Molecular study of dietary heptadecane for the anti-inflammatory modulation of NF-kB in the aged kidney

Bioactive Analysis of Antibacterial Efficacy and Antioxidant Potential of Aloe barbadensis Miller Leaf Extracts and Exploration of Secondary Metabolites Using GC-MS Profiling

Aloe barbadensis Miller (ABM) is a traditional medicinal plant all over the world. Numerous studies were conducted to exhibit its medicinal properties and most of them were concentrated on its metabolites against human pathogens. The current research work evaluates the attributes of different polar-based extracts (ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, hexane, and petroleum ether) of dried Aloe barbadensis leaf (ABL) to investigate its phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS), phenolic, tannin, flavonoid contents, identification of bioactive compounds, and functional groups by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) respectively, and comparing antibacterial efficacy against human pathogens, aquatic bacterial pathogens, and zoonotic bacteria associated with fish and human. The present results showed that the methanolic extract of ABL showed higher antioxidant activity (DPPH-59.73 ± 2.01%; ABTS-74.1 ± 1.29%), total phenolic (10.660 ± 1.242 mg GAE/g), tannin (7.158 ± 0.668 mg TAE/g), and flavonoid content (49.545 ± 1.928 µg QE/g) than that of other solvent extracts. Non-polar solvents hexane and petroleum ether exhibited lesser activity among the extracts. In the case of antibacterial activity, higher inhibition zone was recorded in methanol extract of ABL (25.00 ± 0.70 mm) against Aeromonas salmonicida. Variations in antibacterial activity were observed depending on solvents and extracts. In the current study, polar solvents revealed higher antibacterial activity when compared to the non-polar and the mid-polar solvents. Diverse crucial bioactive compounds were detected in GC-MS analysis. The vital compounds were hexadecanoic acid (30.69%) and 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl (23.77%) which are responsible for higher antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Similar functional groups were identified in all the solvent extracts of ABL with slight variations in the FT-IR analysis. Polar-based solvent extraction influenced the elution of phytocompounds more than that of the other solvents used in this study. The obtained results suggested that the ABM could be an excellent source for antioxidant and antibacterial activities and can also serve as a potential source of effective bioactive compounds to combat human as well as aquatic pathogens.

The influence of Spirulina extract on pathogenicity, immune response, and vaccine efficacy against H9N2 avian influenza virus in specific pathogen free chickens

Avian influenza (AI) viruses pose a risk to the worldwide poultry industry. Ultimately, improving the efficiency of the H9N2 vaccine is necessary to better control low-pathogenic avian influenza-H9N2 by using natural immunostimulant. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine varying doses of the cyanobacterium Spirulina extract on the effectiveness of H9N2 vaccine. Thus, a total of 150 specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were allocated into 6 groups, 25 birds each, as follow: G1, G2, and G6 were supplemented with 200, 400, and 400 mg Spirulina extract/kg feed, respectively, whilst the feed in G3, G4, and G5 were not supplemented with Spirulina extract. At 21-days-old, only the chickens in G1, G2, and G3 were vaccinated with the H9N2 AI vaccine. After 4 wk postvaccination, the chickens in G1, G2, G3, G4, and G6 were challenged with H9N2 AI Egyptian strain. The challenged virus was selected from a recent circulating Egyptian strain during 2022, and it was related to A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97-like virus lineage and clustered with G1-B sub-lineage EGY-2 group. It had a high amino acids identity percentage of 92.6% with the A/chicken/Iran/av1221/1998 (Boehringer Ingelheim) vaccine. The results of real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) revealed that no shedding of the virus was reported in G1, G2, G3, and G5. The supplementation of Spirulina extract in low (200 mg/kg of feed) and high (400 mg/kg of feed) concentration with the birds vaccinated with H9N2 AI vaccine (G1 and G2) induced prominent immuno-stimulatory effect in a dose dependent manner where it strongly enhanced the phagocytic activities of broilers' peripheral blood monocytes, and lysozyme at all days postvaccination (dpv) and days postchallenge (dpc) compared to other groups with significant differences at all day of experiment and 21st dpv, 28th dpv, 7th dpc, and 14th dpc, respectively. The supplementation with Spirulina extract in G1 and G2 induced the highest hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer in a dose-dependent manner at all-time intervals. The antibody titer postvaccination was significantly increased in G1 and G2 at 14th, and 21st dpv, in comparison with G3. Furthermore, G1 and G2 showed higher significant antibody titers at 7th and 14th dpc, compared to other groups. Furthermore, Spirulina extract (200 and 400 mg/kg feed) in G1 and G2 showed anti-inflammatory effect in a dose dependant manner by downregulating nitric oxide levels at all times postchallenge with a significant difference at 3 to 7 dpc compared to G3, G4, and G6, with improved histopathological alterations in the trachea, lung, kidney, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius.  G6 supplied with 400 mg/kg Spirulina extract feed only without vaccination had a similar effect as vaccinated groups on innate immunity. However, it delayed the production of antibodies and did not prevent viral shedding as in vaccinated groups. In conclusion, vaccination in conjunction with either dose of Spirulina extract (G1, and G2) prevents viral shedding, increases the immune response, and reduces inflammation and histopathological change caused by H9N2 AI infection in a dose dependent manner. We recommend the use of 400 mg Spirulina extract/kg feed as a natural immunostimulant in conjunction with the H9N2 vaccine to achieve the highest possible level of protection against H9N2 AI infection.

Chemical characterization of the crude extract of Sauromatum venosum (voodoo lily) and docking study with 12-O-acetylingol 8-tiglate for cytotoxicity testing in SaOS2 (osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells)

The current study was carried out to investigate the anticancer potential of Sauromatum venosum (SV) tuber by gas chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) analysis of ethanolic (eSV), hydroalcoholic (hSV), and aqueous extracts (wSV), and in silico study were performed to investigate the main targets of 12-O-acetylingol 8-tiglate by computational docking. The GC-HRMS analysis of three plant samples was carried out on a system equipped with a high-resolution mass spectrometer. The major compounds were identified in all crude extracts. Computation docking analysis was performed for the prediction of the main target of the cancer proliferation of active compound of the Sauromatum venosum tuber extract in cancer therapy. A total of 45 phytocompounds were detected including diterpenoids, esters of fatty acid, hydrocarbons, and alkanes in the tuber of SV. Among all the crude samples tested, eSV showed the lowest IC50 value treated with SaOS2 cells. 12-O-acetylingol 8-tiglate is one of the phytocompounds identified in eSV extract and has been found to exhibit cytotoxic effects against various cancer cells, as reported in the research. It shows the optimum binding affinity with - 8.59 kcal/mol binding energy with a molecular target protein TNF-α (PDB ID: 7PKA). The observed interactions strongly support the anticancer activity of 12-O-acetylingol 8-tiglate and its role in the medicinal efficacy of the plant. These findings highlight the potential of the compound as a valuable source for the development of a therapeutic agent aimed at combating cancer. However, it is important to note that additional in vitro and in vivo studies are required to validate these findings and establish the therapeutic potential.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry pilot study to identify volatile organic compound biomarkers of childhood obesity with dyslipidemia in exhaled breath

Objectives

Childhood obesity affects multiple organs in the body and is associated with both significant morbidity and ultimately premature mortality. Childhood obesity, especially dyslipidemia, can lead to early atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. The detection of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath offers the opportunity for the discovery of novel disease-specific biomarkers. This study aimed to identify VOCs that correlate with childhood obesity accompanied by dyslipidemia.

Methods

A total of 82 overweight or obese children between the ages of 8 and 12 years were recruited from the exercise on obesity adolescents in Peking (EXCITING) study (NCT04984005). The breath VOCs of the participants were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The classification was performed using principal component analysis (PCA) of the relative abundance of VOCs. The difference between the obese and overweight groups with or without dyslipidemia was analyzed.

Results

Among the 82 children, 25 were overweight, of whom 10 had dyslipidemia. The other 57 children were obese, and 17 of them had dyslipidemia. Obese children with dyslipidemia had higher triglycerides and elevated non–high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol compared to overweight children without dyslipidemia. We confirmed 13 compounds based on database well matches (average score > 80) for mass spectra and refractive index. These 13 VOCs were grouped into three chemical functional groups: saturated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons and unsaturated aldehydes. For obese children with dyslipidemia, the PCA scatter plot of the three chemical groups was obviously separated from the other groups. Some of the candidates, including heptadecane, naphthalene, and cis-6-nonnenol, were significantly higher in obese children with dyslipidemia than in overweight groups with or without dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

A suite of VOCs from three chemical function groups, saturated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and unsaturated aldehydes, were separated in the obese children with dyslipidemia. Heptadecane, naphthalene, and cis-6-nonenol were significantly elevated in obese children with dyslipidemia. Our findings underscore the potential value of the candidate VOCs for future risk categorization.

Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation of Spirulina with Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains: Antimicrobial Properties and the Formation of Bioactive Compounds of Protein Origin

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in bioactive compounds (L-glutamic acid (L-Glu), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and biogenic amines (BAs)) during the submerged (SMF) and solid-state (SSF) fermentation of Spirulina with lactobacilli strains (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei No. 244; Levilactobacillus brevis No. 173; Leuconostoc mesenteroides No. 225; Liquorilactobacillus uvarum No. 245). The antimicrobial properties of the untreated and fermented Spirulina against a variety of pathogenic and opportunistic strains were tested. The highest concentrations of L-Glu (3841 mg/kg) and GABA (2396 mg/kg) were found after 48 h of SSF with No. 173 and No. 244 strains, respectively. The LAB strain used for biotreatment and the process conditions, as well as the interaction of these factors, had statistically significant effects on the GABA concentration in Spirulina (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.019 and p = 0.011, respectively). In all cases, the SSF of Spirulina had a higher total BA content than SMF. Most of the fermented Spirulina showed exceptional antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus but not against the other pathogenic bacteria. The ratios of BA/GABA and BA/L-Glu ranged from 0.5 to 62 and from 0.31 to 10.7, respectively. The GABA content was correlated with putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine and spermine contents. The L-glutamic acid concentration showed positive moderate correlations with tryptamine, putrescine, spermidine and spermine. To summarize, while high concentrations of desirable compounds are formed during fermentation, the formation of non-desirable compounds (BAs) must also be considered due to the similar mechanism of their synthesis as well as the possibility of obtaining high concentrations in the end products.

Lactucaxanthin Regulates the Cascade of Retinal Oxidative Stress, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inflammatory Signaling in Diabetic Rats

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective mechanism of lactucaxanthin against retinal angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were orally gavaged with either lactucaxanthin or lutein (n=12/group) for 8 weeks. Serum and retina collected from euthanized rats were subjected to assess oxidative stress, ER stress and inflammatory response.

RESULTS

Lactucaxanthin administration was found to lower oxidative stress markers (protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation) by augmenting antioxidant activity expression and ameliorated VEGF-A levels in diabetic group. Likewise, it suppressed the expression of ER stress (ATF4, ATF6, and XBP1), and inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, and ICAM-1) markers in diabetic retina. In addition, lactucaxanthin improved glucose tolerance and lipid profile under diabetic condition and suppressed the crosstalk between OS, ER stress, and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Lactucaxanthin could be used as a promising therapeutic bioactive for treating DR condition, and retinal angiogenesis.

EXPERT OPINION

Limitation of the study includes the sample size and the duration of treatment. Despite these limitations, this study has revealed the potential of lactucaxanthin in treating eye related diabetic complications. To validate the results obtained from this study, clinical study must be performed to understand the relative benefit of lactucaxanthin in DR treatment.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Contents, Antimicrobial, and antioxidant Potential of Haloxylon Griffithii Collected From Northern Region of Balochistan, Pakistan

Background

The therapeutic potential of Haloxylon griffithii found in northern region of Balochistan, so far has been neglected.

Purpose

The current study was aimed to assess the phytochemicals and pharmacological potential of fractions isolated from H griffithii.

Research Design

During phytochemicals analysis of H griffithii using GC/MS showed various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carboxylic acids. In vitro antioxidant activity of H griffithii was determined by 2, 2'- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity.

Results

The quantitative analysis of ethyl acetate showed highest total flavonoid contents (1.19 ± .05) while ethanol with lowest value (.52 ± .01). The total phenolic contents in ethyle acetate was 1.50 ± .42, whereas ethanol showed lowest value (.77 ± .02). Ethanol exhibited excellent (88.68 ± 3.0) free radical scavenging potential measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging assay. For antimicrobial activity, different bacterial and fungal strains like B subtilis, S aureus, E coli, S typhi, C albicans, and A. niger were selected. The essential oil showed maximum % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against B. Subtillus and (5 mm) against C albicans, respectively. The ethyl acetate presented % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against S aureus and (6 mm) against A niger. Anti-urease activity also showed positive response.

Conclusions

The presence of high (%) bioactive compounds with great therapeutic potential suggest that H griffithii can be used as natural alternative of synthetic drugs without side effects.

The role and mechanism of gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty in the prevention and treatment of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), an emerging global health issue, is one of the most severe microvascular complications derived from diabetes and a primary pathology contributing to end-stage renal disease. The currently available treatment provides only symptomatic relief and has failed to delay the progression of DKD into chronic kidney disease. Recently, multiple studies have proposed a strong link between intestinal dysbiosis and the occurrence of DKD. The gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) capable of regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and energy metabolism have been considered versatile players in the prevention and treatment of DKD. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the intervention of the gut microbiota-kidney axis in the development of DKD still remains to be explored. This review provides insight into the contributory role of gut microbiota-derived SCFAs in DKD.

Network pharmacology and in vivo experiment-based strategy to investigate mechanisms of JingFangFuZiLiZhong formula for ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease, often cause carcinogenesis, disability, and intestinal perforation. The JingFangFuZiLiZhong formula (JFFZLZ) shows a good effect against UC in the clinic. Hence, we aim to investigate the mechanisms between JFFZLZ and UC via network pharmacology data mining and in vivo experiments.

METHODS

We obtained active constituents and related targets from public databases. The overlapped genes between JFFZLZ and UC targets were further analysed by enrichment analysis. The active constituents and hub targets were used to construct molecule docking analysis. We finally screened out nine hub targets and their expressions were verified in the Gene Expression Omnibus database and UC rats' colon tissues after JFFZLZ treatment.

RESULTS

The results implied that JFFZLZ mainly regulated signal transduction, metabolites production, and inflammation pathways. The expression of STAT3, CXCL8, IL6, CXCL12, TNF, TP53, and PTPN11 were both upregulated in colon tissues of UC patients and UC rats. While RELA, EGFR, and TP53 were downregulated in UC patients, but upregulated in UC rats. Furthermore, JFFZLZ could repair UC rats' colon mucosal damage and promote the healing of ulcers via regulating the hub targets.

CONCLUSION

These results elucidated that the anti-UC effect of JFFZLZ was closely related to the inhibition of inflammatory response, inhibition of oxidative stress, and repairing colon mucosal damage through different signal pathways. The findings could contribute to a better understanding of the regulation mechanisms in JFFZLZ against UC.Key messagesJFFZLZ could reduce the inflammatory infiltration and repair UC rats' colon mucosal damage.Through the network pharmacology-based strategy and public database mining, we obtained the hub targets and key pathways between JFFZLF and UC.The mechanism of JFFZLZ against UC was inhibition of inflammatory response and oxidative stress by regulating the expression of the hub targets.

Bee gomogenat rescues lymphoid organs from degeneration by regulating the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that causes severe complications in several tissues due to redox imbalances, which in turn cause defective angiogenesis in response to ischemia and activate a number of proinflammatory pathways. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of bee gomogenat (BG) dietary supplementation on the architecture of immune organs in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes (T1D) mouse model. Three animal groups were used: the control non-diabetic, diabetic, and BG-treated diabetic groups. STZ-induced diabetes was associated with increased levels of blood glucose, ROS, and IL-6 and decreased levels of IL-2, IL-7, IL-4, and GSH. Moreover, diabetic mice showed alterations in the expression of autophagy markers (LC3, Beclin-1, and P62) and apoptosis markers (Bcl-2 and Bax) in the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. Most importantly, the phosphorylation level of AKT (a promoter of cell survival) was significantly decreased, but the expression levels of MCP-1 and HSP-70 (markers of inflammation) were significantly increased in the spleen and lymph nodes in diabetic mice compared to control animals. Interestingly, oral supplementation with BG restored the levels of blood glucose, ROS, IL-6, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, and GSH in diabetic mice. Treatment with BG significantly abrogated apoptosis and autophagy in lymphoid organs in diabetic mice by restoring the expression levels of LC3, Beclin-1, P62, Bcl-2, and Bax; decreasing inflammatory signals by downregulating the expression of MCP-1 and HSP-70; and promoting cell survival by enhancing the phosphorylation of AKT. Our data were the first to reveal the therapeutic potential of BG on the architecture of lymphoid organs and enhancing the immune system during T1D.

Macroalga-associated bacterial endophyte bioactive secondary metabolites twinning: Cystoseira myrica and its associated Catenococcus thiocycli QCm as a model

Marine ecosystems represent the largest biome on the earth. Until now, the relationships between the marine microbial inhabitants and the macroalgal species unclear, and the previous studies are insufficient. So, more research is required to advance our understanding of macroalgal- microbial interactions. In this study, we tried to investigate the relationship between the brown marine macroalga, Cystoseira myrica and its associated bacterial endophyte, Catenococcus thiocycli, as the first study concerning the production of bioactive secondary metabolites from a macroalgal species comparing with its associated endophytic bacteria. Secondary metabolites were extracted from alga and its bacterial endophyte with ethyl acetate and methanol. All extracts contained significant quantities of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. Strikingly, extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities which were significantly correlated to phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Protective effects of Ligularia fischeri root extracts against ulcerative colitis in mice through activation of Bcl-2/Bax signalings

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and epithelial barrier dysfunction. The root of Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.) Turcz. is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with diverse therapeutic properties, which has been successfully used to treat inflammation-related diseases. However, little is known about its effect and mechanism against UC.

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of L. fischeri root extracts against UC.

METHODS

L. fischeri root samples were prepared using the alcohol extraction method and liquid-liquid extraction method. A dextran sodium sulfate-induced UC mouse model and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cell model were employed in the present study. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the abundance of inflammatory factors in tissues. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining were employed to analyze drug toxicity to the liver and kidney. A myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay kit was used to detect neutrophil infiltration in colon tissues. RT-qPCR was then employed to quantify the transcriptional levels of proinflammatory and apoptotic-related genes, while tight junction and apoptosis-related proteins were quantified via western blotting. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry analysis was then performed to identify the natural compounds in L. fischeri root extracts.

RESULTS

The water decoction extract, methanol extract, and especially the chloroform extract (CE) exerted potent therapeutic effects in UC mice. Similar to the positive control group (5-aminosalicylic acid), oral administration of CE (30, 60, and 90 mg/kg/d) elicited distinct therapeutic effects on UC mice in the medium- and high-dose groups. CE decreased disease activity index, histopathological score, and MPO level significantly, and effectively retained the colon length. Furthermore, CE significantly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α and enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins, such as zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2, claudin-1, and occludin, as well as the transcriptional levels of mucins, such as MUC-1 and MUC-2, in UC mice. Notably, CE prevented apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells by up-regulating Bcl-2 and down-regulating Bax. Also, CE inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages via the activation of Bcl-2/Bax signals.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, L. fischeri root extracts, especially CE, have obvious therapeutic effects against UC. CE reduces inflammation and protects the intestinal epithelial cells and intestinal epithelial barrier via activation of the Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway, and may be a promising therapeutic agent for UC treatment.

Comparative Studies on the Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Wound Healing Activities of Solenostemma arghel Ethyl Acetate and Methanolic Extracts

Various herbal compounds are used for medical purposes due to their safety, as there are no or minimal side effects. This study was performed to assess the wound healing and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanolic extract (MeoH) of Solenostemma arghel (S. arghel). Their antifungal activities were also evaluated against isolated swabs of equine wounds. They underwent GC-MS analysis for the characterization of both extracts. For wound healing evaluation, forty-five male albino rats were divided into three groups; the control group was treated with normal saline, and the other two groups were treated with S. arghel EtOAc and MeoH extract gels, respectively. The wounds were examined clinicopathologically and immunohistochemistry on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days post-wounding. GC-Ms analysis of S. arghel recorded fifty-one volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within EtOAc extraction and thirty VOCs in MeoH extract. VOCs represented in EtOAc extract showed higher antioxidant activity and better and faster wound healing than VOCs of MeOH extract. The treated groups showed improved wound healing clinically and pathologically in comparison with the control group as they decreased the wound surface area (WSA) and percent (WSA%) and increased the wound contraction percent (WC%), epithelization, fibroblast proliferation with neovascularization, and reduced the inflammatory reaction. Moreover, the treated groups showed higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with the control. The EtOAc extract showed higher antifungal activity against Penicillium funiculosum, P. jensenii, M. cinctum, and Candida albicans, which were isolated from infected clinical equine wounds, than MeOH extract. The treated groups showed improved wound healing clinically and pathologically in comparison with the control group as they decreased the wound surface area (WSA) and percent (WSA%) and increased the wound contraction percent (WC%), epithelization, fibroblast proliferation with neovascularization, and reduced the inflammatory reaction. Moreover, the treated groups showed higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with the control. Additionally, the two extract gels showed promising healing of equine wounds. In conclusion, the study recommended the use of S. arghel EtOAc extract as it was proven to promote wound healing compared with MeoH extract.

Antioxidant and Antivenom Potential of an Essential Oil, 4-(2-Oxo-propyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione, and Allantoin Derived from the Polyherbal Combination of Aristolochia indica L. and Piper nigrum L

The goal of this study was to identify new compounds from a methanol extract of a polyherbal combination of Aristolochia indica L. and Piper nigrum L. (MECAIPN), two traditional medicinal plants used to cure envenomation, as well as to assess their antioxidant and antivenom properties. MECAIPN yielded EA1 (an essential oil), AA2 (4-(2-oxo-propyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione), and W3 ((2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-4-yl)-urea) (Allantoin). Although EA1 had stronger radical scavenging activity, AA2 had higher DPPH and ferric ion radical scavenging activity, and W3 had higher molybdenum ion radical scavenging activity due to being a single molecule, the binding investigation revealed that EA1 has a greater Stern–Volmer quenching constant (Ksv) than AA2 and W3. Synchronous measurements indicated that EA1, AA2, and W3 bind to tryptophan and tyrosine residues in venom, causing denaturation of the secondary structure of the residue. Finally, the current study concludes that EA1 has more therapeutic antivenom potential, which could be related to the synergism of chemicals found in it. When it came to single compounds, AA2 had stronger antioxidant and antivenom capabilities than W3. To understand the mechanism of action and manufacture the green antivenom medication, more testing of the EA1 and compounds remains required.

Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic Activity of the Essential Oil and Oleoresins of In Vitro Micropropagated Ansellia africana Lindl: A Vulnerable Medicinal Orchid of Africa

Orchids are rich treasure troves of various important phytomolecules. Among the various medicinal orchids, Ansellia africana stands out prominently in the preparing of various herbal medicines due to its high therapeutic importance. The nodal explants of A. africana were sampled from asymbiotically germinated seedlings on basal Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and were micropropagated in MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 10 µM meta topolin (mT) + 5 µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) +15 µM indole butyric acid (IBA) + 30 µM phloroglucinol (PG). In the present study, the essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and the oleoresins by the solvent extraction method from the micropropagated A. africana. The essential oil and the oleoresins were analysed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and GC/MS (Mass spectrometry). A total of 84 compounds were identified. The most predominant components among them were linoleic acid (18.42%), l-ascorbyl 2,6-dipalmitate (11.50%), linolenic acid (10.98%) and p-cresol (9.99%) in the essential oil; and eicosane (26.34%), n-butyl acetate (21.13%), heptadecane (16.48%) and 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl (11.13%) were detected in the acetone extract; heptadecane (9.40%), heneicosane (9.45%), eicosane (6.40%), n-butyl acetate (14.34%) and styrene (22.20%) were identified and quantified in the ethyl acetate extract. The cytotoxic activity of essential oil and oleoresins of micropropagated A. africana was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay on Vero cells compared to the standard drug doxorubicin chloride. The present research contains primary information about the therapeutic utility of the essential oil and oleoresins of A. africana with a promising future research potential of qualitative and quantitative improvement through synchronised use of biotechnological techniques.

Biomedical applications of metal oxide nanoparticles in aging and age-associated diseases

Metal oxide nanoparticles are known to exhibit unique properties such as catalyzing the neutralization of superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxides and behave as antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress, damage and chronic inflammation are major causes and consequences of aging and age-associated disorders. With the increasing popularity of metal oxide nanoparticles, they have been applied in various age-related pathologies using their antioxidant property. Metal oxide nanoparticles have been used as diagnostic, therapeutic, and as theranostics. This review summarizes the applications of metal oxide nanoparticles in aging and age-associated disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the activation of inflammatory pathways, disturbing the mitochondrial function, decreasing the telomere length and leading the cell towards senescence or death. Oxidative damage is the common pathway in the progression of aging and related diseases. Metal oxide nanoparticles scavenge or precisely detect the generated reactive oxygen species, hence applied in both diagnostics and therapeutics.

Nephroprotective effect of ethanol extract and fractions of a sea lettuce, Ulva fasciata against cisplatin-induced kidney injury in rats

Cisplatin is widely used in anticancer therapy, but a substantial percentage of patients who receive the therapeutic dose of cisplatin develop nephrotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity may also develop after a single dose or low repeated doses of cisplatin. Ulva fasciata is an edible seaweed, commonly known as sea lettuces have also been shown various biological activities. In this study, ethanol extract and its solvent fractions (n-hexane and chloroform) of U. fasciata were given (orally) to different groups of rats for 10 days. Injury to the kidney was induced by administrating cisplatin, intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats at a dose of 7 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) dissolved in 1 mL saline, at 5th day of the experiment. At 10th day rats were sacrificed and kidney parameters (creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) and electrolyte balance (Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, K+, and Na⁺) in serum were determined, while oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF α), and interleukin (IL-6) were determined in kidney tissues. Histological examination of the kidney was also performed to examine the changes in kidney tissues. Cisplatin caused adverse effects on blood parameters, antioxidants, and inflammatory markers with severe renal tubular injury in kidney tissues. Ethanol extract of U. fasciata and its fractions effectively improved these disorders and diminished the renal dysfunction. However, ethanol extract was found more effective in attenuating the adverse effect of cisplatin than its fractions. n-Hexane-soluble fraction that was subjected to GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds and some of them are new from this source. It could be concluded that the U. fasciata possesses nephroprotective effect and can attenuate cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction. Since U. fasciata is an edible seaweed, it may be used as a diet supplement.

Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds and Antibacterial Activity of the Amazonian Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. Strain GFB01

Cyanobacteria exhibit great biotechnological potential due to their capacity to produce compounds with various applicability. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) possess low molecular weight and high vapor pressure. Many volatiles produced by microorganisms have biotechnological potential, including antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to investigate the VOCs synthesized by cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain GFB01, and the influence of nitrate and phosphate on its antibacterial potential. The strain was isolated from the surface of the freshwater lagoon Lagoa dos Índios, Amapá state, in Northern Brazil. After cultivation, the VOCs were extracted by a simultaneous distillation-extraction process, using a Likens-Nickerson apparatus (2 h), and then identified by GC-MS. The extracts did not display inhibitory activity against the Gram-positive bacteria tested by the disk-diffusion agar method. However, the anti-Salmonella property in both extracts (methanol and aqueous) was detected. The main VOCs identified were heptadecane (81.32%) and octadecyl acetate (11.71%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of VOCs emitted by a cyanobacterium from the Amazon that reports the occurrence of 6-pentadecanol and octadecyl acetate in cyanobacteria.

Procyanidin A2, a polyphenolic compound, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells

Procyandin A2 (PCA2) is a polyphenolic compound which is isolated from grape seeds. It has been reported that PCA2 exhibits antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, but its molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. This study tests the hypothesis that PCA2 suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress through targeting the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways in RAW264.7 cells. PCA2 (20, 40, 80 μM) exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells and showed an inhibitory effect on an LPS-induced nitrite level. Pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were suppressed by PCA2 with a concentration range of 0–80 μM. The mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were inhibited by PCA2 (80 μM). The hallmark-protein expression of the NF-κB (p-IKKα/β, p-IκBα, and p-p65) and MAPK (p-p38, p-JNK, and p-ERK) pathways were decreased by PCA2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, immunofluorescence results indicated that PCA2 (80 μM) promoted the translocation of NF-κB/p65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. PCA2 upregulated the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 and downregulated the expression of Keap-1. Simultaneously, PCA2 (80 μM) reversed LPS-induced Nrf2 translocation from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. Collectively, PCA2 protect cells against the damage from inflammation and oxidative injury, which suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory and oxidative stress through targeting NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 pathways in RAW264.7 cells.

In vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of the extracts of Ephedra chilensis K Presl aerial parts

BACKGROUND

Ephedra chilensis K Presl, known locally as pingo-pingo, is a Chilean endemic plant used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and used in other treatments. However, unlike for the other Ephedra species, there have been no reports on the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of this plant. The present study aims to explore the potential applications of E. chilensis extract as a cytotoxic agent against in vitro cancer cell lines and to explore the relationship between this extract and antioxidant activity.

METHODS

Total anthraquinone, flavonoid, and phenolic contents, as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and TRAP assays) and cytotoxic effect on several cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, DU-145, and HT-29) were measured for the hexane, dichloromethane and ethanol extracts of E. chilensis. In addition, several correlations among the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effect were evaluated. Finally, GC-MS analyses of the most active extracts were carried out to identify their major components and to relate these components to the cytotoxic effect.

RESULTS

Antioxidant activity was found in the EtOH extracts of Ephedra, and the results were correlated with the phenolic content. For the cytotoxic activity, the non-polar extracts of E. chilensis had the highest antiproliferative effect for the MCF-7 and PC-3 cancer lines; the extract was shown to be up to three times more selective than doxorubicin. However, the cytotoxic effect was not correlated with the antioxidant activity. Lastly, the GC-MS analysis showed a high concentration of saturated fatty acids (mainly n-hexadecanoic acid) and terpenoids (mainly 4-(hydroxy-ethyl)-γ-butanolactone).

CONCLUSION

The cytotoxic activity and selectivity of the non-polar extracts of E. chilensis for the MCF-7 and PC-3 cell lines could be related to the terpenic compounds and fatty acids of the extracts or to the synergistic effect of all of the compounds in the extracts. These non-polar extracts can be used for the development of new drugs against breast and prostate cancer.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Opuntia stricta cladodes

Background

The Opuntia spp. have been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. It is used in the management of diseases that involves oxidative stress, especially diabetes, obesity and cancer. Opuntia stricta (Haw) is one of the relatively unknown species in South Africa where it is regarded more as a weed. Because of this, not much is known about its chemical composition.

Aim

To determine the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Opuntia stricta cladodes.

Methods

The phytochemical composition of acetone, aqueous and ethanol extract of cladodes of Opuntia stricta (Haw), as well as the vitamins A, C and E of its dried weight cladodes and the antioxidant activities, were evaluated using standard in vitro methods. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated using cell-based assays. The phytochemical composition and vitamins were determined spectrophotometrically, while the antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and phosphomolybdenum (total) antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using RAW 264.7 cells, while cytotoxicity was determined using U937 cells.

Results

The phytochemical composition showed a significant difference in the various extracts. The total phenolics were higher than other phytochemicals in all the extracts used. All the extracts displayed antioxidant activity, while most of the extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity. Only one extract showed cytotoxicity, and it was mild.

Conclusion

The results show that the Opuntia stricta is rich in polyphenolic compounds and has good antioxidant activity as well as anti-inflammatory activities.

Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly Spirulina

The highly nutritional and ecofriendly Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) has hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antihypertensive properties. Spirulina contains functional compounds, such as phenolics, phycocyanins, and polysaccharides, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating effects. Studies conducted on Spirulina suggest that it is safe in healthy subjects, but attitude to eating probably affects the acceptability of Spirulina containing foods. Although the antioxidant effect of Spirulina is confirmed by the intervention studies, the concerted modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory responses, suggested by in vitro and animal studies, requires more confirmation in humans. Spirulina supplements seem to affect more effectively the innate immunity, promoting the activity of natural killer cells. The effects on cytokines and on lymphocytes' proliferation depend on age, gender, and body weight differences. In this context, ageing and obesity are both associated with chronic low grade inflammation, immune impairment, and intestinal dysbiosis. Microbial-modulating activities have been reported in vitro, suggesting that the association of Spirulina and probiotics could represent a new strategy to improve the growth of beneficial intestinal microbiota. Although Spirulina might represent a functional food with potential beneficial effects on human health, the human interventions used only supplements. Therefore, the effect of food containing Spirulina should be evaluated in the future.

Protective Effect of an Isoflavone, Tectorigenin, Against Oxidative Stress-induced Cell Death via Catalase Activation

Background

Isoflavones are biologically active compounds that occur naturally in a variety of plants, with relatively high levels in soybean. Tectorigenin, an isoflavone, protects against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cell damage. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Methods

The MTT assay was performed to determine cell viability. Catalase activity was assessed by determining the amount of enzyme required to degrade 1 μM H₂O₂. Protein expression of catalase, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), IκB-α, and NF-κB were evaluated by Western blot analysis. A mobility shift assay was performed to assess the DNA-binding ability of NF-κB. Transient transfection and a NF-κB luciferase assay were performed to assess transcriptional activity.

Results

Tectorigenin reduced H₂O₂-induced death of Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79-4). In addition, tectorigenin increased the activity and protein expression of catalase. Blockade of catalase activity attenuated the protective effect of tectorigenin against oxidative stress. Furthermore, tectorigenin enhanced phosphorylation of ERK and nuclear expression of NF-κB, while inhibition of ERK and NF-κB attenuated the protective effect of tectorigenin against oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Tectorigenin protects cells against oxidative damage by activating catalase and modulating the ERK and NF-κB signaling pathway.

Gallic acid attenuates chromium-induced thyroid dysfunction by modulating antioxidant status and inflammatory cytokines

Hexavalent chromium-mediated oxidative stress causes severe organ damage. The present study was designed to investigate the possible thyroprotective effect and underlying mechanisms of gallic acid using rat model of potassium dichromate-induced thyroid dysfunction. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control, gallic acid (20mg GA/kg b. wt), potassium dichromate (2mg PD/kg b. wt) and the fourth group was co-treated with PD and GA. PD-injection resulted in decreased serum free triiodothyonine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) with concomitant significant increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and their respective mRNA expression and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were significantly decreased. Thyroid nitrosative stress marker (NO level and iNOS mRNA and protein expression) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (serum TNF-α, IL-6 and thyroid TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2 gene and protein expression levels) were disturbed. Histopathological changes revealed distended, collapsed and degenerated follicles with vacuolated cytoplasm. GA co-treatment attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines, the thyroid expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2, decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation biomarkers and NO level and up- regulated SOD and GST mRNA expression levels. In conclusion, GA has shown strong modulatory potential against PD-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in albino rats.

Value added by Spirulina platensis in two different diets on growth performance, gut microbiota, and meat quality of Japanese quails

Aim:

The growth promoting effect of the blue-green filamentous alga Spirulina platensis (SP) was observed on meat type Japanese quail with antibiotic growth promoter alternative and immune enhancing power.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 180 Japanese quail chicks for 4 weeks to find out the effect of diet type (vegetarian protein diet [VPD] and fish meal protein diet [FMPD])- Spirulina dose interaction (1 or 2 g/kg diet) on growth performance, gut microbiota, and sensory meat quality of growing Japanese quails (1-5 weeks old).

Results:

Data revealed improvement (p<0.05) of weight gain, feed conversion ratio and European efficiency index due to 1, 2 g (SP)/kg VPD, and 2 g (SP)/kg FMPD, respectively. There was a significant decrease of ileum mean pH value by 1 g (SP)/kg VPD. Concerning gut microbiota, there was a trend toward an increase in Lactobacilli count in both 1; 2 g (SP)/kg VPD and 2 g (SP)/kg FMPD. It was concluded that 1 or 2 g (SP)/kg vegetarian diet may enhance parameters of performance without obvious effect on both meat quality and gut microbiota. Moreover, 1 and/or 2 g (SP) may not be invited to share fish meal based diet for growing Japanese quails.

Conclusion:

Using of SP will support the profitable production of Japanese quails fed vegetable protein diet.

Suppression of FoxO6 by lipopolysaccharide in aged rat liver

The beneficial role of FoxO during aging has been proposed for its promotion of resistance to oxidative stress and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, NF-κB is a pro-inflammatory transcription factor which is a key mediator of inflammatory cytokine generation. However, the correlation between FoxO6 and NF-κB during aging has not fully been explored.

The main purpose of the present study was to elucidate mechanisms underlying the protective role of FoxO6 in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis under potent pro-inflammatory conditions induced by LPS. Initial experimentation revealed that reduced FoxO6 activity during aging was caused by its phosphorylation, which suppressed its transcriptional activity in aged livers. Transfection with FoxO6-wt virus and FoxO6-siRNA in HepG2 cells revealed that FoxO6 phosphorylation by LPS leads to NF-κB activation via Akt and Pak1 pathways. Furthermore, Pak1 activity was increased in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase independent manner, and LPS-induced FoxO6 phosphorylation and FoxO6 inactivation were Pak1-dependent in nuclear fractions of cells. Further revealed Pak1 phosphorylation by LPS permitted interaction between FoxO6 and Akt.

Current study suggests FoxO6 phosphorylation facilitates the nuclear translocation of NF-κB via Akt and Pak1 pathways induced by LPS in aged rats.

Deciphering the Potential Pharmaceutical Mechanism of Chinese Traditional Medicine (Gui-Zhi-Shao-Yao-Zhi-Mu) on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gui-Zhi-Shao-Yao-Zhi-Mu (GSZ) decoction is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula commonly used for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The therapeutic effect of GSZ for RA treatment is supported by our clinical retrospective study. To uncover the potential mechanism underlying GSZ formula, we identified 1,327 targets of 673 compounds from 9 herbs that involve in Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway and regulation of immunoglobulin production. Comparison between formula targets with 79 RA drug targets and 675 RA disease genes showed that formula targets covered 31.6% RA drug targets and 19.9% RA disease genes. Formula specific targets presented expression patterns highly similar to the disease genes and drug targets based on the expression profiles of RA samples. Investigation of 10 inferred gene clusters from expression profiles with a target association network revealed that formula specific targets directly or indirectly interacted with disease genes that were essential for immune related biological processes (e.g. inflammatory responses, treatment response of rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). Our result indicated that GSZ disrupted the RA disease dysfunction modules and restored homeostasis in the human body. The systemic approach to infer therapeutic mechanisms of GSZ for RA treatment provides a new insight in the understanding of this TCM formula.

Knockdown of augmenter of liver regeneration in HK-2 cells inhibits inflammation response via the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) is a growth factor that is ubiquitously expressed in multiple forms among eukaryotes. The present study focused on the role of endogenous ALR on the hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced inflammatory response in human kidney 2 (HK-2) cells, and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

To determine the relationship between exogenous and endogenous ALR, exogenous ALR was administrated to HK-2 cells, and endogenous ALR protein and mRNA expression was examined by Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. In order to knockdown endogenous ALR expression, HK-2 cells were infected with lentiviral shRNA/ALR, after which cell viability was determined by the MTS cell viability assay. Cells were subjected to hypoxia for 6 h and reoxygenation for 12 h. Levels of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qPCR. Cells were harvested, and nuclear and phosphorylated protein extracts were prepared from the HK-2 cell lysates. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were analyzed by Western blotting. The translocation of NF-κB was detected by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Exogenous ALR inhibited the expression of endogenous ALR. Lentiviral shRNA/ALR markedly downregulated endogenous ALR expression, whereas there were no changes in ALR expression in lentiviral shRNA/control HK-2 cells. The results of the MTS assay showed that silencing ALR expression did not influence cell viability. H/R led to increased production of MCP-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. However, knockdown of ALR attenuated the inflammatory response via inhibition of ERK, p38, and JNK phosphorylation. The translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus was also decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that there is a negative feedback loop involving ALR in HK-2 cells. Knockdown of ALR exerts anti-inflammatory actions via suppression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Nitrosative stress and nitrated proteins in trichloroethene-mediated autoimmunity

Exposure to trichloroethene (TCE), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been linked to a variety of autoimmune diseases (ADs) including SLE, scleroderma and hepatitis. Mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ADs are largely unknown. Earlier studies from our laboratory in MRL+/+ mice suggested the contribution of oxidative/nitrosative stress in TCE-induced autoimmunity, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation provided protection by attenuating oxidative stress. This study was undertaken to further evaluate the contribution of nitrosative stress in TCE-mediated autoimmunity and to identify proteins susceptible to nitrosative stress. Groups of female MRL +/+ mice were given TCE, NAC or TCE + NAC for 6 weeks (TCE, 10 mmol/kg, i.p., every 4^th day; NAC, ∼250 mg/kg/day via drinking water). TCE exposure led to significant increases in serum anti-nuclear and anti-histone antibodies together with significant induction of iNOS and increased formation of nitrotyrosine (NT) in sera and livers. Proteomic analysis identified 14 additional nitrated proteins in the livers of TCE-treated mice. Furthermore, TCE exposure led to decreased GSH levels and increased activation of NF-κB. Remarkably, NAC supplementation not only ameliorated TCE-induced nitrosative stress as evident from decreased iNOS, NT, nitrated proteins, NF-κB p65 activation and increased GSH levels, but also the markers of autoimmunity, as evident from decreased levels of autoantibodies in the sera. These findings provide support to the role of nitrosative stress in TCE-mediated autoimmune response and identify specific nitrated proteins which could have autoimmune potential. Attenuation of TCE-induced autoimmunity in mice by NAC provides an approach for designing therapeutic strategies.