Background: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between ...Background: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between free radical formation and the protective antioxidant mechanisms. The latter mechanisms include superoxide dismutases (SODs) and glutathione peroxidases (GPx) that scavenge excessive ROS and protect cells against excess ROS production. The aim of current study was to determine the serum levels of SOD and serum GPx mRNA as well as the serum prooxidant-antioxidant balance in CVD patients. Method: A total of 103 subjects were recruited, with ≥50% stenosis (Angio+) or –). The expression levels of SOD and GPx in serum were measured using real time PCR. Biochemical-analyses (e.g., triglycerides;high-density lipo-protein cholesterol;low-density lipoprotein cholesterol;fasting-blood-glucose) were determined in all the subjects. Associations of SOD and GPx levels with biochemical and anthropometric characteristics were assessed together with evaluation of the serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB). Results: CVD subjects had a significantly higher level of fasting blood glucose (FBG), TC, LDL-C, TG and hs-CRP levels, as compared to control subjects. The level of serum PAB was significantly higher in the CVD group, 117.92 ± 35.51 and 110.65 ± 27.65 μg/dl in the angio– and angio+ groups, respectively compared to the control group (54.26 + 23.25). Additionally we observed that the SOD-3 level was higher in angio+ group versus control subjects. Conclusion: We have found that patients with CVD had a significantly higher prooxidant-antioxidant and SOD-3 levels. Further studies in larger multi-center setting are warranted to explore the value of emerging biomarker in CVD patients.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate αB-crystallin malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) changes in X-ray irradiated rat lens. METHODS: Eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats received X-ray ...AIM: To evaluate αB-crystallin malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) changes in X-ray irradiated rat lens. METHODS: Eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats received X-ray irradiation to the head with rest of the body protected. The exposure dose ranged from 2 to 25 Grays (Gy). The cataract status were examined by slit lamp and rated with 'four-grade systems' post-irradiation. The lens MDA level, and the activities of SOD and GPx were measured in a short-term experiment post-irradiation, and αB-crystallin protein levels were quantified. RESULTS: The lenses of normal control and the X-ray irradiated groups with the dose up to 10 Gy remained transparent throughout the experiment. The lens first appeared tiny scatters, and even lamellar opacities in the posterior capsule 45 days post-irradiation with the dose of 15 Gy, and progressed slowly to the advance stage of cataract; while, for the higher dose (25 Gy), the opacity of lens appeared much earlier, and progressed more rapidly to mature stage of cataract within 1 month. At the end of the observation (90 days post-irradiation), almost all lenses became complete opacity with the higher dose (25 Gy). The degree of lens opacity was rated accordingly. The lens MDA level was increased, and SOD and GPx activities were decreased with a dose-dependent manner post-irradiation. The αB-crystallin protein level was decreased dose-dependently at the end point of observation. CONCLUSION: Oxidative events and αB-crystallin may play important roles in the pathogenesis of cataract in X-ray irradiated rat lens.展开更多
The antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) content of Cephalothrix hongkongiensis were studied to assess variations in the biochemical/physiological parameters of nemerteans under heavy metal stress.Worm...The antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) content of Cephalothrix hongkongiensis were studied to assess variations in the biochemical/physiological parameters of nemerteans under heavy metal stress.Worms were exposed to copper,zinc and cadmium solutions at different concentrations,and the activity of three antioxidant enzymes,catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GPX),and MDA content were measured.The results show that the activity of each enzyme changed immediately after exposure to heavy metals.CAT was invariably inhibited throughout the experimental period,while the SOD activity was significantly elevated by exposure to Cu^(2+) for 48h,but then decreased.SOD was inhibited by Zn^(2+) during the first 12h of exposure,but activated when exposed for longer periods.Under Cd^(2+) stress,SOD activity decreased within 72h.GPX activity varied greatly,being significantly increased by both Cu^(2+) and Zn^(2+),but significantly inhibited by Cd^(2+) in the first 12-24h after exposure.MDA content increased on Cu^(2+) exposure,but normally decreased on Zn^(2+) exposure.MDA content followed an increase-decrease-increase pattern under Cd^(2+) stress.In conclusion,the antioxidant system of this nemertean is sensitive to heavy metals,and its CAT activity may be a potential biomarker for monitoring heavy metal levels in the environment.展开更多
The advantages of measuring hepatic oxidative status in liver biopsy are that it helps in diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction, reflects the degree of deterioration in the liver tissues, and helps to determine the severit...The advantages of measuring hepatic oxidative status in liver biopsy are that it helps in diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction, reflects the degree of deterioration in the liver tissues, and helps to determine the severity of hepatic injury. We aimed to study the oxidative stress state in children with chronic hepatitis by using indirect approach in which antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) are determined in the liver tissue. The present study included 21 children and adolescents (12 males, 9 females) suffering from chronic hepatitis. Patients were selected from the Hepatology Clinic, New Children’s Hospital, Cairo University from November 2006 till 2009 and compared with a group of 7 children who happened to have incidental normal liver biopsy. Children with chronic hepatitis had mean age 8.12 ± 1.15 years. It was further subdivided into 2 subgroups: chronic viral heaptitis (n = 13) and cryptogenic hepatitis (n = 8). GPX, SOD and CAT levels were measured in fresh liver tissue (cell free homogenates) using ELISA. In chronic hepatitis group;there was a significant increase in the hepatic GPX activity (38.59 ± 35.82 nmol/min/ml) as compared to the control group (10.62 ± 6.68 nmol/min/ml). Also a significant correlation was observed between SOD and both ALT (r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and AST (r = 0.74, p < 0.05). GPX correlated with ALT (r = 0.80, p < 0.05) level in the chronic viral hepatitis subgroup. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress could play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis. These preliminary results are encouraging to conduct more extensive clinical studies combining antioxidant therapy with various treatments.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase (LMWH-SOD) conjugate may exhibit good neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury though anti...BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase (LMWH-SOD) conjugate may exhibit good neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury though anticoagulation, decreasing blood viscosity, having anti-inflammatory activity, and scavenging oxygen free radicals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intervention effects of LMWH-SOD conjugate on serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, and neurobiochemical experiment was performed at the Institute of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University between April and July 2004. MATERIALS: A total of 60 Mongolian gerbils of either gender were included in this study. Total cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced in 50 gerbils by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries. The remaining 10 gerbils received a sham-operation (sham-operated group). Kits of SOD, NO, and MPO were sourced from Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, China. LMWH, SOD, and LMWH-SOD conjugates were provided by Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnique, Shandong University, China. METHODS: Fifty successful gerbil models of total cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were evenly randomized to five groups: physiological saline, LMWH-SOD, SOD, LMWH + SOD, and LMWH. At 2 minutes prior to ischemia, 0.5 mL/65 g physiological saline, 20 000 U/kg LMWH-SOD conjugate, 20 000 U/kg SOD, a mixture of SOD (20 000 U/kg) and LMWH (LMWH dose calculated according to weight ratio, LMWH: SOD = 23.6:51), and LMWH (dose as in the LMWH + SOD group) were administered through the femoral artery in each above-mentioned group, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum levels of NO, MPO, and GSH-Px. RESULTS: Compared with 10 sham-operated gerbils, the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury gerbils exhibited decreased serum levels of GSH-Px and increased serum levels of NO and MPO (P 〈 0.01). The serum level of GSH-Px was significantly upregulated in all groups, in particular in the LMWH-SOD group (P 〈 0.01), compared with the physiological saline group (P 〈 0.05-0.01). Following medical treatment, serum levels of NO and MPO were significantly downregulated in all groups, in particular in the LMWH-SOD group (P 〈 0.01). Serum levels of GSH-Px, NO, and MPO in the LMWH-SOD group were close to those in the sham-operated group (P 〉 0.05). CONCLUSION: In cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, LMWH-SOD conjugate exhibits stronger neuroprotective effects on free radical scavenging, inflammation inhibition, and cytotoxicity inhibition than simple or combined application of LMWH and SOD by downregulating NO and MPO levels and upregulating the GSH-Px level.展开更多
This study aimed to understand the growing development and physiological characteristics of seeds harvested different days after pollination and the seedlings emerged from the seeds of yellow-seeded Brassica napus L.....This study aimed to understand the growing development and physiological characteristics of seeds harvested different days after pollination and the seedlings emerged from the seeds of yellow-seeded Brassica napus L..Two yellow-seeded cultivars‘Hongyuan 558’and‘Qinyou 806’were selected in this study,and 50 seeds were collected 30,35,and 40 d after pollination,respectively.The seeds were weighed and placed on filter paper for hydroponic experiments.The seed germination rate was determined 3-5 d later.The physiological indicators including superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD),and catalase(CAT)activities and malondialdehyde(MDA)content were measured for the seeds harvested different days after pollination and the 7-day-seedlings emerged from the seeds.The results showed that the seed dry weights and germination rates of both‘Qinyou 806’and‘Hongyuan 558’increased as the days after pollination increased,especially 30-35 d after pollination.The germination rate and dry and fresh weights of the seeds showed no significant differences between the two cultivars,and almost all the seeds germinated 40 d after pollination.As the days after pollination increased,the SOD activities in the seeds of both cultivars first increased and then decreased,reaching their peaks 35 d after pollination,which may be related to encountering adverse stress.The POD activity in the seeds of‘Qinyou 806’kept declining,and that of‘Hongyuan 558’first increased and then decreased,which may be related to the antioxidant mechanism and adaptive regulation.The CAT activities in the seeds of both cultivars first decreased and then increased.The MDA content in the seeds of‘Qinyou 806’first decreased and then increased,while that of‘Hongyuan 558’kept reducing and was the highest in the seeds 30 d after pollination,which indicated‘Hongyuan 558’was mildly affected by the environment and had strong resistance.The activities of SOD and POD in the seedlings of two cultivars that were emerged from the seeds 35-40 d after pollination became weakened,which may be related to their exposure to stress.The CAT activity in the seedlings of‘Hongyuan 558’was generally higher than that of‘Qinyou 806’,indicating that‘Hongyuan 558’had stronger stress resistance.The MDA content in the seedlings emerged from the seeds 35-40 d after pollination showed a decreasing trend,indicating that the seedlings emerged from the seeds harvested at this stage had mild cell membrane damage and enhanced stress resistance.In conclusion,‘Hongyuan 558’had strong environmental adaptability and stress resistance.展开更多
Primary cultures of rat cortical neurons were treated with H2O2 in an in vitro model of free radical neurotoxicity. Flavonoids extracted from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, known as SSF, at co...Primary cultures of rat cortical neurons were treated with H2O2 in an in vitro model of free radical neurotoxicity. Flavonoids extracted from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, known as SSF, at concentrations of 18.98, 37.36 and 75.92 μg/mL, protected neurons against H2O2 injury in a dose-dependent manner. SSF increased cell survival, reduced lactate dehydrogenase release and inhibited malondialdehyde production. SSF also inhibited reductions in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and Na+-K+-ATPase activities. These results in-dicate that SSF can protect rat cortical neurons against H2O2-induced oxidative injury.展开更多
文摘Background: Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between free radical formation and the protective antioxidant mechanisms. The latter mechanisms include superoxide dismutases (SODs) and glutathione peroxidases (GPx) that scavenge excessive ROS and protect cells against excess ROS production. The aim of current study was to determine the serum levels of SOD and serum GPx mRNA as well as the serum prooxidant-antioxidant balance in CVD patients. Method: A total of 103 subjects were recruited, with ≥50% stenosis (Angio+) or –). The expression levels of SOD and GPx in serum were measured using real time PCR. Biochemical-analyses (e.g., triglycerides;high-density lipo-protein cholesterol;low-density lipoprotein cholesterol;fasting-blood-glucose) were determined in all the subjects. Associations of SOD and GPx levels with biochemical and anthropometric characteristics were assessed together with evaluation of the serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB). Results: CVD subjects had a significantly higher level of fasting blood glucose (FBG), TC, LDL-C, TG and hs-CRP levels, as compared to control subjects. The level of serum PAB was significantly higher in the CVD group, 117.92 ± 35.51 and 110.65 ± 27.65 μg/dl in the angio– and angio+ groups, respectively compared to the control group (54.26 + 23.25). Additionally we observed that the SOD-3 level was higher in angio+ group versus control subjects. Conclusion: We have found that patients with CVD had a significantly higher prooxidant-antioxidant and SOD-3 levels. Further studies in larger multi-center setting are warranted to explore the value of emerging biomarker in CVD patients.
基金Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Scholars, the Second Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University (No.SDFEY-2007-10)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81000383)+2 种基金Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (No.20100072120051)Program of Tongji University (No.1500219024 No.2010QH04 and No. 2010YF02)
文摘AIM: To evaluate αB-crystallin malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) changes in X-ray irradiated rat lens. METHODS: Eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats received X-ray irradiation to the head with rest of the body protected. The exposure dose ranged from 2 to 25 Grays (Gy). The cataract status were examined by slit lamp and rated with 'four-grade systems' post-irradiation. The lens MDA level, and the activities of SOD and GPx were measured in a short-term experiment post-irradiation, and αB-crystallin protein levels were quantified. RESULTS: The lenses of normal control and the X-ray irradiated groups with the dose up to 10 Gy remained transparent throughout the experiment. The lens first appeared tiny scatters, and even lamellar opacities in the posterior capsule 45 days post-irradiation with the dose of 15 Gy, and progressed slowly to the advance stage of cataract; while, for the higher dose (25 Gy), the opacity of lens appeared much earlier, and progressed more rapidly to mature stage of cataract within 1 month. At the end of the observation (90 days post-irradiation), almost all lenses became complete opacity with the higher dose (25 Gy). The degree of lens opacity was rated accordingly. The lens MDA level was increased, and SOD and GPx activities were decreased with a dose-dependent manner post-irradiation. The αB-crystallin protein level was decreased dose-dependently at the end point of observation. CONCLUSION: Oxidative events and αB-crystallin may play important roles in the pathogenesis of cataract in X-ray irradiated rat lens.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30270235)
文摘The antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) content of Cephalothrix hongkongiensis were studied to assess variations in the biochemical/physiological parameters of nemerteans under heavy metal stress.Worms were exposed to copper,zinc and cadmium solutions at different concentrations,and the activity of three antioxidant enzymes,catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GPX),and MDA content were measured.The results show that the activity of each enzyme changed immediately after exposure to heavy metals.CAT was invariably inhibited throughout the experimental period,while the SOD activity was significantly elevated by exposure to Cu^(2+) for 48h,but then decreased.SOD was inhibited by Zn^(2+) during the first 12h of exposure,but activated when exposed for longer periods.Under Cd^(2+) stress,SOD activity decreased within 72h.GPX activity varied greatly,being significantly increased by both Cu^(2+) and Zn^(2+),but significantly inhibited by Cd^(2+) in the first 12-24h after exposure.MDA content increased on Cu^(2+) exposure,but normally decreased on Zn^(2+) exposure.MDA content followed an increase-decrease-increase pattern under Cd^(2+) stress.In conclusion,the antioxidant system of this nemertean is sensitive to heavy metals,and its CAT activity may be a potential biomarker for monitoring heavy metal levels in the environment.
文摘The advantages of measuring hepatic oxidative status in liver biopsy are that it helps in diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction, reflects the degree of deterioration in the liver tissues, and helps to determine the severity of hepatic injury. We aimed to study the oxidative stress state in children with chronic hepatitis by using indirect approach in which antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) are determined in the liver tissue. The present study included 21 children and adolescents (12 males, 9 females) suffering from chronic hepatitis. Patients were selected from the Hepatology Clinic, New Children’s Hospital, Cairo University from November 2006 till 2009 and compared with a group of 7 children who happened to have incidental normal liver biopsy. Children with chronic hepatitis had mean age 8.12 ± 1.15 years. It was further subdivided into 2 subgroups: chronic viral heaptitis (n = 13) and cryptogenic hepatitis (n = 8). GPX, SOD and CAT levels were measured in fresh liver tissue (cell free homogenates) using ELISA. In chronic hepatitis group;there was a significant increase in the hepatic GPX activity (38.59 ± 35.82 nmol/min/ml) as compared to the control group (10.62 ± 6.68 nmol/min/ml). Also a significant correlation was observed between SOD and both ALT (r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and AST (r = 0.74, p < 0.05). GPX correlated with ALT (r = 0.80, p < 0.05) level in the chronic viral hepatitis subgroup. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress could play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis. These preliminary results are encouraging to conduct more extensive clinical studies combining antioxidant therapy with various treatments.
文摘BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase (LMWH-SOD) conjugate may exhibit good neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury though anticoagulation, decreasing blood viscosity, having anti-inflammatory activity, and scavenging oxygen free radicals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intervention effects of LMWH-SOD conjugate on serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled, and neurobiochemical experiment was performed at the Institute of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University between April and July 2004. MATERIALS: A total of 60 Mongolian gerbils of either gender were included in this study. Total cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced in 50 gerbils by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries. The remaining 10 gerbils received a sham-operation (sham-operated group). Kits of SOD, NO, and MPO were sourced from Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, China. LMWH, SOD, and LMWH-SOD conjugates were provided by Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnique, Shandong University, China. METHODS: Fifty successful gerbil models of total cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were evenly randomized to five groups: physiological saline, LMWH-SOD, SOD, LMWH + SOD, and LMWH. At 2 minutes prior to ischemia, 0.5 mL/65 g physiological saline, 20 000 U/kg LMWH-SOD conjugate, 20 000 U/kg SOD, a mixture of SOD (20 000 U/kg) and LMWH (LMWH dose calculated according to weight ratio, LMWH: SOD = 23.6:51), and LMWH (dose as in the LMWH + SOD group) were administered through the femoral artery in each above-mentioned group, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum levels of NO, MPO, and GSH-Px. RESULTS: Compared with 10 sham-operated gerbils, the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury gerbils exhibited decreased serum levels of GSH-Px and increased serum levels of NO and MPO (P 〈 0.01). The serum level of GSH-Px was significantly upregulated in all groups, in particular in the LMWH-SOD group (P 〈 0.01), compared with the physiological saline group (P 〈 0.05-0.01). Following medical treatment, serum levels of NO and MPO were significantly downregulated in all groups, in particular in the LMWH-SOD group (P 〈 0.01). Serum levels of GSH-Px, NO, and MPO in the LMWH-SOD group were close to those in the sham-operated group (P 〉 0.05). CONCLUSION: In cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, LMWH-SOD conjugate exhibits stronger neuroprotective effects on free radical scavenging, inflammation inhibition, and cytotoxicity inhibition than simple or combined application of LMWH and SOD by downregulating NO and MPO levels and upregulating the GSH-Px level.
基金Supported by Major Project of Agricultural Biological Breeding(2023ZD0404205)Science and Technology Plan Project of Changsha City(kq2107016)。
文摘This study aimed to understand the growing development and physiological characteristics of seeds harvested different days after pollination and the seedlings emerged from the seeds of yellow-seeded Brassica napus L..Two yellow-seeded cultivars‘Hongyuan 558’and‘Qinyou 806’were selected in this study,and 50 seeds were collected 30,35,and 40 d after pollination,respectively.The seeds were weighed and placed on filter paper for hydroponic experiments.The seed germination rate was determined 3-5 d later.The physiological indicators including superoxide dismutase(SOD),peroxidase(POD),and catalase(CAT)activities and malondialdehyde(MDA)content were measured for the seeds harvested different days after pollination and the 7-day-seedlings emerged from the seeds.The results showed that the seed dry weights and germination rates of both‘Qinyou 806’and‘Hongyuan 558’increased as the days after pollination increased,especially 30-35 d after pollination.The germination rate and dry and fresh weights of the seeds showed no significant differences between the two cultivars,and almost all the seeds germinated 40 d after pollination.As the days after pollination increased,the SOD activities in the seeds of both cultivars first increased and then decreased,reaching their peaks 35 d after pollination,which may be related to encountering adverse stress.The POD activity in the seeds of‘Qinyou 806’kept declining,and that of‘Hongyuan 558’first increased and then decreased,which may be related to the antioxidant mechanism and adaptive regulation.The CAT activities in the seeds of both cultivars first decreased and then increased.The MDA content in the seeds of‘Qinyou 806’first decreased and then increased,while that of‘Hongyuan 558’kept reducing and was the highest in the seeds 30 d after pollination,which indicated‘Hongyuan 558’was mildly affected by the environment and had strong resistance.The activities of SOD and POD in the seedlings of two cultivars that were emerged from the seeds 35-40 d after pollination became weakened,which may be related to their exposure to stress.The CAT activity in the seedlings of‘Hongyuan 558’was generally higher than that of‘Qinyou 806’,indicating that‘Hongyuan 558’had stronger stress resistance.The MDA content in the seedlings emerged from the seeds 35-40 d after pollination showed a decreasing trend,indicating that the seedlings emerged from the seeds harvested at this stage had mild cell membrane damage and enhanced stress resistance.In conclusion,‘Hongyuan 558’had strong environmental adaptability and stress resistance.
基金the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People’s Republic of China, No.02-03-ZP18Hebei Provincial Education Department,No. 20015Hebei Provincial Hundred Outstanding Innovated Talents, First Batch
文摘Primary cultures of rat cortical neurons were treated with H2O2 in an in vitro model of free radical neurotoxicity. Flavonoids extracted from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, known as SSF, at concentrations of 18.98, 37.36 and 75.92 μg/mL, protected neurons against H2O2 injury in a dose-dependent manner. SSF increased cell survival, reduced lactate dehydrogenase release and inhibited malondialdehyde production. SSF also inhibited reductions in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and Na+-K+-ATPase activities. These results in-dicate that SSF can protect rat cortical neurons against H2O2-induced oxidative injury.