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Effects of imperatorin on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in mice

RationaleImperatorin, a naturally occurring furanocoumarin, inactivates gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase and inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity.ObjectivesThe purpose of our experiment was to examine the influence of imperatorin on cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in the brain induced by scopolamine in male Swiss mice.MethodsIn the present studies, we used scopolamine-invoke memory deficit measured in passive avoidance (PA) paradigm as an animal model of Alzheimer disease (AD).ResultsOur finding revealed that imperatorin administered acutely at the doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg prior to the injection of scopolamine (1 mg/kg) improved memory acquisition and consolidation impaired by scopolamine. Furthermore, repeatable (7 days, twice daily) administration of the highest dose of imperatorin (10 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the effects of scopolamine on memory acquisition, whereas the doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg of this furanocoumarin were effective when memory consolidation was measured. Imperatorin, administered with scopolamine, increased antioxidant enzymes activity and decreased concentration of malondiamide, an indicator of lipid peroxidation level.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that imperatorin may offer protection against scopolamine-induced memory impairments and possesses antioxidant properties, thus after further preclinical and clinical studies this compound may provide an interesting approach in pharmacotherapy, as well as prophylactics of AD.

Effects of imperatorin on nicotine-induced anxiety- and memory-related responses and oxidative stress in mice.

The purpose of the reported experiments was to examine the effects of imperatorin [9-[(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)oxy]-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one] on anxiety and memory-related responses induced by nicotine in mice and their relation to the level of nicotine-induced oxidative stress in brain as well as in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Male Swiss mice were tested for anxiety in the elevated plus maze test (EPM), and for cognition using passive avoidance (PA) procedures. Imperatorin, purified by high-speed counter-current chromatography from methanol extract of fruits of Angelica officinalis, acutely administered at the doses of 10 and 20mg/kg impaired the anxiogenic effect of nicotine (0.1mg/kg, s.c.). Furthermore, acute injections of subthreshold dose of imperatorin (1mg/kg, i.p.) improved processes of memory acquisition when co-administered with nicotine used at non-active dose of 0.05 mg/kg, s.c. Additionally, repeated administration of imperatorin (1mg/kg, i.p., twice daily, for 6 days) improved different stages of memory processes (both acquisition and consolidation) when injected in combination with non-active dose of nicotine (0.05 mg/kg, s.c.) in the PA task. Oxidative stress was assessed by determination of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidases (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR)) activities as well as of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the whole brain, the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex after repeated administration of imperatorin (1mg/kg, 6 days) and single nicotine injection (0.05 mg/kgs.c.) on the seventh day. The results of our research suggest strong behavioural interaction between imperatorin and nicotine at the level of anxiety- and cognitive-like processes. Furthermore, imperatorin inhibited nicotine-induced changes in examined indicators of oxidative stress, especially in the hippocampus and the cortex.

Does Vitamin C Influence Neurodegenerative Diseases and Psychiatric Disorders

Vitamin C (Vit C) is considered to be a vital antioxidant molecule in the brain. Intracellular Vit C helps maintain integrity and function of several processes in the central nervous system (CNS), including neuronal maturation and differentiation, myelin formation, synthesis of catecholamine, modulation of neurotransmission and antioxidant protection. The importance of Vit C for CNS function has been proven by the fact that targeted deletion of the sodium-vitamin C co-transporter in mice results in widespread cerebral hemorrhage and death on post-natal day one. Since neurological diseases are characterized by increased free radical generation and the highest concentrations of Vit C in the body are found in the brain and neuroendocrine tissues, it is suggested that Vit C may change the course of neurological diseases and display potential therapeutic roles. The aim of this review is to update the current state of knowledge of the role of vitamin C on neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic sclerosis, as well as psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. The particular attention is attributed to understanding of the mechanisms underlying possible therapeutic properties of ascorbic acid in the presented disorders.

Effect of sodium selenite on chosen anti- and pro-oxidative parameters in rats treated with lithium: A pilot study

BACKGROUND Selenium is an essential element of antioxidant properties. Lithium is widely used in medicine but its administration can cause numerous side effects including oxidative stress. The present study aimed at evaluating if sodium selenite could influence chosen anti- and pro-oxidant parameters in rats treated with lithium. METHODS The experiment was performed on four groups of Wistar rats: I (control) - treated with saline; II (Li) - treated with lithium (2.7 mgLi/kg b.w. as Li2CO3), III (Se) - treated with selenium (0.5 mgSe/kg b.w. as Na2SeO3), IV (Li+Se) - treated with Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3 together at the same doses as in group II and III, respectively. All treatments were performed by stomach tube for three weeks in form of water solutions. The following anti- and pro-oxidant parameters: total antioxidant status (TAS) value, catalase (CAT) activity, concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in plasma as well as whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured. RESULTS Selenium given alone markedly enhanced whole blood GPx and diminished plasma CAT vs. CONTROL Lithium significantly decreased plasma CAT and slightly increased AA vs. CONTROL Selenium co-administration restored these parameters to the values observed in control animals. Furthermore, selenium co-administration significantly increased GPx in Li-treated rats. All other parameters (TAS, SOD and MDA) were not affected by lithium and/or selenium. CONCLUSION Further research seems to be warranted to decide if application of selenium as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worth considering.

Selenium – a fascinating antioxidant of protective properties

Selenium is a trace element which fulfils important functions in the organism. Its deficit may cause acute disorders, but an overdose can also lead to severe consequences. The functions of selenium in the organism are mainly connected with its antioxidant properties, as it is an essential part of important antioxidant enzymes. Disturbances of oxidant balance have been found to be involved in the activity of numerous harmful factors as well as in the pathogenesis of diverse illnesses. Selenium administration has proved to be effective against the toxicity of many agents and the side effects of drugs. However, the narrow range between therapeutic and toxic doses of selenium, as well as the dependence of its effect on the applied form, dose and method of treatment, makes the choice of the most effective supplement a very complex issue. Divergent forms of selenium are still being studied, including both inorganic and organic compounds as well as Se-enriched natural products. The newest research has also involved selenium nanoparticles. The aim of this review is to present the great potential of selenium for protecting the organism against a wide variety of environmental pollutants, drugs and physical factors.

The investigation of the possible protective influence of selenium on antioxidant barrier in heart of rats exposed to lithium.

AIMS Selenium is an essential element possessing antioxidant properties and the treatment with it has displayed protective effects against toxicity of different substances occurring in the environment and food as well as against the side effects of some drugs. Lithium is used in medicine although numerous side effects can occur during therapy, including disturbances of the heart. For these reasons studies to find protective adjuvants have been performed. In the current study the possibility of selenium (as sodium selenite) application as a protective adjuvant in lithium treatment was studied. MAIN METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated: control - with saline; Li-group - with Li2CO3 (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.); Se-group - with Na2SeO3 (0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.); Li+Se-group simultaneously with Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3 (2.7 mg Li/kg b.w. and 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w., respectively) by a stomach tube for a period of three weeks, once a day. In heart homogenate activities of antioxidant enzymes - catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), concentrations of low-molecular-weight antioxidants - ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) values were determined. GPx/SOD and CAT/SOD ratios were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS In comparison with control selenium caused no significant changes of the studied parameters except for GPx, whereas lithium slightly disturbed TAS and markedly GPx, CAT and CAT/SOD ratio. In Li-treated rats co-administration of selenium displayed tendency towards restoring the impaired parameters. SIGNIFICANCE The results suggest that research on selenium application as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worthy to be continued.

Adipokine Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Depends on Degree of Obesity

Background The fast pace of life, promoting fast food consumption and low physical activity, has resulted in obesity and/or diabetes as being serious social problems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate concentrations of selected adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin) and to assess the leptin/adiponectin ratio in plasma of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in relation to degree of obesity. Material/Methods The study comprised 92 T2D subjects divided into 4 groups according to BMI value – I (normal body weight), II (overweight), III (obesity), and IV (severe obesity) – and 20 healthy volunteers (control group). Each group was divided into male and female subgroups. Plasma concentrations of adipokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results In women, leptin concentration was significantly higher in group IV, whereas in men it was higher in groups III and IV than in the control group and groups I and II. Irrespective of sex, a significant decrease in adiponectin level was observed in group III vs. control. There was no significant difference in resistin levels. In women visfatin was markedly enhanced in group III, whereas in men in groups II, III and IV vs. control. Leptin/adiponectin ratio was increased in groups III and IV vs. control in women, whereas in men vs. both control and group I. Conclusions The obese type 2 diabetic patients presented a disturbed adipokine profile, which seems to be an important link between obesity and T2D. The future studies concerning the question if regulating of adipokines’ concentrations could be a promising approach for managing metabolic disorders seem to be well-grounded.

Comparison of the influence of selenium supplementation in organic and inorganic forms on oxidant/antioxidant balance in rat lungs

Abstract The aim of the experiment was to compare the effect of two newly synthesised organic selenocompounds with that exerted by sodium selenite on oxidant processes in rat lungs. Total antioxidant status (TAS), activity of antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants - ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), concentration of lipid peroxidation marker - malonyldialdehyde (MDA), as well as tissue concentrations of silicon and magnesium were determined in rats receiving different selenocompounds (inorganic selenite and organic selenosemicarbazide in a chain form - compound A and selenazoline in a ring form - compound B). TAS values were elevated in comparison with control without Se-supplementation. GPx was insignificantly increased when compared to control, mainly in the group receiving compound B. Inorganic selenite significantly increased SOD and decreased levels of AA. MDA was slightly altered in Se-supplemented animals. Silicon levels were not affected, whereas magnesium concentrations were considerably reduced in all groups receiving selenium. Compound B increased TAS to the highest degree. It did not have any impact on components of the antioxidant barrier and slightly decreased MDA. Therefore, it could be suggested that further research, including in vitro studies on cancer cell lines, may reveal new possibilities of medical applications of selenocompounds

Possible new organoselenium supplement – evaluation of its influence on the kidneys in comparison with inorganic sodium selenite

The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility of using of the new selenoorganic ring compound, 3-(o-chlorobenzoylamino)-2-(o-tolylimino)-4-methyl-4-selenazoline, as a selenium supplement by investigating the influence of its short-term administration on Se accumulation and antioxidant status in kidney. For 10 days, adolescent male Wistar rats were treated with saline (control group), Na(2)SeO(3) (Se-IN group) or the studied compound (Se-ORG group) (5 x 10(-4) mg Se/g of once a day) via a stomach tube. The selenium concentration, total antioxidant status (TAS), activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and concentration of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were determined in the kidney homogenates. TAS was significantly reduced in the Se-ORG group compared to the control. Reduced glutathione was markedly decreased in Se-treated animals compared to the control and in the Se-ORG group compared to the Se-IN group. Malonyldialdehyde was significantly increased in the Se-supplemented groups compared to the control group but considerably less so in the Se-ORG group. All other studied parameters displayed no significant differences. No increase in the accumulation of selenium and the partial impairment of the antioxidant status and enhancement of lipid peroxidation in the kidneys resulting from Se treatment could suggest that in the first period of administration, excess selenium was excreted with urine, leading to a disturbance of kidney functions. Comparison of the effect of our compound with that exerted by inorganic Na(2)SeO(3) suggests that the studied compound could be considered as a possible supplement after further investigations, including determination of selenium excretion with urine, as well as repetition of this study using a wide range of doses and periods of supplementation.

Antioxidant Potential of Propolis, Bee Pollen, and Royal Jelly: Possible Medical Application

Honeybees products comprise of numerous substances, including propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, which have long been known for their medicinal and health-promoting properties. Their wide biological effects have been known and used since antiquity. Bee products are considered to be a potential source of natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, or terpenoids. Nowadays, the still growing concern in natural substances capable of counteracting the effects of oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, as well as negative effects of different harmful factors and drugs, is being observed. Having regarded the importance of acquiring drugs from natural sources, this review is aimed at updating the current state of knowledge of antioxidant capacity of selected bee products, namely, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, and of their potential antioxidant-related therapeutic applications. Moreover, the particular attention has been attributed to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying antioxidant properties of bee products. The influence of bee species, plant origin, geographic location, and seasonality as well as type of extraction solutions on the composition of bee products extracts were also discussed.