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Background: Grape seed extract (GSE) from Vitis vinifera L. is rich in polyphenols and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), and it has shown potential benefits in managing low mood and cognitive function. In this study, we investigated the potential bioactivities of Enovita ® , a standardized GSE extract (GSEe herein) rich in OPCs, in key mechanistic pathways related to low mood conditions and cognitive function., Methods: In vitro assays were conducted to assess GSEe's inhibitory effects on γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), its binding affinity to the GABA site of GABA-A receptors, and its effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Its neuroprotective effects on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells under oxidative stress (induced by H 2 O 2 ) were assessed using MTT and LDH release assays. Its antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC, HORAC, total phenolic content, and TAS assays. Its cytotoxicity was also evaluated., Results: GSEe showed significant GABA-T inhibitory activity. It also exhibited MAO-A and AChE inhibition, along with moderate binding affinity to the GABA-A receptor. In neuroprotective assays, GSEe provided significant protection to SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress. GSEe demonstrated robust antioxidant activity in all assays, including scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals, high ferric-reducing power, high polyphenolic contents, and a substantial total antioxidant capacity., Conclusions: GSEe exhibits promising bioactivities, highlighting its potential as a supplement for modulating mood and enhancing cognitive function. Overall, the promising results from these in vitro studies provide a strong foundation for the continued exploration and development of GSEe as a viable natural supplement for enhancing mental health and cognitive function.

The synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) graphitic g -C 3 N 4 and heteroatom-doped graphitic H@ g -C 3 N 4 (H: B, P, or S) particles were successfully done using melamine as source compounds and boric acid, phosphorous red, and sulfur as doping agents. The band gap values of 2D g -C 3 N 4 , B 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 , P 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 , and S 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 structures were determined as 2.90, 3.03, 2.89, and 2.93 eV, respectively. The fluorescent emission wavelengths of 2D g -C 3 N 4 , B 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 , P 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 , and S 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 structures were observed at 442, 430, 441, and 442 nm, respectively upon excitation at λ Ex = 325 nm. There is also one additional new emission wavelength was found at 345 nm for B 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 structure. The blood compatibility test results of g -C 3 N 4 , B 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 , P 50 @ g -C 3 , and S 4 , and S 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 structures revealed that all materials are blood compatible with <2% hemolysis and >90% blood clotting indices at 100 μ g ml -1 concentration. The cell toxicity of the prepared 2D graphitic structures were also tested on L929 fibroblast cells, and even the heteroatom doped has g -C 3 N 4 structures induce no cytotoxicity was observed with >91% cell viability even at 250 μ g ml -1 particle concentration with the exception of P 50 @g-C 3 N 4 which as >75 viability. Moreover, for 2D g -C 3 N 4 , B 50 @ g -C 3 , and S 4 , and S 50 @ g -C 3 N 4 constructs, even at 500 μ g ml -1 concentration, >90% cell viabilities was monitored. As a diagnostic material, B 50 @ g -C 3 was found to have significantly high penetration and distribution abilities into L929 fibroblast cells granting a great potential in fluorescence imaging and bioimaging applications. Furthermore, the elemental doping with B, P, and S of 4 was found to have significantly high penetration and distribution abilities into L929 fibroblast cells granting a great potential in fluorescence imaging and bioimaging applications. Furthermore, the elemental doping with B, P, and S of g -C 3 N 4 were found to significantly increase the photodynamic antibacterial activity e.g. more than half of bacterial elimination by heteroatom-doped forms of g -C 3 N 4 under UVA treatment was achieved., (© 2023 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

In this work, mixed ligand complexes of Co(II) Ni(II) and Cu(II) were synthesized using quercetin and diimine (1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyiridine) ligands. The obtained Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes are new and the Cu(II) complexes are synthesized by different method from the literature. The characterization of complexes was performed by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, ESI-MS, UV-visible and infrared spectral analyses, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductivity measurements. It was found that quercetin, diimine and metal(II) ion form 1:1:1 complexes. Resulting data supported octahedral geometry for Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes and square pyramidal geometry for Cu(II) complexes. The proposed compositions are [Co(queH-1)Cl(phen)(H 2 O)]∙2H 2 O (1, queH = quercetin, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), [Ni(queH-1)Cl(phen)(H 2 O)]∙2H 2 O (2), [Cu(queH-1)Cl(phen)]∙2.5H 2 O (3) and [Cu(queH-1)Cl(bpy)]∙2H 2 O (4, bpy = 2,2'-bipyiridine). Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of complexes measured by Folin-Ciocalteu and ABTS methods. Anti-cancer effect of these compounds were tested against different cancer cells (A549, PC-3, HeLa and MCF-7). Apoptosis identified by the fluorescence imaging, caspase cleaved cytokeratin-18 and flow cytometry analysis (annexin V, caspase 3/7, mitochondria membrane potential and oxidative stress). As a result, Cu(II) complexes are more effective than the other compounds and Complex 3 is a promising anti-cancer compound against breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells (IC 50  values are 2.4 and 5.4 µM for 48 h, respectively). Flow cytometry analysis exhibited that Complex 3 caused apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. These results support that Complex 3 has anticancer activity and can be a potential anticancer agent especially in breast cancer.

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a dietary phytochemical found in some cruciferous vegetables, is commonly used as an antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant agent. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AITC on insulin resistance and transcription factors in a diabetic rat model. A total of 42 Wistar rats were divided into six groups and orally treated for 12 weeks as follows: (i) control; (ii) AITC (100 mg/kg body weight [BW]); (iii) high fat diet (HFD); (iv) HFD + AITC (100 mg/kg BW); (v) HFD + streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg BW); and (vi) HFD + STZ + AITC. Administration of AITC reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine levels, but increased (P < 0.001) total antioxidant capacity. In AITC-treated rats, the glucose transporter-2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, p-insulin receptor substrate-1, and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 in the liver and kidney were increased while nuclear factor-kappa B was downregulated (P < 0.05). In conclusion, AITC possesses antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities in HFD/STZ-induced T2DM in rats. These findings may further justify the importance of AITC in phytomedicine., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury results from the onset of re-circulation following a perfusion deterioration period in the tissues, resulting in more damage than that caused by perfusion deterioration. This study aimed to determine the effects of pycnogenol on I/R injury in rat brain tissues., Methods: Eighteen albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: I/R injury (IR, n = 6) group; I/R injury + pycnogenol (IR + P, n = 6) group; and sham group (SG, n = 6). After 30 min of transient ischemia, 24 h of reperfusion was achieved in the IR and IR + P groups. Surgical dissection, except for transient ischemia, was performed in SG. Next, histopathological and biochemical investigations were performed on brain tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPO) were analyzed as oxidative stress markers; IL-1β and TNF-α were analyzed as inflammatory stress markers in biochemical tests., Results: Histopathological examination revealed normal morphology in SG and diffuse cortex damage with edema, vasopathology, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the IR group. The IR + P group showed less cortex damage, edema, and vasopathology than the IR group. The MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the IR group than those in the SG group. The values of same markers for the IR + P group were significantly lower than the IR group. The GSH and GPO levels were significantly decreased with IR damage, but PYC treatment showed significant improvement in the levels., Conclusion: This study showed that the administration of pycnogenol ameliorated brain damage after I/R injury by reducing oxidative and inflammatory damage in the rat brain., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of using either grain or commercial starter culture on the antioxidative capacity of cow and ewe milk kefirs. The antioxidant capacity of kefir samples during fermentation and 21 d of storage was assessed by using 3 assays: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorization; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH • ) radical scavenging activity assay; and Fe +3 -reducing power (ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, FRAP). Vitamin E and β-carotene contents were also quantified. All kefir samples exhibited varying values for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays depending on the starter culture and milk type. Vitamin E and β-carotene contents were similar in all kefir samples during storage. The results of this study suggest that milk type (cow or ewe) and culture type (kefir grains or commercial starter) were the significant parameters for the antioxidative activity of kefir., (Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries result in damage to endothelial and parenchymal cells. Oxytocin (OXY) stimulates uterine contraction during parturition and myoepithelial cells during suckling. OXY has been used as a protective antioxidant. Kisspeptin plays a key role in the central control of reproductive functions and onset of puberty. Recent studies show that these reproductive hormones have protective potential as antioxidant. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential protective effects of Kisspeptin and OXY as antioxidants on I/R injured ovary and uterus of female rats., Materials and Methods: Rats were separated into five groups. Group 1, is control group; Group 2, rats were subjected to ischemia followed by reperfusion. Group 3, OXY administration 30 min prior to I/R applied rats; Group 4, Kisspeptin administration 30 min prior to I/R applied rats; Group 5, OXY and Kisspeptin administration 30 min prior to I/R. Ovary and uterus were removed for histopathological and biochemical observations. Malondialdehyde, glutathione levels, and superoxide dismutase activities were analyzed in order to observe antioxidant potential of OXY and Kisspeptin. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was applied for histopathologic scoring., Results: Stromal and granulosa cells in ovary, endometrial cells in uterus were damaged in I/R group. The cellular damage of ovary and uterus were reduced in OXY and Kisspeptin administered I/R group when compared to only Kisspeptin injected I/R group and I/R group. There is no significant difference between OXY and OXY + Kisspeptin injected I/R groups. MDA levels were decreased in Kisspeptin and/or Oxytocin applied I/R group compared to I/R group. SOD activity and GSH levels were increased in Kisspeptin and/or OXY applied I/R group compared to I/R group., Conclusions: The present results suggest that exogenous application of oxytocin and kisspeptin can have antioxidant effects on the uterus and ovary., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Four different data representations were evaluated for the determination of the total antioxidant activities of four different Prunella L. species, which are Prunella vulgaris, Prunella grandiflora, Prunella laciniata, and Prunella orientalis Bornm. Three different antioxidant assays, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABST), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) reagent measured the total antioxidant activity and phenolic content of the four Prunella L. species that were extracted with 12 different solvent systems. The data set of 48 Prunella L. extracts was collected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet diode array detection. The prediction of total antioxidant activity of Prunella L. species by super partial least square (sPLS) regression was obtained using four different representations of the data; the entire two-way chromatographic-spectral images, the average UV spectra, the total absorbance chromatogram, the lambda max (λ max ) chromatogram. The coefficients of determination (R 2 ) for the entire two-way chromatographic-spectral images (the ABST (0.943±0.008), the DPPH (0.91±0.01), and the FC (0.963±0.006)) indicated good accuracy for predicting antioxidant activities. The three different wet chemical assays are known to yield different values so it is advantageous to estimate the three separate values with a single LC measurement. The entire two-way chromatographic-spectral images have been used to the first time for calibration. Acidic hexane, as an extraction solvent, gave the least root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for the two-way chromatographic-spectral images, so it would be the best solvent for modeling antioxidant activities., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, and total sulfhydryl (TSH) levels in rabbit corneas after different corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) methods., Methods: Eighteen eyes of 9 adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups of 6 eyes. The standard CXL group was continuously exposed to UV-A at a power setting of 3 mW/cm for 30 minutes. The accelerated CXL (A-CXL) group was continuously exposed to UV-A at a power setting of 30 mW/cm for 3 minutes. The pulse light-accelerated CXL (PLA-CXL) group received UV-A at a power setting of 30 mW/cm for 6 minutes of pulsed exposure (1 second on, 1 second off). Corneas were obtained after 1 hour of UV-A exposure, and 360-degree keratotomy was performed. SOD enzyme activity, AOPP, and TSH levels were measured in the corneal tissues., Results: Compared with the standard CXL and A-CXL groups (133.2 ± 8.5 and 140.2 ± 6.2 μmol/mg, respectively), AOPP levels were found to be significantly increased in the PLA-CXL group (230.7 ± 30.2 μmol/mg) (P = 0.005 and 0.009, respectively). SOD enzyme activities and TSH levels did not differ between the groups (P = 0.167 and 0.187, respectively)., Conclusions: CXL creates covalent bonds between collagen fibers because of reactive oxygen species. This means that more oxygen concentration during the CXL method will produce more reactive oxygen species and, thereby, AOPP. This means that in which CXL method occurs in more oxygen concentration that will produce more reactive oxygen species and thereby AOPP. This study demonstrated that PLA-CXL results in more AOPP formation than did standard CXL and A-CXL.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Rhododendron honey, locally known as "mad honey", contains gryanotoksin (GTX) and thus induces toxic effects when consumed in large amounts. But, it is still popularly used for treating medical conditions such as high blood pressure or gastro-intestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GTX on antioxidant parameters measured from rats fed with Rhododendron honey., Material and Methods: A total of sixty Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into five groups of 12 rats each, one being the control group (Group 1) and the others being the experimental groups (Groups 2 to 5). Group 2 was treated with 0.015 mg/kg/bw of Grayanotoxin-III (GTX-III) standard preparation via intraperitoneal injection. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were respectively given Rhododendron honey (RH) at doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 g/kg/bw via oral gavage. After one hour, blood samples were collected from the rats. Glutathione peroxidase (GSh-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were examined in blood, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, testicles, epididiymis, spleen and brain specimens., Results: The data from the rats in Groups 2 (GTX) and 5 (RH at 2.5 g/kg/bw) showed negative effect on the antioxidants parameters in blood and all tissue samples examined at the specified doses and time period. Administration of GTX to rats at dose of 0.015 mg/kg/bw resulted in lipid peroxidation. (This part needs to be enhanced more)., Conclusion: It has been observed that both Grayanotoxin and high dose Rhododendron honey treatments showed oxidant effect on blood plasma and organ tissues investigated., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this case-control study, we aimed to evaluate the serum and seminal plasma levels of Selenium (Se), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) and determine their relationship with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in men with idiopathic infertility. A total of 59 subjects were enrolled in the study. Forty four patients were diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility and had abnormal sperm parameters, and 15 subjects had normal sperm parameters with proven fertility. Serum Se, semen Se, and semen TAC levels were significantly different in the fertile and infertile groups (p<0.01, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). However, serum TAC, serum, and seminal plasma CoQ-10 levels did not differ between fertile and infertile groups. When the levels of the measured parameters were compared in serum and seminal plasma, serum levels of Se were found to be correlated positively with the semen levels in all subjects included into the study (N=59) (r=0.46, p<0.01). A relationship was found between neither serum and semen levels of TAC nor between serum and semen levels of CoQ-10. Correlations among measured serum and semen parameters with sperm parameters demonstrated that both the serum and semen levels of Se were correlated positively with spermatozoa concentration, motility, and morphology. Additionally, seminal plasma levels of TAC correlated positively with all these sperm parameters. On the other hand, seminal plasma levels of CoQ-10 correlated only with sperm morphology but not with concentration or motility. No relationship was observed between serum levels of TAC or serum levels of CoQ-10 and sperm parameters. In conclusion, serum and seminal plasma Se deficiency may be a prominent determinant of abnormal sperm parameters and idiopathic male infertility. Measurement of serum Se levels may help determine nutritional status and antioxidant capacity in infertile patients, which may help distinguish those patients who will benefit from supplementation therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus as an antioxidant and analyze the histopathologic changes in rat uteri exposed to experimental ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury., Design: Experimental study., Setting: Experimental surgery laboratory in a university., Animal(s): Twenty-eight female rats exposed to experimentally induced uterine I/R injury., Intervention(s): Group I: control group; group II: uterine I/R injury-induced group; group III: pre-ischemia tacrolimus group; group IV: post-ischemia tacrolimus group., Main Outcome Measure(s): Uterine tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a marker of lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as markers of tissue antioxidant capacity; histopathologic examination of all uterine rat tissue., Result(s): Following aortic I/R injury, MDA levels were significantly increased whereas GSH levels and CAT and SOD activities were found to be decreased compared with control animals. MDA levels were found to recover prominently after the administration of tacrolimus in both groups III and IV. Administration of tacrolimus improved uterine GSH levels and CAT activity in the tacrolimus-treated groups., Conclusion(s): Our results indicate that tacrolimus reduces oxidative damage in rat uteri exposed to I/R injury induced by distal abdominal aortic occlusion. Histologic evaluation reveals that tacrolimus attenuates the inflammatory response and protects the tissue damage induced by I/R injury., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The problem of noise has recently gained more attention as it has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, its influence has yet to be fully elucidated. Other than being an unpleasant stimulus, noise may cause health disorders through annoyance and stress, including oxidative stress. Rosuvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, may possess antioxidant properties. Based on rat models, our project investigates the effect of rosuvastatin on noise-induced oxidative stress in the brain tissue. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: Noise exposure plus rosuvastatin usage, only noise exposure, only rosuvastatin usage, and control. After the data had been collected, oxidant and antioxidant parameters were analyzed in the cerebral cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum. Results indicated that superoxide dismutase values were significantly decreased in the cerebral cortex, while malondialdehyde values in the brainstem and cerebellum were significantly increased in the group with only noise exposure. Superoxide dismutase values in the brainstem were significantly increased, but nitric oxide values in the cerebellum and brainstem and malondialdehyde values in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex were significantly decreased in the group where only rosuvastatin was used. During noise exposure, the use of rosuvastatin caused significantly increased superoxide dismutase values in the cerebral cortex and brainstem, but significantly reduced malondialdehyde values in the brain stem. Consequently, our data show that brain tissue was affected by oxidative stress due to continued exposure to noise. This noise-induced stress decreases with rosuvastatin therapy.

Response surface methodology was used to optimise experimental conditions for ultrasonic-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Artemisia absinthium. The central composite design was employed, the extracts were characterised by the determination of total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. The total phenolic contents of extracts were determined by Folin method and also total antioxidant capacities of extracts were determined by ABTS and CUPRAC methods. The phenolic compounds of A. absinthium at optimum extraction conditions were determined by HPLC-DAD. The optimum conditions were determined as HCl concentration between 0.41 and 0.44mol/L, methanol volume between 55% and 59% (v/v), extraction temperature between 64 and 70°C, extraction time between 101 and 107min. The experimental values agreed with those predicted within a 95% confidence level, thus indicating the suitability of response surface methodology in optimising the ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from A. absinthium., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils obtained from oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) were determined by using solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME), supercritical fluid extraction, and conventional hydrodistillation (CH) methods. The inhibitory effects on the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical of essential oils obtained from oregano by using SFME and CH were similar. However, essential oil extracted by CH showed greater (2.69 μmol/μL of oil) Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) than oregano oils obtained by SFME (P < .05). The difference between percentage inhibition and TEAC values most probably is due to the fact that undiluted and diluted samples are used in the percentage inhibition assay and the TEAC assay, respectively. TEAC values of oregano essential oils obtained by SFME at different microwave power levels were found to be similar and ranged from 0.72 to 0.84 μmol/μL of oil. Essential oils obtained by CH and SFME at different microwave powers inhibited the survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli O157:H7, whereas survival of Staphylococcus aureus was not influenced. In addition, oregano oil obtained by SFME at 40% power level did not show any inhibitory effect on E. coli O157:H7.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a consequence of an underlying chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that is usually progressive and causes dysregulation in the metabolism of collagen. Prolidase has an important role in the recycling of proline for collagen synthesis and cell growth., Objective: We measured and compared prolidase activity in healthy individuals with COPD patients to find out that whether its activity might reflect disturbances of collagen metabolism in the patients. We also investigated oxidative-antioxidative status and its relationship with prolidase activity in this disease., Methods: Thirty voluntary patients with COPD and 30 healthy control subjects with similar age range and sex were included into the study. Plasma prolidase activities, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were measured in the patient and control groups., Results: Plasma prolidase activity and TAC levels were significantly lower, and LPO levels were significantly higher in the patients than those in the control subjects (P<0.05, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). Significant correlations were detected between plasma prolidase activity and TAC and LPO levels in the patients group (r=0.679, P<0.001; r=-426, P<0.05, respectively)., Conclusions: The results suggest that oxidative-antioxidative balance and collagen turnover are altered by the development of COPD in human lungs, and prolidase activity may reflect disturbances of collagen metabolism in this pulmonary disease. Monitoring of plasma prolidase activity and oxidative-antioxidative balance may be useful in evaluating fibrotic processes and oxidative damage in the chronic inflammatory lung disease in human., (© 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Raspberry (Aksu Kirmizisi, Rubin, Newburgh, Hollanda Boduru, Heritage) and blackberry (Bursa 1, Bursa 2, Jumbo, Chester) cultivars were assayed for antioxidant activity (determined as 2,2-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzothialozine-sulphonic acid][ABTS], 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical [DPPH], and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC]), total phenol, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin contents. In addition, 10 anthocyanins and anthocyanidins were determined in raspberry and blackberry by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Raspberry and blackberry had the highest ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents in methanol extracts, whereas total anthocyanin contents were the highest in water extracts. The antioxidant activity of the raspberry and blackberry was directly related to the total amount of phenolic compounds detected in the raspberry and blackberry. All antioxidant activity values were highly correlated with anthocyanin content in blackberry (0.93 < or = r < or = 0.99, P = 0.05). On the other hand, high correlation between total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity was recorded in water extract of blackberry (0.91 < or = r < or = 0.93, P = 0.05). ABTS value was highly correlated with total flavonoid content in methanol extract (r = 0.90), whereas total flavonoid content was relatively less correlated with DPPH (r = 0.85) and CUPRAC (r = 0.89).

Cyclosporine A is a well-known immunosuppressor agent universally used in allotransplantation. However, it has been demonstrated that this drug produces side-effects in several organs, particularly in the kidney and in the heart. Nigella sativa oil has long been used in folk medicine for a wide range of illnesses. One of the potential properties of N. sativa oil is the ability of one or more of its constituents to reduce toxicity due to its antioxidant activities. The antioxidant effects of N. sativa oil have been examined using different hepatic and kidney toxicity in in vivo murine models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N. sativa oil in the antioxidant enzyme status and myocardium of cyclosporine-A-treated rats. This study included 24 male Wistar albino young healthy rats (8-12 weeks) weighing 150-200 g. The control group received sunflower oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg/day, orally) without any treatment. The second group received only N. sativa oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg, orally) (N. sativa oil group). The animals in the third group received only cyclosporine A (21 days, 25 mg/kg, orally) (cyclosporine A group). The animals in the fourth group were treated with cyclosporine A (21 days, 25 mg/kg, orally) and starting one day before cyclosporine A administration were treated with N. sativa oil (21 days, 2 ml/kg, orally) (cyclosporine A +N. sativa oil group). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the heart tissues were significantly reduced in the cyclosporine A group compared to control values. Nigella sativa oil treatment caused an increase in the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were increased in the cyclosporine A-treated group in comparison with the control and N. sativa groups. Co-administration of N. sativa oil and cyclosporine A abrogated the cyclosporine A-induced MDA, N. sativa oil and PC increase compared to the cyclosporine A group. The results of our study show that pre-treatment with N. sativa oil reduced the subsequent cyclosporine A injury in rat heart, demonstrated by normalized cardiac histopathology, decrease in lipid peroxidation, improvement in antioxidant enzyme status and cellular protein oxidation.

Melatonin, the principal secretory product of the pineal gland, functions as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Additionally, the antiapoptotic effect of melatonin has been observed both in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the protective effects of melatonin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat liver. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided in three equal groups. Group I was used as control. Rats in group II were injected every other day with CCl(4) (0.5A mL/kg BW) for a month, whereas rats in group III were treated every other day with the same dose of CCl(4) plus melatonin (25A mg/kg BW). At the end of the experiment, all animals were killed by decapitation and the livers were rapidly removed. Some of the liver tissue specimens were used for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels. The remaining tissue specimens were processed for immunohistochemical assessment, and the percentage rates of apoptotic liver cells stained with immunoreactive Bax were determined. Chronic administration of CCl(4) significantly increased liver MDA contents, as an end product of lipid peroxidation, and also significantly decreased SOD and GSH-Px activities, emphasizing the generation of increased oxidative stress. Moreover, it caused an evident increase in apoptotic cells. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced MDA levels and elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities in rats received CCl(4) plus melatonin. Furthermore, apoptotic changes caused by CCl(4) were considerably decreased in these animals. The results of the present study indicate that melatonin treatment substantially prevents CCl(4)-induced apoptosis and oxidative damage in the liver. Thus, melatonin may serve as a drug for treating many clinical conditions that arise from inappropriate apoptosis.

Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in the heart of rats exposed to formaldehyde (FA) inhalation for four weeks (subacute) or 13 weeks (subchronic) continuously., Methods and Results: Sixty Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups randomly (ten in each group). The first and second groups were used as subacute and subchronic control groups. FA gas was generated from paraformaldehyde and pumped to a closed glass chamber. Rats were exposed to atmosphere containing 10 and 20 ppm FA (8 h/day, five days per week) during a four and 13 weeks period. After heart tissues were obtained and homogenized, thiobarbituric acid-reactant substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, were measured. There were statistically significant findings in SOD and CAT activities in the study groups compared to the control group. Heart tissue SOD level was increased in the group exposed to subacute 10 and 20 ppm FA inhalation compared to the control group (P < 0.011 and <0.0001). In addition, heart tissue SOD level was increased in the group exposed to subchronic 10 and 20 ppm FA inhalation compared to the corresponding control group (P < 0.001). On the other hand, there were statistically significant decreases in CAT activity in subacute 10 and 20 ppm groups compared to the corresponding control group (P < 0.012 and < 0.039, respectively). Although not significant, TBARS levels were increased in both subacute 10 ppm (P = 0.100) and subchronic 20 ppm (P = 0.053) groups compared to their corresponding control groups. Tissue NO levels were unchanged upon FA inhalation. In the correlation analyses, a meaningful relationship between SOD and CAT activities in subchronic 10 ppm group (r = -0.685, P < 0.029); SOD activity and TBARS level in subchronic 20 ppm group (r = -0.675, P < 0.032); and CAT activity and NO level in subchronic 20 ppm group (r = -0.810, P < 0.005) were found., Conclusion: From the findings of our study, it can be interpreted that subacute and subchronic FA inhalation may stimulate oxidative stress and thus, some secondary toxic effects in cardiac cells and tissue. This increase in the oxidative stress could not induce lipid peroxidation in the membranous structure of cardiac cells. An increased SOD enzyme activity was thought to be secondary to decreased CAT activity, as a compensation mechanism, preventing heart tissue from destruction induced by FA.

The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of melatonin against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in the rat. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I was used as a control. Rats in group II were injected every other day with CCl4 for 1 month, whereas rats in group III were injected every other day with CCl4 and melatonin for 1 month. At the end of the experiment, all animals were killed by decapitation and blood samples were obtained. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin levels were determined. For histopathological evaluation, livers of all rats were removed and processed for light microscopy. All serum biochemical parameters were significantly higher in animals treated with CCl4 than in the controls. When rats injected with CCl4 were treated with melatonin, significantly reduced elevations in serum biochemical parameters were found. In liver sections of the CCl4-injected group, necrosis, fibrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, haemorrhage, fatty degeneration and formation of regenerative nodules were observed. Additionally, apoptotic figures, microvesicular steatosis and hydropic degeneration in hepatocytes were seen in this group. In contrast, the histopathological changes observed after administration of CCl4 were lost from rats treated with CCl4 and melatonin. Except for mild hydropic degeneration of the hepatocytes, a normal lobular appearance was seen in the livers of this group. The results of our study indicate that melatonin treatment prevents CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.

In view of the antioxidant properties of melatonin, the effects of melatonin on the oxidative-antioxidative status of tissues affected by diabetes, e.g. liver, heart and kidneys, were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats in the present study. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the tissues were compared in three groups of 10 rats each (control non-diabetic rats (group I), untreated diabetic rats (group II) and diabetic rats treated with melatonin (group III)). In the study groups, diabetes developed 3 days after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of a single 60 mg kg(-1) dose of STZ. Thereafter, while the rats in group II received no treatment, the rats in group III began to receive a 10 mg kg(-1) i.p. dose of melatonin per day. After 6 weeks, the rats in groups II and III had significantly lower body weights and higher blood glucose levels than the rats in group I (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). MDA levels in the liver, kidney and heart of group II rats were higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively) and diabetic rats treated with melatonin (p < 0.05). The GSH, GSH-Px and SOD levels increased in diabetic rats. Treatment with melatonin changed them to near control values. Our results confirm that diabetes increases oxidative stress in many organs such as liver, kidney and heart and indicate the role of melatonin in combating the oxidative stress via its free radical-scavenging and antioxidant properties., (Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)