Homeostatic relevance of vitamin D in maintaining male fertility in human: Down-regulation of oxidative stress and up-regulation of anti-oxidative defense and steroidal hormones

Objective:To evaluate correlation between the levels of vitamin D and male infertility as well as to determine the efficacy of vitamin D in improving the male fertility by up-regulating the levels of testosterone and spermatogenesis.Methods: In the present study, 130 male patients (aged 25-70 years) having fertility defects were screened and 145 healthy individuals were taken as control. All human subjects were screened for 4-hydroxynonenal, isoprostane-F2α, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, vitamin D, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterones, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and nitric oxide.Results: The screening analysis revealed that the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone were lower in male infertile subjects compared to healthy subjects. Similarly, the levels of vitamin D [(17.17 ± 2.30) ng/mL] and calcium[(6.29 ± 0.31) mg/dL] were significantly lower in infertile groups compared to the normal healthy groups. Moreover, the study revealed that the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher in healthy subjects compared to the infertile subjects.Conclusions:Vitamin D exhibits strong relevance to male fertility by maintaining the levels of sex hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and testosterone), up-regulating the antioxidant defense (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), and down-regulating the oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and inducible nitric oxide synthase species).

The protective effect of vitamin E against oxidative damage caused by formaldehyde in the testes of adult rats

Aim： To investigate the effect of formaldehyde （FA） on testes and the protective effect of vitamin E （VE） against oxidative damage by FA in the testes of adult rats. Methods： Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups： （1） control; （2） FA treatment group （FAt）; and （3） FAt ＋ VE group. FAt and FAt ＋ VE groups were exposed to FA by inhalation at a concentration of 10 mg/m^3 for 2 weeks. In addition, FAt ＋ VE group were orally administered VE during the 2-week FA treatment. After the treatment, the histopathological and biochemical changes in testes, as well as the quantity and quality of sperm, were observed. Results： The testicular weight, the quantity and quality of sperm, the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and glutathione （GSH） were significantly decreased whereas the level of malondialdehyde （MDA） was significantly increased in testes of rats in FAt group compared with those in the control group. VE treatment restored these parameters in FAt ＋ VE group. In addition, microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining showed that seminiferous tubules atrophied, seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated and shed in rats in FAt group and VE treatment significantly improved the testicular structure in FAt ＋ VE group. Conclusion： FA destroys the testicular structure and function in adult rats by inducing oxidative stress, and this damage could be partially reversed by VE.

The effects of large doses of vitamin C and vitamin E on nerve injury, neurotrophic and oxidative stress in patients with acute craniocerebral injury

Objective:To study the effects of large doses of vitamin C and vitamin E on nerve injury,neurotrophic and oxidative stress in patients with acute craniocercbral injury.Methods:Patients with acute cranioccrebral trauma who were admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Zigong from April 2014 to December 2016 were selected as the subjects and were randomly divided into two groups.The control group received conventional treatment,and the intervention group received large doses of vitamin C and vitamin E combined with conventional treatment.On the yh day and 7th day after treatment,peripheral blood was collected and serum was isolated,then the contents of nerve injury index NSE,S 100B,NGB,UCH-L1,Tf,Ft and neurotrophic indexes NTF-α,BDNE NGF and IGF-I were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit,and the contents of SOD,GPx,CAT,OH-,O2,MDA and AOPP were measured by radioactive immunoprecipitation kit.Results:3th day and 7th day after treatment,the contents of NSE,S100B,NGB,UCH-L1,Tf,Ft,NTF-α,BDNF,NGF,IGF-Ⅰ,OH-,O2-,MDA and AOPP in the intervention group were all significantly lower than those in the control group.The content of SOD,GPx and CAT in serum in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group.Conclusions:High-dose vitamin C and vitamin E treatment can alleviate nerve injury,oxidative stress response,and improve neurotrophic state in patients with acute craniocerebral injury.

Effect of vitamin E on oxidative stress status in small intestine of diabetic rat

AIM:To investigate the effect of vitamin E on oxidative stress status in the small intestine of diabetic rats. METHODS:Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups:Control (C),non-treated diabetic (NTD) and vitamin E-treated diabetic (VETD) groups. The increases in lipid peroxidation,protein oxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in these three groups was compared after 6 wk. RESULTS:There was no significant difference in catalase activity between NTD and control rats. Compared to NTD rats,the treatment with vitamin E significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation,and also increased catalase activity and SOD. CONCLUSION:The results revealed the occurrence of oxidative stress in the small intestine of diabetic rats. Vitamin E,as an antioxidant,attenuates lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation,and increases antioxidant defense mechanism.

Growth performance,oxidative stress and immune status of newly weaned pigs fed peroxidized lipids with or without supplemental vitamin E or polyphenols

Background:This study evaluated the use of dietary vitamin E and polyphenols on growth,immune and oxidative status of weaned pigs fed peroxidized lipids.A total of 192 piglets(21 days of age and body weight of 6.62±1.04 kg)were assigned within sex and weight blocks to a 2×3 factorial arrangement using 48 pens with 4 pigs per pen.Dietary treatments consisted of lipid peroxidation(6%edible soybean oil or 6%peroxidized soybean oil),and antioxidant supplementation(control diet containing 33 IU/kg DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate;control with 200 IU/kg additional dl-α-tocopheryl-acetate;or control with 400 mg/kg polyphenols).Pigs were fed in 2 phases for 14 and 21 days,respectively.Results:Peroxidation of oil for 12 days at 80°C with exposure to 50 L/min of air substantially increased peroxide values,anisidine value,hexanal,and 2,4-decadienal concentrations.Feeding peroxidized lipids decreased(P<0.001)body weight(23.16 vs.18.74 kg),daily gain(473 vs.346 g/d),daily feed intake(658 vs.535 g/d)and gain:feed ratio(719 vs.647 g/kg).Lipid peroxidation decreased serum vitamin E(P<0.001)and this decrease was larger on day 35(1.82 vs.0.81 mg/kg)than day 14(1.95 vs.1.38 mg/kg).Supplemental vitamin E,but not polyphenols,increased(P≤0.002)serum vitamin E by 84%and 22%for control and peroxidized diets,respectively(interaction,P=0.001).Serum malondialdehyde decreased(P<0.001)with peroxidation on day 14,but not day 35 and protein carbonyl increased(P<0.001)with peroxidation on day 35,but not day 14.Serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine was not affected(P>0.05).Total antioxidant capacity decreased with peroxidation(P<0.001)and increased with vitamin E(P=0.065)and polyphenols(P=0.046)for the control oil diet only.Serum cytokine concentrations increased with feeding peroxidized lipids on day 35,but were not affected by antioxidant supplementation(P>0.05).Conclusion:Feeding peroxidized lipids negatively impacted growth performance and antioxidant capacity of nursery pigs.Supplementation of vitamin E and polyphenols improved total antioxidant capacity,especially in pigs fed control diets,but did not restore growth performance.

Investigate Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile in STZ-Induced Rats Treated with Antioxidant Vitamin

The objective of this study was designed to investigate, evaluate the effect of vitamin E on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by showing significant changes in blood glucose, water, food intake, lipid profile, serum urea and ceratinine level, and antioxidant enzyme parameters activity. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced toxicity was studied in male Waster rats;each divided into four groups: G1, GII, GIII, and GIV. Control rats GI, rats treated with vitamin E (GII), STZ-induced diabetic rats (GIII), and STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with vitamin E (G1V). Moreover, vitamin E reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose and urea, thus, our study improved the lipid profile (reduced the serum levels of amount of total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, cholesterol and triacyglycerols, and increased HDL cholesterol) and increased total amount protein in STZ-induced diabetic rats (GIV). Vitamin prevented modification in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSX-Px) and in the concentration of the lipid hydroperoxide. Finally the study suggested that vitamin E improved hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia while inhibiting the progression of oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Protective Effects of Vitamin E on Diabetes-induced Oxidative Stress Status and Homocysteine in the Rat Heart

Objective： We aimed to investigate protective effects ofvit E on oxidative stress status and homocysteine （Hey） in cardiac tissue of diabetic rats. Methods： Sixteen Wistar male rats were treated with STZ （streptozotocin） （60 mg/kg） to induce diabetes. Diabetic rats were divided into two groups： NTD （non-treated diabetic） and VETD （vit E-treated diabetic） rats. The VETD group received 300 mg/kg vit E with daily feeding. Eight normal rats of the same age were used as the control group. After 6 weeks, the rats were anesthetized, their cardiac tissue was removed, and homogenated supernatant was separated. Samples were assayed for TAC （total antioxidant capacity）, LPO （lipid peroxidation）, nitrite （NO2）, nitrate （NO3）, and Hcy. Key Findings： The contents of LPO, NO3 and Hcy in NTD compared to control group indicate a significant increase, but the levels of these parameters decreased in VETD （p 〈 0.05）. There was a significant decrease in the amount of TAC in the NTD group but in VETD group, that significantly increased （p 〈 0.05）. The amount of NO2 in NTD and VETD groups, compared to the control group, did not show any significant changes （p 〉 0.05）. Conclusions： Significant decrease of oxidative stress and Hey in the cardiac tissue caused by vit E supplementation strongly indicated that this radical scavenger may promote a protective effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy through the attenuation of oxidative stress and increase antioxidant defense mechanism.

Correlation of serum vitamin E content with insulin resistance and oxidative stress response in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To study the correlation of serum vitamin E content with insulin resistance and oxidative stress response in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Xining Second People's Hospital between February 2016 and February 2017 were selected as T2DM group, healthy volunteers who received physical examination during the same period were selected as control group, oral glucose tolerance test was conducted to detect insulin resistance indexes, and fasting venous blood was collected to detect oxidative stress indicators. Results: Serum VitE, 2 h-Ins, 2 h-CP, Trx, Txnip, SOD and GSH-Px levels of T2DM group were significantly lower than those of control group while F-Ins, F-CP, MDA, AOPP, 8-OHdG, AGEs and LOX-1 levels were significantly higher than those of control group;serum VitE level in T2DM patients was positively correlated with serum 2 h-Ins, 2 h-CP, Trx, Txnip, SOD and GSH-Px levels, and negatively correlated with serum F-Ins, F-CP, MDA, AOPP, 8-OHdG, AGEs and LOX-1 levels. Conclusion: The decrease of serum vitamin E in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can lead to the aggravation of insulin resistance and the activation of oxidative stress response.

Vitamin E levels in preeclampsia placenta tissue and its correlation with oxidative stress injury and apoptosis

Objective:To study the vitamin E levels in preeclampsia placenta tissue and its correlation with oxidative stress injury and apoptosis.Methods:A total of 60 pregnant women with preeclampsia who received treatment and gave birth in our hospital between July 2012 and January 2016 were collected and divided into mild preeclampsia group (n=41) and severe preeclampsia group (n=19) according to the disease severity;38 normal pregnant women who received pregnancy test and gave birth in our hospital during the same period were selected as healthy control group. The placental tissue samples of three groups of research subjects were retained, high performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry was used to detect VitE levels in tissue grinding fluid, automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the levels of oxidative stress injury indexes, and fluorescence quantitative PCR method was used to detect the mRNA expression of apoptosis molecules. Results:VitE, SOD and CAT levels in grinding fluid of severe preeclampsia group were lower than those of mild preeclampsia group and healthy control group while ROS and AOPP levels were higher than those of mild preeclampsia group and healthy control group;Fas, caspase and Apaf-1 mRNA expression were higher than those of mild preeclampsia group and healthy control group while anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Mcl-2 and p57kip2 mRNA expression were lower than those of mild preeclampsia group and healthy control group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that VitE level in the preeclampsia placenta tissue was directly correlated with oxidative stress injury and cell apoptosis.Conclusion:VitE deficiency is the direct factor that results in oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in patients with preeclampsia, and the VitE supplementation in time is expected to become the auxiliary treatment means for patients with preeclampsia.

Changes in the levels of CAM kinase II and synapsin I caused by oxidative stress in the rat brain, and its prevention by vitamin E

To define whether oxidative stress and aging induce abnormal dissociation of neurotransmitter-enclosing synaptic vesicles in rat brain nerve terminals, we assessed the activation of Ca+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CAM kinase II) and changes in the levels of synapsin I, which is a synaptic vesicle-associated protein involved in the modulation of neurotransmitter release. Assessment of young rats subjected to hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress and normal aged rats revealed that synaptic CAM kinase II in the rat brain was markedly activated through oxidative stress and aging. In accordance with the activation of CAM kinase II, the levels of phosphorylated synapsin I increased significantly in nerve terminals. Furthermore, it was found that vitamin E prevents these oxidative stress-induced abnormal processes in rat nerve terminals. These results suggest that oxidative stress and aging facilitate the mobilization of neurotransmitter-enclosing synaptic vesicles from the reserve pool in the nerve terminal, thereby inducing abnormal accumulation of synaptic vesicles in the synapse, and that vitamin E inhibits this process in the brain through its antioxidative action.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress Responses by Vitamin E, or Vitamin A plus Vitamin C Treatment in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

The purpose of this study was to characterize the potential of vitamins to protect the retinal pig-ment epithelium (RPE) from oxidative stress (OS). We have previously shown that OS induces the expression of AP1 transcription factors (FOSB, CFOS and ATF3), but is modulated by pretreatment with vitamin C (200 &mu;M). We propose that OS-induced AP1 expression can be used as a biomarker of OS to test the efficacy of vitamins to limit the impact of OS in the RPE. Here we examined the efficacy of vitamin E or combined vitamin A plus vitamin C to modulate OS-induced AP1 expression in the RPE. We pretreated human ARPE-19 cells with vitamin E (0 - 7.5 &mu;M) or with combined vitamin A (10 or 15 &mu;M) plus vitamin C (50 or 100 &mu;M) for 3 days prior to exposure to 500 &mu;M H2O2 OS for 1 - 4 h. AP1 expression was assessed using qRT-PCR. Pretreatment with ≥2.5 &mu;M vitamin E significantly decreased OS-induced AP1 expression at 1 - 4 h OS, compared to controls. Lower doses of vitamin E were ineffective at modulating OS responses. Pretreatment with 100 &mu;M vitamin C combined with 15 &mu;M vitamin A protected RPE cells from OS-induced AP1 expression. There is an additive and potentially protective effect of 100 &mu;M vitamin C and 15 &mu;M vitamin A on FOSB expression at 4 h, and a potentially protective effect of 100 &mu;M vitamin C and 15 &mu;M vitamin A on CFOS expression at 1 h OS. A protective effect was also seen with 15 &mu;M vitamin A pretreatment alone on ATF3 expression. Thus, “sub-therapeutic” levels of multiple vitamins may protect RPE cells better than higher doses of a single vitamin. This OS-induced AP1 expression biomarker assay may be useful to identify complex antioxidant formulations as therapeutics for degenerative diseases that are thought to be caused by OS, like age-related macular degeneration.

Correlation of serum vitamin C content with renal anemia,oxidative stress and microinflammatory state in patients with peritoneal dialysis

Objective: To study the correlation of serum vitamin C content with renal anemia, oxidative stress and microinflammatory state in patients with peritoneal dialysis. Methods: A total of 96 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2016 and January 2017 were selected as the peritoneal dialysis group, and 50 healthy volunteers receiving physical examination in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during the same period were selected as the normal control group. The contents of VitC as well as renal anemia, oxidative stress and microinflammation-related indexes in peripheral blood of two groups of subjects were detected, and Pearson test was used to evaluate the correlation of serum VitC content with renal anemia, oxidative stress and microinflammatory state in patients with peritoneal dialysis. Results: VitC content in peripheral blood of peritoneal dialysis group was lower than that of normal control group;renal anemia-related indexes Hb, RBC and TIBC levels in peripheral blood were lower than those of normal control group;oxidative stress indexes LHP, MPO and AOPPs contents in serum were higher than those of control group while SOD and GSH-Px contents were lower than those of control group;inflammatory factors CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-13 contents in serum were higher than those of normal control group. VitC content in serum of patients with peritoneal dialysis was positively correlated with Hb, RBC, TIBC, SOD and GSH-Px levels, and negatively correlated with LHP, MPO, AOPPs, CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-13 contents. Conclusion: Serum VitC content is lower in patients with peritoneal dialysis, and the specific content is directly correlated with the severity of renal anemia, oxidative stress and microinflammatory state.

Melatonin reduces traumatic brain injury-induced oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex and blood of rats

Free radicals induced by traumatic brain injury have deleterious effects on the function and antioxidant vitamin levels of several organ systems including the brain. Melatonin possesses antioxidant effect on the brain by maintaining antioxidant enzyme and vitamin levels. We in-vestigated the effects of melatonin on antioxidant ability in the cerebral cortex and blood of traumatic brain injury rats. Results showed that the cerebral cortex β-carotene, vitamin C, vita-min E, reduced glutathione, and erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels, and plasma vitamin C level were decreased by traumatic brain injury whereas they were increased following melatonin treatment. In conclusion, melatonin seems to have protective effects on traumatic brain inju-ry-induced cerebral cortex and blood toxicity by inhibiting free radical formation and supporting antioxidant vitamin redox system.

Oxidative stress modulation in hepatitis C virus infected cells

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) replication is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, where the virus can induce cellular stress. Oxidative cell damage plays an important role in HCV physiopathology. Oxidative stress is triggered when the concentration of oxygen species in the extracellular or intracellular environment exceeds antioxidant defenses. Cells are protected and modulate oxidative stress through the interplay of intracellular antioxidant agents, mainly glutathione system(GSH) and thioredoxin; and antioxidant enzyme systems such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH peroxidase, and heme oxygenase-1. Also, the use of natural and synthetic antioxidants(vitamin C and E, N-acetylcysteine, glycyrrhizin, polyenylphosphatidyl choline, mitoquinone, quercetin, S-adenosylmethionine and silymarin) has already shown promising results as co-adjuvants in HCV therapy. Despite all the available information, it is not known how different agents with antiviral activity can interfere with the modulation of the cell redox state induced by HCV and decrease viral replication. This review describes an evidence-based consensus on molecular mechanisms involved in HCV replication and their relationship with cell damage induced by oxidative stress generated by the virus itself and cell antiviral machinery. It also describes some molecules that modify the levels of oxidative stress in HCV-infected cells.

Thermal Analysis of Vitamin C Affecting Low.temperature Oxidation of Coal

Simultaneous thermal analysis was used to study the influence of Vitamin C as possible chemical additive inhibiting coal oxidation process at low temperature. Some oxidation characteristics of Vitamin C affecting the coal oxidation were investigated at different heating rates. The TG-DSC data show that the impact of Vitamin C on coal oxidation process can be directly evaluated using ignition temperature and critical temperature. Comparison with the effect of water on coal oxidation shows that Vitamin C is more efficient than water. However, the blank experiment conducted with inert a-Al2O3 also suggests that Vitamin C can decompose at about 200 ℃, which limits the usage of Vitamin C on inhibiting coal oxidation.

Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia does not induce additional oxidative stress in pregnant women of South East Nigeria

Objective:To determine the relationship between asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and some oxidative stress parameters in pregnant Nigerian women.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study involving 130 normal pregnant women at various trimesters,who were attending antenatal clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital(UNTH) and Kenechukwu Specialist Hospital in Enugu.A comparable group(control),made of 30 non pregnant women was also recruited.After a 24 hour dietary recall,serum levels of vitamin A,C and malondialdehyde(MDA) were determined by colorimetric method,while vitamin E was determined by absorptiometric method.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in age,parity,estimated calorie,vitamins A,C and E intake between the pregnant and non pregnant groups(P】0.05).The serum level of the vitamins(umol/L) and MDA(umol/L) in control,1st,2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively were:(l)Vitamin A:1.6±0.36 vs 0.6±0.26 vs 0.62±0.33 vs 0.46±0.21(P【0.0001);(2) Vitamin C:75.65±14.15 vs 62.97±24.4 vs 37.85±15.19 vs 28.94±8.52(P【0.0001);(3) Vitamin E:3.01±1.32 vs 3.45±2.01 vs 9.36±2.75 vs 9.82±2.97(P【0.0001);(4) MDA:1.42±0.02 vs 1.61±0.02 vs 1.79±0.02 vs 2.03±0.05(P【0.0001).However,there were no significant changes in the serum level of the vitamins and MDA between the positive and the negative parasitemia subjects(P】0.05). Conclusions:Asymptomatic malaria parasitemia does not induce additional oxidative stress on pregnant women in Nigeria.The enormity of acute and complicated attack should be further investigated.

Sperm quality improvement after natural anti-oxidant treatment of asthenoteratospermic men with leukocytospermia

Aim： To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. Methods： Fifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient＇s treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results： After 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm （17.0 ± 5.2 vs. 29.8 ± 6.5） and total progressive motility （19.0± 7.8 vs. 34.8 ± 6.8） were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded （2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.9± 0.2）. Conclusion： The treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function. （Asian JAndrol 2008 Mar;. 10： 201-206）

Novel pharmaceutical rationale against human lymphatic filarial parasite:An oxidative premise

Objective:Mandate from WHO has boosted up anti-filarial drug research.Diethylcarbamazine citrate(DEC) was not known for any direct effect on filarial parasites.However,recent report proposed its direct apoptotic effect.Oxidative stress has been implicated in apoptotic impact.A study was designed to explore the possibility of oxidative rationale to be operative in the direct anti-filarial effect of DEC.Methods:Various doses of DEC and potent oxidant H_2O_2 alone were used in vitro to check for the effects on B.malayi microfilariae,followed by the use of DEC in combination with H_2O_2.Reversal of the oxidative impact of the drug was tested using the antioxidant,vitamin C and also lipid peroxidation levels in the post incubation culture supematants were assayed.Result:As expected,DEC alone failed to record any anti-filarial effect.H_2O_2 alone also failed to show any significant effect until a very high dose was used.However,in combination significant anti-filarial effect was noticed,which allowed even 44%reduction in the dose of H_2O_2.Any significant lipid peroxidation was not found.Vitamin C demonstrated 30%inhibitory effect.Conclusion:DEC and H_2O_2 combination being able to educe synergistic anti-filarial effect and inhibition of the same by vitamin C hinted towards covert oxidative component in the mechanism of DEC.Further implication of non-significant lipid peroxidation was addressed in the perspective of subtle oxidative nexus that seems to be operative in observed anti-filarial effect. Exploration of such rationale might lead to novel drug development.

Preparation of Vitamin E Intermediate from an Inexpensive Substrate by Selective Oxidation of Pseudocumene in HCOOH–H_2O_2 System

In this paper, 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone（TMBQ） was synthesized through the direct oxidation of1,2,4-trimethylbenzene（pseudocumene, TMB） in the HCOOH–H2O2 system. The influence ofthree active species was studied, including performic acid（PFA） generated in formic acid, peracetic acid（PAA） generated in acetic acid, and trifluoroperacetic（TFPA） acid generated in trifluoroacetic acid. The effects ofsulfuric acid and sodium formate addition were investigated, the overoxidation ofTMB was discussed, and the main reason for the decreasing selectivity was revealed. The oxidation ofTMB can be controlled and improved through adjusting the reaction temperature, mole ratio ofoxidant to substrate, and reactant concentration. The TMBQ yield of28% was achieved with a TMB concentration of0.2 mol/L, H2O2/TMB mole ratio of6：1, and reaction temperature 37 ℃. The selectivity of72% was obtained with a TMB concentration of0.2 mol/L, H2O2/TMB mole ratio of5：1, and reaction temperature of27 ℃. The reaction mechanisms were proposed and discussed based on the gas chromatography–flame ionization detection（GC–FID） and gas chromatography–mass spectrometer（GC–MS） results.

Addition of tert-butylhydroquinone(TBHQ)to maize oil reduces lipid oxidation but does not prevent reductions in serum vitamin E in nursery pigs

Background: Maize oil is abundantly used in foods and feeds and is highly susceptible to oxidation. Consequently,commercially available antioxidants should be evaluated for effectiveness against lipid oxidation in swine diets. Our study was conducted to evaluate growth performance of nursery pigs fed oxidized maize oil and to determine effects of using antioxidants on oxidative status in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Two hundred eight weaned pigs were blocked by initial BW into 13 blocks, resulting in 4 pigs per pen and 13 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments included 6% unoxidized or oxidized maize oil, and 0 or 60 mg/kg of tert-butylhydroquinone(TBHQ), which was added after lipid oxidation. Data for growth performance were collected from 5 time periods of a two-phase feeding program(Phase 1 = d 0 to 12 and Phase 2 = d 13 to 34). Serum and liver samples were collected from one pig per pen, which had initial BW closest to average BW to determine oxidative status on d 34.Results: Oxidized maize oil was heated for 12 h at 185 °C with 12 L/min of air, yielding a peroxide value(PV) of 5.98 m Eq O2/kg and TBARS of 0.11 mg MDA eq/g. Addition of TBHQ to diets containing oxidized maize oil decreased PV by 37% and increased the oil stability index by 69%. Final BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F of pigs were not different among the four dietary treatments. However, pigs fed oxidized maize oil tended(P < 0.08) to increase hepatosomatic index by 5% compared with those fed unoxidized oil, and this was not affected by adding TBHQ.The serum vitamin E concentration of pigs fed oxidized maize oil was less(P < 0.03) than pigs fed unoxidized oil,but this reduction was not reversed by adding TBHQ. Finally, the serum and liver selenium concentration were not different among the treatments.Conclusions: The addition of TBHQ did not affect growth performance and vitamin E status in pigs fed moderately oxidized maize oil, but TBHQ reduced lipid oxidation, enhanced the oil stability, and appeared to reduce oxidative stress.