The extraction of effective components and an antioxidant activity study of Tulipa edulis

Plant extracts from natural sources are an excellent choice for food additives and natural antioxidants.In this study,the active components of Tulipa edulis were extracted and analysed,and their antioxidant capacity was measured.Then,the crude extract mixture was separated and purified using a Sephadex LH-20 gel,and the antioxidant activity of the purified products was determined.Human umbilical vein endothelial human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)cells were treated with 35 mmol/L glucose to construct a model of oxidative stress.Then,the cells were treated with the active component to observe whether the products of T.edulis could have a good protective effect on HUVEC cells induced by glucose.Transcriptome analysis was also performed on HUVEC cells after same treatment to explore the possible mechanism of the component F2 protecting HUVEC cells from oxidative stress induced by high glucose.The results showed that component F2 obtained from T.edulis has strong antioxidant activity.Moreover,F2 can play a strong antioxidant protective role in HUVEC cells.Meanwhile,the gene expression of heme oxygenase 1(HO-1),γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC)and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO1)in HUVEC cells was up-regulated after treated with F2.This study provides reference value for the further development and application of T.edulis and the d evelopment of functional food.

Significance of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity tests as biomarkers of premature ovarian insufficiency: A case control study

BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)is a condition that causes secondary amenorrhea owing to ovarian hypofunction at an early stage.Early follicular depletion results in intractable infertility,thereby considerably reducing the quality of life of females.Given the continuum in weakened ovarian function,progressing from incipient ovarian failure(IOF)to transitional ovarian failure and further to POI,it is necessary to develop biomarkers for predicting POI.The oxidative stress states in IOF and POI were comprehensively evaluated via oxidative stress[diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites(d-ROMs)]test and anti-oxidant capacity[biological antioxidant potential(BAP)].METHODS Females presenting with secondary amenorrhea over 4 mo and a follicle stimulating hormone level of>40 mIU/mL were categorized into the POI group.Females presenting with a normal menstrual cycle and a follicle stimulating hormone level of>10.2 mIU/mL were categorized into the IOF group.Healthy females without ovarian hypofunction were categorized into the control group.Among females aged<40 years who visited our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022,we recruited 11 patients into both POI and IOF groups.For the potential antioxidant capacity,the relative oxidative stress index(BAP/d-ROMs×100)was calculated,and the oxidative stress defense system was comprehensively evaluated.RESULTS d-ROMs were significantly higher in the POI and IOF groups than in the control group,(478.2±58.7 U.CARR,434.5±60.6 U.CARR,and 341.1±35.1 U.CARR,respectively)(U.CARR is equivalent to 0.08 mg/dL of hydrogen peroxide).However,no significant difference was found between the POI and IOF groups.Regarding BAP,no significant difference was found between the control,IOF,and POI groups(2078.5±157.4μmol/L,2116.2±240.2μmol/L,and 2029.0±186.4μmol/L,respectively).The oxidative stress index was significantly higher in the POI and IOF groups than in the control group(23.7±3.3,20.7±3.6,and 16.5±2.1,respectively).However,no significant difference was found between the POI and IOF groups.CONCLUSION High levels of oxidative stress suggest that evaluating the oxidative stress state may be a useful indicator for the early detection of POI.

Biochanin-A attenuates high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rats by improving antioxidant status and lipid metabolic markers

Objective:To determine how biochanin-A(BCA)affects high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced pathological changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.Methods:Diabetic rats were orally administered BCA(10 mg/kg body weight)for 30 days to investigate its effects on lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers in the liver and kidney.In addition,the mRNA expression of antioxidant and lipid metabolism enzymes in the liver was examined.Results:BCA attenuated hyperlipidemia by regulating mRNA expressions of HMG-CoA reductase,fatty acid synthase,carnitine palmitoyl transferase,and acetyl-CoA carboxylase.Additionally,BCA reduced high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation,improving superoxide dismutase,catalase,and glutathione peroxidase levels,and upregulating mRNA expressions of these enzymes.Conclusions:BCA may be a promising nutraceutical for the treatment of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress associated with diabetes.

Implication of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence Systems in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Infection among Children Aged 1 to 15 Years in the Mount Cameroon Area

It is known that the pathogenicity of Plasmodium induces the breakdown of haemoglobin, which leads to the induction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to identify the possible effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence systems in symptomatic and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in children (1 - 15 years old) in the Mount Cameroon vicinity. This cross-sectional study involved blood samples collected from 473 children and examined for malaria parasitaemia. Full blood counts were performed using an automated haemoanalyser. Serum oxidative stress status (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vitamin C (Vit C)) were each determined by colorimetric enzymatic assays. The prevalence of malaria parasite infection was 32.1% among the participants. Out of that, 62.5% of patients with parasitaemia were symptomatic. Anaemia prevalence increased significantly with parasite density. MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with malaria symptoms than in those without symptoms. A significant and positive correlation was detected between MDA (r = 0.831, P < 0.05), NO (r = 0.779, P < 0.05), and malaria parasite density while, a significant and negative relationship occurred between parasite density and GSH (r = ?0.763, P < 0.05) and Vit C (r = ?0.826, P < 0.05) levels, SOD (r = ?0.621, P < 0.05) and CAT (r = ?0.817, P < 0.05) activities. The SOD activity and GSH level significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with an increase in the MDA levels. These findings showed that MDA and nitric oxide levels increased both in malaria participants with or without symptoms. A similar decrease in the antioxidant defence system was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop public health policies that encourage routine diagnosis and treatment of malaria in seemingly healthy people (asymptomatic cases), and this will play an essential role in controlling malaria in tropical countries.

Insights on antioxidant therapeutic strategies in type 2 diabetes mellitus:A narrative review of randomized control trials

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization.Imbalance in generation and elimination of free radicals generate oxidative stress which modulates glucose metabolism and insulin regulation,resulting in the occurrence and progression of diabetes and associated complications.Antioxidant supplements in T2DM can be seen as a potential preventive and effective therapeutic strategy.AIM To compare randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in which antioxidants have been shown to have a therapeutic effect in T2DM patients.METHODS We systematically searched the electronic database PubMed by keywords.RCTs evaluating the effect of antioxidant therapy on glycaemic control as well as oxidant and antioxidant status as primary outcomes were included.The outcomes considered were:A reduction in blood glucose;changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant markers.Full-length papers of the shortlisted articles were assessed for the eligibility criteria and 17 RCTs were included.RESULTS The administration of fixed-dose antioxidants significantly reduces fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin and is associated with decreased malondialdehyde,advanced oxidation protein products,and increased total antioxidant capacity.CONCLUSION Antioxidant supplements can be a beneficial approach for the treatment of T2DM.

Composition and antioxidant activity of Paeonia lactiflora petal flavonoid extract and underlying mechanisms of the protective effect on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative damage in BRL3A cells

Flavonoids have attracted considerable attention due to their health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the flavonoid profiles and antioxidant activity of Paeonia lactiflora petal flavonoid extract(PPF). The UHPLC-ESI-Q-Exactive HF MS/MS method was established for characterization, and 21 predominant flavonoid compounds were tentatively identified in PPF. Among them, isoscutellarein-7-(6’-acetylallosyl-(1->2)-glucoside) and scutellarin methylester were discovered in PPF for the first time. Pretreatment with PPF significantly reduced H2O2-induced cell damage, ROS accumulation, and malondialdehyde content and increased the activity of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in buffalo rat liver 3A(BRL3A) cells. Moreover, the expression of nuclear Factor E2-related factor(Nrf2) was upregulated by PPF, whose expression trend was consistent with that of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO1). These findings suggested that herbaceous peony flavonoids can be used as a natural bioactive agent to prevent oxidative stress.

Silicon and Nitric Oxide-Mediated Regulation of Growth Attributes, Metabolites and Antioxidant Defense System of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under Arsenic Stress

Arsenic(As)contaminated food chains have emerged as a serious public concern for humans and animals and are known to affect the cultivation of edible crops throughout the world.Therefore,the present study was designed to investigate the individual as well as the combined effects of exogenous silicon(Si)and sodium nitroprusside(SNP),a nitric oxide(NO)donor,on plant growth,metabolites,and antioxidant defense systems of radish(Raphanus sativus L.)plants under three different concentrations of As stress,i.e.,0.3,0.5,and 0.7 mM in a pot experiment.The results showed that As stress reduced the growth parameters of radish plants by increasing the level of oxidative stress markers,i.e.,malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide.However,foliar application of Si(2 mM)and pretreatment with SNP(100μM)alone as well as in combination with Si improved the plant growth parameters,i.e.,root length,fresh and dry weight of plants under As stress.Furthermore,As stress also reduced protein,and metabolites contents(flavonoids,phenolic and anthocyanin).Activities of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase(CAT),ascorbate peroxidase(APX),guaiacol peroxidase(POD),and polyphenol oxidase(PPO),as well as the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants(glutathione and ascorbic acid)decreased under As stress.In most of the parameters in radish,As III concentration showed maximum reduction,as compared to As I and II concentrations.However,the individual and combined application of Si and NO significantly alleviated the As-mediated oxidative stress in radish plants by increasing the protein,and metabolites content.Enhancement in the activities of CAT,APX,POD and PPO enzymes were recorded.Contents of glutathione and ascorbic acid were also enhanced in response to co-application of Si and NO under As stress.Results obtained were more pronounced when Si and NO were applied in combination under As stress,as compared to their individual application.In short,the current study highlights that Si and NO synergistically regulate plant growth through lowering the As-mediated oxidative stress by upregulating the metabolites content,activity of antioxidative enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants in radish plants.

Research on Oxidative Stress Induced by Tenuazonic Acid from Alternaria augustiovoide and Changes in Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Leaves of Echinochloa crus-galli

[Objective] The aim of the study was to determine whether phytotoxicity of TeA against Echinochloa crus-galli leaves was correlated with oxidative stress caused by generation of reactive oxygen and the changes of antioxidant enzymes activity.[Method] The changes of malondialdehyde（MDA）content,hydrogen peroxide（H2O2）,and activities of superoxide dismutase（SOD）,glutathione reductase（GR）and catalase（CAT）were studied by leaf segment method in vitro.[Result] After the treatment of 500 μmol/L TeA,the content of MDA and H2O2 increased by 247.86% and 67.00%,respectively,indicating that the accumulation of MDA and H2O2 in E.crus-galli leaves was due to the reactive oxygen burst induced by TeA.TeA induced a significant increase in activities of SOD,GR and CAT.At 500 μmol/L TeA,activities of SOD,GR and CAT increased more than one fold compared with the control.[Conclusion] TeA could not only cause oxidative stress in leaves of E.crus-galli through the induction of reactive oxygen,but also induce the increasing of antioxidant enzyme activity.

Effect of Chromium on Oxidative Damage and Antioxidant Capacity of Ctenopharyngodon idellus

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of chromium on ox- idative damage and antioxidant capacity of Ctenopharyngodon idellus （grass carp）. [Method] The grass carps were treated with hexavalent chromium （Cr^6＋） solution at concentrations of 0, 7.23, 14.47, 28.94 mg/L, and then the content of malondialde- hyde （MDA）, the level of total antioxidative capacity （T-AOC） and the activity of gtu- tathione-S-transferase （GST） in the hepatopancreas of grass carp were determined after 96 hours in different treatment groups. [Result] The content of MDA presented increasing trend with the increase of exposure Cr^6＋ concentrations. The activity of T-AOC increased firstly, then decreased with the increasing Cr^6＋ exposure concentra- tions, showing that the level of T-AOC was induced in tow and medium concentrat ions （7.23 and 14.47 mg/L）, but inhibited in high concentrations （28.94 mg/L）. Among the exposure groups, the level of T-AOC in medium concentration group （14.47 mg/L） was significantly higher than the control （P〈0.05）. Except the low concentration groups （7.23 mg/L） of which the GST activity was slightly induced, the GST activities of the other groups all showed downward trend with increasing Cr^6＋ levels, and the activity of GST in 28.94 mg/L group was significantly lower than the control group （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] Cr^6＋ could cause large oxidative damage in the hepatopancreas of grass carp, thus poisoning it, and Cr^6＋ may further damage the organizational structure and physiological function of grass carp.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidants activities of aqueous stem bark extract of Schotia latifolia Jacq

Objective:To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Scholia latifolia(S.latifolia)bark locally used for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced ailments in South Africa.Methods:The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of aqueous extract of the plant was assessed against 1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazyl(DPPH),nitric oxide(NO),2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt(ABTS)and the ferric reducing agent.Total phenolics,flavonoids,flavonols and proanthocyanidins were also determined to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant.Results:The activities of plant extract against DPPH,ABTS and NO radicals were concentration dependent with IC_(50)value of 0.06,0.05 and 0.05 mg/mL,respectively.The reducing power of the extract was greater than that of butylated hydroxyl toluene(BHT)and ascorbic acid which were used as standard drugs in a concentration dependent manner.The total phenolics content of the aqueous bark extract was(193.33±0.03 TE/g),followed by flavonoids(72.70±0.01 QE/g),proanthocyanidins|48.76±0.00 CE/g)and flavonols(47.76±0.21 QE/g).Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of percentage tannin(11.40±0.02),alkaloid(9.80±0.01),steroids(18.20±0.01),glycosides(29.80±0.01)and saponins(6.80±0.00).The results exhibited a positive linear correlation between these polyphenols and the free radical scavenging activities.Conclusions:Our findings provide evidence that the crude aqueous extract of S.latifolia is a potential source of natural antioxidants and this justifies its uses in folkloric medicines.

Effects of melatonin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat testis

Aim： To examine the effects of melatonin treatment on lipid peroxidation （LPO） and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testicular tissue of streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic rats. Methods： Twenty-six male rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows： group Ⅰ, control, non-diabetic rats （n = 9）; group Ⅱ, STZ-induced, untreated diabetic rats （n = 8）; group Ⅲ, STZ-induced, melatonin-treated （dose of 10 mg/kg·day） diabetic rats （n = 9）. Following 8-week melatonin treatment, all rats were anaesthetized and then were killed to remove testes from the scrotum. Results： As compared to group Ⅰ, in rat testicular tissues of grouap Ⅱ, increased levels of malondialdehyde （MDA） （P 〈 0.01） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） （P 〈 0.01） as well as, decreased levels of catalase （CAT） （P 〈 0.01） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） （P 〉 0.05） were found. In contrast, as compared to group Ⅱ, in rat testicular tissues of group Ⅲ, levels of MDA decreased （but this decrease was not significant, P 〉 0.05） and SOD （P 〈 0.01） as well as CAT （P 〈 0.05） increased. GSH-Px was not influenced by any of the treatment. Melatonin did not significantly affect the elevated glucose concentration of diabetic group. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference between the melatonin-treated group and the untreated group by means of body and testicular weight. Conclusion： Diabetes mellitus increases oxidative stress and melatonin inhibits lipid peroxidation and might regulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes of diabetic rat testes.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Capacity of Ferulic Acid Released from Wheat Bran by Solid-state Fermentation of Aspergillus niger

Objective A strain of Aspergillus niger(A. niger), capable of releasing bound phenolic acids from wheat bran, was isolated. This strain was identified by gene sequence identification. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of ferulic acid released from wheat bran by this A. niger strain(FA-WB) were evaluated. Methods Molecular identification techniques based on PCR analysis of specific genomic sequences were conducted; antioxidant ability was examined using oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC), cellular antioxidant activity(CAA) assays, and erythrocyte hemolysis assays. RAW264.7 cells were used as a model to detect anti-inflammatory activity. Results The filamentous fungal isolate was identified to be A. niger. ORAC and CAA assay showed that FA-WB had better antioxidant activity than that of the ferulic acid standard. The erythrocyte hemolysis assay results suggested that FA-WB could attenuate AAPH-induced oxidative stress through inhibition of reactive oxy gen species(ROS) generation. FA-WB could significantly restore the AAPH-induced increase in intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities to normal levels as well as inhibit the intracellular malondialdehyde formation. TNF-?, IL-6, and NO levels indicated that FA-WB can inhibit the inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Conclusion Ferulic acid released from wheat bran by a new strain of A. niger had good anti-inflammatory activity and better antioxidant ability than standard ferulic acid.

Oxidative stress and antioxidants in hepatic pathogenesis

Long term hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor in pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases,including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV encod-ed proteins,hepatitis B virus X protein and preS,appear to contribute importantly to the pathogenesis of HCC. Both are associated with oxidative stress,which can damage cellular molecules like lipids,proteins,and DNA during chronic infection. Chronic alcohol use is another important factor that contributes to oxidative stress in the liver. Previous studies reported that treatment with antioxidants,such as curcumin,silymarin,green tea,and vitamins C and E,can protect DNA from damage and regulate liver pathogenesis-related cascades by reducing reactive oxygen species. This review summarizes some of the relationships between oxidative stress and liver pathogenesis,focusing upon HBV and alcohol,and suggests antioxidant therapeutic approaches.

Antioxidant activities of Indigofera cassioides Rottl.Ex.DC.using various in vitro assay models

Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant potential of methanolic leaf extract of Indigofera cassioides(MEIC) using various in vilro antioxidant assay systems.Methods:Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of MEIC was assayed by using different in vitro models like ABTS, DPPH,nitric oxide,superoxide,hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical.Reductive ability of the extract was tested by the complex formation with potassium ferricyanide.Further total phenol and flavonoid contents of the crude extract were also determined.Rutin and ascorbic acid were used as standards.Results:MEIC exhibited potent and concentration dependent free radical scavenging activity in all the tested models.Reductive ability was also found to increase with increase in MEIC concentration.Total phenol and flavonoid content determination showed that the extract is rich in phenols and flavonoids.Conclusions:All the results of the in vitro antioxidant assays reveal potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of the leaves of Indigofera cassioides,equivalent to that of standard ascorbic acid and rutin.This potent antioxidant activity may be attributed to its high phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of Enicostemma littorale Blume

Objective:To investigate the hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effects of aqueous leaf extract of Enicoslemma littorale(E.littorale)Blume(Ens)against ethanol induced hepatic injury in albino rats.Methods:Male albino rats of six numbers in each group were undertaken for study.Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of E.littorale Blume(Ens)aqueous leaf extract at a dosage of 250 mg/kg bw was evaluated.Results:Levels of serum and tissue cholesterol,triglycerides and free fatty acids were elevated and levels of tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS)and lipid hydroperoxide were increased in ethanol treated rats.The activity levels of liver antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GPX)and glutathione-s-transferase(GST)were decreased.After adiminstration of extract of E,littorale Blume,levels of cholesterol,triglycerides and free fatty acids were decreased in serum and liver tissue,levels of TBARS and lipid hydroperoxide were decreased,and Ever antioxidant enzymes were increased in liver tissue;Conclusions:It can be concluded that the aqueous leaf extract of E,littorale Blume(Ens)has potent restorative effect on hyperlipidaemic and oxidative stress.

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of Solanum xanthocarpum leaves(field grown & in vitro raised) extracts on alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective:To investigate antidiabetic efficacy of the extract of field grown and in vitro raised leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum(S.xanthocarpum) against alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods:The antidiabetic activity of the crude methanol extracts of the field grown and in vitro raised leaves of S.xanthocarpum at different concentrations(100-200 mg/kg bw) was tested against alloxan induced diabetic rats.The antidiabetic efficacy was validated through various biochemical parameters and the antioxidant effect was also determined.The phytochemical analyses of field grown S.xanthocarpum and in vitro rasied 5.xanthocarpum leaves were done by estimating their chlorophyll,carotenoids,total sugar,protein,amino acid and minerals contents. Results:The results revealed that the methanol extracts of both the leaves(field grown and in vitro raised) of S.xanthocarpum was efficient anti hyperglycemic agents at a concentration of 200 mg/kg bw and posses potent antioxidant activity.However,the extracts of in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum raised leaves exhibit higher efficacy than the field grown leaves in all tested concentrations.Proximal composition and mineral analysis of S.xanthocarpum revealed higher concentration of contents in in vitro rasied S.xanthocarpum than field grown S.xanthocarpum. Conclusions:From the results it can be concluded that the leaves extracts of S.xanthocarpum can be a potential candidate in treating the hyperglycemic conditions and suits to be an agent to reduce oxidative stress.

The role of antioxidant therapy in the treatment of male infertility： an overview

In recent years, many studies have focused on the effect of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species （ROS） and antioxidants on the male eproductive system. Under physiological conditions, sperm produces small amounts of ROS, which are needed for fertilisation, acrosome reaction and capacitation. However, if an increased production of ROS is not associated with a similar increase in scavenging systems, peroxidative damage of the sperm plasma membrane and loss of DNA integrity typically occur, which leads to cell death and reduced fertility. Furthermore, since there is no linear correlation between sperm quality and pregnancy rates, an improvement in semen parameters should not be the sole outcome considered in studies of antioxidant therapies. A definitive conclusion regarding the benefit of these therapies is difficult to obtain, as most of the previous studies lacked control groups, considered different antioxidants in different combinations and doses, or did not evaluate pregnancy rates in previously infertile couples. Even if beneficial effects were reported in a few cases of male infertility, more multicentre, double-blind studies performed with the same criteria are necessarv for an increased understanding of the effects of various antioxidants on fertility,

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of three major polyphenolic compounds in pomegranate peel: Ellagic acid, punicalin, and punicalagin

Pomegranates is abundant in polyphenols and is well-known for its antioxidant activity. Punicalagin （PG） is a major poly- phenolic compound in the pomegranate peel. In certain conditions, PG can be hydrolyzed to punicallin （PL） and ellagic acid （EA）, and PL can be further hydrolyzed to EA. PG, PL, and EA all play important roles in the antioxidant activity of pomegranate peels. This study was conducted to compare the in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-oxidative stress effects of PG, PL, and EA. For the in vitro test, 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl radical （DPPH.） and superoxide anion （O2~） scavenging capacities, ferric-reducing antioxidant power （FRAP）, and lipid peroxidation （LPO） inhibition capacities of PG, PL, and EA were tested. For the in vivo test, oxidatively stressed mice, which were induced by oxidized fish oil, were administrated PG, PL or EA （10 mg kg-1 d-1） for 21 days. The results showed that the in vitro antioxidant activity trends were EA〉PG〉PL〉Trolox in scavenging DPPH., PG〉PL〉EA=Trolox in scavenging O2~, EA〉PG=PL〉Trolox in FRAP, and Trolox〉PG〉EA〉PL in LPO inhibition. In the in vivo test, the EAt＇reatment increased the average daily weight gain and total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） in the plasma （P〈0.05）, liver （P〈0.05）, and intestine （P〈0.05） in oxidatively stressed mice. It increased the superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in the liver （P〈0.05） and intestine （P〈0.05）. It increased the glutathi- one peroxidase （GSH-Px） activity in the intestine （P〈0.05） and the intestinal villus height to crypt depth ratio （P〈0.05）. EA treatment decreased the malondialdehyde （MDA） content in the plasma （P〈0.05）, liver （P〈0.05）, and intestine （P〈0.05） and the mRNA expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors, TNF-a （P〈0.05）, IFN-y （P〈0.05） and IL-6 （P〈0.05）. PL increased the SOD （P〈0.05） and GSH-Px activities （P〈0.05） in the intestine and decreased the MDA content （P〈0.05） and the mRNA expressions of TNF-a （P〈0.05） and IL-6 （P〈0.05） in the intestine. PG increased the SOD activity （P〈0.05） and GSH-Px activity （P〈0.05） in the intestine and decreased the MDA content in the intestine （P〈0.05） and IL-6 mRNA expression in the intestine （P〈0.05）. In summary, EA, PL, and PG all had powerful in vitro antioxidant capacities, and they had different antioxidant advantages in acting against different types of radicals; EA was more effective than PL and PG in protecting against oxidative injury in vivo, especially for intestinal injury. These findings suggest that multiple polyphenol compounds in pomegranate peel may exert superior antioxidant activity than single purified polyphenols; when using pomegranate peels as health-promoting additive in animal feed, raising EA content by methods of hydrolysis or fermentation in advance could achieve better effects.

Photosynthesis, Growth and Antioxidant Metabolism in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Cultivars Differing in Cadmium Tolerance

Two mustard （Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss.） cultivars, Pusa Jai Kisan and SS2 differing in cadmium （Cd） tolerance were treated with 0, 25 and 50 umol L-1 Cd to study the physiological basis of difference in Cd tolerance. Cultivar SS2 （Cd sensitive） accumulated greater Cd in leaves than Pusa Jai Kisan （Cd tolerant）. Further, SS2 also exhibited higher contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances （TBARS） and H2O2 and electrolyte leakage. However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase （CAT）, ascorbate peroxidase （APX）, dehydroascorbate reduetase （DHAR）, and glutathione reductase （GR） were higher in Pusa Jai Kisan than those in SS2. Contrarily, the activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD） was higher in SS2 than that in Pusa Jai Kisan and was the greatest at 25 umol L-1 Cd. Treatment of 25 umol L-1 Cd induced the maximum activity of enzymes. However, the activity of GR increased up to 50 umol L-1 Cd in both the cultivars. The non-enzymatic antioxidants ascorbate （AsA） and glutathione （GSH） were higher in Pusa Jai Kisan than that in SS2, whereas dehydroascorbate （DHA） and oxidized glutathione （GSSG） were higher in SS2. Photosynthesis and growth were adversely and maximally decreased by 50 umol L-1 Cd treatment in both the cultivars, but SS2 exhibited greater reductions. The protection of photosynthesis and growth and lesser reduction in Pusa Jai Kisan were associated with its capacity to restrict accumulation of Cd in leaves resulting in lower level of TBARS and H2O2 and electrolyte leakage. Moreover, Pusa Jai Kisan exhibited efficient antioxidant metabolism for removal of Cd-induced reactive oxygen species.

Antioxidants,inflammation and cardiovascular disease

Multiple factors are involved in the etiology of cardiovascular disease(CVD). Pathological changes occur in a variety of cell types long before symptoms become apparent and diagnosis is made. Dysregulation of physiological functions are associated with the activation of immune cells,leading to local and finally systemic inflammation that is characterized by production of high levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS). Patients suffering from inflammatory diseases often present with diminished levels of antioxidants either due to insufficient dietary intake or,and even more likely,due to increased demand in situations of overwhelming ROS production by activated immune effector cells like macrophages. Antioxidants are suggested to beneficially interfere with diseases-related oxidative stress,however the interplay of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants with the overall redox system is complex. Moreover,molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress in CVD are not fully elucidated. Metabolic dybalances are suggested to play a major role in disease onset and progression. Several central signalingpathways involved in the regulation of immunological,metabolic and endothelial function are regulated in a redox-sensitive manner. During cellular immune response,interferon γ-dependent pathways are activated such as tryptophan breakdown by the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO) in monocyte-derived macrophages,fibroblasts,endothelial and epithelial cells. Neopterin,a marker of oxidative stress and immune activation is produced by GTP-cyclohydrolase Ⅰ in macrophages and dendritic cells. Nitric oxide synthase(NOS) is induced in several cell types to generate nitric oxide(NO). NO,despite its low reactivity,is a potent antioxidant involved in the regulation of the vasomotor tone and of immunomodulatory signaling pathways. NO inhibits the expression and function of IDO. Function of NOS requires the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin(BH4),which is produced in humans primarily by fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Highly toxic peroxynitrite(ONOO-) is formed solely in the presence of superoxide anion(O2-). Neopterin and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio(Kyn/Trp),as an estimate of IDO enzyme activity,are robust markers of immune activation in vitro and in vivo. Both these diagnostic parameters are able to predict cardiovascular and overall mortality in patients at risk. Likewise,a significant association exists between increase of neopterin concentrations and Kyn/Trp ratio values and the lowering of plasma levels of vitamin-C,-E and-B. Vitamin-B deficiency is usually accompanied by increased plasma homoycsteine. Additional determination of NO metabolites,BH4 and plasma antioxidants in patients with CVD and related clinical settings can be helpful to improve the understanding of redox-regulation in health and disease and might provide a rationale for potential antioxidant therapies in CVD.