αB-crystallin malondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase, and lutathione peroxidase changes in X-ray irradiated rat lens

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.

Variations of antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content in nemertean Cephalothrix hongkongiensis after exposure to heavy metals

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.

芒果苷对大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞氧化应激损伤的保护作用

背景:间充质干细胞移植治疗脊髓损伤有一定效果,但仍存在局部氧化应激环境导致移植细胞存活率低、细胞移植效率不佳等问题。目的:探究芒果苷在氧化应激状态下对骨髓间充质干细胞的保护作用。方法:取第3代大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞,按浓度梯度0,20,40,80,160μmol/L加入芒果苷孵育2 h,然后加入含400μmol/L H_(2)O_(2)的无血清L-DMEM培养基及相应浓度的芒果苷继续培养12 h及24 h,以常规培养的大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞为正常对照组。MTT法检测各组细胞存活情况,按照试剂盒操作方法检测细胞培养液中超氧化物歧化酶、丙二醛及过氧化氢酶水平。结果与结论:与正常对照组相比,H_(2)O_(2)组细胞的存活能力显著降低(P<0.01),超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶水平显著降低(P<0.01),丙二醛水平显著升高(P<0.01);与H_(2)O_(2)组相比,芒果苷组细胞的存活能力显著升高(P<0.01),超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶水平显著升高(P<0.01),丙二醛水平显著降低(P<0.01)。芒果苷在20μmol/L浓度以上表现出浓度依赖性的抗氧化应激保护活性,且在160μmol/L以下无细胞毒性。结果表明,抗氧化剂芒果苷可增加骨髓间充质干细胞的抗氧化活性,为骨髓间充质干细胞移植提供一种新的预处理策略。

Growing Development and Physiological Characteristics of Seeds Harvested Different Days after Pollination and Their 7-day Seedlings of Two Yellow-Seeded Cultivars of 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.

Effects of Breviscapine on the Changes in Antioxidant Enzyme Activity Induced by Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion in Rats

\ Effects of breviscapine, the active ingredient isolated from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant) Handmazz, on the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity induced by cerebral ischemiareperfusion in rats were explored. It was found that breviscapine improved the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSHperoxidase and catalase, while decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the brain, which was benificial in reducing the damage from cerebral ischemiareperfusion.

Effects of lead exposure on histological structure and antioxidant capacity in the cerebellum of 30-day-old mice

The current study sought to observe the effects of lead on histological structure and antioxidant capacity in 30-day-old mice.Spectrophotometry was used to detect the activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase,alkaline phosphatase,acid phosphatase and the malondialdehyde content.The results revealed that Purkinje cells in the lead-exposed group exhibited obvious pyknosis,atrophy and a decrease in overall number.Granular cells exhibited a disorderly arrangement,and were reduced in number.Administration of lead decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase,catalase,alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase,while malondialdehyde content increased.Two-way analysis of variance indicated that dose contributed more to lead-induced cerebellum damage than treatment time.The present study demonstrated that lead exerted strong effects on histological structure and inhibited antioxidant capacity of the cerebellum in 30-day-old mice.

Effects of Nitrobenzene on Liver Antioxidant Defense System of Carassius auratus

With superoxidedismutase（SOD）, catalase（CAT）, glutathione S-transferase（GST） and malondialdehyde （MDA） as characteristic indexes, the effects of nitrobenzene（NB） on the liver antioxidant defense system of Carassius auratus were studied under the indoors stimulant conditions, and the toxic mechanisms were discussed. The exposure concentrations of NB were 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/L, and the exposure time was 5, 10 and 15 days, respectively. The results show that the stress responses of four antioxidant indexes in the fish liver to nitrobenzene were different. The SOD activity was firstly inhibited and then induced. The CAT and GST activities were mainly induced. The MDA content in the high concentration group showed a significant time-effect relationship. In addition, the changes of CAT and SOD activities were not synchronous, and GST played an important part in the detoxification process of nitrobenzene.

Effect of La^(3+)on Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Wheat Seedlings under Mercury Stress

The effects of La(NO 3) 3 on the growth,activities of SOD,CAT and MDA content in shoots and roots of wheat seedlings under mercury stress were evaluated by the nutrient solution culture experiment. The results suggest that there is positive effect of La(NO 3) 3 on enhancing the activities of SOD,CAT,decrease of MDA content in shoots and roots of wheat seedlings during 0～5 d. But La(NO 3) 3 evens and cooperates with mercury when plants are too long under mercury stress. Mercury inhibits the growth of wheat seedlings more grievously.

Redifferentiation of Human Gastric Cancer Cells Induced by Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Selenite

Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of ascorbic acid (AA) and sodium selenite (SS) on growth inhibition and redifferentiation in human gastric cancer cells. Methods In the present study, trypan blue dye exclusion method was used to determine the cell growth curve and mitotic index, cell electrophoresis and colonogenic potential were used as the indexes of redifferentiation. In order to find out the mechanisms of redifferentiation, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) were assayed, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and H2O2 were evaluated. Results After treatment with AA 3 mol/L + SS 2μmol/L, the growth rate and mitotic index of human gastric cancer cells (MGc-803) decreased remarkably. The indexes related with cell malignancy were alleviated. For example, cell surface charge was obviously decreased, the electrophoresis rate was dropped from 2.21 to 1.15μm·s-1·V-1·cm-1. The indexes related with cell redifferentiation were promoted. For example, the colonogenic potential was decreased to 93.5%. These results indicated that redifferentiation of human gastric cancer cells was successfully induced by AA + SS. The activities of SOD and GPX were significantly higher, while the activity of CAT was slower in treated group than that in the control. The content of MDA was slightly decreased, GSH was sharply decreased, and H2O2 content was dramatically increased. Conclusion These results indicated that combination of ascorbic acid and sodium selenite may induce the redifferentiation of human gastric cancer cells and inhibit cell growth by virtue of enhancing the activities of antioxidative enzymes and inducing the formation of H2O2, and altering the cell redox status. Combination of ascorbic acid and sodium selenite may be a potent anticancer agent for human gastric cancer.

Ameliorative effect of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata(Poir.) Hook.f.& Thoms.roots(ACP) on APAP/CC1_4 induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats and in vitro free radical scavenging property

Objective:To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of alkaloid extract of Cyclea peltata(C.peltata) against paracetamol/carbon tetra chloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats.Methods:In viro paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in Wistar rats,in vitro free radical scavenging studies,HPTLC estimation of letrandrine and direct analysis in real timemass spectrometry of alkaloid extract of C.peltata were used for the validation.Results:The results showed that pretreatment with alkaloid extract of C.peltata caused significant reduction of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase,serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase,serum alkaline phosphatase,serum cholesterol,liver malondialdehyde levels.The reduced glutathione,catalase,superoxide dismutase levels in liver were increased with alkaloid extract of C.peltata treatment.These results were almost comparable to silymarin and normal control.Histopathological studies also substantiated the biochemical findings.The in vitro hydroxyl,superoxide and DPPH scavenging study of alkaloid extract of C. peltata showed significant free radical scavenging property.Conclusions:The hepatoprotective property of alkaloid extract of C.peltata against paracetamol/carbon tetrachloride may be due the synergistic action of alkaloids especially tetrandrine,fangchinoline through free radical scavenging and thus preventing oxidative stress.

Evaluation of oxidant-antioxidant status in overweight and morbidly obese Saudi children

AIM: To evaluate the antioxidant enzymes and oxidative products in overweight and obese Saudi children before the onset of metabolic complications.METHODS: The study was carried out on 231 Saudi children. They were classified into three groups: uncomplicated overweight, uncomplicated morbid obesity, and the matched age group as control. All subjects underwent anthropometric measurements and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), glutathione reductase, the concentrations of reduced GSH, malondialdehyde(MDA) oxidized lowdensity lipoprotein(ox-LDL) and advanced oxidation protein products(AOPPs) were measured in the blood of these groups.RESULTS: Overweight and obese children had a significantly higher body mass index, while obese children only had a significantly higher waist-to-hip ratio compared to that of the control group. The enzyme activities under study were significantly elevated in the overweight group, although they were significantly reduced among obese children. The concentration of GSH was reduced in both the overweight and obese groups. The mean values of ox-LDL, MDA and AOPP were non-significantly increased in overweight children, while theywere significantly elevated in obese children compared to that of normal weight children. A significant disturbance of oxidant-antioxidant status was observed in severely morbid children.CONCLUSION: The increase of oxidative stress in obese children is associated with the increase in AOPPs and MDA which reflects an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defense.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Level of Stroke Patients in Osun State, South-Western Nigeria

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress which is as a result of increased activity of free radicals and decreased antioxidant mechanism plays a major role in the pathogenesis of stroke. This study determined the plasma level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress and enzymatic Antioxidants namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Catalase (CAT) in sixty stroke patients of both sexes attending Wesley Guide Hospital, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ilesa, Osun State. An equal number of healthy subjects were used as control. The result of this study revealed a significantly (p < 0.05) high plasma level of MDA in stroke patients when compared with the control subjects. Plasma level of SOD in stroke patients was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control subjects while plasma GPx and CAT level were found to be significantly lower (p < 0.05) in stroke patients than the control subjects. The result of the study indicated high level of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in stroke patients and high degree of free radicals presence as indicated by the high level of SOD.

Effects of tributyltin (TBT) on enzyme activity and oxidative stress in hepatopancreas and hemolymph of small abalone,Haliotis diversicolor supertexta

We investigated the effect of tributyltin (TBT) exposure on the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity levels of the superoxide dismutase (SOD),catalase (CAT),and acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP and AKP) enzymes in the small abalone,Haliotis diversicolor supertexta.We collected samples of the hepatopancreas and hemolymph 2,6,24,48,96,and 192 h after exposure to 0.35 μg (Sn)/L TBT.In the hepatopancreas,ACP activity was significantly higher in animals exposed to TBT 2,24,and 96 h post-exposure compared with the control animals.AKP activity was also higher after 2 h,but SOD and CAT activity was unchanged.The concentration of MDA in the hemolymph was significantly higher than the control animals 2 and 6 h post-exposure.In the hemolymph of animals exposed to TBT,ACP activity was significantly lower than in the control animals 192 h post-exposure,whereas AKP activity was significantly lower 2 and 192 h post-exposure.Hemolymph SOD activity and levels of MDA were significantly lower than in the control animals 24 h after exposure but significantly higher after 96 h.Our results demonstrate that exposure to TBT cause rapid changes in ACP and AKP activity as well as altering the concentration of MDA in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph.SOD and CAT do not appear to be involved in the detoxification of TBT in the hepatopancreas of small abalone.

Biological Effects of Low Energy N^+ Beams Implantation on Calluses of Autotetraploid Rice

Calluses of two autotetraploid rice （DPR （4） and Zijing （4）） were implanted with 30 KeV N＋beams at doses ranging from 1.0×1015 to 9.0×1015 ions cm-2. The differentiation rates of calluses, the concentration of malondialdehyde （MDA）, the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT） and peroxidase （POD）, and the change of esterase （EST） spectrum were measured and analyzed on the calluses stage. The results showed that differentiation rates of calluses under 3.0×1015 ions cm-2 （（46.12±2.01）%） were higher than the other treatment groups in DPR （4）, and those of Zijing （4） were similar under the doses of 1.0×1015, 3.0×1015 and 5.0×1015 ions cm-2 （（40.55±2.74）, （37.77±3.04） and （34.56±2.65）%） and were higher than that of 7.0×1015 and 9.0×1015 ions cm-2. When the doses were 3.0×1015 and 5.0×1015 ions cm-2, the activities of SOD, POD and CAT were notably enhanced, and the accumulation of MDA content was markedly alleviated in the implanted calluses of two materials, as well as the activity of EST was increased by the additional isforms DPR （4）. Whereas the anti-oxidative systems and enzymes spectrum of EST were destroyed seriously, the accumulation of MDA was signiifcantly aggravated, also the differentiation rate of calluses reduced sharply and almost closed to zero when the implantation doses were 7.0×1015 and 9.0×1015 ions cm-2. It suggested that the proper dose of ion implantation effectively maintained the normal membrane structure and metabolism, and it would be also a feasible approach for autotetraploid rice to improve its genetic characteristics at calluses stage. Additionally, the differences of the radiation resistance between DPR （4） and Zijing （4） could be related to the different genotypes.

Assessment of Biochemical and Antioxidative Status in Patients Suffering from Dengue Fever

Summary：A multi-centred study was designed to collect dengue epidemiologic data from government and registered private hospitals/clinics and maintained archive of frozen specimens in bio-bank to be used for future dengue epidemic control program, and assess the epidemiology of dengue fever（DF） by evaluating biochemical and oxidative status of patients. ELISA Ig M antibodies test was done to confirm DF. From August 2010 to December 2011, 101 confirmed blood samples of DF patients referred to pathology lab of Jinnah Hospital Lahore were subjected to the epidemiologic assessment by evaluating the biochemical and physiological indices and alterations of circulating antioxidants. Clinical features of DF patients and effect of fever on blood components and serum proteins of liver were recorded. The hospital stay in DF, dengue hemorrhagic fever（DHF） and dengue shock syndrome（DSS） showed significant difference. Significant increases in serum alanine amino transferase（ALT）（P=0.000）, aspartate amino transferase（AST）（P=0.000）, alkaline phosphatase（ALP）（P=0.000）, malondialdehyde（MDA） along with significant decreases in total protein（TP）（P=0.000）, reduced glutathione（GSH）（P=0.000）, superoxide dismutase（SOD）, catalase（CAT）（P=0.000）, and sialic acid contents（P=0.016） were observed. A positive correlation existed between bound sialic acid levels, liver enzymes and circulating antioxidants（r=0.656, P=0.016）. In the present study, alterations of circulating antioxidants in DF suggest that DF might be a metabolic response to an acute, self-limiting tropical viral infection, and a consequence of the viral inflammatory process.

Assessment of antioxidant status of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective:To determine the antioxidant status of females with polycystic ovarian syndrome.Methods:Blood samples of 85 females(45 newly diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome patients and 40 apparently healthy subjects)between 25 and 45 years of age were obtained from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital,Ado Ekiti,Ekiti State,Nigeria.Spectrophotometry was used to evaluate the plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde,vitamin A,C and E,reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase,catalase and superoxide dismutase.Results:The concentrations of malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase activity significantly increased(P<0.05)in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome compared with the healthy controls,while concentrations of reduced glutathione,vitamins A,C,E and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome showed significant decrease(P<0.05)compared to the healthy controls.This study showed that oxidative stress may assume a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome.There were significant negative correlations between malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase,catalase(P<0.01)and vitamin A(P<0.05),while there was a significant positive correlation(P<0.01)between malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase.In addition,vitamins A(P<0.05),C(P<0.01)and E(P<0.01)showed significant positive correlations with catalase antioxidant enzyme.However,vitamins C and E showed significant positive correlation(P<0.05)among each other.Conclusions:The involvement of antioxidants in the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome may be helpful as secondary therapy to prevent oxidative damage and may be used as a potential approach to overcome metabolic as well as reproductive disorders associated with infertility in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Lipid Peroxidation and Some Antioxidant Enzymes Evaluation in Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Treated Male and Female Wistar Rats Exposed to Chronic Restraint Stress

This study was designed to assess the effect to apple cider vinegar (ACV) on oxidative stress biomarkers in male and female Wistar rats exposed to chronic restraint stress. Severe and persistent stress elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by metabolic and physiological processes;causing cellular damage. Thirty (30) Adult Wistar rats of both sexes weighing about 150 - 200 g were divided into 3 groups each consisting of a male and female subgroup and given the following treatments once a day for 21 days: Normal control group received 0.5 ml distilled water orally, the restraint stress (RS) group was exposed to chronic restraint stress 6 hours daily while the Apple cider vinegar (ACV)-treated group received 4 ml/kg of apple cider vinegar orally in addition to chronic restraint stress 6 hours daily. The rats were sacrificed after the experimental period and blood was collected via cardiac puncture for assessing oxidative stress biomarkers. ACV (4 ml/kg) treatment decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and serum catalase (CAT) activity while upregulating endogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The findings of this study show that the female Wistar rats are more predisposed to the antioxidant effect of ACV than the males.

FRIOS Parameters, Key to Reduce Feto-Maternal Mortality in Pre-Eclampsia

Objective(s): To evaluate the role of free radical induced oxidative stress in predicting, prevent and prompt management of pre-eclampsia. Method(s): This prospective study was conducted on 320 pregnant women of which 240 women with pregnancy induced hypertension taken as study group and 80 normal pregnant women were taken as control. Free radical status was evaluated by estimating lipid peroxidation product malonyladehyde and antioxidants-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS software. Result(s): Pre-eclampsia is significantly associated with free radical induced oxidative stress. Serum level of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde increased in pre-eclamptic women. Serum level of antioxidants SuperOxide Dismutase, Catalase level, Glutathione Reductase were reduced. Results are statistically significant. Conclusion(s): Free radical induced oxidative stress is increasing in pre-eclampsia and plays a critical role in etiopathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.

The Role of Serum Ceruloplasmin and Oxidative Stress Markers in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: The study aimed at evaluation of the role of ceruloplasmin (A protein involved in iron homeostasis and can inactivate free radicals) and other oxidative stress markers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: This observational case control study included 90 persons divided into 3 equal groups: group A of 30 normal persons as a control group, group B of 30 patients of untreated (POAG) (firstly diagnosed) by the clinical characters including measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), optic disc cupping and visual field changes and group C of 30 patients of POAG under medical treatment by topical anti-glaucomatous drugs. Serum ceruloplasmin, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and catalase activity were measured in all groups, statistical analysis of the data was performed. Results: In a comparison to group A of control, serum ceruloplasmin decreased significantly in group B of untreated POAG (20.95 ± 6.01) mg-dl and in group C of POAG under treatment (22.15 ± 6.14) mg-dl (P 0.05). Also, serum superoxide dismutase increased significantly in group B (2.23 ± 0.4) and in group C (2.19 ± 0.38) U-ml (P 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde increased significantly in group B (3.82 ± 0.74) nmol-ml and in group C (3.55 ± 0.73) nmol-ml (P 0.05). Serum catalase decreased significantly in group B (17.97 ± 2.75) U-ml and in group C (18.75 ± 2.33) U-ml in a comparison to the control group A (22.67 ± 3.05) U-ml (P 0.05). Conclusions: Serum ceruloplasmin level and the antioxidant (CAT) activity significantly decreased, while serum levels of SOD, MDA significantly increased in cases of POAG. This may indicate the need for addition of anti-oxidative stress therapy in combination with the anti-glaucomatous drugs. Monitoring these markers can be considered good indicators for determination of the oxidative stress condition in such cases.

Water Stress Response in Different <i>Jatropha curcas</i>Accessions from Different Geographical Zones of Botswana: Biochemical &Physiological Perceptive

Jatropha curcas L. is one climate smart drought-resistant multipurpose plant with a variety of properties that have conjured interest all over the world due to its potential to produce biofuel. In this study, Jatropha curcas accessions were collected from three different climate zones of Botswana;Northern region (Maun), Central region (Mmadinare) and Southern region (Thamaga). These accessions were subjected to water stress to study their biochemical and physiological responses. Results showed that water stress increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, electrolyte leakage as well as proline content in all the accessions. It is worth-noting that Maun accession exhibited highest proline content, when subjected to water stress. Maun accession also displayed less MAD and electrolyte leakage than the other two accessions, an indication of less perturbation to membranes under water stress. This could be attributed in part, to its higher catalase and superoxide dismutase contents, which presumably prevented lipid peroxidation by mopping up reactive oxygen species. The slightly higher dry weights exhibited by Mmadinare and Maun accessions could be ascribed to their ability to maintain membrane integrity under water stress conditions. It can therefore be concluded that Maun and Mmadinare accessions can be grown under drought conditions commonly experienced in Botswana.