The effects of aerobic exercise training on oxidant-antioxidant balance, neurotrophic factor levels, and blood-brain barrier function in obese and non-obese men

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity and aerobic exercise training on oxidant-antioxidant balance,neurotrophic factor levels, and blood-brain barrier(BBB) function.Methods: Ten non-obese healthy men(body mass index < 25 kg/m2) and 10 obese men(body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) were included in the study.Both groups performed treadmill exercise for 40 min 3 times weekly for 8 weeks at 70% heart rate reserve. Blood samples were collected to examine oxidant-antioxidant balance(reactive oxygen species(ROS) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity levels), neurotrophic factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), nerve growth factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor levels), and BBB function(S100βand neuron-specific enolase(NSE) levels) before and after exercise training.Results: The obese group showed significantly greater changes than the non-obese group in serum ROS(-0.46 ± 0.31 mmol/L vs.-0.10 ±0.17 mmol/L,p=0.005),serum S100 p levels(-8.50 ± 5.92 ng/L vs.-0.78 ± 5.45 ng/L,p=0.007),and serum NSE levels(-0.89 ± 0.54 μg/L vs.-0.01 ± 0.74 μg/L,p= 0.007) after training. At baseline,the obese group showed significantly higher serum ROS and S100β levels and significantly lower serum SOD activity and BDNF levels than the non-obese group(p < 0.05). The obese group showed significantly lower serum ROS, S100β,and NSE levels and significantly higher serum SOD activity and BDNF levels after training compared with baseline(p < 0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that obesity can reduce serum neurotrophic factor levels and can induce BBB dysfunction. On the other hand,aerobic exercise can improve an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in obese subjects and limit BBB dysfunction.

Pro-Oxidant Antioxidant Balance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with increased morbidity and incident of colon cancer;however its etiology is still unclear. Currently, one of the most probable pathogenesis patterns is increased permeability of bowel membrane and it seems that oxidative stress plays an important role in this pathway. This study was done to assess the pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) in these patients. Materials: This was a cross sectional study of 2 groups including 50 patients with diagnosed IBD and 50 healthy controls. Patients were selected purposively from those referring to adult gastroenterology clinic in 2013. SPSS (ver11.5) has been. A P value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Mean PAB in patients and controls group was 119.98 ± 38.98 HK unite and 52.67 ± 22.80 HK unite, respectively, (P value < 0.001). PAB mean in ulcerative colitis patients was 120.60 ± 33.90 HK unite and in CD patients was 118.20 ± 45.99 HK unite, and showed no significant difference (P value = 0.85). PAB and MDA could detect healthy subjects from IBD patients with sensitivity more that 90% and specificity more than 84%. Conclusion: PAB shifted to pro-oxidants in IBD patients;moreover this shift was unrelated to disease type. These tests could use as screening test.

Effect of antioxidants on the efficiency of jet milling and the powder characteristics of Sm2Co17 permanent magnets

This study investigated the effect of antioxidants on the grinding efficiency,magnetic powder characteristics,microstructure,and magnetic properties of 2:17 type SmCo permanent magnet materials.The results show that adding antioxidants helps improve the dispersion among magnetic powders,leading to a 33.3%decrease in jet milling time and a 15.8%increase in magnet powder production yield.Additionally,adding antioxidants enhances the oxidation resistance of the magnetic powders.After being stored in a constant temperature air environment at 25C for 48 h,the O content in the powder decreased by 33%compared to samples without antioxidants.While in the magnet body,the O content decreased from 0.21 wt.%to 0.14 wt.%,which helps increase the effective Sm content and domain wall pinning uniformity in the magnet.Excellent magnetic properties were obtained in the magnet with added antioxidants:B_(r)=11.6 kGs,SF=79.6%,H_(cj)=16.8 kOe,and(BH)_(max)=32.5 MGOe.

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.

Fast and Balanced Charge Transport Enabled by Solution-Processed Metal Oxide Layers for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Metal oxide charge transport materials are preferable for realizing long-term stable and potentially low-cost perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,due to some technical difficulties(e.g.,intricate fabrication protocols,high-temperature heating process,incompatible solvents,etc.),it is still challenging to achieve efficient and reliable all-metal-oxide-based devices.Here,we developed efficient inverted PSCs(IPSCs)based on solution-processed nickel oxide(NiO_(x))and tin oxide(SnO_(2))nanoparticles,working as hole and electron transport materials respectively,enabling a fast and balanced charge transfer for photogenerated charge carriers.Through further understanding and optimizing the perovskite/metal oxide interfaces,we have realized an outstanding power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 23.5%(the bandgap of the perovskite is 1.62 eV),which is the highest efficiency among IPSCs based on all-metal-oxide charge transport materials.Thanks to these stable metal oxides and improved interface properties,ambient stability(retaining 95%of initial PCE after 1 month),thermal stability(retaining 80%of initial PCE after 2 weeks)and light stability(retaining 90%of initial PCE after 1000 hours aging)of resultant devices are enhanced significantly.In addition,owing to the low-temperature fabrication procedures of the entire device,we have obtained a PCE of over 21%for flexible IPSCs with enhanced operational stability.

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.

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 properties and inhibitory effects of Satureja khozestanica essential oil on LDL oxidation induced-CuSO_4 in vitro

Objective:To assess various antioxidative activities of Satureja khozestanica essential oil(SKE)and its effect on oxidation of low density lipoprotein(LDL)induced by CuSO_4 in vitro by monitoring the formation of conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde(MDA).Methods:The formation of conjugated dienes,lag time and MDA were measured.Inhibition of this Cu-induced oxidation was studied in the presence of several concentrations of SKE.Also total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging of SKE were determinated.Results:It was demonstrated that SKE was able to inhibit LDL oxidation and decrease the resistance of LDL against oxidation.The inhibitory effects of SKE on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 50 to 200μg/mL.Total antioxidant capacity of SKE was(3.20±0.40)nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g SKE.The SKE showed remarkable scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl,IC_(50)(5.30±0.11)ng/mL.Conclusions:This study shows that SKE is a source of potent antioxidants and prevents the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Mechanism study of organic antioxidant and inorganic salt on suppressing coal oxidation

The advantages and disadvantages of organic antioxidant and inorganic salt on suppressing coal oxidation were analyzed on the basis of the theory that coal oxidation mechanisms can be attributed to the free radical chain-type reaction mechanism. The inhibition curves on suppressing coal oxidation of the different type and different concentration of organic antioxidant and inorganic salt were given through experimental study and data processing. Then some conclusions can be gained from the experimental study combining with theoretical analysis. First the inhibition mechanism of the organic antioxidant and inorganic salt is different. The former is that the chemical action is the dominant position. It can be called as the chain termination theory because the free radical is captured during coal oxidation. And the later is that the physical effect is the dominant position. It can be called as the decreasing-temperature theory because the liquid membrane which was formed by the inorganic salt can make coal body be the state of wetness and prevent oxygen from coal surface. Second the inhibition effect of the organic antioxidant is higher than the inorganic salt in the later period. But it is lower in the early period.

Kinetic of Forced Oxidation of Grape Seeds, Walnuts and Corn Germs Oils in the Presence of Antioxidants

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the use of some antioxidants-α-tocopherol, n-octyl gallate, L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate and matcha extract (green tea) as inhibitors of grape seeds, walnuts and corn germ oils oxidation. The oxidation was studied in a forced regime during 700 h, by the addition of hydrogen peroxide and Cu2+ ions. The optimal conditions of the accelerated oxidation process in the analysed systems were established. The progress of lipid oxidation was evaluated by measuring the peroxide value (PV) and conjugated dienes and trienes (CD, CT). A series of secondary products of the lipid oxidation were identified: hexanal, octanal and hydroxy-nonadienal. The intensity of the formation of these compounds during oxidation was monitored. The results of this study showed that the oil samples with the addition of antioxidants showed considerably lower oxidation values compared to the control sample. More effective was the action of L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate and n-octyl gallate, the optimum concentration was 0.1%. An inhibitory effect of the oxidation process was noted for α-tocopherol and matcha extract, the optimal addition concentration was 1%.

Investigation of Lipid Peroxidation Products and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Background: Intravenous application of iron preparations which is a routine treatment of anemia in hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease can lead to iron overload in the body. Redox-active iron can catalyze the formation of hydroxyl radicals and initiation of lipid peroxidation, increase oxidative stress and speed up the development of complications in these patients. Objective: In this study, we determined the markers of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) in serum of patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, who had received repeated treatment of iron supplementation. Patients and Methods: The study included 29 patients undergoing regular hemodialysis treatment. These patients were divided into three groups according to the serum ferritin levels: group I (serum ferritin between 100 and 300 mg/L);group II (serum ferritin between 301 and 600 mg/L), and group III (serum ferritin above 601 mg/L). Results: The serum of patients with the highest concentration of serum ferritin and iron contained significantly higher level of lipid peroxidation products, total hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products and the lowest concentration of sulfhydryl groups, reduced glutathione and total antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that iron supplementation in hemodialysis patients and consequently body iron overload of exacerbated oxidative stress have already been present in these patients.

Oxidation of HDPE in the Presence of PVC Grafted with Natural Polyphenols (Tannins) as Antioxidant

In the current research study, an attempt is made to modification of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by grafting with biologically based phenolic resin, namely, tannins. The reaction was carried out at 110&#176;C in DMF solution. FTIR spectra show the presence of phenolic hydroxylic groups and other functional groups of tannins into the PVC-tannins derivative. Evaluation of the new PVC derivative as polymeric antioxidant for high density polyethylene (HDPE) was the main purpose of this study. Samples of HDPE containing (0.0, 0.5 and 2.0) %W/W from PVC-tannins and pure HDPE were exposed to thermal program by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) by temperature sweep from 100&#176;C to 350&#176;C. DSC scans of the thermal oxidation process of pure HDPE as well as HDPE with PVC derivative show oxidation exothermic stage started at 195&#176;C and continues to 285&#176;C. The samples of polyethylene contain the PVC-tannins show more resistance to oxidation reactions until 215&#176;C for HDPE sample stabilized with 0.5% and 221&#176;C for HDPE stabilized with 2.0%. Faster initiation of degradation rate was observed when HDPE contained PVC-tannins. According to the DSC analysis, the PVC derivative can participate in stabilization mechanism of HDPE but at limited performance.

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.

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.

Pro-oxidative and anti-oxidative imbalance in human semen and its relation with male fertility

Oxidative stress is a common condition suffered by biological systems in aerobic conditions. Human semen also has its own molecular guard against the free radicals created by normal respiratory process or from immune reactions. The equilibrium of the creation and scavenging of free radicals is mandatory in the spermatozoa to fertilize and initiate a full-term pregnancy. The paper is a systematic review of publications that evaluate oxidative stress in semen. The Cochrane Library, Medline (1966-2003), Embase (1988-2003), SciSearch (1981-2003) and the conference papers were searched. When sperm samples from fertile and infertile males were analyzed, some of the mechanisms that determine the oxidative stress level were found to be impaired while others were unaltered. In conclusion, the literature as a whole provides contradictory findings and it is necessary to carry out more work to identify all the enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems involved in oxidative stress in the ejaculate, in order to develop new diagnostic systems and therapeutic strategies for combating detrimental free radical imbalance in the semen.