Zeliha Selamoglu

Antioxidant Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis in Liver of L-NAME Treated Rats*

BACKGROUND The blocking of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity may cause vasoconstriction with formation of reactive oxygen species. Propolis is a natural product collected from plants by honeybees. Propolis has biological and pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to investigate the effects of propolis on catalase (CAT) activity, nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver tissues of NOS inhibited rats by Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). MATERIAL AND METHODS Rats were given a NOS inhibitor (L-NAME, 40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 15 days to provoke hypertension and propolis (200 mg/kg, by gavage) the last 5 of the 15 days. RESULTS Nitric oxide levels in the liver tissue of the rats given L-NAME significantly decreased (p<0.01). That parameter did not significantly alter in the liver of rats treated with propolis compared to the control group. CAT activity and MDA levels in the liver of the rats administrated L-NAME significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.01). These parameters significantly decreased in the liver of the rats given L-NAME + propolis compared to the L-NAME group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The present data shows that L-NAME in the liver may enhance oxidative stress via inhibited nitric oxide synthase. Our results also suggest that this effect is suppressed by the antioxidant properties of propolis in the liver tissue of NOS inhibited rats.

Melatonin and Respiratory Diseases: A Review

Melatonin is an indoleamine with potent multifunctional biological and pharmacological effects, both receptor dependent and receptor-independent effects, including antioxidant, anticancer, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, antiviral, neuroprotective activities. Melatonin mitigates tissue injury via modification of abnormalities in redox status and other biochemical markers. At the molecular level, the biological and pharmacological activities of melatonin are attributed to the inhibition of nuclear factor-κappa beta (NF-κβ), c-Fos over expression and down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3), which are regulators of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines. There are numerous scientific reports on the therapeutic potential of melatonin in treatment of asthma, respiratory diseases for infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pleural cavity diseases, as well as vascular pulmonary disease. In the present communication, we systematically review the therapeutic potential of melatonin in the treatment of respiratory diseases along with its molecular mechanism of actions.

Effects of propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, and pollen on renal injury in hypertensive rat: An experimental and theoretical approach

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE; active compound in propolis), and pollen on biochemical oxidative stress biomarkers in rat kidney tissue inhibited by Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME). The biomarkers evaluated were paraoxonase (PON1), oxidative stress index (OSI), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB). TAS levels and PON1 activity were significantly decreased in kidney tissue samples in the L‐NAME‐treated group (P < 0.05). The levels of TAS and PONI were higher in the L‐NAME plus propolis, CAPE, and pollen groups compared with the L‐NAME‐treated group. TOS, ADMA, and NF‐κB levels were significantly increased in the kidney tissue samples of the L‐NAME‐treated group (P < 0.05). However, these parameters were significantly lower in the L‐NAME plus propolis, CAPE, and pollen groups (P < 0.05) compared with rats administered L‐NAME alone (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the binding energy of CAPE within catalytic domain of glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme as well as its inhibitory mechanism was determined using molecular modeling approaches. In conclusion, experimental and theoretical data suggested that oxidative alterations occurring in the kidney tissue of chronic hypertensive rats may be prevented via active compound of propolis, CAPE administration.

The effects of pollen, propolis, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester on tyrosine hydroxylase activity and total RNA levels in hypertensive rats caused by nitric oxide synthase inhibition: experimental, docking and molecular dynamic studies

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of propolis, pollen, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and total RNA levels of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) inhibition of nitric oxide synthase in the heart, adrenal medulla, and hypothalamus of hypertensive male Sprague dawley rats. The TH activity in the adrenal medulla, heart, and hypothalamus of the rats was significantly increased in the L-NAME group vs. control (p < 0.05). Treatment with L-NAME led to a significant increase in blood pressure (BP) in the L-NAME group compared to control (p < 0.05). These data suggest that propolis, pollen, and CAPE may mediate diminished TH activity in the heart, adrenal medulla, and hypothalamus in hypertensive rats. The decreased TH activity may be due to the modulation and synthesis of catecholamines and BP effects. In addition, the binding mechanism of CAPE within the catalytic domain of TH was investigated by means of molecular modeling approaches. These data suggest that the amino acid residues, Glu429 and Ser354 of TH may play a pivotal role in the stabilization of CAPE within the active site as evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Gibbs binding free energy (ΔGbinding) of CAPE in complex with TH was also determined by post-processing MD analysis approaches (i.e. Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) method).

Geastrum pectinatum as an Alternative Antioxidant Source with some Biochemical Analysis

The present study aimed to determine and compare total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni content of Geastrum pectinatum Pers. mushroom that was collected in different areas in Antalya province (Geyikbayiri and Termessos National Park). TAS, TOS and OSI values were measured using Rel Assay kits. Heavy metal content was determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometry using the wet decomposition method. Study findings demonstrated that samples collected in Termessos National Park had more suitable heavy metal and oxidative stress conditions when compared to those collected in Geyikbayiri. Furthermore, it was considered that due to the high TAS values, the said mushroom could be consumed as a natural antioxidant source in alternative medicine.

Aloe Vera: a miracle plant with its wide-ranging applications

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians named Aloe vera “the plant of immortality”. This plant is native to hot and arid regions and widely grown as an ornamental plant. The leaves of the plant contain mucilage tissue or aloe gel that is used for cosmetics and to cure mankind’s ailments. Aloe vera is the marvelous herbal remedy with defined scientific effectiveness [1,2]. Due to its amazing attributes, the plant has the ability to reverse ailments and soothe human life in myriad ways.

Antidotic Potency of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L)

Traditional remedies are used about more than 75% population from all around the world in crucial health problems [1,2]. In recent years there is an upsurge clinical research has been focused on traditional plants origin. Plants especially vegetables are rich source of multiple vitamins (Niacin, thiamine and Vitamin A, C and E) dietary fibers and some minerals also. These compounds are mainly linked to reduce prevalence of certain diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer while some other chronic diseases [3,4]. Momordica charantia (MC) is such one vegetable with numerous health regulating properties that belongs to Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as bitter gourd or bitter melon in English and karela in Urdu. Momordica means, “to bite” indicating to the jagged edges of leaf and fruit surface, which appear as bitten. The entire plant, including leaf and fruit, taste bitter. Itis widely grown in most part of Asia especially in Pakistan, China, India and south east part of Asia due to its medicinal aspects. They are also grown on small acres in other various parts of the world. Bitter gourds are found in a wide range. Great morphological variation was found in color, fruits and size. Normally the fruit has oblong shape which resembles with small cucumber, young fruits has green color that turn to pale yellow when ripen. But, Indian charantia cultivars have large fusiform fruit, while wild, freeliving M. charantia var. muricata develops small and round fruits [5]. Similarly, three various types occure in China; slightly bitter and comparatively long fruits (30 to 60 cm), extremely bitter and small fruits (10 to 20 cm) and strongly bitter and cone shaped fruits (9 to 12 cm) [6].

Biochemical changes induced by grape seed extract and low level laser therapy administration during intraoral wound healing in rat liver: an experimental and in silico study

In the present study, the changes that occur in rat liver tissue as a result of the use of grape seed extract (GSE) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) in intraoral wound (IW) healing are analyzed using biochemical parameters. Diode laser application groups received 8 J/cm2 dose LLLT once a day for 4 days (810 nm wavelength, continuous mode, 0.25 W, 9 s). As a result of the biological parameter analysis, it was determined that the oxidative damage caused by the IWs and recovery period on 7th and 14th days could be substantially removed with GSE applications that have antioxidant capacity especially in rat liver tissue. In addition, the active compound of grape seed, catechin is studied in the active site of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) target using molecular modeling approaches. Post-processing molecular dynamics (MD) results for catechin is compared with a standard GSK3 inhibitor. MD simulations assisted for better understanding of inhibition mechanism and the crucial amino acids contributing in the ligand binding. These results along with a through free energy analysis of ligands using sophisticated simulations methods are quite striking and it suggests a greater future role for simulation in deciphering complex patterns of molecular mechanism in combination with methods for understanding drug-receptor interactions.

New Approaches in Traditional and Complementary Alternative Medicine Practices: Auricularia auricula and Trametes versicolor

Several mushroom species are consumed by collecting from the nature or in cultured form for their nutritional and medical characteristics. The objective of the present study is to determine antioxidant activities, DNA-protective activities, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress indices (OSI) and Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Na and Ca content in Auricularia auricula (L.) Underw. and Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd mushroom species. Mushroom ethanol extracts were obtained and antioxidant activities with DPPH method, TAS, TOS and OSI values with Rel Assay Diagnostics kits, and DNA protective activities using pBR322 supercoil DNA were identified. Furthermore, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Na and Ca contents were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was determined that antioxidant potential of mushroom ethanol extracts were low compared to the standard and they did not have DNAprotective activities. It was also observed that the mushrooms have variable element content, and have similar TAS, TOS and OSI levels. High OSI values found in both mushroom species showed that these mushroom are unhealthy. Thus, it was recommended to demonstrate caution in consumption of mushrooms collected in these regions. However, it was also considered that the mushroom samples collected from regions with adequate OSI values could be used as antioxidant.