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and the outcome of blocking this switch. Huh7 cells treated with lithocholic acid (LCA) exhibited a similar pattern of change in GSH synthetic enzyme expression as BDL mice. Nuclear protein levels of Nrf2 fell at 20 hours after LCA treatment, whereas c-Maf and MafG remained persistently induced. These changes translated to ARE nuclear binding activity. Knockdown of c-Maf or MafG individually blunted the LCA-induced decrease in Nrf2 ARE binding and increased ARE-dependent promoter activity, whereas combined knockdown was more effective. Knockdown of c-Maf or MafG individually increased the expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and raised GSH levels, and combined knockdown exerted an additive effect. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) prevented the LCA-induced decrease in expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and promoter activity and prevented the increase in MafG and c-Maf levels. In vivo knockdown of the Maf genes protected against the decrease in GSH enzyme expression, GSH level, and liver injury after BDL. Conclusion: Toxic bile acid induces a switch from Nrf2 to c-Maf/MafG ARE nuclear binding, which leads to decreased expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and GSH levels and contributes to liver injury during BDL. UDCA and SAMe treatment targets this switch. (HEPATOLOGY 2010.) [source] The influence of curcumin and manganese complex of curcumin on cadmium-induced oxidative damage and trace elements status in tissues of miceJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Vladislav Eybl Abstract Curcumin (diferuoyl methane) from turmeric is a well-known biologically active compound. It has been shown to ameliorate oxidative stress and it is considered to be a potent cancer chemopreventive agent. In our previous study the antioxidative effects of curcumin in cadmium exposed animals were demonstrated. Also manganese exerts protective effects in experimental cadmium intoxication. The present study examined the ability of the manganese complex of curcumin (Mn-curcumin) and curcumin to protect against oxidative damage and changes in trace element status in cadmium-intoxicated male mice. Curcumin or Mn-curcumin were administered at equimolar doses (0.14 mmol/kg b.w.) for 3 days, by gastric gavages, dispersed in methylcellulose. One hour after the last dose of antioxidants, cadmium chloride (33 µmol/kg) was administered subcutaneously. Both curcumin and Mn-curcumin prevented the increase of hepatic lipid peroxidation , expressed as MDA level, induced by cadmium intoxication and attenuated the Cd-induced decrease of hepatic GSH level. No change in hepatic glutathione peroxidase or catalase activities was found in Cd-exposed mice. A decreased GSH-Px activity was measured in curcumin and Mn-curcumin alone treated mice. Neither curcumin nor Mn-curcumin treatment influenced cadmium distribution in the tissues and did not correct the changes in the balance of essential elements caused by Cd-treatment. The treatment with Mn-curcumin increased the Fe and Mn content in the kidneys of both control and Cd-treated mice and Fe and Cu content in the brain of control mice. In conclusion, regarding the antioxidative action, introducing manganese into the curcumin molecule does not potentiate the studied effects of curcumin. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effects of zinc and cadmium on erythrocyte antioxidant systems of a freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticusJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Özgür F Abstract In this work to determine the effects of metals exposure of Oreochromis niloticus on erythrocyte antioxidant systems, fish were exposed to 5.0 mg/L Zn, 1.0 mg/L Cd, and 5.0 mg/L Zn + 1.0 mg/L Cd mixtures for 7 and 14 days and reduced glutathione (GSH) level, catalase (CAT), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activities were investigated. In addition, Zn or Cd levels in whole blood were studied. Erythrocyte GSH level and CAT and G6PD enzyme activities increased in response to single and combined Zn and Cd exposure. The elevation observed in the CAT activity was higher in the Cd alone, and in combination with Zn, than in Zn alone. Time-dependent alteration was not observed in all antioxidant parameters. Exposure to metals (alone and in mixture) resulted in elevatation of Zn and Cd levels in the blood. Concentration of metals in the blood of fish exposed to the Zn + Cd combination was lower than in fish exposed to the single metal. This study demonstrates that metals caused oxidative stress in fish erythrocytes, and an adaptation with an increase in CAT and G6PD activities and GSH level, which were important in the protection against metal damage, was observed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:223,229, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20327 [source] Influence of subacute treatment of some plant growth regulators on serum marker enzymes and erythrocyte and tissue antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation in ratsJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Ismail Celik Abstract This study aims to investigate the effects of the plant growth regulators (PGRs) (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2,4-dichlorofenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)) on serum marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)), antioxidant defense systems (reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT)), and lipid peroxidation content (malondialdehyde = MDA) in various tissues of rats. 50 and 100 ppm of PGRs as drinking water were administered orally to rats (Sprague,Dawley albino) ad libitum for 25 days continuously. The PGRs treatment caused different effects on the serum marker enzymes, antioxidant defense systems, and the MDA content in experimented rats compared to controls. Results showed that TIBA caused a significant decrease in serum AST activity with both the dosage whereas serum CPK was significantly increased with 100 ppm dosage of TIBA. Meanwhile, serum AST, CPK, and LDH activities were significantly increased with both dosage of NAA and 2,4-D. The lipid peroxidation end-product MDA significantly increased in the all tissues treated with both dosages of PGRs without any change in the brain and erythrocyte of rats treated with both the dosages of 2,4-D. The GSH depletion in the kidney and brain tissues of rats treated with both dosages of PGRs was found to be significant. Furthermore, the GSH depletion in the erythrocyte of rats treated with both dosages of PGRs except 50 ppm dosage of 2,4-D was significant too. Also, the GSH level in the liver was significantly depleted with 50 ppm of 2,4-D and NAA, whereas the GSH depletion in the same tissue did not significantly change with the treatment. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was also seriously affected by PGRs; SOD significantly decreased in the liver, heart, kidney, and brain of rats treated with both dosages of NAA, whereas the SOD activity in the erythrocytes, liver, and heart was either significantly decreased or not changed with two doses of 2,4-D and TIBA. Although the CAT activity significantly increased in the erythrocyte and brain of rats treated with both doses of PGRs, it was not changed in the liver, heart, and kidney. Meanwhile, the ancillary enzyme GR activity significantly increased in the brain, heart, and liver but decreased in the erythrocyte and kidney of rats treated with both doses of PGRs. The drug-metabolizing enzyme GST activity significantly increased in the heart and kidney but decreased in the brain and erythrocytes of rats treated with both dosages of PGRs. As a conclusion, the results indicate that PGRs might affect antioxidant potential enzymes, the activity of hepatic damage enzymes, and lipid peroxidation dose independently. Also, the rats resisted to oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism but the antioxidant mechanism could not prevent the increases in lipid peroxidation in rat's tissues. These data, along with the determined changes, suggest that PGRs produced substantial systemic organ toxicity in the erythrocyte, liver, brain, heart, and kidney during the period of a 25-day subacute exposure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:174,182, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20134 [source] Effect of Cadmium and Aluminum Intake on the Antioxidant Status and Lipid Peroxidation in Rat TissuesJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Shohda A. El-Maraghy Abstract This work aimed to study the relationship between the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) or aluminum (Al) in certain tissues and the levels of lipid peroxides as well as tissue antioxidants. To carry out such investigations, CdCl2 was given to rats in two dose levels; 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg i.p for 1 day or daily repeated doses for 2 weeks. Al was given as AlCl3 either in a single dose of 100 mg/kg or daily repeated doses of 20 mg/kg for 2 and 4 weeks. The measured parameters were tissue malondialdehyde (MDA, index of lipid peroxidation) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels as well as the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase (GSSG-R), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) enzymes. Liver and kidney functions were assessed by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities as well as serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Cd and Al concentrations in the studied tissues were also measured. Results indicated that tissue Cd was significantly increased after administration of either Cd doses. After a single dose of 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg CdCl2, the increase in tissue Cd levels were accompanied by an increase in MDA and a decrease in GSH levels. On the other hand, after repeated administration of Cd, tissue Cd accumulation was accompanied by increased hepatic and renal GSH levels with decrease in MDA content and a decrease in GSH-PX activity in liver. Liver function was affected at all dose regimens, whereas kidney function was affected only after 2 weeks administration of the higher dose. In Al treated rats, Al concentration was shown to be increased in liver much more than in brain. This was accompanied by a slight decrease in hepatic GSH level after 2 weeks and a decrease in GSH-PX activity after 4 weeks. Liver function was affected only after repeated injection of Al for 2 or 4 weeks. In general, Al administration exhibited safer pattern than Cd. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 15:207,214, 2001 [source] Changes in oxidative balance in rat pericytes exposed to diabetic conditionsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 1 2004A. Manea Abstract Recent data indicate that the oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy and accelerated atherosclerosis. In diabetic retinopathy, it was demonstrated a selective loss of pericytes accompanied by capillary basement membrane thickening, increased permeability and neovascularization. This study was designed to investigate the role of diabetic conditions such as high glucose, AGE-Lysine, and angiotensin II in the modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities, glutathione level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in pericytes. The activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total glutathione (GSH) was measured spectrophotometrically. The production of ROS was detected by spectrofluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy after loading the cells with 2,-7, dichlorofluoresceine diacetate; as positive control H2O2 was used. Intracellular calcium was determined using Fura 2 AM assay. The results showed that the cells cultured in high glucose alone, do not exhibit major changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities. The presence of AGE-Lys or Ang II induced the increase of SOD activity. Their combination decreased significantly GPx activity and GSH level. Athree times increase in ROS production and a significant impairment of intracellular calcium homeostasis was detected in cells cultured in the presence of the three pro-diabetic agents used. In conclusion, our data indicate that diabetic conditions induce in pericytes: (i) an increase of ROS and SOD activity, (ii) a decrease in GPx activity and GSH level, (iii) a major perturbation of the intracellular calcium homeostasis. The data may explain the structural and functional abnormalities of pericytes characteristic for diabetic retinopathy. [source] ,-glutamylcysteine ethyl ester-induced up-regulation of glutathione protects neurons against A,(1,42)-mediated oxidative stress and neurotoxicity: Implications for Alzheimer's diseaseJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005Debra Boyd-Kimball Abstract Glutathione (GSH) is an important endogenous antioxidant found in millimolar concentrations in the brain. GSH levels have been shown to decrease with aging. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with aging and oxidative stress. A,(1,42) has been shown to induce oxidative stress and has been proposed to play a central role in the oxidative damage detected in AD brain. It has been shown that administration of ,-glutamylcysteine ethyl ester (GCEE) increases cellular levels of GSH, circumventing the regulation of GSH biosynthesis by providing the limiting substrate. In this study, we evaluated the protective role of up-regulation of GSH by GCEE against the oxidative and neurotoxic effects of A,(1,42) in primary neuronal culture. Addition of GCEE to neurons led to an elevated mean cellular GSH level compared with untreated control. Inhibition of ,-glutamylcysteine synthetase by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) led to a 98% decrease in total cellular GSH compared with control, which was returned to control levels by addition of GCEE. Taken together, these results suggest that GCEE up-regulates cellular GSH levels which, in turn, protects neurons against protein oxidation, loss of mitochondrial function, and DNA fragmentation induced by A,(1,42). These results are consistent with the notion that up-regulation of GSH by GCEE may play a viable protective role in the oxidative and neurotoxicity induced by A,(1,42) in AD brain. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Lipid peroxidation: a possible role in the induction and progression of chronic periodontitisJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005C. C. Tsai Objectives:, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the destruction of the periodontium during inflammatory periodontal diseases. The imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant activity may be a key factor in the damaging effects of ROS. This study aimed to determine the lipid peroxidation levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva, and glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in saliva in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods:, Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva were collected from 13 patients and 9 healthy control subjects during the preliminary study, and from 21 patients during the subsequent study. Lipid peroxidation level, GSH level and GPx activity were determined by spectrophotometric assay. Results:, The preliminary study found that when comparing patients to healthy controls, the gingival crevicular fluid samples produced the following results, respectively: higher lipid peroxidation concentration (µm) (by sites: 167.55 vs. 53.71, p < 0.0001; by subjects: 151.99 vs. 50.66, p < 0.005) and total amount (pmol) (by sites: 93.02 vs. 8.47, p < 0.0001, by subjects: 80.44 vs. 7.84, p < 0.0005). In saliva samples, lower GSH concentration (µm) (373.04 vs. 606.67, p < 0.05), higher lipid peroxidation concentration (µm) (0.66 vs. 0.13, p < 0.0005), and no difference in GPx activity were found in patients than in those of healthy controls. The subsequent study showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement of clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing attachment level, probing pocket depth and gingival crevicular fluid volume), decreases in gingival crevicular fluid lipid peroxidation levels (concentration and total amount) at the sites after the completion of phase 1 periodontal treatment. Similarly, the periodontal treatment resulted in a significant decrease of lipid peroxidation concentrations (p < 0.05), increase in GSH concentration (p < 0.001), and no change in GPx activity in saliva samples. Conclusion:, The increased levels of lipid peroxidation may play a role in the inflammation and destruction of the periodontium in periodontitis. [source] The protective effects of garlic oil on acute ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the liver of miceJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2008Tao Zeng Abstract BACKGROUND: Alcoholic liver disease is so serious that no effective therapies have been developed up to now. This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of garlic oil (GO) on acute ethanol-induced liver injury. Male Kun-Ming mice were orally administered GO (50, 100 or 200 mg kg,1) for 30 days and then ethanol (4.8 g kg,1). At 16 h after ethanol treatment the mice were sacrificed. Subsequent serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglyceride (TG) levels, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. Histopathological examination of mouse liver sections was performed by Sudan III staining. RESULTS: GO pretreatment significantly inhibited acute ethanol-induced increase in ALT, AST, TG and MDA and decrease in GSH in a dose-dependent manner. In the three GO groups the level of GSH increased by 10.3%, 15.8% (P < 0.05) and 25.5% (P < 0.01) respectively compared with that in the ethanol group. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase were increased markedly in the 200 mg kg,1 GO group (P < 0.01). Histopathological examination showed fewer fat droplets in liver sections of GO-pretreated mice. CONCLUSION: GO may have protective effects against acute ethanol-induced liver injury through restoration of the GSH level and enhancement of the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Effects of thiol compounds on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes collected from different reproductive stagesMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 9 2007Mohammad Shamim Hossein Abstract Various thiol compounds are known to improve cytoplasmic and/or nuclear maturation of oocytes in vitro. The present study examined the effects of two thiol compounds, cysteine (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) and cysteamine (50, 100, and 200 µM), on cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation of canine oocytes. Oocytes collected from different reproductive stages were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2.2 mg/ml sodium carbonate, 2.0 µg/ml estrogen, 0.5 µg/ml FSH, 0.03 IU/ml hCG, and 1% penicillin,streptomycin solution for 72 h. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA after arcscine transformation and protected by Bonferroni post hoc test. The effects of cysteine and cysteamine on canine IVM were varied depending on the reproductive stage of oocyte donor bitches. In the follicular stage, significantly more oocytes reached the metaphase II (M II) stage when cultured with 0.5 or 1.0 mM cysteine (16.7% and 16.9%, respectively) compared to the control (6.2%). In the follicular stage, cysteamine increased oocyte maturation rate upto the M II stage (15.1% to 17.0%) compared to the control (4.4%). Both the 0.5 mM cysteine and 100 µM cysteamine, alone or together, increased the intracellular GSH level of canine oocytes compared to the control. Irrespective of reproductive stage, no further beneficial effects on nuclear or cytoplasmic maturation were observed when 0.5 mM cysteine and 100 µM cysteamine were supplemented together. In conclusion, addition of 0.5 mM cysteine and 100 µM cysteamine to the maturation medium improved IVM of canine oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1213,1220, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Protective effect of resveratrol on markers of oxidative stress in human erythrocytes subjected to in vitro oxidative insultPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue S1 2010Kanti Bhooshan Pandey Abstract Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound found largely in the skin of red grapes. Growing evidence suggests that resveratrol may play an important role in the prevention of many human diseases. Many of the biological actions of this polyphenol have been attributed to its antioxidant properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and membrane sulphydryl groups in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress in vitro by incubating with t-BHP (10 µm). The study was aimed to test the efficacy of the antioxidant effect of resveratrol on human erythrocytes. Subjecting erythrocytes to oxidative stress (in vitro) by incubating them with t-BHP (10 µm) caused a significant decrease in the intracellular GSH level and membrane ,SH content compared with basal values. Incubation of erythrocytes/membranes with resveratrol (1,100 µm final conc) resulted in significant protection against the t-BHP-induced oxidative stress as evidenced by the increase in GSH level and membrane ,SH content. It was observed that the effect of resveratrol is dose/concentration and time-dependent. Since resveratrol is naturally present in many fruits and vegetables, a diet rich in resveratrol may provide protection against degenerative diseases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Protective value of Aloe vera against some toxic effects of arsenic in ratsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005Richa Gupta Abstract Concomitant oral supplementation of Aloe vera, (1, 2 or 5% w[sol ]v in drinking water) during arsenic exposure (0.2 mg[sol ]kg, intraperitoneally, once daily for 3 weeks) was investigated in rats for its protective value. Animals exposed to arsenic (III) showed a significant inhibition of , -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, a marginal decrease in glutathione (GSH) and an increase in zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level in blood. White blood corpuscles (WBC) level decreased while most of the other clinical blood parameters like red blood cells count, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC ratio and platelet number, etc. remained unaltered on arsenic exposure. Hepatic reduced GSH, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) level remained unaltered, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level increased significantly while the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and catalase decreased on arsenic exposure. Renal GSH contents decreased while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased significantly on arsenic exposure. Concomitant administration of Aloe vera had remarkable protective action on inhibited blood ALAD activity and restored blood GSH level while most of the other blood biochemical parameters remained unchanged on Aloe vera supplementation. Interestingly, most of hepatic biochemical variables indicative of oxidative stress showed protection; no effect of Aloe vera on blood and liver arsenic concentration was noted. Also, no effect of Aloe vera on most of the altered renal biochemical parameters were noticed. The results thus lead us to conclude that simultaneous supplementation of Aloe vera protects against arsenic induced oxidative stress but does not influence the arsenic concentration in these organs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] SHORT COMMUNICATION: Increased Expression of Glutathione by Estradiol, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, and Interleukin 1-Beta in Endometrial Stromal CellsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Sa Ra Lee Problem, The intracellular antioxidant system, based on glutathione (GSH), plays a key role in endometrial detoxification reactions and has been proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis endometriosis. This study was designed to evaluate whether estradiol (E2) and proinflammatory cytokines have any effects on expression of glutathione in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Method of study, Glutathione levels were measured utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography following in vitro culture and treatment of ESCs with estradiol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-,) and interleukin 1-beta (IL-1,). Results, The GSH level in E2 (10,8 m) treatment group was significantly higher than in the control group at 48 h (P < 0.05). In vitro treatment of ESCs with TNF-, 10 ng/mL as well as E2 (10,8 m) plus TNF-, 10 ng/mL for 48 hr also led to a significant increase in GSH level (P < 0.05; P < 0.05, respectively). Both IL-1, 10 ng/mL and E2 (10,8 m) plus IL-1, 10 ng/mL for 48 hr increased GSH level significantly (P < 0.05; P < 0.05, respectively) as well. Conclusions, These findings might suggest that increased production of estradiol and proinflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal cavity possibly leads to the establishment of endometriosis through increased level of GSH. [source] Potential antioxidant activity of celecoxib and amtolmetin guacyl: in vitro studiesAUTONOMIC & AUTACOID PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2007M. Kirkova Summary 1,In vitro studies of the potential antioxidant activity of the selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib and the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug amtolmetin guacyl (AMG) were carried out. The study included experiments on the ability of these drugs to affect some indices of the oxidative stress [lipid peroxidation (LP), activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH) level] in rat stomach and colon mucosa and in liver. 2,Celecoxib and AMG did not change the activity of the enzymes GSH-peroxidase, oxidased glutathione (GSSG)-reductase and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase, as well as the GSH level in all tissue preparations. An increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a tendency to a decreased Fe/ascorbic acid-induced LP in stomach and colon mucosa were found, but only in the presence of AMG. 3,In the liver, both celecoxib and AMG decreased spontaneous and Fe/ascorbic acid-induced LP. SOD activity was enhanced only in the presence of AMG. 4,Experiments aimed at studying celecoxib and AMG in free oxygen radical-generating systems were also carried out. AMG and tolmetin (the main metabolite of AMG) inhibited OH, -provoked deoxyribose degradation in a Fenton system. Celecoxib had no effect on free radicals when tested in the same system. 5,In conclusion, the results of the present in vitro studies suggest that AMG and celecoxib possess antioxidant and metal-chelating abilities, which might contribute to their beneficial effects. [source] Vitamin C and E combination modulates oxidative stress induced by X-ray in blood of smoker and nonsmoker radiology techniciansCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 7 2009Mustafa Kayan Abstract X-ray radiation is detrimental to human cells and may lead to development of life-threatening diseases. Cigarette smoke contains about 500 chemicals that include organic and oxidant compounds whereas vitamin C and E (VCE) have scavenger effects on the compounds. We investigated effects of VCE administration on X-ray-induced oxidative toxicity in blood of smoker and nonsmoker X-ray technicians. Twenty technicians and 30 healthy age-matched subjects control were used in the study. Ten of the X-ray technicians and 15 of the control were smokers. Blood samples were taken from the control. Oral vitamin C (500,mg) and vitamin E (150,mg) were daily supplemented to the smoker and nonsmoker X-ray technicians for 5 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the X-ray technicians after and before 5 weeks. Plasma and erythrocytes lipid peroxidation (LP), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, erythrocytes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and plasma antioxidant vitamin concentrations were investigated in control and X-ray technicians with smoker and nonsmoker. Plasma and erythrocytes LP levels were higher in the total X-ray group and smoker X-ray group than in control and nonsmoker X-ray group, respectively although the LP level was decreased by the VCE treatment. The plasma vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and , -carotene concentrations were lower in the X-ray group than in control although their concentrations were increased by the treatment. The erythrocytes GSH level and GSH-Px activity were found to be higher in the treatment group than in the X-ray group. Plasma GSH level was not found to be different in all group. Reactive oxygen species may play role in the mechanism that has been proposed to explain the biological side effect of X-ray radiation and smoke. VCE prevents the smoke and X-ray-induced oxidative stress to strengthen antioxidant vitamin concentrations in the blood of the technicians. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Vanadyl sulfate protects against streptozotocin-induced morphological and biochemical changes in rat aortaCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 6 2007Kadriye Akgün-Dar Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of vanadyl sulfate on aorta tissue of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, morphologically and biochemically. The animals were made diabetic by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65,mg/kg) and vanadyl sulfate (100,mg/kg) that was given every day for 60 days by gavage technique to rats. Under the light and transmission electron microscopes, hypertrophy of the vessel wall, focal disruption in the elastic lamellae, an increase in thickness of total aortic wall, tunica intima, subendothelial space and adventitial layer, and a disorganization in smooth muscular cells of the tunica media were observed in diabetic animals. The aorta lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were significantly increased and the aorta glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly reduced in STZ diabetic rats. In diabetic rats administered vanadyl sulfate for 60 days, aorta LPO levels significantly decreased and the aorta GSH level significantly increased. In conclusion, in vivo treatment with vanadyl sulfate of diabetic rats prevented the morphological and biochemical changes observed in thoracic aorta of diabetic animals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Changes in antioxidant defense status in response to cisplatin and 5-FU in esophageal carcinomaDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 2 2008T. Kaur SUMMARY., The ability of reactive oxygen species to induce cellular damage and to cause cell death opens the possibility of exploiting this property in the treatment of esophageal cancer through a free radical mediated mechanism. The present study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the changes in the antioxidant defense status in esophageal cancer patients treated without and with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Forty surgically resected tissue specimens from tumors, tissue adjoining the tumors and paired macroscopically normal mucosa were obtained from esophageal cancer patients treated with or without chemo-radiotherapy. An evaluation of antioxidant defense system in the normal, adjoining and tumor esophageal tissues in response to NAT revealed decreased catalase activity in tumor and adjoining tissues as compared to their respective normal tissue levels. Similarly, decreased superoxide dismutase activity was observed in tumor tissue in response to NAT. In both the treatment groups (with and without NAT), no significant change was observed in the enzyme activity of glutathione reductase in the normal, adjoining and tumor tissues. Enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity was found in tumor tissue, as compared to the adjoining and paired normal tissue of patients after NAT. Estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels showed a significant decline in GSH levels in esophageal tumors after NAT. Depletion of GSH, an endogenous antioxidant, would elevate drug sensitivity and might predispose neoplastic cells to apoptosis in response to NAT. The antioxidant enzymes in the esophageal carcinoma thus may play an important role in influencing the final outcome upon NAT course. [source] Analysis of glutathione endpoints for measuring copper stress in Chlamydomonas reinhardthENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2007Tasha L. Stoiber Abstract Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant nonprotein thiol in eukaryotic cells and it protects cells by functioning as an antioxidant and a metal-binding ligand. Because glutathione readily undergoes oxidation-reduction reactions to combat oxidative stress, intracellular ratios of the reduced (GSH) to the oxidized (GSSG) forms of glutathione may serve as an important biomarker of exposure and effect of trace metals in eukaryotic cells. We compared sensitivity of glutathione ratios in the freshwater alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to the traditional endpoints of cell growth rates and chlorophyll a following exposure to Cu for periods of 6 and 24 h. A response of the GSH:GSSG ratio to Cu concentration was observed at Cu levels of 40 and 80 nM after exposure for both 6 and 24 h. The concentration of total GSH at 24 h was roughly half the value at 6 h after exposure to either 40 or 80 nM Cu. A response for cell growth rate was observed only at 24 h, whereby the average specific growth rate decreased from about 1.1 to 0.4 d,1. The total Cu concentrations eliciting a cell response of 50%, effect concentrations (EC50s), after 24 h of exposure were similar (49.2, 49.8, and 38.2 nM Cu) and not significantly different for GSH:GSSG ratio, GSH levels, and specific growth, respectively. Total cell-associated Cu concentrations after exposure for 24 h were calculated from the EC50 endpoints and ranged from 13.3 to 17.0 fg/cell. Overall, thiol ratios were indicative of toxicity resulting from exposure to Cu, but precision may be greater for the cell growth rate endpoints. [source] Oxidative stress in red blood cells, platelets and polymorphonuclear leukocytes from patients with myelodysplastic syndromeEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Hussam Ghoti Abstract Low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterized by cytopenia, mainly anemia, because of ineffective hematopoiesis. Some of the patients with ineffective erythropoiesis, with or without ring sideroblasts in their bone marrow, develop severe anemia requiring frequent blood transfusions and consequently develop iron overload. Excess free iron in cells catalyses the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause cell and tissue damage. Using flow cytometry techniques, we compared the oxidative status of red blood cells (RBC), platelets and neutrophils in 14 MDS patients with those of normal donors. The results show that ROS were higher while reduced glutathione (GSH) was lower in their RBC and platelets compared with normal cells. In neutrophils, no difference was found in ROS, while the GSH levels were lower. A correlation (r = 0.6) was found between serum ferritin levels of the patients and the ROS in their RBC and platelets. The oxidative stress was ameliorated by a short incubation with the iron-chelators, the deferrioxamine and deferiprone or with antioxidants such as N -acetylcysteine, suggesting that MDS patients might benefit from treatment with iron-chelators and antioxidants. [source] Oxidative stress on EAAC1 is involved in MPTP-induced glutathione depletion and motor dysfunctionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Koji Aoyama Abstract Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is a glutamate transporter expressed on mature neurons in the CNS, and is the primary route for uptake of the neuronal cysteine needed to produce glutathione (GSH). Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder pathogenically related to oxidative stress and shows GSH depletion in the substantia nigra (SN). Herein, we report that 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice, an experimental model of PD, showed reduced motor activity, reduced GSH contents, EAAC1 translocation to the membrane and increased levels of nitrated EAAC1. These changes were reversed by pre-administration of n-acetylcysteine (NAC), a membrane-permeable cysteine precursor. Pretreatment with 7-nitroindazole, a specific neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, also prevented both GSH depletion and nitrotyrosine formation induced by MPTP. Pretreatment with hydrogen peroxide, l -aspartic acid ,-hydroxamate or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium reduced the subsequent cysteine increase in midbrain slice cultures. Studies with chloromethylfluorescein diacetate, a GSH marker, demonstrated dopaminergic neurons in the SN to have increased GSH levels after NAC treatment. These findings suggest that oxidative stress induced by MPTP may reduce neuronal cysteine uptake, via EAAC1 dysfunction, leading to impaired GSH synthesis, and that NAC would exert a protective effect against MPTP neurotoxicity by maintaining GSH levels in dopaminergic neurons. [source] The expression of glutathione reductase in the male reproductive system of rats supports the enzymatic basis of glutathione function in spermatogenesisFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 5 2002Tomoko Kaneko Glutathione reductase (GR) recycles oxidized glutathione (GSSG) by converting it to the reduced form (GSH) using an NADPH as the electron source. The function of GR in the male genital tract of the rat was examined by measuring its enzymatic activity and examining the gene expression and localization of the protein. Levels of GR activity, the protein, and the corresponding mRNA were the highest in epididymis among testes, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and prostate gland. The localization of GR, as evidenced by immunohistochemical techniques, reveals that it exists at high levels in the epithelia of the genital tract. In testis, GR is mainly localized in Sertoli cells. The enzymatic activity and protein expression of GR in primary cultured testicular cells confirmed its predominant expression in Sertoli cells. Intracellular GSH levels, expressed as mol per mg protein, was higher in spermatogenic cells than in Sertoli cells. As a result of these findings, the effects of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor for GSH synthesis, and 1,3-bis(2-chlorethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), an inhibitor for GR, on cultured testicular cells were examined. Sertoli cells were prone to die as the result of BCNU, but not BSO treatment, although intracellular levels of GSH declined more severely with BSO treatment. Spermatogenic cells were less sensitive to these agents than Sertoli cells, which indicates that the contribution of these enzymes is less significant in spermatogenic cells. The results herein suggest that the GR system in Sertoli cells is involved in the supplementation of GSH to spermatogenic cells in which high levels of cysteine are required for protamine synthesis. In turn, the genital tract, the epithelia of which are rich in GR, functions in an antioxidative manner to protect sulfhydryl groups and unsaturated fatty acids in spermatozoa from oxidation during the maturation process and storage. [source] The effect of modulation of , -glutamyl transpeptidase and nitric oxide synthase activity on GSH homeostasis in HepG2 cellsFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Inga Kwiecie Abstract High glutathione (GSH) level and elevated , -glutamyl transpeptidase (,GT) activity are hallmarks of tumor cells. Toxicity of drugs and radiation to the cells is largely dependent on the level of thiols. In the present studies, we attempted to inhibit ,GT activity in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells to examine whether the administration of ,GT inhibitors, acivicin (AC) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) influences cell proliferation and enhances cytostatic action of doxorubicin (DOX) and cisplatin (CP) on HepG2 cells. The effects of these inhibitors were determined by 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan (MTT), BrdU and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests and by estimation of GSH level. Additionally, we investigated the changes in caspase-3 activity, which is a marker of apoptosis. The obtained results showed that the ,GT inhibitors introduced to the medium alone elicited cytotoxic effect, which was accompanied by an increase in GSH level in the cells. TIQ concomitantly increased caspase-3 activity. Doxorubicin and CP proved to be cytotoxic, and both inhibitors augmented this effect. As well DOX as CP radically decreased GSH levels, whereas ,GT inhibitors had diverse effects. Therefore, the obtained results confirm that ,GT inhibitors can enhance pharmacological action of DOX and CP, which may permit clinicians to decrease their doses thereby alleviating side effects. Aminoguanidine (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) given alone was little cytotoxic to HepG2 cells, while its introduction to the medium together with DOX and CP significantly increased their cytotoxicity. Aminoguanidine on its own did not show any effect on GSH level in HepG2 cells, but markedly and significantly elevated its concentration when added in combination with CP but not with DOX. This indicates that when CP was used as a cytostatic, GSH level rose after treatment with its combination with both AC and aminoguanidine. [source] Induction of avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma proteins by toxic bile acid inhibits expression of glutathione synthetic enzymes and contributes to cholestatic liver injury in mice,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Heping Yang We previously showed that hepatic expression of glutathione (GSH) synthetic enzymes and GSH levels fell 2 weeks after bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice. This correlated with a switch in nuclear anti-oxidant response element (ARE) binding activity from nuclear factor erythroid 2,related factor 2 (Nrf2) to c,avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (c-Maf)/V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog G (MafG). Our current aims were to examine whether the switch in ARE binding activity from Nrf2 to Mafs is responsible for decreased expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and the outcome of blocking this switch. Huh7 cells treated with lithocholic acid (LCA) exhibited a similar pattern of change in GSH synthetic enzyme expression as BDL mice. Nuclear protein levels of Nrf2 fell at 20 hours after LCA treatment, whereas c-Maf and MafG remained persistently induced. These changes translated to ARE nuclear binding activity. Knockdown of c-Maf or MafG individually blunted the LCA-induced decrease in Nrf2 ARE binding and increased ARE-dependent promoter activity, whereas combined knockdown was more effective. Knockdown of c-Maf or MafG individually increased the expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and raised GSH levels, and combined knockdown exerted an additive effect. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) prevented the LCA-induced decrease in expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and promoter activity and prevented the increase in MafG and c-Maf levels. In vivo knockdown of the Maf genes protected against the decrease in GSH enzyme expression, GSH level, and liver injury after BDL. Conclusion: Toxic bile acid induces a switch from Nrf2 to c-Maf/MafG ARE nuclear binding, which leads to decreased expression of GSH synthetic enzymes and GSH levels and contributes to liver injury during BDL. UDCA and SAMe treatment targets this switch. (HEPATOLOGY 2010.) [source] Lipid peroxidation, glutathione, vitamin E, and antioxidant enzymes in synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 4 2009Werasak SUTIPORNPALANGKUL Abstract Aim:, To compare levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in synovial fluid from primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients with severe cartilage damage undergoing total knee replacement with those in the synovial fluid from injured knee joint patients with intact cartilage undergoing knee arthroscopy. Methods:, Thirty-two OA patients and 10 injured knee joint patients were recruited. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARs]), iron and glutathione (GSH) were measured using a colorimetric method. Vitamin E was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD]) were analyzed with the use of a kinetic method. Results:, TBARs, iron and GSH levels in synovial fluid were not significantly different between OA patients and injured knee joint patients. Antioxidant enzymes such as GPx and SOD activities also indicated no significant difference. Only vitamin E level was significantly lower in the synovial fluid of OA patients than in that of the injured knee joint patients. Conclusions:, Oxidative stress may have a role in pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis. Vitamin E supplementation may have a role in the management of patients. [source] Glutamine administration in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and the influence on blood glutathione levelsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2009J. M. ENGEL Background: Cardiac surgery with an extracorporeal circulation cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is characterized by an oxidative stress response. Glutathione (GSH) belongs to the major antioxidative defense. In metabolic stress, glutamine (GLN) may be the rate-limiting factor of GSH synthesis. Decreased GLN plasma levels were observed after various critical states. We evaluated, in patients undergoing open heart surgery with CPB, the effects of a peri-operative GLN supplementation on GSH in whole blood and assessed their influence on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and the intensive care unit length of stay. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, we included 60 patients (age older than 70 years, ejection fraction <40% or mitral valve replacement) undergoing an elective cardiac surgery with CPB. We randomly assigned each subject to receive an infusion with either GLN (0.5 g/kg/day, group 1) or an isonitrogeneous, isocaloric, isovolemic amino acids solution (group 2) or saline (group 3). Results: From the first post-operative day GLN plasma levels in group 1 were significantly increased compared with the other groups. With saline GSH the levels decreased significantly post-operatively compared with GLN. We observed a significant correlation between GLN delivery and GSH levels. Conclusions: A peri-operative high-dose GLN infusion increased plasma GLN concentrations and maintained the GSH levels after cardiac surgery with CPB. [source] Changes in expression and activity of glutathione S -transferase in different organs of schistosoma haematobium -infected hamsterJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2003S. A. Sheweita Abstract Schistosomiasis is a major health problem in many subtropical developing countries, causing a number of serious pathologies, including bladder cancer. Most of the toxic compounds formed as a result of these infestations are derived either exogenously or formed endogenously and can be conjugated with glutathione (GSH) via glutathione S-transferase (GST). The present study investigates the effect of Schistosma haematobium infection on the activity of GST and glutathione reductase (GR) and levels of glutathione and free radicals (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in different organs of the male hamster. The total activity of GST was increased in several organs; in kidney by 50 and 46% at 6 and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively, and in bladder tissues by 169, 23, and 130% at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postinfection, respectively. In support of this, the expression of GST isozymes was also induced in kidney and bladder tissues at early stages (2, 4, and 6 weeks) and reduced at the later stages of infection (8 and 10 weeks). In contrast, the expression of these isozymes was decreased in the spleen and liver at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks postinfection. Also, such activity was decreased in lungs by 74 and 78% and in bladders by 65 and 72% at 8 and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively. GSH levels increased in lungs by 95, 40, and 56% at 2, 4, and 6 weeks and in spleen by 26 and 74% at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, but decreased at later stages of S. haematobium infection in these organs. The depletion of GSH levels also occurred in bladders by 72 and 54% at 8 and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively. The activity of GR was increased in the livers, lungs, and kidneys of the S. haematobium -infected hamster. TBARS also increased in the lung by 14, 65, 53, 828, and 624% and in the kidney by 64, 29, 87, 190, and 111%, and in the bladder by 216, 23, 1468, 528, and 1025% at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively. This study indicates that low GST expression and high levels of free radicals could provide new evidence for damage to the bladder and other organs as a result of S. haematobium infection. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:138,145, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10071 [source] Effect of Cadmium and Aluminum Intake on the Antioxidant Status and Lipid Peroxidation in Rat TissuesJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Shohda A. El-Maraghy Abstract This work aimed to study the relationship between the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) or aluminum (Al) in certain tissues and the levels of lipid peroxides as well as tissue antioxidants. To carry out such investigations, CdCl2 was given to rats in two dose levels; 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg i.p for 1 day or daily repeated doses for 2 weeks. Al was given as AlCl3 either in a single dose of 100 mg/kg or daily repeated doses of 20 mg/kg for 2 and 4 weeks. The measured parameters were tissue malondialdehyde (MDA, index of lipid peroxidation) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels as well as the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase (GSSG-R), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) enzymes. Liver and kidney functions were assessed by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities as well as serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Cd and Al concentrations in the studied tissues were also measured. Results indicated that tissue Cd was significantly increased after administration of either Cd doses. After a single dose of 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg CdCl2, the increase in tissue Cd levels were accompanied by an increase in MDA and a decrease in GSH levels. On the other hand, after repeated administration of Cd, tissue Cd accumulation was accompanied by increased hepatic and renal GSH levels with decrease in MDA content and a decrease in GSH-PX activity in liver. Liver function was affected at all dose regimens, whereas kidney function was affected only after 2 weeks administration of the higher dose. In Al treated rats, Al concentration was shown to be increased in liver much more than in brain. This was accompanied by a slight decrease in hepatic GSH level after 2 weeks and a decrease in GSH-PX activity after 4 weeks. Liver function was affected only after repeated injection of Al for 2 or 4 weeks. In general, Al administration exhibited safer pattern than Cd. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 15:207,214, 2001 [source] Effect of heme oxygenase-1 induction by octreotide on TNBS-induced colitisJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2007im Erbil Abstract Background and Aim:, Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum. Although the precise etiology of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, it is believed to involve an abnormal host response to endogenous or environmental antigens, genetic factors, and oxidative damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction by octreotide could protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage from induced colitis. Methods:, Rats received octreotide 50 µg/kg per day intraperitoneally for 5 days before 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) solution administration and for 15 days following TNBS solution administration. Rats were killed on day 21, and colonic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione (GSH) levels and HO-1 expression were measured. Nuclear factor (NF)-,B and HO-1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical examination of the colonic tissue. Results:, Rats with TNBS-induced colitis had significantly increased colonic MDA levels and HO-1 expression in comparison to the control group. Octreotide treatment was associated with increased HO-1 expression and GSH levels, but decreased MDA levels. Histopathological examination revealed that the intestinal mucosal structure was preserved in the octreotide-treated group. In addition, treatment with octreotide significantly increased HO-1 expression and decreased NF-,B expression by immunohistochemistry when compared to the TNBS-induced colitis group. Conclusion:, Octreotide appears to have protective effects against colonic damage in TNBS-induced colitis. This protective effect is, in part, mediated by modification of the inflammatory response and the induction of HO-1 expression. [source] |