Effect of ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol, on alcohol-induced prooxidant and antioxidant imbalance: a drug dose dependent study

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol abuse, alcohol intolerance and other alcohol-related disabilities are some of the most challenging public health problems. Alcohol, by its property of generating free radicals, causes severe damage to the membrane and affects almost all organs of the human body. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound found in fruits and nuts, possess several biological properties. Our aim was to investigate, in vivo, the antioxidant potential of ellagic acid against oxidative stress induced by alcohol intoxication.

METHODS

Female albino Wistar rats were used for the study. The toxicity was induced by administering 20 percent alcohol orally (7.9 g/kg body weight) for 45 days. Rats were treated with EA at three different doses (30, 60 and 90 mg/kg body weight) via intragastric intubations. The antioxidant property of EA was studied by assessing the activities of liver marker enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase), superoxide dismutase and catalase and the levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and reduced glutathione, nitric oxide (NO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides.

RESULTS

Oxidative stress was effectively modulated by EA co-administration. EA significantly improved the status of antioxidants and decreased TBARS, hydroperoxides, NO, PCC and liver marker enzymes at the dose of 60 mg/kg body weight when compared with the alcohol-treated group.

CONCLUSION

The study provides the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of EA at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight against oxidative stress induced by alcohol.

Ferulic Acid: therapeutic potential through its antioxidant property

There has been considerable public and scientific interest in the use of phytochemicals derived from dietary components to combat human diseases. They are naturally occurring substances found in plants. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phytochemical commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet corn and rice bran. It arises from metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine by Shikimate pathway in plants. It exhibits a wide range of therapeutic effects against various diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative. A wide spectrum of beneficial activity for human health has been advocated for this phenolic compound, at least in part, because of its strong antioxidant activity. FA, a phenolic compound is a strong membrane antioxidant and known to positively affect human health. FA is an effective scavenger of free radicals and it has been approved in certain countries as food additive to prevent lipid peroxidation. It effectively scavenges superoxide anion radical and inhibits the lipid peroxidation. It possesses antioxidant property by virtue of its phenolic hydroxyl group in its structure. The hydroxy and phenoxy groups of FA donate electrons to quench the free radicals. The phenolic radical in turn forms a quinone methide intermediate, which is excreted via the bile. The past few decades have been devoted to intense research on antioxidant property of FA. So, the present review deals with the mechanism of antioxidant property of FA and its possible role in therapeutic usage against various diseases.

Validation of visual estimation of portion size consumed as a method for estimating food intake by young Indian children

In this observational study, estimation of food intake was evaluated using recording of portion size consumed, instead of post-weighing, as a method. In total, 930 feeding episodes were observed among 128 children aged 12-24 months in which actual intake was available by pre- and post-weighing. For each offering and feeding episode, portion size consumed was recorded by an independent nutritionist-as none, less than half, half or more, and all. Using the pre-weighed offering, available intake was estimated by multiplying portion sizes by the estimated weight. The estimated mean intake was 510.4 kilojoules compared to actual intake of 510.7 kilojoules by weighing. Similar results were found with nestum (52.0 vs 56.2 g), bread (3.8 vs 3.7 g), puffed rice (1.7 vs 1.9 g), banana (31.3 vs 24.4 g), and milk (41.6 vs 44.2 mL). Recording portion size consumed and estimating food intake from that provides a good alternative to the time-consuming and often culturally-unacceptable method of post-weighing food each time after a feeding episode.

Effect of zinc added to multi-vitamin supplementation containing low-dose vitamin A on plasma retinol level in children--a double-blind randomized, controlled trial

In a community-based double-blind randomized trial in children aged 6-35 months, both intervention and control groups received a multi-vitamin syrup containing vitamin A, while the intervention group had zinc gluconate (equivalent to 10 mg of elemental zinc) additional in the syrup. There was a significant decrease in diarrhoea and pneumonia in the intervention group. This study was undertaken to investigate if addition of zinc to vitamin A had improved plasma retinol levels, which, in turn, was responsible for the effects observed in the intervention group. In a randomly-selected subsample of 200 children--100 each from the intervention and the control group, plasma retinol levels after 120 days of supplementation were measured. There was no difference in the mean plasma retinol levels [the difference in the mean 0.46 microg/dL (95% confidence interval -1.42-2.36)] between the two groups following supplementation. No difference in plasma retinol levels was observed in the subgroups based on base-line nutritional status and plasma zinc levels. Addition of zinc to low-dose vitamin A in this study did not improve the vitamin A status of children and cannot explain morbidity effects of the intervention.

Protective effect of hesperidin on nicotine induced toxicity in rats

Nicotine administration (2.5 mg/kg of body weight, sc, 5 days a week for 22 weeks) enhanced lipid peroxidative indices (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides) accompanied by a significant increase in the marker enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase and elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids in Wistar rats. There was a significant protection by hesperidin administration at different doses (25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight) in nicotine-treated rats. However, the effect of hesperidin was more significant at 25mg/kg dose. The results suggest that hesperidin exerts the protective effects by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation. The results are supported by histopathological observations of lung, liver and kidney.

Comparative effects of curcumin and its synthetic analogue on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status during nicotine-induced toxicity

INTRODUCTION

Tobacco consumption is one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease worldwide. Nicotine, a major toxic component of tobacco, has been identified as an important risk factor for lung-related diseases. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oxidative stress plays a crucial aetiological role in the development of lung-related diseases. The present study aims at evaluating the protective role of curcumin and a synthetic analogue of curcumin (BDMC-A) on nicotine-induced oxidative stress.

METHODS

Male albino rats of Wistar strain were used for the experimental study. Lung toxicity was induced by subcutaneous injection of nicotine at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight (five days a week, for 22 weeks) and curcuminoids were given simultaneously by intragastric intubation for 22 weeks. Measurement of lipid peroxidation indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides, nitric oxide and antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, vitamin E and vitamin C, were used as biomarkers for testing the antioxidant potential of the drugs.

RESULTS

Oxidative stress, as evidenced by lipid peroxidation indices, was significantly increased in nicotine-treated groups. Administration of curcumin and BDMC-A abrogated this effect. The antioxidant status which was decreased in nicotine was effectively modulated by both curcumin and BDMC-A treatment. However, the reduction in oxidative stress was more pronounced in BDMC-A treatment groups compared to those treated with curcumin.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that BDMC-A exerts its protective effect by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation and augmenting the antioxidant defence system.

Development and use of behavior and social interaction software installed on Palm handheld for observation of a child's social interactions with the environment

In settings in developing countries, children often socialize with multiple socializing agents (peers, siblings, neighbors) apart from their parents, and thus, a measurement of a child's social interactions should be expanded beyond parental interactions. Since the environment plays a role in shaping a child's development, the measurement of child-socializing agents' interactions is important. We developed and used a computerized observational software Behavior and Social Interaction Software (BASIS) with a preloaded coding scheme installed on a handheld Palm device to record complex observations of interactions between children and socializing agents. Using BASIS, social interaction assessments were conducted on 573 preschool children for 1 h in their natural settings. Multiple screens with a set of choices in each screen were designed that included the child's location, broad activity, state, and interactions with child-socializing agents. Data were downloaded onto a computer and systematically analyzed. BASIS, installed on Palm OS (M-125), enabled the recording of the complex interactions of child-socializing agents that could not be recorded with manual forms. Thus, this tool provides an innovative and relatively accurate method for the systematic recording of social interactions in an unrestricted environment.

Effects of fortified milk on morbidity in young children in north India: community based, randomised, double masked placebo controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of milk fortified with specific multiple micronutrients on morbidity in children compared with the same milk without fortification.

DESIGN

Community based, double masked, individually randomised trial.

SETTING

Peri-urban settlement in north India.

PARTICIPANTS

Children (n=633) aged 1-3 randomly allocated to receive fortified milk (n=316) or control milk (n=317).

INTERVENTION

One year of fortified milk providing additional 7.8 mg zinc, 9.6 mg iron, 4.2 microg selenium, 0.27 mg copper, 156 microg vitamin A, 40.2 mg vitamin C, 7.5 mg vitamin E per day (three feeds).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Days with severe illnesses, incidence and prevalence of diarrhoea, and acute lower respiratory illness.

RESULTS

Study groups were comparable at baseline; compliance in the groups was similar. Mean number of episodes of diarrhoea per child was 4.46 (SD 3.8) in the intervention (fortified milk) group and 5.36 (SD 4.1) in the control group. Mean number of episodes of acute lower respiratory illness was 0.62 (SD 1.1) and 0.83 (SD 1.4), respectively. The fortified milk reduced the odds for days with severe illnesses by 15% (95% confidence interval 5% to 24%), the incidence of diarrhoea by 18% (7% to 27%), and the incidence of acute lower respiratory illness by 26% (3% to 43%). Consistently greater beneficial effects were observed in children aged < or =24 months than in older children.

CONCLUSION

Milk is well accepted as a means of delivery of micronutrients. Consumption of milk fortified with specific micronutrients can significantly reduce the burden of common morbidities among preschool children, especially in the first two years of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00255385 [ClinicalTrials.gov].

Statin and resveratrol in combination induces cardioprotection against myocardial infarction in hypercholesterolemic rat

Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a common health problem that significantly increases risk of cardiovascular disease. Both statin (S) and resveratrol (R) demonstrated cardioprotection through nitric oxide-dependent mechanism. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine whether combination therapy with statin and resveratrol is more cardioprotective than individual treatment groups in ischemic rat heart model. The rats were fed with 2% high cholesterol diet and after 8 weeks of high cholesterol diet the animals were treated with statin (1 mg/kg bw/day) and resveratrol (20 mg/kg bw/day) for 2 weeks. The rats were assigned to: (1) Control (C), (2) HC, (3) HCR, (4) HCS and (5) HCRS. The hearts, subjected to 30-min global ischemia followed by 120-min reperfusion were used as experimental model. The left ventricular functional recovery (+dp/dt(max)) was found to be significantly better in the HCRS (1926+/-43), HCR (1556+/-65) and HCS (1635+/-40) compared to HC group (1127+/-16). The infarct sizes in the HCRS, HCS and HCR groups were 37+/-3.6, 43+/-3.3 and 44+/-4.2 respectively compared to 53+/-4.6 in HC. The lipid level was found to be decreased in all the treatment groups when compared to HC more significantly in HCS and HCRS groups when compared to HCR. Increased phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS was also observed in all the treatment groups resulting in decreased extent of cardiomyocyte apoptosis but the extent of reduction in apoptosis was more significant in HCRS group compared to all other groups. In vivo rat myocardial infarction (MI) model subjected to 1 week of permanent left descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion documented increased capillary density in HCR and HCRS treated group when compared to HCS treatment group. We also documented increased beta-catenin translocation and increased VEGF mRNA expression in all treatment groups. Thus, we conclude that the acute as well as chronic protection afforded by combination treatment with statin and resveratrol may be due to pro-angiogenic, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-apoptotic effects and long-term effects may be caused by increased neo-vascularization of the MI zone leading to less ventricular remodeling.

FV peptide induces apoptosis in HEp 2 and HeLa cells: an insight into the mechanism of induction

The present study is an attempt to evaluate the antiproliferative potential of peptide (7.6 kDa) from lionfish (Pterios volitans) venom on cultured HEp2 and HeLa cells. Different dose of purified peptide (1, 2 and 4 μg/ml) at different time points (12, 24 and 36 hrs) were tested for antiproliferative index of the peptide. Among them, 2 μg/ml at 24 hrs was found to effectively inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro and did not cause any adverse effect on normal human lymphocytes. Apoptosis was examined by propidium iodide staining, confirmed by the expression of caspase-8 and caspase-3, down regulation of Bcl-2 expression and DNA fragmentation in treated cells, when compared to untreated HEp2 and HeLa cells. Thus fish venom peptide was found to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cell.

Protective effect of curcumin on γ-radiation induced DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in cultured human lymphocytes

The present work is aimed at evaluating the radioprotective effect of curcumin, a naturally occurring phenolic compound on gamma-radiation induced toxicity. The cellular changes were estimated by using lipid peroxidative indices like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH). The DNA damage was analysed by using cytokinesis blocked micronucleus assay and dicentric aberration (DC). The gamma-radiation at different doses (1, 2 and 4Gy) were found to significantly increase micronuclei (MN), DC frequencies and TBARS level whereas the levels of GSH and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased. The maximum damage to lymphocytes was observed at 4Gy irradiation. Curcumin pretreatment (1, 5 and 10microg/ml) significantly decreased the frequency of MN and DC. The levels of TBARS decreased and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx significantly increased along with GSH levels. At 1Gy irradiation all the concentrations of curcumin (1, 5 and 10microg/ml) significantly protected the lymphocytes from radiation damage. At 2Gy irradiation, 5 and 10microg/ml of curcumin showed significant radioprotection. Since the highest damage was observed at 4Gy irradiation both 1 and 5microg/ml of curcumin pretreatment were not sufficient to protect the lymphocytes from radiation damage but 10microg/ml of curcumin significantly protected the cultured lymphocytes from radiation damage. Thus, pretreatment with curcumin gives protection to lymphocytes against gamma-radiation induced cellular damage.

Lycopene as a natural protector against gamma-radiation induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in primary culture of isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro

The present study was designed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of lycopene, a naturally occurring dietary carotenoid, on gamma-radiation induced toxicity in cultured rat hepatocytes. The cellular changes were estimated using lipid peroxidative indices like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin, vitamins A, E, C and uric acid. The DNA damage was analysed by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). The increase in the severity of DNA damage was observed with the increase in gamma-radiation dose (1, 2 and 4 Gy) in cultured rat hepatocytes. TBARS were increased significantly whereas the levels of GSH, vitamins C, E and A, ceruloplasmin, uric acid and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased in gamma-irradiated groups. The maximum damage to hepatocytes was observed at 4 Gy irradiation. Pretreatment with lycopene (1.86, 9.31 and 18.62 microM) showed a significant decrease in the levels of TBARS and DNA damage. The antioxidant enzymes increased significantly along with the levels of GSH, vitamins A, E, C, uric acid and ceruloplasmin. The maximum protection of hepatocytes was observed at 9.31 muM of lycopene pretreatment. Thus, our results show that pretreatment with lycopene offers protection against gamma-radiation induced cellular damage and can be developed as an effective radioprotector during radiotherapy.

Effect of spices on lipid metabolism in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon carcinogenesis

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women worldwide. We investigated the effect of red chilli (Capsicum annum L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) on colon cancer induced in rats by a colon-specific carcinogen, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Colon cancer was induced by subcutaneous injection of DMH at a dosage of 20 mg/kg of body weight (15 doses, at 1-week intervals). The rats were continued with the standard pellet diet and supplemented red chilli [C. annum L., 0.015% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet], cumin seeds [C. cyminum L., 1.25% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet], and black pepper (P. nigrum L., 0.5% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet] throughout the experimental period. After the total experimental period of 32 weeks (including 2 weeks of acclimatization) the incidence and number of tumors in the colon were observed to be significantly higher in the rats administered DMH and/or red chillis, as compared with the cumin + DMH and black pepper + DMH groups. No tumors were observed in the control, cumin + DMH, or black pepper + DMH groups. The levels of fecal bile acids and neutral sterols in 24-hour fecal samples were significantly decreased in DMH + chilli-administered rats, while the excretion of fecal bile acids and neutral sterols was significantly increased in cumin + DMH- and black pepper + DMH-administered rats. In DMH-, chilli-, and chilli + DMH-administered rats the levels of cholesterol, cholesterol/phospholipid ratio, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity were decreased in cumin + DMH- and black pepper + DMH-treated rats. The phospholipid levels were reduced in the DMH, chilli, and chilli + DMH groups as compared with the cumin + DMH and black pepper + DMH groups. Our results show that chilli supplementation promotes colon carcinogenesis, whereas cumin or black pepper suppresses colon carcinogensis in the presence of the procarcinogen DMH.

Fish venom (Pterios volitans) peptide reduces tumor burden and ameliorates oxidative stress in Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma xenografted mice

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of Pterios volitans venom (mixture of peptides) on Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) and its influence on antioxidant status in the liver. Among six groups of albino mice, three were treated with sublethal doses of venom, along with the standard drug, 5-fluorouracil. In EAC-bearing mice, mean life span and antioxidants were significantly decreased, whereas, body weight, tumor volume, viable tumor cell count, lipid peroxidation and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen were significantly increased. These changes were brought back to near normal in treatment groups. The findings are further confirmed by histopathological observations.

Prevention of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced circulatory oxidative stress by bis-1,7-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione during colon carcinogenesis

We have performed this study to investigate the modulatory effect of bis-1,7-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione, a bisdemethoxy curcumin analog (BDMCA) on circulatory lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant status during 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. The effects were compared with that of the reference drug, curcumin. Increased tumor incidence as well as enhanced LPO in the circulation of tumor bearing rats was accompanied by a significant decrease in the level of reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Intragastric administration of BDMCA or curcumin to DMH-treated rats significantly decreased colon tumor incidence and the circulatory LPO, with simultaneous enhancement of GSH content and GPx, GST, SOD and CAT activities. We report that BDMCA exert its chemopreventive effect by decreasing the colon tumor incidence as well as by modulating circulatory oxidative stress in DMH-treated rats through its influence on LPO and antioxidant status. The effects of BDMCA were comparable with that of the reference compound curcumin, a well known anticarcinogen and antioxidant. Thus, it would be suggested that the methoxy group is not responsible for the beneficial effects, however, the terminal phenolic moieties or the central 7-carbon chain may play a role.

Protective effect of ferulic acid on γ-radiation-induced micronuclei, dicentric aberration and lipid peroxidation in human lymphocytes

In this study we examined radioprotective effect of ferulic acid (FA) on gamma radiation-induced dicentric aberration and lipid peroxidation with reference to alterations in cellular antioxidant status in cultured lymphocytes. To establish most effective protective support we used three different concentrations of FA (1, 5 and 10 microg/ml) and three different doses of gamma-radiation (1, 2 and 4 Gy). Treatment of lymphocytes with FA alone (at 10 microg/ml) gave no significant change in micronuclei (MN), dicentric aberration (DC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) or glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities when compared with normal lymphocytes; irradiation at 1, 2 and 4 Gy increased the MN and DC frequencies in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with FA for 30 min before radiation exposure resulted in a significant decline of MN and DC yields as FA concentration increased. Compared to 1 Gy exposure alone, the extent to which FA (1 microg/ml) reduced the MN and DC yields was 75% and 50%, respectively. With 4 Gy irradiation, FA (10 microg/ml) decreased 45% MN and 25% DC frequencies. FA-pretreated lymphocytes (1, 5 and 10 microg/ml) showed progressively decreased TBARS levels after irradiation. Irradiation (1, 2 and 4 Gy) significantly decreased GSH levels, SOD, CAT and GPx activities in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with 10 microg/ml of FA significantly (p<0.05) prevented the decreases in the radiation-induced GSH, SOD, CAT and GPx activities. These findings suggest potential use and benefit of FA as a radioprotector.

Therapeutic role of Cuminum cyminum on ethanol and thermally oxidized sunflower oil induced toxicity

Ethanol is one of the most widely used and abused drugs, increasing lipid levels in humans and experimental animals. Heating of oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) produces various lipid peroxidative end products that can aggravate the pathological changes produced by ethanol. In the present communication, the effect of Cuminum cyminum was investigated on alcohol and thermally oxidized oil induced hyperlipidaemia. The results showed increased activity of aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in the plasma of rats given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oxidized oil when compared with the normal control group. The levels of tissue (liver and kidney) cholesterol and triglycerides were increased significantly in rats groups given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oxidized oil when compared with the normal control rats. The levels were decreased when cumin was given along with alcohol and thermally oxidized oil. The level of phospholipids decreased significantly in the liver and kidney of groups given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oridized oil when compared with the normal control rats. The level increased when cumin was administered along with alcohol and thermally oxidized oil. The activity of phospholipase A and C increased significantly in the liver of groups given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oxidized oil when compared with the normal control rats, whereas the activity was decreased with the cumin treatment. The results obtained indicate that cumin can decrease the lipid levels in alcohol and thermally oxidized oil induced hepatotoxicity.

Expression pattern of matrix metalloproteinases in alcohol- and thermally oxidized sunflower oil-induced toxicity: protective role of an aminothiazole derivative

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of secreted and membrane-bound zinc endopeptidases. Collectively, these enzymes can degrade all of the components of the extracellular matrix including collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and basement membrane glycoproteins. Regulation in expression and activation of proteinases is one of the most important mechanisms in organ morphogenesis. Fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process with a net accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. In the present communication, we have investigated the changes that occur in the activity of liver MMPs in normal and in pathological conditions. The activity of MMPs was increased in thermally oxidized sunflower oiland alcohol-treated groups, whereas the activity was decreased in the thermally oxidized oil + alcohol-fed group when compared with the normal control group. The activity was positively modulated when dendrodoine analogue [4-amino-5-benzoyl- 2(4-methoxyphenylamino)thiazole] was administered along with ethanol and thermally oxidized oil, which indicates the protective effect of this drug.

Effect of ethanol and thermally oxidized sunflower oil ingestion on phospholipid fatty acid composition of rat liver: protective role of Cuminum cyminum L

AIM

The current study was undertaken to assess the effect of ethanol and thermally oxidized sunflower oil ingestion on liver phospholipid fatty acids and the protective role of Cuminum cyminum L.

METHODS

Ethanol was administered at a level of 20% and thermally oxidized sunflower oil at a level of 15% for 45 days. C. cyminum was administered at a dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight for 45 days. We investigated the changes in the liver phospholipid fatty acid composition.

RESULTS

Ethanol and thermally oxidized sunflower oil administration modifies the fatty acid composition and the analysis of fatty acids showed that there was a significant increase in the concentrations of 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1 and 18:2, whereas the concentration of 20:4 was significantly decreased. The concentrations of 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1 and 20:4 were near normal in cumin-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation shows that cumin prevents the changes in the composition of fatty acids, which were produced by ethanol and thermally oxidized oil.

Ferulic acid, a natural protector against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity

The present work is aimed at evaluating the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA), a naturally occurring phenolic compound on CCl4 induced toxicity. The activities of liver markers (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase), lipid peroxidative index (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, hydroperoxides, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl content), the antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione) were used as biomarkers to monitor the protective role of FA. The liver marker enzymes in plasma and lipid peroxidative index in liver and kidney were increased in CCl4-treated groups, which were decreased significantly on treatment with FA. The antioxidants, which were depleted in CCl4-treated groups, were improved significantly by FA treatment. Administration of FA to normal rats did not produce any harmful effects. Thus our results show that FA is an effective antioxidant without any side-effects and may be a great gain in the current search for natural therapy.

Effect of Photo-Irradiated Curcumin Treatment Against Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Increasing evidence in both experimental and clinical studies suggests that oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Although phenolic compounds attenuate oxidative stress-related damage, there are concerns over toxicity of synthetic phenolic antioxidants, and this has considerably stimulated interest in investigating the role of natural phenolics in medicinal application. In the present study, we examined the effect of photo-irradiated curcumin in experimental diabetes to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic properties of this compound on streptozotocin (40 mg/kg of body weight)-induced diabetes. Photo-irradiated curcumin was given at a dose of 10 or 30 mg/kg of body weight. The level of blood glucose was elevated in diabetic animals. Circulatory lipid peroxidation, vitamin C, vitamin E, and enzymic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were analyzed. The antioxidant status decreased in diabetic animals. Oral administration of photo-irradiated curcumin for 45 days resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose along with near-normalization of the enzymic activities and the levels of lipid peroxidative markers. The most effective results were obtained on treatment with 30 mg/kg of body weight of photo-irradiated curcumin.

Comparative Effects of Curcumin and Its Analog on Alcohol- and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Induced Alterations in Circulatory Lipid Profiles

Excessive alcohol intake induces hyperlipidemia. Studies suggest that natural principles and their analogs are known to possess anti-hyperlipidemic properties. In the present work we tested the effect of curcumin, an active principle of turmeric (Curcuma longa), and a curcumin analog on alcohol- and thermally oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid (deltaPUFA)- induced hyperlipidemia. Male albino Wistar rats were used for the experimental study. Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of curcumin and curcumin analog was evaluated by analyzing the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), phospholipids (PLs), and free fatty acids (FFAs). The results showed that the levels of cholesterol, TGs, PLs, and FFAs were increased significantly in alcohol-, deltaPUFA-, and alcohol + deltaPUFA-treated groups, which were brought down significantly on treatment with either of the curcuminoids. Curcumin analog treatment was found to be more effective than curcumin treatment. From the results obtained, we conclude that both curcumin and its analog effectively protect the system against alcohol- and deltaPUFA-induced hyperlipidemia and are possible candidates for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Modulatory Effects of Curcumin and Curcumin Analog on Circulatory Lipid Profiles During Nicotine-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Nicotine, a major toxic component of cigarette smoke, plays a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. In the present study, we have synthesized an analog of curcumin and biomonitored its influence over biochemical marker enzymes and lipid profiles on nicotine-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. The effects were compared with that of curcumin, a well-known antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic agent. Toxicity was induced by subcutaneous injection of nicotine at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight (5 days a week, for 22 weeks), and curcumin (80 mg/kg) was given simultaneously along with nicotine by intragastric intubation for 22 weeks. Measurements of activities of the biochemical marker enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase and of plasma lipid profiles were used to monitor the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of curcuminoids. In nicotine-treated rats, enhanced plasma marker enzymes and lipid profiles were observed. Administration of curcumin or curcumin analog to nicotine-treated rats significantly reduced the activity of marker enzymes and plasma lipid levels. Thus, our findings suggest that curcumin and its analog exert an anti-hyperlipidemic effect against nicotine-induced lung toxicity and may be a promising agent for treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Radioprotective effect of sesamol on γ-radiation induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants levels in cultured human lymphocytes

Sesamol pretreated (1, 5 and 10 microg/ml) lymphocytes were exposed to different doses of gamma-radiation, i.e., 1, 2 and 4 Gray (Gy) and the cellular changes were estimated by using cytokinesis blocked micronucleus assay (MN), dicentric aberration (DC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Radiation significantly increased MN, DC frequencies, TBARS levels and decreased GSH and antioxidant enzyme levels in a dose dependent manner. The highest damage to lymphocytes was observed at 4 Gy irradiation. On the other hand, sesamol pretreatment significantly decreased MN, DC frequencies, TBARS levels and increased GSH levels and SOD, CAT and GPx activities in a concentration dependent manner. At 1 Gy irradiation all concentrations of sesamol (1, 5 and 10 microg/ml) significantly protects the lymphocytes from radiation damage. At 2 Gy irradiation 5 and 10 microg/ml of sesamol shows significant radioprotection. Since the highest damage was observed at 4 Gy irradiation both 1 and 5 microg/ml of sesamol pretreatment were not sufficient to protect the lymphocytes from radiation damage but 10 microg/ml of sesamol significantly (p<0.05) protects the lymphocytes from radiation effect. Thus, sesamol pretreatment gives significant protection to cultured human lymphocytes against gamma-radiation induced cellular damage. The possible mechanism involved in the radioprotective influence of sesamol is discussed.

Influence of dietary fiber from coconut kernel (Cocos nucifera) on the 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced lipid peroxidation in rats

The influence of dietary fiber from coconut kernel isolated by the neutral detergent fiber method on the antioxidant status in rats treated with the colon specific carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was studied in rats fed a high-fat diet for 15 weeks. The DMH-treated fiber group showed higher levels of lipid peroxides than the control group treated with DMH at the preneoplastic and neoplastic stages. Free fatty acid levels were found to decrease significantly in the DMH-treated control group, whereas it was near normal in the fiber groups. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity also were found to be increased in the liver, intestine, proximal colon, and distal colon. Glutathione levels in all the tissues studied showed significant decreases in the fiber group. The results suggest that coconut kernel fiber can protect cells from loss of oxidative capacity with the administration of the procarcinogen DMH.