Cristiano Chiapinotto Spiazzi

γ-Oryzanol protects against acute cadmium-induced oxidative damage in mice testes.

Cadmium is a non-essential heavy metal that is present at low levels mainly in food and water and also in cigar smoke. The present study evaluated the testicular damage caused by acute cadmium exposure and verified the protective role of γ-oryzanol (ORY). Mice were administrated with a single dose of 2.5mg/kg of CdCl2, and then treated with ORY (50mM in canola oil, 5mL/kg). Testes were removed after 24h and tested for lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein carbonylation, DNA breakage, ascorbic acid, cadmium and non-proteic thiols contents, and for the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and δ-aminolevulic acid dehydratase (δ-ALA-D). Cadmium presented a significant alteration in all parameters, except GPx and CAT activities. Therapy reduced in a slight degree cadmium concentration in testes (around 23%). ORY restored SOD and GST activities as well as TBARS production to the control levels. Furthermore, ORY partially recovered δ-ALA-D activity inhibited by cadmium. This study provides the first evidence on the therapeutic properties of ORY in protecting against cadmium-induced testicular toxicity.

Catechins are not major components responsible for the beneficial effect of Camellia sinensis on the ovarian δ-ALA-D activity inhibited by cadmium.

Cadmium has been associated with a wide spectrum of deleterious effects on the reproductive tissues, including ovary. This investigation evaluated the protective role of Camellia sinensis (green, white and red teas) in the cadmium-induced inhibition of ovarian δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity in vitro and ex vivo. This study demonstrated that green and white teas restored the cow ovary δ-ALA-D activity inhibited by cadmium whereas red tea had no effect in vitro. In addition, green tea was able to restore enzyme activity inhibited after acute cadmium exposure in mice ovary. Teas infusions composition was assessed by HPLC in a quantitative assay for catechins, purine alkaloids and gallic acid as well as total polyphenol content. The greatest effect of green tea observed in vitro as well as the protective role presented in the ex vivo study could be attributed to the major content of phenols, but not catechins. In fact, catechins were not able to restore enzyme activity inhibited by cadmium, demonstrating that these compounds are not major components responsible for the beneficial effect of green tea observed in this study. This study demonstrated the helpful effect of green tea infusion in ameliorating a marker protein of cadmium intoxication in ovarian tissue.

Selenofuranoside Ameliorates Memory Loss in Alzheimer-Like Sporadic Dementia: AChE Activity, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation Involvement

Alzheimers disease (AD) is becoming more common due to the increase in life expectancy. This study evaluated the effect of selenofuranoside (Se) in an Alzheimer-like sporadic dementia animal model. Male mice were divided into 4 groups: control, Aβ, Se, and Aβ + Se. Single administration of Aβ peptide (fragments 25–35; 3 nmol/3 μL) or distilled water was administered via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection. Selenofuranoside (5 mg/kg) or vehicle (canola oil) was administered orally 30 min before Aβ and for 7 subsequent days. Memory was tested through the Morris water maze (MWM) and step-down passive-avoidance (SDPA) tests. Antioxidant defenses along with reactive species (RS) were assessed. Inflammatory cytokines levels and AChE activity were measured. SOD activity was inhibited in the Aβ group whereas RS were increased. AChE activity, GSH, and IL-6 levels were increased in the Aβ group. These changes were reflected in impaired cognition and memory loss, observed in both behavioral tests. Se compound was able to protect against memory loss in mice in both behavioral tests. SOD and AChE activities as well as RS and IL-6 levels were also protected by Se administration. Therefore, Se is promising for further studies.

Green tea infusion improves cyclophosphamide-induced damage on male mice reproductive system

Graphical abstract

Anti‐Inflammatory and Anti‐Oxidant Effects of p‐Chloro‐phenyl‐selenoesterol on TNBS‐Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of p‐chloro‐phenyl‐selenoesterol [PCS; 0,2 mg/kg; 10 ml/kg i.g.) in colitis induced by 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid [TNBS; 2 mg/100 µl 50% ethanol; intrarectally) in mice. Several parameters including weight, length, histological analyses determination, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reactive species levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of colon were evaluated. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 [IL‐6) were also assessed. Treatment with PCS reduced the clinical and histopathologic severity of TNBS‐induced colitis, characterized by colon length reduction and increased colon weight and microscopic intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic effects of PCS in this model were associated with significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6 and decrease in MPO activity. Furthermore, combined with improvements in inflammatory parameters, treatment with the PCS was able to decrease oxidative stress and to prevent the decrease in antioxidant defenses in animals with TNBS‐induced colitis. This finding suggests that PCS can improve experimental colitis in mice and it could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with IBD. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 709–717, 2017.

Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) extract ameliorates ovarian damage induced by subchronic cadmium exposure in mice: Potential δ‐ALA‐D involvement

Females are born with a finite number of oocyte‐containing follicles and ovary damage results in reduced fertility. Cadmium accumulates in the reproductive system, damaging it, and the cigarette smoke is a potential exposure route. Natural therapies are relevant to health benefits and disease prevention. This study verified the effect of cadmium exposure on the ovaries of mice and the blueberry extract as a potential therapy. Blueberry therapy was effective in restoring reactive species levels and δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase activity, and partially improved the viability of cadmium‐disrupted follicles. This therapy was not able to restore the 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Extract HPLC evaluation indicated the presence of quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercetin, and ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid was the major substance and its concentration was 620.24 µg/mL. Thus, cadmium accumulates in the ovaries of mice after subchronic exposure, inducing cellular damage, and the blueberry extract possesses antioxidant properties that could protect, at least in part, the ovarian tissue from cadmium toxicity.

Comparative effect of Camellia sinensis teas on object recognition test deficit and metabolic changes induced by cafeteria diet

Objectives: Consumption of high-fat and high-sugar diets in Western countries has increased significantly causing major global health problems including metabolic syndrome and obesity. In addition, studies have suggested that obesity can lead to learning and memory deficits. In this context, the use of natural compounds with low costs, minor side effects and increased antioxidant activity, such as teas, could reduce the damages induced by obesity. We investigated the effect of white, green, red, and black teas (Camellia sinensis) and their possible neuroprotective mechanisms in an experimental obesity model induced by a cafeteria diet (CD). Methods: Female Swiss mice (20–30 g) were used; they received a normal diet or a hypercaloric diet (CD) during 8 weeks. Concomitantly, some mice received orally white, green, red, or black teas (1% dose) or water. Results: The mice subjected to CD showed weight gain, body fat accumulation, increased glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, associated to recognition memory deficits and increased reactive species (RS) levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampus. All teas significantly reduced AChE activity and partially reduced fat accumulation. Green and red teas reduced memory deficit. White, green, and black teas reduced RS levels, while only green and black tea reduced plasma triglyceride levels. Discussion: According to the results obtained it is possible to conclude that green tea was better than other teas in reducing effects of the CD model, being able to protect a greater number of parameters.

Selenofuranoside improves long-term memory deficits in rats after exposure to monosodium glutamate: Involvement of Na+, K+-ATPase activity

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the most widely used additive in the food industry; however, some adverse effects of this additive, including functional, learning, and behavioral alterations, have been observed in experimental animals and humans. Studies have shown learning and memory impairment in adult animals exposed to MSG. However, studies relating exposure to MSG to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na+, K+-ATPase activities and memory damage are still scarce in the literature. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible protective effects of selenofuranoside, an organoselenium compound, against the impairment of long-term memory, Na+, K+-ATPase and AChE activities, and oxidative stress after MSG exposure in rats. MSG (2g/kg) and/or selenofuranoside (5mg/kg) were administered orally to 5-week-old male Wistar rats for 10days. On the 10th day, after the administration of last dose of the drug(s), the rats were subjected to behavioral tests: the open-field test and step-down passive avoidance task (SDPA). The blood, liver, kidney, cortex, and hippocampus were removed to determine the oxidative stress parameters, such as the levels of reactive species, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and endogenous nonenzymatic antioxidant content. Furthermore, the cortex and hippocampus were used to determine the Na+, K+-ATPase and AChE activities. The results demonstrate that the administration of MSG led to long-term memory impairment, as shown in the SDPA task, and also hippocampal and cortical Na+, K+-ATPase inhibition. There were no alterations in the AChE activity and oxidative stress parameters. Treatment with selenofuranoside attenuated memory impairment associated with MSG exposure by improving the hippocampal Na+, K+-ATPase activity.

Tribulus terrestris Protects against Male Reproductive Damage Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Mice

Tribulus terrestris (TT) has been considered as a potential stimulator of testosterone production, which has been related with steroidal saponins prevailing in this plant. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is the most commonly used anticancer and immunosuppressant drug, which causes several toxic effects, especially on the reproductive system. Patients who need to use CP therapy exhibit reduced fertility or infertility, which impacts both physically and emotionally on the decision to use this drug, especially among young men. We hypothesized that the treatment with TT dry extract would protect the male reproductive system against CP toxicity. Mice received dry extract of TT (11 mg/kg) or vehicle by gavage for 14 days. Saline or CP was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose (100 mg/kg) on the 14th day. Animals were euthanized 24 h after CP administration, and testes and epididymis were removed for biochemical and histopathological analysis and sperm evaluation. The dry extract of TT was evaluated by HPLC analysis and demonstrated the presence of protodioscin (1.48%, w/w). CP exposure increased lipid peroxidation, reactive species, and protein carbonylation and altered antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GR). Moreover, acute exposure to CP caused a reduction on 17 β-HSD activity, which may be related to the reduction in serum testosterone levels, histopathological changes observed in the testes, and the quality of the semen. The present study highlighted the role of TT dry extract to ameliorate the alterations induced by CP administration in mice testes, probably due to the presence of protodioscin.

Parâmetros físico-químicos e biológicos de águas de tanques de estabilização

Atualmente, o crescente aumento populacional tem tornado, tanto a disponibilidade quanto a qualidade da agua, um assunto preocupante, devido a isto as aguas consideradas de qualidade inferior, tais como as aguas residuarias, tem como alternativa a reutilizacao. Se combinada a piscicultura, possibilita a producao de pescado, a partir de aguas que nao teriam uso convencional. Desta maneira, neste estudo foram realizadas analises fisico-quimicas e microbiologicas em dois tanques de estabilizacao em serie localizados na Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Campus Uruguaiana, a fim de verificar a possibilidade de reuso destas aguas em atividades de piscicultura, considerando os principais parâmetros utilizados para o cultivo em comparacao com o estabelecido na resolucao 357/05 do CONAMA. No periodo entre abril/2012 e marco/2013 as amostras foram coletadas em dois tanques de estabilizacao: primario (T1) e secundario (T2). As analises fisico-quimicas foram realizadas mensalmente pelos metodos colorimetrico e de Winkler, como tambem em aparelhagens especificas (pHmetro, turbidimetro, multiparâmetro e disco de Secchi). Enquanto os parâmetros microbiologicos foram realizados bimestralmente pela tecnica de fermentacao em tubos multiplos (numero mais provavel). Os resultados obtidos estiveram de acordo com os limites da resolucao em ambos os tanques, bem como com o recomendavel na atividade de piscicultura descrito por varios autores. Exceto que, ambos os tanques apresentaram niveis de oxigenio abaixo dos valores contidos na resolucao, alem de que no T1 o limite preconizado para coliformes termotolerantes foi ultrapassado. Dessa maneira, as analises indicaram que as aguas do T2 possuem maior potencial para a piscicultura.