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Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Our previous study has shown glucose lowering effect produced by 3 months supplementation of Nigella sativa (NS) in combination with oral hypoglycemic drugs among type 2 diabetics. This study explored the long term glucose lowering effect (over one year) of NS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on oral hypoglycemic drugs and to study its effect on redox status of such patients. 114 type 2 diabetic patients on standard oral hypoglycemic drugs were assigned into 2 groups by convenience. The control group (n = 57) received activated charcoal as placebo and NS group (n = 57) received 2g NS, daily, for one year in addition to their standard medications. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C- peptide, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at the baseline, and every 3 months thereafter were determined. Insulin resistance and β-cell activity were calculated using HOMA 2 calculator. Comparison between the two groups showed a significant drop in FBG (from 180 ± 5.75 to 180 ± 5.59 in control Vs from 195 ± 6.57 to 172 ± 5.83 in NS group), HbA1c (from 8.2 ± 0.12 to 8.5 ± 0.14 in control VS from 8.6 ± 0.13 to 8.2 ± 0.14 in NS group), and TBARS (from 48.3 ± 6.89 to 52.9 ± 5.82 in control VS from 54.1 ± 4.64 to 41.9 ± 3.16 in NS group), in addition to a significant elevation in TAC, SOD and glutathione in NS patients compared to controls. In NS group, insulin resistance was significantly lower, while β-cell activity was significantly higher than the baseline values during the whole treatment period. Long term supplementation with Nigella sativa improves glucose homeostasis and enhances antioxidant defense system in type 2 diabetic patients treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) CTRI/2013/06/003781.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pistachio nuts as an adjunct to diet and exercise on body composition, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in Asian Indians with metabolic syndrome. In this 24-wk randomized control trial, 60 individuals with the metabolic syndrome were randomized to either pistachio (intervention group) or control group (diet as per weight and physical activity profile, modulated according to dietary guidelines for Asian Indians) after 3 wk of a diet and exercise run in. In the first group, unsalted pistachios (20% energy) were given daily. A standard diet and exercise protocol was followed for both groups. Body weight, waist circumference (WC), magnetic resonance imaging estimation of intraabdominal adipose tissue and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin, free fatty acids (FFAs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leptin, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistically significant improvement in mean values for various parameters in the intervention group compared with control group were as follows: WC (P < 0.02), FBG (P < 0.04), total cholesterol (P < 0.02), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.006), hs-CRP (P < 0.05), TNF-α (P < 0.03), FFAs (P < 0.001), TBARS (P < 0.01), and adiponectin levels (P < 0.001). A single food intervention with pistachios leads to beneficial effects on the cardiometabolic profile of Asian Indians with metabolic syndrome.

Soils are both a sink and a pathway of plastic wastes, but there is a great lack of knowledge regarding their impacts on soil biota. To tackle the mechanisms of toxicity of these contaminants to soil invertebrates, earthworms ( Eisenia fetida Savigny, 1826) were exposed during 28 days to different concentrations of low-density polyethylene microplastics (62, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg MPs kg −1 soil dw ) with sizes ranging between 250 and 1000 μm, in an artificial soil. The ecotoxicological responses were evaluated by analysing various oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase, glutathione S-transferase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), a biomarker of energy metabolism (lactate dehydrogenase) and overall organism molecular changes by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. Significant effects resulting from an unbalanced oxidative stress system, expressed in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were recorded on earthworms exposed at the three highest concentrations tested. Despite that, no significant changes were recorded on the molecular profiles of earthworms by FTIR-ATR. NMR analysis pointed out for differences from the control, only for earthworms exposed to the lowest concentration of MPs. Considering that stress responses are complex, and involve multiple mechanisms, a cluster analysis taking into account all the parameters assessed, clearly identified two groups of earthworms separated by the concentration of 250 mg MPs kg −1 soil dw , above each meaningful effects were recorded.

Postprandial oxidative stress has been shown to promote atherosclerosis. Grape pomace (GP) is a source of similar-to-wine bioactive micro-constituents with known antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate metabolic and oxidative stress responses after the intake of grape pomace (GP) extract along with a high-fat meal, in normal and overweight healthy women. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 18 women were finally included, 11 with BMI < 25 kg/m2 and 7 with BMI > 25 kg/m2, and consumed a high-fat meal with placebo or GP extract capsules in two separate visits. Blood samples were collected before and 6 h after the consumption. Measurements included basic biochemical markers, uric acid (UA), protein carbonyls (PC), thiobarbituric acid substance (TBARS) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. At certain time points, the GP extract consumption in normal-weight women reduced UA, TBARS levels, and SOD activity, whereas it increased UA and reduced PC levels in overweight/obese women, compared to the placebo. GP-derived bioactive compounds may exert antioxidant actions during the postprandial state in healthy women, through different mechanisms according to their BMI status.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of triglyceride within hepatocytes. Taurine is a sulfur-containing-β-amino acid that is widely distributed in mammalian tissues. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of taurine on the development of hepatic steatosis in a model of NAFLD in vivo and in vitro. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with 2% (w/v) or 5% (w/v) taurine for 12 weeks. An in vitro study was performed in HepG2 cells loaded with fatty acids. Twelve weeks of supplementation with an HFD increased the hepatic lipid levels and oxidative stress as well as the body weight and liver weight. Taurine significantly suppressed these changes, which was accompanied by a decrease in the hepatic level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). In addition, taurine treatment suppressed the HFD-induced reduction of the enzyme activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase and the reduction of the hepatic level of reduced glutathione and ATP. In HepG2 cells, taurine suppressed the fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation, production of reactive oxygen species and TBARS level, and amelioration of the fatty acid-induced disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential. These results showed that taurine was effective in alleviating hepatic steatosis by reducing oxidative stress. Taurine may, therefore, be of therapeutic value in reducing the risks associated with NAFLD.

Microplastics (MPs) are of environmental concern to marine ecosystems owing to the evidence of their presence in and adverse effects on organisms, but studies to address this problem on soils and its biota are scarce. Several questions can arise related to this major environmental problem and its impact on terrestrial ecosystems, mainly, whether MPs can transport contaminants (e.g. pesticides) to the soil matrix and if they can be a carrier of pesticides to soil biota. To contribute to the understanding of these issues, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed for 14 days to soil containing two different sized MPs (5?mm and 0.25 µm-1?mm) that were either previously sprayed or not with chlorpyrifos (CPF). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured to track the exposure of the earthworms to MPs, both non-sprayed and sprayed with CPF. The behaviour of the earthworms in the test containers and the movement of MPs in the soil were assessed. The concentration of CPF in soil at the end of the experiment differed between the treatments with MPs of different sizes (17.9?ng?g?1 and 2442?ng?g?1 for large and small MPs, respectively). Despite the ability of the MPs to release CPF to the soil, the earthworms avoided the contaminated MPs at the highest contaminant level. At a lower concentration of CPF (large MPs), the earthworms avoided the MPs, but the contact time with contaminated soil was higher, as shown by the enhanced level of TBARs and AChE inhibition. However, no evidence of MPs uptake was recorded, thus it was not demonstrated that MPs can be carriers of pesticides to earthworms.

This work examines the involvement of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in salicylic acid (SA)-induced alleviation of oxidative stress as a result of cadmium (Cd) stress in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seedling roots. CdCl2 exposure caused severe growth inhibition and Cd accumulation, which were potentiated by pre-treatment with zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPPIX), a potent HO-1 inhibitor. Pre-treatment of plants with the HO-1 inducer haemin or SA, both of which could induce MsHO1 gene expression, significantly reduced the inhibition of growth and Cd accumulation. The alleviation effects were also evidenced by a decreased content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The antioxidant behaviour was confirmed by histochemical staining for the detection of lipid peroxidation and the loss of plasma membrane integrity. Furthermore, haemin and SA pre-treatment modulated the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD), or their corresponding transcripts. Significant enhancement of the ratios of reduced/oxidized homoglutathione (hGSH), ascorbic acid (ASA)/dehydroascorbate (DHA), and NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+, and expression of their metabolism genes was observed, consistent with a decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) distribution in the root tips. These effects are specific for HO-1, since ZnPPIX blocked the above actions, and the aggravated effects triggered by SA plus ZnPPIX were differentially reversed when carbon monoxide (CO) or bilirubin (BR), two catalytic by-products of HO-1, was added. Together, the results suggest that HO-1 is involved in the SA-induced alleviation of Cd-triggered oxidative stress by re-establishing redox homeostasis.

Krill oil is a rich source of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may alter immune function after exercise. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of krill oil supplementation on post exercise immune function and performance. Nineteen males and 18 females (age: 25.8 ± 5.3 years; mean ± S.D.) were randomly assigned to 2 g/day of krill oil (n = 18) or placebo (n = 19) supplementation for 6 weeks. A maximal incremental exercise test and cycling time trial (time to complete set amount of work) were performed pre-supplementation with the time trial repeated post-supplementation. Blood samples collected pre- and post- supplementation at rest, and immediately, 1 and 3h post-exercise. Plasma IL-6 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations and, erythrocyte fatty acid composition were measured. Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFNγ production were also measured. No effects of gender were noted for any variable. PBMC IL-2 and NK cell cytotoxic activity were greater (P < 0.05) 3h post exercise in the krill oil compared to the control group. Plasma IL-6 and TBARS, PBMC IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFNγ production, along with performance and physiological measures during exercise, were not different between groups. Six weeks of krill oil supplementation can increase PBMC IL-2 production and NK cell cytotoxic activity 3h post-exercise in both healthy young males and females. Krill oil does not modify exercise performance.

Background Lemon ( Citrus limon ) is a flowing plant belonging to the Rutaceae family. Citrus plants constitute one of the main valuable sources of essential oil used in foods and medicinal purposes. Methods In this study, we assessed chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of C. limon essential oil ( Cl EO) with its preservative effect against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated in minced beef meat. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the major components of the obtained Cl EO. The antioxidant activities of this Cl EO were determined according to the β-carotene bleaching assay, as well as by 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. For antimicrobial activity, agar well diffusion method was used and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as well as the minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were determined. The in situ effect of the Cl EO was evaluated through physicochemical parameters (pH and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as well as against L. monocytogenes in minced beef meat model. Results Twenty one components were identified in the Cl EO and the two dominant compounds were limonene (39.74%) and β-Pinene (25.44%). This Cl EO displayed an excellent DPPH scavenging ability with an extract concentration providing 50% inhibition (IC 50 ) of 15.056 μg/ml and a strong β-carotene bleaching inhibition after 120 min of incubation with an IC 50 of 40.147 μg/ml. The MICs varied from 0.039 to 1.25 mg/ml for Gram positive bacteria and from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/ml for Gram-negative bacteria. The meat preserving potential of Cl EO was investigated against L. monocytogenes . Cl EO successfully inhibited development of L. monocytogenes in minced beef meat. The application of Cl EO at a 0.06 and 0.312 mg/g, may open new promising opportunities for the prevention of contamination from and growth of pathogenic bacteria, particularly L. monocytogenes , during minced beef meat storage at 4 °C. Additionally, during storage period, physicochemical values (pH and TBARS) were higher in control meat than treated meat with Cl EO suggesting an efficient antioxidant activity of Cl EO. Conclusion It was suggested that the Cl EO may be a new potential source as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents applied in food systems and pharmaceutical industry.

Rice bran (RB) is a major by-product of rice polishing and a rich source of bioactive compounds. Here, we investigated the anti-colitis effect of diet supplementation with fermented rice bran (FRB) in a murine model of ulcerative colitis. FRB was prepared by dual fermentation of RB using fungi and lactic acid bacteria. Colitis was induced in C57Bl/6N male mice (n = 8/group) by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Body weight change, disease activity index (DAI), histopathology score, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, cytokine and chemokine transcript levels, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and mucin in the colonic tissue were monitored. Based on histopathology scores, DSS induced severe mucosal inflammation, with an increased loss of crypts, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the control and RB groups, but not in the FRB group. MPO activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokine transcript (Tnf-α, Il-1β, Il-6, and Il-17) levels were significantly higher in the control and RB groups than in the FRB group. Thus, dietary FRB attenuated intestinal inflammation owing to elevated SCFAs and tryptamine production, which might regulate tight junction barrier integrity and intestinal homeostasis. These results suggest that FRB could comprise an effective potential preventive agent for ulcerative colitis.