This study aims to explore the effects of Yin and Yang Double Supplement Compound Chinese Medicine Preparations (YYSBFF) on the reproductive performance, antioxidant levels, and immunity of dairy goats. For the experiment, 36 Alps milk goats were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 18 goats in each group. The ewes in the experimental group were fed with YYSBFF for 14 d prior to breeding and farrowing. The results of the experiment showed that the estrus rate, embryo acceptance rate, and lamb birth weight in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the weak lamb rate was significantly lower. Moreover, the experimental group exhibited higher levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH), antioxidant factors (T-SOD, GSH-Px, MDA), and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG) compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in liver and kidney function indicators (ALT, AST, TP, ALB, CREA, UREA) between the experimental and control groups (p > .05). These findings indicate that YYSBFF can enhance the reproductive performance of dairy goats by regulating the level of sex hormones, while also improving the body's antioxidant and immune abilities.

The lungs are constantly subjected to enormous amounts of air and potentially transmitted agents, leading to a high incidence of severe and complex ailments urging the demand for defensive actions to maintain their regular function. Numerous studies have demonstrated how certain probiotics have many advantages including hindering pulmonary exacerbations in individuals with cystic fibrosis, which encourages the idea of combining them with approved antibiotics as a therapeutic choice for treatment patients with lung fibrosis who also have bacterial infections. This investigation aimed to test the possibility of a combination of Torulaspora delbrueckii as a probiotic with ciprofloxacin in an animal model having pulmonary fibrosis with a moderate load of Klebsiella pneumonia. Ninety adult male rats were split into six groups (15 rats/each): GI (control), GII (lung fibrosis), GIII (lung fibrosis infected by K. pneumonia), GIV (lung fibrosis infected by K. pneumonia then treated with ciprofloxacin), GV (lung fibrosis infected by K. pneumonia and fed with T. delbrueckii) and GVI (lung fibrosis infected by K. pneumonia then treated with combined therapy of ciprofloxacin and T. delbrueckii) for 28 days. Survival rate and bacterial load were determined in various experimental animal groups. Histological variations were examined as well as scanning electron microscopy. Gene expression, various levels of cytokines, redox enzymes, and oxidative stress markers were assessed and compared in different tested groups. The treatment using a combination of T. delbrueckii and ciprofloxacin is suggested as a new method to treat induced lung fibrosis in animals and infected with K. pneumonia as a possible option in complicated infection.

Cerebral ischemia is a prevalent cerebrovascular disorder, with the restoration of blocked blood vessels serving as the current standard clinical treatment. However, reperfusion can exacerbate neuronal damage and neurological dysfunction, resulting in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Presently, clinical treatment strategies for cerebral I/R injury are limited, creating an urgent need to identify new effective therapeutic targets. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, a pro-survival pathway associated with cerebral I/R injury, has garnered significant attention. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the PI3K/AKT pathway in the context of cerebral I/R. Our findings indicate that activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway following cerebral I/R can alleviate oxidative stress, reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), inhibit inflammatory responses, decrease neuronal apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis, mitigate blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, and promote neurological function recovery. Consequently, this pathway ultimately reduces neuronal death, alleviates brain tissue damage, decreases the volume of cerebral infarction, and improves behavioral impairments. These results suggest that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is a promising therapeutic target for further research and drug development, holding significant potential for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.

Immune evasion is a characteristic hallmark of cancer. Immunotherapies aim to activate and support the body's immune system to recognize and fight tumor cells. Induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) and the associated activation of danger signaling pathways can increase the immunogenicity of tumor cells. Therapeutic ICD stimuli activate endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways and apoptosis leading to the cellular expression of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The aim of our in vitro study was to investigate whether mistletoe extracts induce characteristics of immunogenic tumor cell death in cancer cell lines.

Three human breast cancer cell lines and one murine melanoma cell line (SKBR3, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and B16F10) were treated with aqueous, fermented Viscum album extract (VAE: Iscador Qu spec.) and taxol or tunicamycin as positive controls, respectively. To investigate whether VAE induces ribotoxic stress, we measured the ER stress regulators p-eIF2a, ATF4, and CHOP by Western blot. Cell surface exposure of DAMPs (calreticulin, heat shock proteins hsp70 and hsp90), apoptosis and induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by flow cytometry. HMGB1 and ATP were quantified by ELISA and chemiluminescence assay, respectively.

Treatment with VAE resulted in phosphorylation of eIF2α in all cancer cell lines tested and increased calreticulin (CRT) exposure on the surface of pre-apoptotic SKBR3 breast cancer and B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. VAE exerted a concentration-dependent effect in all cell lines, resulting in a significantly increased exposure of three DAMPs (CRT, hsp70 and hsp90) on the surface of early apoptotic cells. Furthermore, VAE elevated mitochondrial ROS production and the release of ATP. HMGB1 release was not induced by VAE.

In this in vitro study, we demonstrated for the first time the potential of a mistletoe extract to induce surrogate markers of immunogenic cancer cell death. This is a primary step in investigating the potential of VAEs to contribute to ICD-induced tumor-specific immune activation.

Sorafenib is a synthetic compound and an orally administered multichines inhibitor that targets growth signaling and angiogenesis. It is widely recognized as the standard of care for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but has toxic side effects. Deinoxanthin, purified from the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, has strong antioxidant characteristics. In this study, the protective effect of deinoxanthin against sorafenib-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this regard, the expressions of DDAH1, KIM1, and INOS genes were examined, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed, and various parameters such as SOD, MDA, GST, CAT, TAS, and TOS were tested biochemically. BUN and creatinine levels were measured in renal tissues. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA methods were used for all these analyses. As a result, the analyses show that deinoxanthin, which has a high antioxidant capacity, reduces kidney injury and can be used as a protective agent. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of deinoxanthin as a protective agent against the nephrotoxic side effects of sorafenib in HCC. Our study identified the potential synergistic effects of sorafenib and deinoxanthin on nephrotoxicity in rats with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Roundup is one of the most widely used glyphosate-based harmful herbicides in the United States as well as globally, which poses a severe risk for terrestrial and aquatic organisms. In order to identify the detrimental effects of Roundup exposure in aquatic organisms, we investigated the environmentally relevant concentrations of Roundup exposure (low dose: 0.5 μg/L and high dose: 5.0 μg/L for 2 weeks) on renin expression, oxidative-nitrative stress biomarkers (e.g., 2,4-dinitrophenol, DNP; and 3-nitrotyrosine protein, NTP), prooxidant-antioxidant enzymes expressions (e.g., superoxide dismutase, SOD; and catalase, CAT), cellular apoptosis, and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) mRNA levels in the kidneys of goldfish ( Carassius auratus ). Histopathological and in situ TUNEL analyses showed widespread tissue disruption (e.g., bowman's capsule shrinkage, melanin pigment formation, etc.) and induced apoptotic nuclei in the kidneys of goldfish. Immunohistochemical and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the expression of renin, DNP, NTP, SOD, and CAT, as well as CYP1A mRNA levels in the kidneys of fish exposed to Roundup. These results suggest that environmentally relevant concentrations of Roundup disrupt kidney architecture by inducing oxidative-nitrative stress, cellular apoptosis, and change in osmoregulatory enzymes (i.e., renin) and prooxidant-antioxidant systems in the kidneys of teleost fishes.

Drug-induced toxicity is considered a crucial clinical affair, as some adverse effects could be severe or life threatening. Drugs may have adverse effects by altering biological pathways that aren't always involved in the drug's reaction. From this perspective, the purpose of the current study was to assess the impacts of paricalcitol, a synthetic, active, and selective vitamin D receptor activator, on dexamethasone-induced liver injury, and discover the probable implicated signaling pathways as well. Male Wistar rats were treated with paricalcitol at a dose of 0.2 μg/kg, daily, i.p for 12 days and injected with 8 mg/kg dexamethasone i.p daily over the last 6 days. Administration of paricalcitol improved liver function markers, lipid profile, reduced histopathologic changes in hepatic sections, and restored normal oxidative status. Moreover, paricalcitol markedly decreased hepatic collagen deposition as confirmed by Masson's trichrome staining. Paricalcitol effectively inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress through decreasing expression of tissue PERK and Chop, increasing hepatic Nrf2, and HO-1 activity. Besides, paricalcitol decreased levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β as well as decreased expression of active caspase-1 p20, GSDMD-N-terminal indicating suppression of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway. Paricalcitol can protect against dexamethasone-induced liver injury showing a promising therapeutic value in drug-induced liver injuries.

Fucoidans, a complex water-soluble sulfated polysaccharide is regarded as a valuable source of new drug development. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical properties of fucoidans isolated from two brown algae Dyctyopteris membranaceae and Padina pavonica and to evaluate their anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. The characterization of fucoidans was investigated with colorimetric techniques and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The different macromolecular characteristics of fucoidans were determined by size exclusion chromatography. The immunomodulatory activity was evaluated using cytometric bead array technology to follow up the secretion of TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide activated THP-1 cells. The antioxidant effect was determined using the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The gastroprotective activity was determined using HCl/EtOH induced gastric ulcers in rats. Pharmacokinetic and molecular docking analysis was conducted. As a result, only fucoidan from D. membranaceae showed an effect on the synthesis of TNF-α in THP-1 cells induced by LPS with IC50 of 77 μg/mL. Fucoidans from both algae showed antioxidant properties with EC50 of 0.2 mg/mL for fucoidan from D. membranaceae, and 0.21 mg/mL for fucoidan from P. pavonica. Furthermore, isolated fucoidans from D. membranaceae and P. pavonica showed important anti-inflammatory activity with percentages of inhibition of oedema of 75 % and 57 %, respectively, at dose of 50 mg/kg, associated with significant gastroprotective activity with percentages of ulcer inhibition of 97 % and 88 %, respectively, at the same dose. Docking study showed the reactivity of this fucoidans. The study highlights the potential pharmacological importance of D. membranaceae and P. pavonica as sources of natural compounds with biological activities.

Although chronic psychosocial stress is linked to cardiovascular diseases, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. For this study, we focused on the mitochondrion as a putative mediator of stress-related cardiac pathologies in a sex-dependent manner. Male and female Wistar rats were subjected to chronic stress for 4 weeks (mimicking an anxious phenotype) versus matched controls. Cardiac redox status, mitochondrial respiration parameters, and expression levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, dynamics, and biogenesis were evaluated. Despite limited changes in behavior and circulating stress hormones (both sexes), stressed males exhibited altered cardiac oxidative phosphorylation via β-oxidation- and glucose oxidation-linked respiratory pathways together with increased myocardial antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation. Conversely, stressed females exhibited a protective and resilient phenotype by displaying augmented levels of major mitochondrial respiratory complexes (complex I, III, and ATP synthase) and a fusion marker (mitofusin-2 [Mfn2]), together with attenuated expression of a fission marker (dynamin-related protein-1 [Drp1]) despite decreased estradiol levels. In contrast, stressed males displayed increased cardiac ATP synthase levels together with diminished peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1-alpha (PGC-1α) expression versus controls. These findings indicate that male mitochondria are more prone to stress-related functional changes, while females exhibited a more protective and resilient phenotype.

Longevity is influenced by various factors, including fatty acid composition and free radical stress, which relate to the membrane pacemaker and rate of living hypotheses. While these aspects are well-documented in some long-lived species, they remain largely unexplored in tree squirrels. This study aimed to compare oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, nitrosative stress, and lipid composition between the long-lived Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) and the short-lived Wistar rat across age cohorts (younger and older). Tissue homogenates from skin, liver, skeletal muscle, spleen, lung, and kidney were analysed for lipid composition (monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), arachidonic to linoleic acid ratio, peroxidation index, and unsaturation index. Oxidative, nitrosative, and antioxidant markers were assessed, including NADPH oxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), nitric oxide synthase, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Squirrels demonstrated higher GST activity, lower free radical stress, lower PUFA, and higher MUFA compared to rats. Antioxidant activities, except for TAC were negatively correlated with longevity. Older squirrels exhibited similar oxidative, nitrosative, and antioxidant profiles to younger squirrels, whereas younger rats displayed highly susceptible fatty acids, similar to older rats. The Persian squirrel's longevity appears closely linked to fatty acid composition and free radical resistance, likely due to increased GST activity. We propose GST's multifunctional role in reducing inflammation, enhancing immune response, providing disease resistance, and antioxidant activity contributes significantly to the longevity of the Persian squirrel.

Infertility has emerged as a significant global health concern, affecting nearby 8-12% of couples in reproductive age worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests a potential link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and infertility in both men and women. Some research indicate that HPV can infect various components of semen, potentially affecting sperm quality by decreasing motility, viability, and increasing DNA fragmentation, all of which may contribute to male infertility. The virus can attach to the equatorial region of the sperm head, enabling infected sperm to transmit the virus to the oocyte or placenta. Consequently, HPV potentially induces apoptosis in trophoblastic cells and disrupts their adhesion to endometrial cells, which raises the risk of miscarriage. HPV may also affect ovarian reserve by causing chronic inflammation, which can impair granulosa cell function and lower serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Besides, HPV-related immune responses also contribute to infertility by producing anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs), which cause sperm clumping, reduce motility through cervical mucus, activate the complement system that damages sperm in the female reproductive tract and interfere with sperm-egg interactions. Moreover, HPV infection has been linked to reduced success rates in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), potentially disrupting critical processes such as the acrosome reaction, sperm-oocyte interaction, and fusion. One potential mechanism through which HPV contributes to infertility is oxidative stress (OS). Triggered OS can negatively impact sperm quality and cause damage to the female reproductive system, ultimately contributing to infertility. Despite these associations, the precise mechanisms and the strength of the relationship remain uncertain. Thus, this review seeks to investigate the potential impact of HPV on infertility, particularly its effects on the reproductive system through OS. A clearer understanding of these processes could inform future health strategies for addressing HPV-related infertility.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], due to its high solubility and permeability, is significantly more toxic than trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] as it generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cellular reduction. Industrial discharges have led to increasing Cr(VI) contamination in surface and groundwater, posing serious environmental and public health concerns. In our previous study, we demonstrated that exposure to 5 ppm Cr(VI) for 4 and 8 months adversely affected body weight, water consumption, and liver function in Swiss albino mice. Histological analyses revealed tissue alterations, disrupted DNA repair gene expression in liver tissue, and a marked increase in apoptotic gene expression after 8 months of exposure. Building on these findings, we employed the same Cr(VI) concentration (5 ppm via drinking water) over 4 and 8 months in the present study. Our results showed a significant increase in ROS generation in the liver, brain, and kidney tissues at both time intervals. Additionally, the presence of autophagolysosomes was markedly elevated after chronic Cr(VI) exposure in each tissue. We also observed altered expression patterns of key autophagy-related genes (Atg5, Beclin1, and Lc3) and mTor in these tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed a significant increase in LC3B expression after 4 months of exposure. Our findings suggest that heightened intracellular oxidative stress triggers a protective autophagy response, mediated via mTOR signaling, to maintain cellular integrity. However, prolonged toxic insult and ROS accumulation may eventually shift pro-survival autophagy toward apoptotic cell death in the liver and brain tissues.

This research aims to establish a chromatin regulator (CR) signature to provide new epigenetic insights into the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

The expression profile of CRs in trabecular meshwork (TM) tissues was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis; The selected hub CRs were further verified by cell experiments.

We found the immune microenvironment of the TMwas changed in POAG patients and identified 3 differentially expressed CRs that were relevant to immunity. Then, we successfully constructed and proved a predicted signature based on these 3 CRs, which could effectively predict the risk of POAG. The genes co-expressed with these 3 CRs and miRNAs with are gulatory relationship were identified, and a miRNA-hub CR network was successfully constructed. The results of the Gene Set Enrichment analysis indicated that these 3 hub CRs were all associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the human trabecular meshwork cell (HTMC) oxidative stress model was constructed, and KDM5B was significantly down-regulated in this cell model. Finally, we found 10 agents that might be helpful for patients with POAG.

Dysregulation of CR expression in TM tissues may be involved in the occurrence and progression of POAG through multiple mechanisms.

Cellular antioxidant activity and oxidative stress are assumed to be critical factors in the aging process. This study aims to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) on endogenous antioxidants in healthy older individuals.

The records were identified through searches in 5 electronic databases (PubMed, Bireme, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) in June 2024 for eligible randomized controlled trials that observed older individuals subjected to RT programs that reported endogenous antioxidant outcomes. The Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise (ranging from 0 to 15) was used to verify the methodological quality of the studies.

Fourteen randomized controlled trials involving 676 healthy older individuals were included in the systematic review. Of these, 10 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that RT interventions did not have significant effects on improving catalase levels (standardized mean difference = 0.84; 95% CI, -0.61 to 2.29) or antioxidant activity (standardized mean difference = 0.28; 95% CI, -0.41 to 0.98). However, RT was associated with a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase (mean difference = -0.16; 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.04) and glutathione peroxidase increased (standardized mean difference = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.13 to 1.01).

Based on available evidence, the meta-analysis suggests potential improvement in glutathione peroxidase gene expression and reduction in gene expression of superoxide dismutase after the intervention physical activity intervention in healthy older individuals.

The transcriptomic analysis was used to explore the effect of electroacupuncture therapy with distant-approximal acupoints based on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) on gene expression patterns and pathways in oligoasthenospermia (OAT) rats. In this study, the rat model of OAT after intragastric administration of adenine was selected as the research object, and randomly divided into a blank group (C), a model group (M), and a electroacupuncture therapy with distant-approximal acupoints group (D). After electroacupuncture intervention, the epididymal sperm quality and serum sex hormone levels of rats was detected and three tissue samples of HPT axis were taken, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by transcriptome sequencing technology. GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the DEGs. The oxidative stress related indicators in serum and HPT axis were also detected to verify the transcriptomic analysis results. Compared with group C, group M rats showed a decrease in sperm count (p < 0.001), sperm survival rate (p < 0.001), and sperm motility rate (p < 0.001); the serum levels of GnRH in the group M rats decreased (p < 0.001), FSH increased (p < 0.001), LH increased (p < 0.001), and T decreased (p < 0.001). Compared with group M, group D rats showed an increase in sperm count (p < 0.01), sperm survival rate (p < 0.001), sperm motility rate (p < 0.001), an increase in GnRH levels (p < 0.001), a decrease in FSH levels (p < 0.01), a decrease in LH levels (p < 0.001), and an increase in T levels (p < 0.001). In bioinformatics analysis, compared with group M, we identified 1656, 518, 530 DEGs in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testis in group D, respectively. Combining the go and KEGG analysis results, three oxidative stress signaling pathways that may be related to electroacupuncture intervention in OAT rats were screened. It mainly involves the glutamatergic synaptic pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway and the glutathione metabolism pathway. Six key genes (Gng12、Grin1、Gng7、Jun、Nf1 and Gstp1) were identified as key candidate genes regulating epididymal sperm quality on the HPT axis, which may affect the reproductive function of rats by affecting the process of oxidative stress in vivo. No matter in serum or in three tissues of HPT axis, GPX4 level in group M was decreased compared with Group K (p < 0.0001), while GPX4 level in group D was increased compared with group M (p < 0.0001). This study found that the effect of electroacupuncture therapy with distant-approximal acupoints based on the HPT axis in rats with OAT is related to the process of oxidative stress. And the main genes involved in the oxidative stress pathway were identified, which provided directions and ideas for subsequent research. But these results are only the preliminary results of transcriptomics, and relevant experiments need to be designed to further verify the mechanism of electroacupuncture therapy in rats with OAT.

The purpose of this study was to interrogate the potential role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators in the process of trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue damage in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Firstly, the expression profile of m6A regulators in TM tissues of POAG patients was comprehensively analyzed by bioinformatics analysis; Plasmid transfection and siRNA gene interference were used to enhance or weaken the expression levels of YTHDC2 in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs); Cell migration ability was detected by transwell chamber assay; Immunofluorescence staining assay was used to evaluate the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) related proteins.

Through the analysis of GSE27276 database, 5 m6A regulators with different expression in POAG were screened out. The results of random forest model showed that these 5 m6A regulators exhibited diagnostic potential and were characteristic genes of POAG. All POAG samples could be effectively divided into two groups based on the expression levels of these 5 hub m6A regulators. Immune cell infiltration analysis indicated that the levels of activated CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells were different in the two subtypes. HTMC oxidative stress cell model and TGF-β2 stimulation cell model were further constructed to verify the expression of the aforementioned hub m6A regulators, and it was found that YTHDC2 mRNA showed the same expression trend in both models. The silencing of YTHDC2 enhanced the migration ability of HTMCs and increased the synthesis ability of ECM. However, when YTHDC2ΔYTH, which lacks the YTH domain, is overexpressed in HTMCs, there is no significant change in the ECM synthesis ability.

The differentially expressed m6A regulators in TM tissues may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for POAG. And, in HTMCs, the expression level of YTHDC2 mRNA was changed under oxidative stress or TGF-β2 intervention, and then exerted its regulation on cell migration and ECM synthesis capability through m6A modification, which may be an important part of the disease process of POAG.

The antidiabetic drug metformin possesses antioxidant and cell protective effects including in neuronal cells, suggesting its potential use for treating neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to assess metformin's effects on viability and antioxidant activity in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons under varying concentrations and stress conditions. Six lines of hiPSC-derived neuronal progenitors derived from healthy human iPSCs were treated with metformin (1-500 µM) on day 18 of differentiation. For mature neurons (day 30), three concentrations (10 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM) were used to assess cytotoxicity. MG132 proteasomal inhibitor and sodium arsenite (NaArs) were used to investigate oxidative stress, and 50 µM of metformin was tested for its protective effects against oxidative stress in hiPSC-derived neurons. Metformin treatment did not affect cell viability, neuronal differentiation, or trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in healthy hiPSC-derived motor neurons. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss was not observed at 50 µM metformin. Metformin effectively protected neurons from stress agents and elevated the expression of antioxidant genes when treated with MG132. However, an interplay between MG132 and metformin resulted in lower expression of Nrf2 and NQO1 compared to the MG132 group alone, indicating reduced JC-1 aggregate levels due to MG132 proteasomal inhibition. Metformin upregulated antioxidant genes in hiPSC-derived neurons under stress conditions and protected the cells from oxidative damage.

The application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has garnered significant attention in contemporary research. However, the impacts of MOFs on aquatic environments remain largely unclear. This study revealed that the water stability of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) is influenced by its concentration, with lower concentrations resulting in higher percentages of Zn2+ release. At 10 mg/L, ZIF-8 significantly reduced zebrafish locomotor activity, with total swimming distance decreasing by approximately 40.5%. Oxidative stress and neurotoxicity markers, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels increased by 2.18-2.24-fold and 1.92-2.24-fold, respectively. Zebrafish ingestion of ZIF-8 was observed, with further analysis showing severe vacuolization and necrosis in tissues, as well as a significant increase in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the gut microbiota. Additionally, the study examined the toxicity of co-exposure to ZIF-8 and other pollutants. When ZIF-8 and copper (Cu) were simultaneously introduced, zebrafish survival rates dropped significantly to 79.2%. Co-exposure caused more severe behavioral impairments, with swimming distance reduced by approximately 53.0%, compared to individual exposures to ZIF-8 or Cu. ROS and AChE levels rose by 2.68-3.37-fold and 2.93-3.77-fold, respectively, while tissue vacuolization and necrosis became more pronounced. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased to 92.2%. This study provides critical insights into the environmental and ecological impacts of MOFs, emphasizing the necessity of considering these effects for their sustainable application.

Propolis has been well known for centuries as a natural preventive and therapeutic agent. Its numerous health benefits are mainly attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds that have a remarkable antioxidant activity. Since phenolics may exert a dual nature (pro-oxidant and antioxidant) the aim of this study was to investigate the safety profile of the ethanolic extract of propolis and the related flavonoid galangin and their ability to protect lymphocytes from irinotecan-induced cyto/genotoxicity in vitro. Isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed for 3 h to three concentrations of propolis extract and galangin corresponding to the average daily dose of 0.25 mL of extract [propolis in 70% ethanol (3:7, w/w)], as well as a five- and ten-fold higher concentration. Cyto- and genoprotective effects were tested using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay. Treatment with propolis and galangin in the selected concentrations exerted high biocompatibility with lymphocytes and diminished the level of cytogenetic damage caused by irinotecan. Propolis at the same concentration offered a stronger protective effect than single galangin. Also, apoptosis was the prevailing mechanism of cell death in our experimental conditions. These preliminary results speak in favour of future investigations of propolis using other available cytogenetic methods and cell models.

The treatment of leishmaniasis has limitations due to drug toxicity and the increasing resistance of the parasite. In this study, we analyze the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and treatment of leishmaniasis, as well as in new therapeutic alternatives of natural origin. The evasion mechanisms against the host immune response involve surface molecules present in the parasite, which modulate oxidative stress to ensure its survival. Drug treatment requires strict monitoring to minimize adverse reactions and ensure patient safety, as mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and depletion of antioxidant defenses are associated with drug toxicity. Plant-derived products with antileishmanial activity impact the parasite's redox balance, inducing apoptosis and reducing its parasitic load. Most studies are still in preliminary stages, making in vivo assays and clinical studies essential, along with the development of accessible formulations. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of leishmaniasis, as Leishmania manipulates the host's redox balance to survive. It also contributes to drug toxicity, as antimonials and amphotericin B increase reactive oxygen species, causing cellular damage. Several plant-derived compounds have demonstrated antileishmanial activity by modulating oxidative stress and promoting parasite apoptosis. Examples include alkaloids from Aspidosperma nitidum, lignans from Virola surinamensis, flavonoids from Geissospermum vellosii, and triterpenoids such as β-sitosterol. Although these compounds show promising selectivity, most studies remain in preliminary stages, requiring in vivo assays and clinical studies to confirm efficacy and safety, as well as the development of affordable formulations.

This study investigated the effects of dietary vitamin E (VE) and selenium (Se) supplementation on body weight changes, blood profile, and semen quality in Dexamethasone (DEX)-stressed Japanese quails. One hundred and five 10-week-old quail cocks were acclimated and divided into five treatment groups: negative control - G1, DEX-treated (20 mgL-1 of drinking water) - G2, DEX + VE (180 mg kg diet-1) - G3; DEX + Se (0.3 mg kg diet-1) - G4; and DEX + VE (180 mg kg diet-1) + Se (0.3 mg kg diet-1) - G5. The birds received their respective treatments over 21 days, and various performance, hematological, and semen quality parameters were measured. Results indicated that DEX treatment significantly reduced weight gain (WG) and feed intake (P < 0.05). Supplementation with VE and Se, individually and combined, ameliorated these effects, with groups G3, G4, and G5 showing similar WG to the control. Hematological analysis revealed significant increases (P < 0.05) in packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count in DEX-treated groups compared to G1. Treatment did not affect blood glucose and cholesterol levels (P ≥ 0.05). Plasma antioxidant assays showed elevated superoxide dismutase and catalase functions and reduced malondialdehyde levels in G3, G4, and G5 compared to G2, indicating reduced oxidative stress. No marked differences were seen in the plasma glutathione peroxidase activities across groups. Sperm motility was impaired in the DEX-only group but improved (P < 0.05) with antioxidant supplementation. In conclusion, dietary VE and Se effectively mitigated the negative impacts of DEX-induced stress on growth, antioxidant status, and spermatozoa motility in Japanese quail cocks. VE and Se supplementation could be beneficial in enhancing the welfare and productivity of poultry under stress.

The detrimental effects of hyperthermia on the testes and the protective effect of thyme essential oil against testicular damage induced by this stress in rams were studied. Twenty-four rams of the Barbarine breed with an average weight of 62.5 ± 0.3 kg and an average age of 24 ± 0.6 months. The experiment consisted of inducing localized heat stress on the first group of rams by applying heat bags to both testicles of six rams (G s). The second group underwent the same heat stress on the testes but received orally 100 µL/day/animal of thyme essential oil (G s-he). A positive control did not undergo stress but received thyme essential oil (G he) with the same doses as the (G s-he) group, and the negative control did not undergo either stress or receive the essential oil of thyme (G c). One hundred twenty-eight adult ewes of the same breed divided into four groups of 32 ewes were used to study the effect of different treatments on the in vivo ram's fertility. Ewes are synchronized and we have applied natural mating with oestrus control, the reproduction balance sheet is calculated after lambing. The results showed that tests of heat stress (HS) negatively affect semen quality but did not cause infertility. However, neither tests for heat stress nor treatment with thyme EO significantly affected the haematological profile. The study of the effect of heat stress on the testes on fertility in vivo showed a drop in the number of females who were fertilized at the first oestrus and consequently a drop in fertility. However, the rams that suffered the same stress but were treated with EO thymus recorded an improvement in these parameters.

Due to the numerous health benefits and therapeutic properties, herbs and plant metabolites/extracts are gaining popularity. This is particularly evident in the current era of drug resistance and the adverse effects of chemical drugs. Ocimum basilicum, also known as basil, has been extensively studied for its pharmacological benefits, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound healing properties. As a result, this plant has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases in both humans and animals. Ocimum basilicum contains various bioactive chemical compounds, such as neryl acetate, 1,8-cineole, p-allylanisole, geraniol, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, and trans-α-bergamotene. The latest advancements in technology can be utilised to enhance the beneficial properties of raw Ocimum basilicum extract. This review compiles and presents the profile of phytocomponents and pharmacological properties of Ocimum basilicum. The findings presented here will contribute to further research on this remarkable herb, aiming to develop effective pharmaceutical solutions for various health issues in humans and animals.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent chronic spinal condition characterized by the deterioration of the intervertebral discs (IVD), leading to structural damage and associated pain. This degenerative process is closely linked to oxidative stress injury, which plays a pivotal role in its onset and progression. Oxidative stress in IVDD results from the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impaired ROS clearance mechanisms, disrupting the redox balance within the intervertebral disc. Consequently, oxidative stress contributes to the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), promotes cell apoptosis, and exacerbates disc tissue damage. Current treatment options for IVDD face significant challenges in effectively alleviating the oxidative stress-induced damage and facilitating disc tissue repair. However, recent advancements in biomaterials have opened new avenues of hope for IVDD treatment by addressing oxidative stress. In this review, we first provide an overview of the pathophysiological process of IVDD and explore the mechanisms and pathways associated with oxidative stress injury. Then, we delve into the current research on antioxidant biomaterials employed in the treatment of IVDD, and outline the advantages and limitations of hydrogel, nanomaterials, polyphenol and inorganic materials. Finally, we propose the future research direction of antioxidant biomaterials in IVDD treatment. The main idea of this review is shown in Scheme 1.

With the continued exploration of the universe, there is an increasingly urgent need to address the health challenges arising from spaceflight. In space, astronauts are exposed to radiation, confinement and isolation, circadian rhythm dysregulation, and microgravity conditions that are different from those on Earth. These risk factors jeopardize astronauts' health, thus affecting the quality of space missions. Among these factors, gravitational changes influence the balance between oxidation and antioxidants, stimulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), finally leading to oxidative stress (OS). OS leads to oxidative damage of biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, which causes the development of various diseases. The occurrence of OS is increased in microgravity and affects multiple systems, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OS, the physiological effects on different systems caused by OS in microgravity environment, and potential treatments for OS. Finally, treatment strategies for oxidative stress in microgravity are summarized, providing some promising approaches for protecting the health of astronauts in future space exploration.

Most research has not been done on the possible relationship between pregnant women's cross-metal exposures and postpartum neuroendocrine functions. The purpose of this study was to look into how co-exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) affected the neuroendocrine and neurometabolic changes in postpartum mice. A total of 24 adult pregnant female mice were used for the study. Group 1 served as control and received neither AlCl3 nor CdCl2 (n=6), group 2 comprised pregnant mice treated with AlCl3 (10mg/kg), group 3 with CdCl2 (1.5mg/kg), group 4 with a combination of AlCl3 (10 mg/kg) and CdCl2 (1.5 mg/kg).Oral treatment of animals was done daily from gestation day 7 to gestation day 20. Upon delivery and weaning on postnatal day 21 (PND 21), behavioural assessment was done on the postpartum mice and immediately followed by sacrifice for assessment of histological and neuroendocrine markers. Our findings revealed that the brain-to-body weight ratio was affected and brain oxidative stress was elevated in mice exposed to AlCl3 and CdCl2 during pregnancy. Given the strong association between postpartum hyperactivity, social interaction index, brain catalase and acetylcholinesterase activity, and the brain/body weight ratio, it is plausible that these effects have played a role in the adverse behavioural abnormalities observed in the postpartum maternal mice. Moreover, it was noted that in certain situations, co-exposures to the metals tended to have opposite effects to single metal exposures.

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is a typical Uyghur medicine. It is traditionally used to treat sticky and stagnant dampness, hiccups and food stagnation, intestinal obstruction, and anorectal diseases.

Our study is designed to investigate the potential of alcohol extract from the aerial part of dill in ameliorating ulcerative colitis induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS) in mice.

In this paper, the chemical composition of the aerial part of dill was speculated from the data obtained by LC-MS and determined by comparing with 10 standards through HPLC. The aerial part of fresh dill was dried, crushed, sieved, and then extracted with 70% ethanol to obtain DE. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were used to test the anti-inflammatory activity of DE in vitro. The impact of DE on UC was also studied in vivo. UC was induced by drinking 2.5% DSS to C57BL/6 mice for 6 days. The positive control group received 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) by gavage, and the low and high-dose treatment groups were respectively given 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of DE by gavage daily for 7 days from the first day.

DE significantly reduces the disease activity index (DAI) and colon histopathological damage. DE can also alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation in UC mice by reducing IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, and MPO levels and increasing CAT and GSH levels in colonic tissues. DE can protect the integrity of the colonic mucosal barrier by reducing damage to goblet cells, increasing the levels of mucin MUC2, and regulating the expression of tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, and Claudin-2. In addition, DE improves the ratio of beneficial and harmful bacteria, thus further alleviating the imbalance of intestinal flora.

DE has anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and an ameliorative effect on DSS-induced UC in mice by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and regulating intestinal flora.

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperuricemia is a common phenomenon, presumably due to reduced renal clearance of uric acid. This study investigated the effect of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors allopurinol and febuxostat to prevent oxidative stress in the kidney of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) rats. In this investigation, 2K1C rats were used as an experimental animal model for kidney dysfunction. 2K1C rats were provided with food and drinking water and received febuxostat at a dose of 10 mg/kg or allopurinol at 100 mg/kg, respectively. After the treatment completion, all rats were sacrificed, and tissue samples were collected. 2K1C rats exhibited increased plasma creatinine, uric acid level, and glomerular injury assessed based on microscopic findings. Both allopurinol and febuxostat significantly normalized creatinine and uric acid levels. Furthermore, 2K1C rats showed increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) alongside decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Again, both drug treatments ameliorated these elevated oxidative stress parameters in 2K1C rats. The antioxidant genes such as Nrf-2, HO-1, and SOD were also restored in the kidneys of 2K1C rats by allopurinol and febuxostat treatment. 2K1C rats also showed increased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-кB mRNA expression in the kidneys which were normalized by allopurinol and febuxostat treatment. Thus, the data suggest that XO inhibition protects kidney function potentially by restoring antioxidant enzyme function and suppressing inflammation.

Reproduction in males is one of the complicated processes that is mediated by many environmental factors, as well as by diet (e.g. supplements, nutritional value). The parameters of reproduction like sperm cells, hormones and testicular histology are highly prone to oxidative stress due to influence of factors on reproductive processes. Polyphenols are naturally present in feed of animals as shrubs, trees and agro-industrial by products. The exposures of these polyphenols through diet have strong antioxidants properties. However, the benefits of these substances on reproductive health are not always certain. The use of these polyphenols in the diet of animals and in the semen extender has been reported as remarkable benefits. These beneficial effects are manifested in the form of improvement of antioxidant potential via the reduction in the production of reactive oxygen species. Polyphenols are also used for cryopreservation of various species for the genetic improvement of various species. This review gathers all the findings related to dietary consumptions of polyphenols on reproductive performance of male of various species as well as use in semen extender in fresh and frozen semen.

The extensive use of antibiotics and their persistence in the environment have seriously threatened marine ecosystems in recent years. The frequent occurrence of extreme weather due to climate change has also increased the uncertainty of effective toxicity identification and risk assessment of the chemicals of concern. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects and potential mechanisms of florfenicol (0.5, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 μg/L) on the embryonic development of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) through 21-d experiment under three temperature exposure scenarios (20, 25, and 30 °C). Considering embryo development, the highest level of florfenicol at 1000 μg/L decreased the hatching success at 25 °C, whereas the total inhibition of hatching was observed at 20 °C regardless of florfenicol concentrations of concern. The ATP content was inhibited by the highest florfenicol dose at 20 °C, while stimulated ATP content at 20 °C and 30 °C, compared to 25 °C. Fluctuation of temperatures, especially at 20 ℃, induced oxidative stresses, including increased MDA contents and decreased CYP450 and HSP90 contents. For inflammatory response-related genes (nf-κb, nlrx1, pycard, caspase 1, and il-1β), an increase of florfenicol dose led to gene upregulation at 25 °C. Conversely, gene upregulation was also observed for all treatments at 30 °C, while predominantly downregulation was observed for all treatments at 20 °C. For genes related to DNA damage and apoptosis (pi3k, akt, foxo1, tp53, bcl-2, bax, apaf-1, caspase 9, and 3), alterations in gene expression were evident for all florfenicol treatments at both 20 °C and 30 °C. Therefore, this study suggests that the combined effects of florfenicol and temperature may disrupt the normal function of mitochondria, impacting ATP production, thereby inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory response, DNA damage, and apoptosis, ultimately resulting in decreased hatching rates and increased mortality. Furthermore, the key findings of this study reveal the complex interactions between florfenicol and temperature and emphasize the need to consider temperature when identifying toxicity and mechanisms, as well as the ecological risk assessment of florfenicol in marine environments.

Eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), impose a substantial health cost on a worldwide scale. Carotenoids have emerged as intriguing candidates for pharmacological treatment of various disorders. Their therapeutic effectiveness, however, is hindered by poor solubility and vulnerability to degradation. Nanocarriers, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles, provide a transformational way to overcome these limits. This review explores the pharmacological potential of carotenoids, namely lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, to treat several ocular disorders. The main emphasis is on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, which help to counteract inflammation and oxidative stress, crucial factors in the development of AMD and DR. The review evaluates the significant benefits of nano-formulated carotenoids, such as improved bioavailability, higher cellular absorption, precise administration to particular ocular tissues, and greater biostability, which make them superior to conventional carotenoids. Some clinical studies on the beneficial properties of carotenoids in eye diseases are discussed. Furthermore, safety and regulatory concerns are also taken into account. Ultimately, carotenoids, especially when created in their nano form, have significant potential for safeguarding eyesight and enhancing the overall well-being of several individuals afflicted with vision-endangering eye diseases.

In our study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of different lichen applications were investigated in rats using an experimental ethanol toxicity model. 48 rats were used in the study and they were divided into 6 groups with 8 rats in each group. These groups were: control, ethanol (2 g/kg), ethanol + Usnea longissima Ach. (200 mg/kg), ethanol + Usnea longissima Ach. (400 mg/kg), ethanol + Xanthoparmelia somloensis (Gyelnik) Hale (100 mg/kg) and ethanol + Xanthoparmelia somloensis (Gyelnik) Hale (200 mg/kg). The experimental work continued for 21 days. Lichen extracts and ethanol were administered by gavage to rats divided into groups. According to the experimental protocol, the experimental animals were sacrificed and their liver tissues were isolated. Biochemical parameters in serum, histological examinations, oxidative stress and inflammation parameters both at biochemical and molecular level in liver tissues were performed. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response were increased in the liver tissue of rats treated with ethanol for 21 days, and liver functions were impaired. It was found that U. longissima and X. somloensis extracts showed good antioxidant activity and conferred protective effects against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. This could be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites in the extract, which act as natural antioxidants and could be responsible for increasing the defence mechanisms against free radical production induced by ethanol administration.

Microalgae have garnered a considerable attention as a sustainable substitute as customary feed ingredients for poultry, predominantly due to their extraordinary nutritive profile and purposeful properties. These minuscule organisms are protein rich, retain an ample quantity of essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, thus are capable of improving nutritive value of poultry diets. Microalgae comparatively delivers an outstanding source of protein containing substantial amount of innumerable bioactive complexes, omega-3 fatty acids in addition to the essential amino acids (methionine and lysine), crucial for optimal growth and development. Besides nutritional significance, microalgae have considerable immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce oxidative stress and enhance immune status, thereby improving the overall health and performance. Additionally, microalgae proved to induce antimicrobial and intestinal health benefits via upregulated gut eubiosis, promoting the colonization and growth of probiotic bacteria and offering protection against infections. These nutraceutical benefits are particularly important for sustainable poultry production and reducing the dependence on antibiotic growth promoters to produce antibiotic free food. This review aims to highlights multifaceted advantages of microalgae as a functional feed additive for poultry diet to support sustainable and efficient poultry production.

Terminalia bellirica and Glycyrrhiza glabra are renowned for their medicinal properties and rich antioxidant content. These plants have been integral to Ayurvedic medicine, treating various ailments for centuries. The present study investigated the nephroprotective effects of aqueous methanolic extracts of Terminalia bellirica and Glycyrrhiza glabra in a Cisplatin-induced rodent model. Both in vitro and in vivo analyses were conducted using established biomarkers of renal function, such as serum creatinine, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, and glomerular filtration rate, to evaluate the nephroprotective effects. In addition to biochemical parameters, renal histopathology was examined through H&E staining, revealing a significant reduction in tubular and glomerular injury following the administration of the plant extracts.

Progranulin (PGRN), an autocrine growth factor with tumorigenic roles in a variety of tumors, is a putative survival factor for normal and cancer cells in vitro. However, the fundamental mechanism of PGRN-mediated survival of cancer cells suffering from various types of microenvironmental stresses, such as serum deprivation, remains unknown. We show here that serum deprivation decreases intracellular PGRN protein levels in cervical cancer cells. PGRN protects cervical cancer cells against serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, limits reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, maintains mitochondria integrity, and reduces oxidative damage of protein, lipid and DNA. PGRN enhances the ROS scavenger system, as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase protein expression and activity, elevated GSH and NADPH levels and increased phase II detoxification enzyme expression in cervical cancer cells after serum withdrawal. The role of PGRN in ROS clearance is mediated by the PGRN-stimulated nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NFE2L2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Our study reveals an antioxidant role of PGRN in supporting the survival of cervical cancer cells under oxidative stress. This insight provides a new perspective on the how cervical cancer cells adapt to microenvironmental stress, contributing to cell viability and other malignant characteristics.

Type 2 Diabetes continues to be one of the major public health issues worldwide without any sustainable cure. The modulation of gut microbiota is believed to be caused by probiotic bacteria and several probiotic strains have previously shown antidiabetic activity. The present study aims to isolate potential probiotic bacteria from traditionally used fermented rice beer of Assam, India and to investigate its anti-hyperglycemic effect. Of the 20 isolated bacterial isolates, 5 isolates showed potential probiotic activities, of which, 2 isolates viz. Bacillus sp. FRB_A(A) and Acetobacter sp. FRB_B(S) showed good in vitro anti-oxidant and anti α-glucosidase activities. Based on the in vitro results, isolate Bacillus sp. FRB_A(A) was further used to evaluate the antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model. After 21 days, the blood glucose level in diabetic rats with probiotic administration significantly lowered from 458.00 ± 46.62 mg/dl to 108.20 ± 6.76 mg/dl (p < 0.001), whereas, in diabetic rats without probiotic remained high (576.20 ± 29.48 mg/dl). On analyzing the endogenous antioxidant profile in various tissues of the experimental rats, reduced lipid peroxidation, glutathione level and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity were observed in probiotic administered rats in comparison to the streptozotocin treated diabetic controls. In conclusion, the bacteria Bacillus sp. FRB_A(A) isolated from fermented rice beer possesses probiotic attributes and exhibits significant anti-hyperglycemic activities.

Objectives: The ketogenic diet (KD) has long been used as an alternative nonpharmacological therapy to manage pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The anticonvulsant mechanisms of KD have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study explored whether a KD could exert antioxidative effects by altering brain Klotho (Kl) gene expression.Methods: Thirty male rats were divided into three groups: the normal diet (ND) group received standard rat chow; the calorie-restricted diet (CRD) group was maintained at 90% of the calculated energy need; and the KD group received a diet composed of 8% protein, 2% carbohydrates, and 90% fat (per calorie macronutrient). The levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in the serum, Kl gene expression in the brain, and Kl protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels in the serum and brain were evaluated by standard methods.Results: The serum BHB levels in the KD group were significantly greater than those in the ND and CRD groups (p < 0.001). The Kl expression in the brain was significantly greater in the KD group than in the ND group (p = 0.028). The brain MDA levels in the KD group were significantly lower than those in the ND group (p = 0.006). Elevated BHB was positively correlated with brain Kl expression (r = 0.668, p < 0.001). The brain MDA levels were negatively correlated with brain Kl expression (r = -0.531, p = 0.003) and serum BHB levels (r = 0.472, p = 0.020).Discussion: KD might exert antioxidative effects by increasing BHB and upregulating Kl in the brain. This could be considered a possible anticonvulsant mechanism of KD.

The natural products industry is gaining increasing interest, not only due to modern lifestyles becoming more aware of environmental and sustainability issues but also because of the loss of efficacy and undesirable side effects of synthetic ingredients. This pioneering study provides a comprehensive comparison between extracts obtained from wild and commercial samples of Fucus vesiculosus Linnaeus, highlighting their multifaceted benefits in cosmetic applications. The antiaging potential of acetone (70 and 90%) and ethanol 60% extracts from wild and commercial samples of F. vesiculosus, focusing on their application in cosmetics, was explored. The extracts were chemically characterized, their carotenoid profiles being established by HPLC, and the total phenolic content and phlorotannins by spectrophotometry. The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential against the physiologic free radicals superoxide anion radical (O2•-) and nitric oxide (•NO), for their ability to inhibit the enzymes hyaluronidase and tyrosinase, and for their anti-inflammatory potential in the macrophage cell model RAW 264.7. The acetone 70% extract of wild F. vesiculosus was the richest in fucoxanthin, which accounted for more than 67% of the total pigments identified, followed by the acetone 90% extract of the same sample, where both fucoxanthin and pheophytin-a represented 40% of the total pigments. The same behavior was observed for phenolic compounds, with the ethanol 60% presenting the lowest values. A chemical correlation could be established between the chemical composition and the biological activities, with acetone extracts from the wild F. vesiculosus, richer in fucoxanthin and phlorotannins, standing out as natural ingredients with anti-aging potential. Acetone 90% can be highlighted as the most effective extraction solvent, their extracts presenting the highest radicals scavenging capacity, ability to inhibit tyrosinase to a greater extent than the commercial ingredient kojic acid, and potential to slow down the inflammatory process.