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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an organophosphorus insecticide omethoate (OM), on certain oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT)) in tongue, lung, stomach and muscle tissues of adult frogs (Rana ridibunda Pallas). Animals were exposed to 10 and 20 parts per million dosages of OM for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h. According to the results, MDA level increased significantly in lung and stomach tissues. GSH content fluctuated in lung and muscle while it elevated in tongue and stomach tissues. With regard to antioxidant enzymes (GST, GR and CAT), their activities reduced in tongue, while they increased in lung and fluctuated in stomach and muscle tissues. It can be concluded that exposure of frogs to OM are characterized by increased MDA levels and fluctuated enzyme activities and GSH contents. This may reflect the potential role of these parameters as useful biomarkers for assessment of OM toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the antiulcer and antioxidant activities of Centaurium erythraea L (small centaury) in aspirin (ASA) induced acute gastric ulcer model. The gastroprotective effect of the 50% aqueous-ethanolic small centaury (SC) extract was investigated in rats at a dose of ASA 200 mg/kg body weight. Twenty-one Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three groups of seven rats each as follows: (1) control group; (2) acute ASA-treated group and (3) ASA plus SC group. At the end of the 4-h drug administration, ulcer index, oxidant and antioxidant levels were measured and compared between the groups. The percentage of lesion area to total gastric surface area (ulcer index) was significantly reduced (77%) in ASA plus SC group as compared with acute ASA-treated group. The oral administration of ASA decreased catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Although myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was increased by ASA, it was found to be lower in the ASA plus SC group. GSH and Vitamin A levels were determined higher in the ASA plus SC group compared with ASA group. These results suggest that SC extract protects against ASA-induced damage due to its antioxidizing activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal dust causes lung diseases in occupational exposure. Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of its toxicity. In this study, serum enzymes, lipid profile and other biochemical values with oxidant/antioxidant status in whole blood and serum of central heating system workers (CHSW; the persons responsible for heating the apartment with coal) were determined to reflect the cell injury. Blood samples were obtained from CHSW (n = 25) and healthy individuals (n = 25). All values were measured in whole blood and serum. ANOVA was used for the estimation of statistical data. In the group of CHSW, creatinine, ferritin, alanin aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase activities as well as triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein, protein carbonyl and malondialdehide were significantly higher, while transferrin, high density lipoprotein and catalase (CAT) activities were lower than the group of healthy individuals. This result is consistent with hypothesis that respirable coal dust generates lipid and protein oxidation and induces leakage of serum enzymes by cell damage. It also leads to imbalance in antioxidant defense system, lipid profile and other biochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]