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Cynometra iripa Kostel. is a Fabaceae species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical and chemical quality criteria for C. iripa leaf and bark as herbal substances and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential. Macroscopic and microscopic qualitative and quantitative analyses, chemical LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS profiling, and the quantification of key chemical classes were performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. Macroscopically, the leaf is asymmetrical with an emarginated apex and cuneate base. Microscopically, it shows features such as two-layered adaxial palisade parenchyma, vascular bundles surrounded by 3–6 layers of sclerenchyma, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5.89 ± 1.32 μm) along the fibers, paracytic stomata only on the abaxial epidermis (stomatal index–20.15), and non-glandular trichomes only on petiolules. The microscopic features of the bark include a broad cortex with large lignified sclereids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (8.24 ± 1.57 μm), and secondary phloem with distinct 2–5 seriated medullary rays without crystals. Chemical profile analysis revealed that phenolic derivatives, mainly condensed tannins and flavonoids, are the main classes identified. A total of 22 marker compounds were tentatively identified in both plant parts. The major compounds identified in the leaf were quercetin-3-O-glucoside and taxifolin pentoside and in the bark were B-type dimeric proanthocyanidins and taxifolin 3-O-rhamnoside. The total phenolics content was higher in the leaf (1521 ± 4.71 mg GAE/g dry weight), while the total flavonoids and condensed tannins content were higher in the bark (82 ± 0.58 mg CE/g and 1021 ± 5.51 mg CCE/g dry weight, respectively). A total of 70% of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaf and bark showed higher antioxidant activity than the ascorbic acid and concentration-dependent scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (IC50 23.95 ± 0.93 and 23.63 ± 1.37 µg/mL, respectively). A positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation between the phenol content and antioxidant activity was found. The results obtained will provide important clues for the quality control criteria of C. iripa leaf and bark, as well as for the knowledge of their pharmacological potential as possible anti-inflammatory agents with antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of foods fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) serve as dietary staples in many countries. The incorporation of health-promoting probiotics into fermented milk products can have profound effects on human health. Considering the health benefits of Yakult, the current study was undertaken to develop an enriched Yakult-like fermented skimmed milk drink by the addition of two probiotic strains, namely Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lc) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr). The prepared drinks were compared in terms of various parameters, including their physicochemical properties, proximate chemical composition, mineral estimation, microbial viable count, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation. Each strain was employed at five different concentrations, including 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The prepared Yakult samples were stored at 4 °C and analyzed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to evaluate biochemical changes. The findings revealed that the concentration of the starter culture had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on the pH value and moisture and protein contents, but had no marked impact on the fat or ash content of the developed product. With the Lc strain, Yakult's moisture content ranged from 84.25 ± 0.09 to 85.65 ± 0.13%, whereas with the Lr strain, it was from 84.24 ± 0.08 to 88.75 ± 0.13%. Protein levels reached their highest values with T5 (3% concentration). The acidity of all treatments increased significantly due to fermentation and, subsequently, pH showed a downward trend (p ≤ 0.05). The total soluble solids (TSS) content decreased during storage with Lc as compared to Lr, but the presence of carbohydrates had no appreciable impact. The drink with Lc exhibited a more uniform texture and smaller pore size than Yakult with Lr. Except for the iron values, which showed an increasing trend, the contents of other minerals decreased in increasing order of the added probiotic concentration used: 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The highest lactobacilli viable count of 8.69 ± 0.43 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL was observed with the T1 Lr-containing drink at the end of the storage period. Regarding the storage stability of the drink, the highest value for DPPH (88.75 ± 0.13%) was found with the T1 Lc drink on day 15, while the highest values for FRAP (4.86 ± 2.80 mmol Fe2+/L), TPC (5.97 ± 0.29 mg GAE/mL), and TFC (3.59 ± 0.17 mg GAE/mL) were found with the T5 Lr drink on day 28 of storage. However, the maximum value for ABTS (3.59 ± 0.17%) was noted with the T5 Lr drink on the first day of storage. The results of this study prove that Lc and Lr can be used in dairy-based fermented products and stored at refrigerated temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) fruits are used in traditional medicine largely due to their claimed beneficial effects on human health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of a persimmon extract in rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). CIA was induced in Wistar rats through an intradermal injection of an emulsion of bovine type II collagen (CII) in complete Freund's adjuvant (FCA). Macroscopic evidence of CIA first appeared as periarticular erythema and edema in the hind paws. The incidence of CIA was 100% by day 27 in the CII-challenged rats, and the severity of CIA progressed for 35 days. Radiographs revealed focal resorption of bone, with osteophyte formation in the tibiotarsal joint and soft tissue swelling. The histopathologic features included erosion of the cartilage at the joint margins. The persimmon extract showed an anti-inflammatory effect given the significant reduction in both the edema volume and radiological alterations attributed to CIA in the bone. We demonstrate that the administration of persimmon extract attenuates the degree of chronic inflammation and tissue damage characteristic of CIA in rats, most probably by the potent antioxidant characteristics of the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic emerged in 2019 causing millions of deaths. Vaccines were quickly developed and made available in 2021. Despite the availability of vaccines, some subjects refuse to take the immunizing or present comorbities, therefore developing serious cases of COVID-19, which makes necessary the development of antiviral drugs. Previous studies have demonstrated that ebselen, a selenium-containing molecule, can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. In addition, selenium is a trace element that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Zidovudine (AZT) has been widely used against HIV infections and its action against SARS-CoV-2 may be altered by the structural modification with organochalcogen moieties, but this hypothesis still needs to be tested. In the present work we evaluated the Mpro inhibition capacity (in silico), the safety and antioxidant effect of six organochalcogen AZT-derivatives using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans , through acute (30 min) and chronic (48) exposure protocols. We observed that the molecules were safe at a concentration range of 1–500 µM and did not alter any toxicological endpoint evaluated. Furthermore, the molecules are capable to decrease the ROS formation stimulated by hydrogen peroxide, to modulate the expression of important antioxidant enzymes such superoxide-dismutase-3 and glutathione S-transferese-4 and to stimulate the translocation of the DAF-16 to the cell nucleus. In addition, the molecules did not deplete thiol groups, which reinforces their safety and contribution to oxidative stress resistance. We have found that compounds S116l (a Tellurium AZT-derivative) and S116h (a Selenium-AZT derivative) presented more promising effects both in silico and in vivo , being strong candidates for further in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Free radicals induce numerous diseases by lipid peroxidation, protein peroxidation, and DNA damage. It has been reported that numerous plant extracts have antioxidant activities to scavenge free radicals. In this present study we determined the in vitro antioxidant capacity and quantified of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids of Tabernaemontana catharinensis crude extract and fractions leaves. Methods: The antioxidant potential was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH) scavenging and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) methods, total phenolics content was determined using the FolineCiocalteu assay, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids were determined by spectrophotometer. Results: Crude extract and fractions showed inhibition against TBARS, ethyl acetate was the most effective fraction (IC50 ± 6.71 ± 0.19 µg/mL), subsequently by butanolic (26.15 ± 0.08 µg/mL), dichloromethane (43.25 ± 0.12 mg/mL) and crude extract (61.09 ± 0.05 mg/mL), respectively. Moreover, the DPPH assay, presented IC50 value ranged of 4.64 ± 1.25 to 27.78 ± 0.93 µg/mL. Contents of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids of T. catharinensis followed the order: ethyl acetate > butanolic > dichloromethane fractions > crude extract. Conclusion: The present study, we found that the crude extract and fractions of T. catharinensis showed good antioxidant activity. Among the samples tested, the ethyl acetate fraction showed better activity than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is a growing interest of industry to replace synthetic chemicals by natural products with bioactive properties from plant origin. The aim of the present study was the phytochemical characterization and in vitro antioxidant of Lantana camara L. e Lantana montevidensis Briq. The bicyclogermacrene (19.42%), isocaryophyllene (16.70%), valencene (12.94%) and germacrene D (12.34%) were the main constituents of the oil from L. camara, while in the oil from L. montevidensis were β-caryophyllene (31.50%), germacrene D (27.50%) and bicyclogermacrene (13.93%). Phenolic compounds were identified; flavonoids (quercetin and rutin) and phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids) were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Free radical scavenger properties of essential oils and ethanolic extracts were assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Essential oils and extracts promoted an inhibition of the radical DPPH. The extracts of the leaves exhibit lowest IC50 values, indicating the highest potential as free radical scavengers. Our research indicates that those plants good potential in scavenging free radicals and can be an important source of antioxidant phytochemical. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which aims to assess the impact of organoselenium compound diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2's acute administration on toxicological factors in rabbits. The study exposed the adult rabbits from New Zealand to (PhSe)2 one time daily within five days. The results suggests that rabbit's (PhSe)2 acute toxicology is dose-dependent, which should incite other experiments regarding the therapeutic properties of (PhSe)2.

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) fruit's phytochemical profile includes carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, and gallic acid among other phenolic compounds and vitamins. A huge antioxidant potential is present given this richness in antioxidant compounds. These bioactive compounds impact on health benefits. The intersection of nutrition and sustainability, the key idea behind the EAT-Lancet Commission, which could improve human health and decrease the global impact of food-related health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, bring the discussion regarding persimmon beyond the health effects from its consumption, but also on the valorization of a very perishable food that spoils quickly. A broad option of edible products with better storage stability or solutions that apply persimmon and its byproducts in the reinvention of old products or even creating new products, or with new and better packaging for the preservation of food products with postharvest technologies to preserve and extend the shelf-life of persimmon food products. Facing a global food crisis and the climate emergency, new and better day-to-day solutions are needed right now. Therefore, the use of persimmon waste has also been discussed as a good solution to produce biofuel, eco-friendly alternative reductants for fabric dyes, green plant growth regulator, biodegradable and edible films for vegetable packaging, antimicrobial activity against foodborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus found in retail pork, anti-Helicobacter pylori agents from pedicel extracts, and persimmon pectin-based emulsifiers to prevent lipid peroxidation, among other solutions presented in the revised literature. It has become clear that the uses for persimmon go far beyond the kitchen table and the health impact consumption demonstrated over the years. The desired sustainable transition is already in progress, however, mechanistic studies and clinical trials are essential and scaling-up is fundamental to the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.), a fruit rich in phenolic compounds (PCs), has been considered effective in mitigating oxidative damage induced by an excess of reactive oxygen species. Due to large molecular weight and intrinsic instability in some physiological fluids, PCs' passage through biological membranes is very limited. Carriers like phytosomes are promising systems to optimize oral absorption of encapsulated extracts. This work prepared and fully characterized phytosomes containing bioactive phenolic extracts from persimmon in terms of size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency and stability over six months. These phytosomes were orally dosed to Wistar rats during a 15-day period. Afterwards, haematological and biochemical analyses were performed. Monodisperse phytosomes were successfully prepared, with size less than 300nm (PI < 0.3) and high encapsulation efficiency (97.4%) of PCs. In contrast to free extract, extract-loaded phytosomes had higher antioxidant activity after 6 months storage. Oral administration of extract-loaded phytosomes and free extract did not lead to lipidic profile changes and were within referenced normal ranges, as well as glycaemia levels and urine parameters. The results highlighted the potential of persimmon PCs as food supplements or pharmacological tools, suggesting a promising and safe phytosomal formulation containing bioactive agents of persimmon that could lead to health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sepsis is a potentially deadly complication that can be caused by different factors. Actually, it is known that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2, an emergent compound, on oxidative stress parameters induced by sepsis in rats. Animals were pre-injected with (PhSe)2 or vehicle. Twenty-four hours later, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation puncture (CLP). After 12h, liver was taken for thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) measurement, δ-aminolevunic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities assay. The sepsis increased TBARS, inhibited δ-ALA-D, activated Cu/Zn SOD and had a tendency to decrease CAT activity. However, (PhSe)2 prevented the TBARS formation, but did not prevent the inhibition of δ-ALA-D activity in the animals with damage. Thus, this study showed that (PhSe)2 partially prevents the oxidative stress induced by sepsis, indicating the potential of this compound as a treatment for this pathology. Nevertheless, more tests should be performed to confirm the hypothesis suggested here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of cadmium (Cd2+) on δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity from rat lung in vitro was investigated. δ-ALA-D activity, a parameter for metal intoxication, has been reported as a target of Cd2+ in different tissues. The protective effect of monotherapies with dithiol chelating (meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS)) or antioxidant agents (ascorbic acid, diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC)) was evaluated. The effect of a combined therapy (dithiol chelating×antioxidant agent) was also studied. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and dithiothreitol (DTT) were used to investigate the mechanisms involved in cadmium, chelating and antioxidant effects on δ-ALA-D activity. Cadmium inhibited rat lung δ-ALA-D activity at low concentrations. DTT (3mM), but not ZnCl2 (100μM), protected the inhibition of enzyme activity caused by Cd2+. Chelating agents were not effective in restoring the enzyme activity. DMPS and DMSA presented inhibitory effect on enzyme activity. DTT restored the inhibition caused by both chelating agents, but ZnCl2 restored only the inhibitory effect induced by DMSA. These compounds caused a marked potentiation of δ-ALA-D inhibition induced by Cd2+. ZnCl2 did not restore inhibition of enzyme activity caused by Cd2+ plus chelating agents. Conversely, DTT restored the inhibition induced by Cd2+/DMSA, but not by Cd2+/DMPS. Antioxidants were not effective in ameliorating δ-ALA-D inhibition induced by Cd2+, whereas ascorbic acid potentiated the enzyme inhibition induced by this metal. A combined effect of Cd2+ ×DMPS×(PhSe)2 and Cd2+ ×DMPS×NAC was observed. There was no combined effect of Cd2+ ×chelator×antioxidants when DMSA was used. This study demonstrated that Cd2+inhibited δ-ALA-D activity and chelating and antioxidant agents, alone or combined, did not restore the enzyme activity. In contrast, these compounds potentiated the inhibition induced by Cd2+ in rat lung. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The antioxidant properties of organoselenium compounds have been extensively investigated with the aim of developing new drugs, since oxidative stress is responsible for a variety of chronic human diseases. Herein, we reported the synthesis of new nitrogen-containing diselenides by a simple and efficient synthetic route. The products were obtained in good to excellent yields and their identification and characterization were achieved by NMR and HRMS techniques. The new derivatives may represent promising structures with different biological activities, which can act against oxidative stress through diverse mechanisms of action. The glutathione peroxidase-like assay (GPx-like activity) of the new synthesized compounds indicated that they reduced H 2 O 2 to water at the expense of PhSH. The best results were obtained with diselenide 2b , which was 9 times more active than the standard organoselenium drug ebselen and, in contrast, this compound was not reduced by hepatic TrxR. All of the new compounds inhibited Fe(II)-induced TBARS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selenium and copper on oxidative stress and its performance in lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Twenty-eight five-months old lambs were experimentally infected by the oral route with 5000 third-stage infective larvae and allocated into four groups, i.e., untreated animals, animals treated intramuscularly with sodium selenite (0.2 mg kg-1), animals treated subcutaneously with copper (3.5 mg kg-1), and animals treated with sodium selenite (IM; 0.2 mg kg-1) and copper (SC; 3.5 mg kg-1). These animals received oat hay (Avena sativa) and commercial concentrate, totaling 15% of crude protein, 30% being derived from oat hay and 70% of the concentrate. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and body weight were assessed on the day of infection and after 20, 40, 60 and 80 days post-infection. The number of H. contortus adults was assessed at the end of the experiment. The selenium associated or not with copper reduced the effects of oxidative stress caused by infection. The groups supplemented with copper had increased body weight, and the combination of these two minerals reduced the EPG and number of H. contortus adults in lambs. The use of selenium associated with copper may help the control of infection by H. contortus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Anacardium microcarpum fractions showed significant DPPH scavenging activity. [•] The fractions inhibited Fe2+-induced LPO in brain and liver homogenates. [•] The fractions were not cytotoxic to leukocytes and prevented H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. [•] The fractions did not have any effect on human erythrocytes osmotic fragility. [•] A. microcarpum showed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids compounds as major phytochemical groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oxidative stress is involved in the etiology of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. From this perspective, we have evaluated the possible antioxidant capacities of five different phthalocyanines (PCs), consisting of four metallophthalocyanines (MPCs) and one simple phthalocyanine (PC) in order to explore, for the first time, the potential antioxidant activities of these compounds. Our results show that all PCs tested in this study have significant antioxidant activity in lipid peroxidation assay, providing protection from sodium nitroprusside -induced oxidative damage to supernatant from the homogenized liver, brain, e rim of mice. Compared to the non-induced control, the PCs were generally more efficient in reducing malondialdehyde levels in all assays on lipid peroxidation induced by sodium nitroprusside; the order of approximate decrease in efficiency was as follows: manganese-PC (better efficiency)>copper-PC>iron-PC>zinc-PC>PC (worst efficiency). Furthermore, the copper-PC and manganese-PC compounds exerted a significant protective effect in deoxyribose degradation assays, when employing Fe2+, Fe2+ +H2O2, and H2O2 solutions. In conclusion, all PCs tested here were shown to be promising compounds for future in vivo investigations, because of their potential antioxidant activities in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for biological systems; however occupational exposure to high levels of this metal may lead to neurodegenerative disorders, resembling Parkinson''s disease (PD). While its mechanisms of neurotoxicity have yet to be fully understood, oxidative stress plays a critical role. Thus, the main goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis in attenuating Mn-induced brain oxidative stress in mice. Sixteen male mice were randomly divided into two groups and treated for 3 months: the first group consumed tap water (control group) and the second group was treated with Mn (50mg/kg/day for habituation during the first 15 days followed by 100mg/kg/day for additional 75 days) in the drinking water. After 3 months both groups were sub divided (n =4 per group) and treated for additional 3 months with Mn and/or M. officinalis in the drinking water. The first group (control) was treated with water and served as control; the second group (M. officinalis) was treated with M. officinalis (100mg/kg/day); the third group was treated with Mn (100mg/kg/day); the fourth group (Mn+ M. officinalis) was treated with both Mn and M. officinalis (100mg/kg/day each). Mn-treated mice showed a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels (a marker of oxidative stress) in both the hippocampus and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in total thiol content in the hippocampus and a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the hippocampus, striatum, cortex and cerebellum. Co-treatment with M. officinalis aqueous extract in Mn-treated mice significantly inhibited the antioxidant enzyme activities and attenuated the oxidative damage (TBARS and decreased total thiol levels). These results establish that M. officinalis aqueous extract possesses potent antioxidative properties, validating its efficacy in attenuating Mn-induced oxidative stress in the mouse brain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oximes are compounds generally used to reverse the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition caused by organophosphates (OPs). The aim of this study was to examine the capacity of the butane-2,3-dionethiosemicarbazone oxime to scavenge different forms of reactive species (RS) in vitro, as well as counteract their formation. The potential antioxidant and toxic activity of the oxime was assayed both in vitro and ex vivo. The obtained results indicate a significant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH scavenging activity at 0.275, 0.5 and 5μM of oxime, respectively (p ≤0.05). The oxime exhibited a powerful inhibitory effect on dihydroxybenzoate formation (25μM) (p ≤0.05) and also decreased deoxyribose degradation induced by Fe2+ and via Fenton reaction (0.44 and 0.66mM, respectively) (p ≤0.05). The oxime showed a significant inhibitory effect on σ-phenantroline reaction with Fe2+ (0.4mM) suggesting a possible interaction between the oxime and iron. A significant decrease in the basal and pro-oxidant-induced lipid peroxidation in brain, liver, and kidney of mice was observed both in vitro and ex vivo (p ≤0.05). In addition, in our ex vivo experiments the oxime did not depict any significant changes in thiol levels of liver, kidney and brain as well as did not modify the δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity in these tissues. Taken together our results indicate an in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity of the oxime possibly due to its scavenging activity toward different RS and a significant iron interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The glutamatergic system is an important target in many neurodegenerative diseases and for several neurotoxic drugs. Organotellurium compounds are often very good free radical scavengers’ agents. Recently, we reported that diethyl-2-phenyl-2-tellurophenyl vinylphosphonate is a compound with low toxicity in vitro and in vivo, as well as also possesses antioxidant activity against iron-induced lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effect of this organotellurium compound against quinolinic acid (QA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and to evaluate the in vitro actions of this organotellurium compound in the glutamatergic system in brain of rats. We observed that the telluro vinylphosphonate possess an antioxidant activity against QA and SNP at micromolar concentrations. When tested at antioxidant concentrations (from 2 to 10μM), the compound does not affect the mitochondrial viability and [3H]glutamate uptake in slices from cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum, [3H]glutamate release from synaptosomal preparations and [3H]glutamate binding in membrane preparation. Our data suggest that the telluro vinylphosphonate act as an antioxidant in the central nervous system in vitro with no effects on the glutamatergic system; nevertheless more studies in different models of brain injury must be performed in order to corroborate our findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sub-chronic cadmium (Cd) exposure causes testicular damage in mice. The mode of action may involve oxidative stress and especially lipid peroxidation. The present study has monitored the pathogenesis of testicular damage during sub-chronic Cd exposure and has evaluated the potential protective effect of antioxidant therapy with diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2. Male mice were dosed with 2.5mg/kg CdCl2 (2.5mg/kg) with or without (PhSe)2 (5μmol/kg) at 30min post-exposure using a model of five weekly subcutaneous injections. Histological evaluation of the testis was performed across a 4 week test period. Animals exposed to CdCl2 and CdCl2 plus (PhSe)2 displayed a reduction in body weight gain and testicular weight. Progressive damage and histolopathological changes in the testis were not remediated with, but rather were potentiated by, (PhSe)2 therapy. We conclude that (PhSe)2 enhances testicular injury in an animal model for sub-chronic Cd exposure mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, we have described the beneficial effects of Diphenyl diselenide, an organochalcogen with glutathione peroxidase-like activity, on reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia in old rats. In this study, our aim was to examine the effects of diselenide on haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia in rats. Male wistar rats received one single dose of Haloperidol decanoate (57mg/kg/im) or control. After this dose, the animals received daily administration of diphenyl diselenide (1, 5 or 10mg/kg/sc) or control, during 28 days. Twenty-four hours after the last diselenide or control solution injection, all the rats were observed for quantification of oral dyskinesia through the frequency of vacuous chewing movements (VCM) and tongue protrusion (TP) and the duration of facial twitching (FT). Haloperidol caused a significant increase in VCM, TP and FT observed in the 4 weekly evaluations (p <0.05). The co-administration of diselenide (5mg/kg) reversed this effect for all the parameters in four behavioral sessions. The results of the present study demonstrate the possible protective activity of diphenyl diselenide on haloperidol-induced orofacial diskinesia. This effect is in accordance to the involvement of neurotoxicity in orofacial dyskinesia and suggest that studies be continued with new antioxidant compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of post-treatment with diphenyl diselenide on liver damage induced by 2-nitropropane (2-NP) was examined in male rats. Rats were pre-treated with a single dose of 2-NP (100mg/kg body weight dissolved in canola oil). Afterward, the animals were post-treated with a dose of diphenyl diselenide (10, 50 or 100μmol/kg). The parameters that indicate tissue damage such as liver histopathology, plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), urea and creatinine were determined. Since the liver damage induced by 2-NP is related to oxidative damage, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbic acid level were also evaluated. Diphenyl diselenide (50 and 100μmol/kg) effectively restored the increase of ALT and AST activities and urea level when compared to the 2-NP group. At the higher dose, diphenyl diselenide decreased GGT activity. Treatment with diphenyl diselenide, at all doses, effectively ameliorated the increase of hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation when compared to 2-NP group. 2-NP reduced CAT activity and neither alter SOD activity nor ascorbic acid level. This study points out the involvement of CAT activity in 2-NP-induced acute liver damage and suggests that the post-treatment with diphenyl diselenide was effective in restoring the hepatic damage induced by 2-NP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is known that lead is toxic to several species of animals, and growing data support the participation of oxidative in lead toxicity. Selenium compounds, like diphenyl diselenide and Ebselen have a thiol-peroxidase like and other antioxidant properties. In this work, we determine whether these non-thiol-containing compounds with antioxidant properties could reverse the toxicity produced by Pb2+. Lead acetate injection followed by injection with Ebselen or diphenyl diselenide did not change the levels of non-protein thiol groups (NPSH), whereas simultaneous treatment with lead plus Ebselen reduced NPSH levels in liver. Lead and Ebselen caused a marked reduction in TBARS level in kidney, whereas lead or selenium compounds did not change TBARS levels in brain or liver. Lead acetate inhibited, δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity in blood, liver, kidney and brain. Selenium compounds did not change enzyme activity nor the inhibitory effect of lead acetate in kidney and liver. Ebselen reversed brain ALA-D inhibition caused by Pb2+. Reactivation index for ALA-D by DTT was higher in lead-treated groups than control groups in all tissues. Lead acetate or selenium compounds did not demonstrate alteration on [3H]-glutamate uptake by synaptosomes, whereas lead acetate plus Ebselen showed an increase on [3H]-glutamate uptake. The results of the present study indicate that ALA-D inhibition antecedes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which is becoming well documented in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acute reserpine administration produces persistent oral dyskinesia in rats, an alleged animal model of tardive dyskinesia. The pathophysiology of the syndrome remains unclear, but experimental evidence suggests that neurodegeneration in the basal ganglia caused by oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in TD development. In this paper, the authors examined whether diphenyl diselenide, an organochalcogen with antioxidant properties, changes the behavioral and neurochemical effect of acute reserpine administration in old rats. The basal vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) and facial twitching (FT) duration was higher in old rats (15 months of age), when compared with adult rats (3 months of age; 0.01). Basal thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) levels were increased only in the cortex of old rats, when compared to adult animals (p<.05). Reserpine injection (1mg/kg, s.c. for 3 days every other day) caused a significant increase on the tongue protusion (TP) frequency (p<.01) and facial twitching duration (p<.01) in old rats. Diphenyl diselenide (10mg/kg, i.p. for 4 days, starting the day before reserpine) reversed only reserpine-induced TP increase (p<.01). Reserpine caused a significant increase in striatal TBARS levels (p<.01) and diselenide reversed (p<.01) the effect of reserpine on TBARS levels in the striatum. In subcortical parts, isolated reserpine or diselenide administration significantly increased (p<.01) the levels of TBARS, while simultaneous treatment with reserpine and diselenide reverted this effect (p<.01). The results of the present study confirmed the effects of age on orofacial dyskinesia. Diphenyl diselenide, an organochalcogen with antioxidant properties, showed modest effects on reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia. However, additional studies are still necessary to establish whether this compound can be considered an effective antioxidant in other models of neurotoxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acute effects of cadmium in mice testes were evaluated. Animals received a single dose of CdCl2 (2.5 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and a number of toxicological parameters in mice testes were examined such as δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity, lipid peroxidation, hemoglobin content and components of the antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and ascorbic acid concentration). Furthermore, a possible protective effect of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 are studied. The results demonstrated inhibition of δ-ALA-D and SOD activities, reduction in ascorbic acid, increase of lipid peroxidation induced by cadmium, indicating testes damage. DMSA (400 μmol/Kg) and (PhSe)2 (100 μmol/Kg) protected inhibitory effect of 2.5 mg/kg CdCl2 on δ-ALA-D and restored the increase of TBARS levels. Otherwise, (PhSe)2 treatment was effective in reducing the increase of TBARS levels induced by 5 mg/kg CdCl2, whereas DMSA and (PhSe)2, in combination, were ineffective in reducing TBARS level. However, these compounds alone or in combination, were unable to protect SOD activity and to improve ascorbic acid levels near to the normal value. The use of combined therapy (DMSA plus (PhSe)2) not proved be better than the monotherapy, in improving toxicological parameters evaluated in this model of testicular damage induced by cadmium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polyamines, among other functions, are considered to act as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The quinolinic acid (QA), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and iron (Fe+2) stimulate production of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. In the present study, we investigated the free radical and/or aldehyde scavenger effects of polyamines spermine and spermidine on thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) production induced by QA, SNP, Fe+2/EDTA system and free Fe2+ in rat brain. Spermine and spermidine inhibited QA-induced TBARS production; however spermine was a better antioxidant than spermidine. Spermine also inhibited SNP-, Fe+2/EDTA- and free Fe2+-induced TBARS production, but had a modest effect. Spermidine, in turn, also discreetly inhibited SNP-, Fe+2/EDTA- and free Fe2+-induced TBARS production. In the presence of MK-801, QA-induced TBARS production was considerably more inhibited by polyamines. In addition, arcaine does not affect the reducer effect of polyamines. The present findings suggest that the observed effects of polyamines are not related to the activation of NMDA receptor but with their antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia is an alleged animal model of tardive dyskinesia whose pathophysiology has been related to striatal oxidative stress.In the present investigation, the authors examined whether ebselen, an antioxidant organochalcogen with glutathione peroxidase-like activity, changes the behavioral and neurochemical effect of acute reserpine administration. Reserpine injection for 3 days every other day caused a significant increase on the tongue protrusion frequency and ebselen (30 mg/kg ip for 4 days, starting 1 day before reserpine) reversed partially the effect of reserpine (P<.05). Reserpine- and reserpine+ebselen-treated groups displayed an increase in vacuous chewing frequency when compared to control and ebselen-treated groups (P<.05) Reserpine increased the duration of facial twitching and ebselen reversed partially the effect of reserpine (P<.01). Reserpine increased significantly the thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) levels, and ebselen reversed the effect of reserpine on TBARS production in rat striatum. The results of the present study clearly indicated that ebselen has a protective role against reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and reversed the increase in TBARS production caused by reserpine administration. Consequently, the use of ebselen as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia should be considered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ebselen (EBS) is a seleno-organic compound with glutathione peroxidase-like activity which is neuroprotective in acute stroke ischemia. In this study, we investigated the effect of EBS on quinolinic acid (QA)-induced neurotoxicity. EBS inhibited QA-induced production of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) by striatal homogenates in vitro with an IC50 of 1.85 μM. Intra-striatal injection of QA (360 nmol) increased striatal content of TBARS and induced convulsions and contralateral rotational behavior. Intra-striatal pre-injection of EBS (10 nmol) 15 min before QA abolished QA-induced TBARS production but did not alter QA-induced behavioral effects. The present findings suggest that EBS acts on post-receptor events, neutralizing free radicals produced by overstimulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. (Polygonaceae family) is a plant species from Brazilian semiarid region which is used in local traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as hemorrhoids. In this study, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of different concentrations of ethanolic extract from T. gardneriana seeds (EETg) was performed in order to contribute to the knowledge about etnomedicinal use of this plant species. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated through different approaches, such as in vitro protein anti-denaturation test, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibition in human neutrophils activated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Besides that, molecular docking was performed to provide new insights about the interaction between the major phenolic components in the plant extract and MPO. EETg was characterized showing a total phenol content of 153.5 ± 6.3 μg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract, ability to remove hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) in a concentration-dependent manner and had a spectroscopic profile which suggests the presence of hydroxyl groups. EETg was able to prevent protein denaturation ranging from 40.17 to 75.09%. The extract, at 10 and 20 μg/mL, was able to modulate neutrophils pro-inflammatory functions, such as degranulation and burst respiratory. In both assays, the EETg had anti-inflammatory effect comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Among the main phenolic compounds of EETg, quercitrin, quercetin and catechin showed the highest binding affinity in silico to MPO. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that the anti-inflammatory effect of T. gardneriana seeds occurs due to its modulatory effect on human neutrophil degranulation and free-radical scavenging activity. • Many of the Brazilian medicinal plants are unknown. • Triplaris gardneriana seeds are a good source of antioxidant molecules. • T. gardneriana extract has in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. • T. gardneriana extract inhibits neutrophil MPO activity. • Molecular docking reveals interaction between phenolic compounds and MPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxicant that poses risk to human health and the environment, while glutamate homeostasis is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain. We have previously shown an increase in oxidative stress after cockroach exposure to diet containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), both separately and combined with a low dose of methylmercury. We herein seek to corroborate these findings by quantifying the expression levels of certain antioxidant genes in Nauphoeta cinerea exposed to MeHg and MSG. Cockroaches were fed with the basal diet alone, basal diet +2% NaCl, basal diet +2% MSG; basal diet +0.125 mg/g MeHg, basal diet +0.125 mg/g MeHg +2% NaCl; and basal diet +0.125 mg/g MeHg +2% MSG for 21 days and mRNA from head homogenate was used to quantify the expression of antioxidant genes such as glutathione-s-transferase (GstS , GstT , GstD), thioredoxin (Trx1 , Trx2 , Trx5), peroxiredoxin (prx4), superoxide dismutase (Sod), catalase (Cat). MeHg, NaCl and MSG alone downregulated mRNA levels of GstS and Trx5 , in contrast, co-exposure of MeHg + MSG, upregulated these genes. MeHg + NaCl upregulated the mRNA levels of C at and S od but these genes were downregulated by NaCl alone. MeHg + NaCl and MeHg + MSG upregulated G stD and Gst T. MeHg alone upregulated the transcription levels of T rx1 , Trx2 and Prx4. The disruptions in the transcription levels of various genes by MeHg and MSG, reinforce the toxicity of these neurotoxicants. In general, the data suggest their additive effects and support the use of N. cinerea as a model for toxicological studies. • MeHg alone downregulated mRNA levels of GstS and Trx 5 in experimental cockroaches. • MeHg + MSG upregulated downregulated mRNA levels of GstS and Trx 5 in exposed cockroaches. • MeHg + NaCl and MeHg + MSG upregulated G stD and Gst T in cockroaches. • ICP-AES analysis showed an increase in mercury (Hg) levels in the MeHg treated groups in the heads of cockroaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]