• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2405-2425
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• 2014

Radiation exposure leads to several pathophysiological conditions, including oxidative damage, inflammation and fibrosis, thereby affecting the survival of organisms. This review explores the radiation countermeasure properties of fourteen (14) plant extracts or plant-derived compounds against these cellular manifestations. It was aimed at evaluating the possible role of plants or its constituents in radiation countermeasure strategy. All the 14 plant extracts or compounds derived from it and considered in this review have shown some radioprotection in different in vivo, ex-vivo and or in vitro models of radiological injury. However, few have demonstrated advantages over the others. C. majus possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects appears to be promising in radioprotection. Its crude extracts as well as various alkaloids and flavonoids derived from it, have shown to enhance survival rate in irradiated mice. Similarly, curcumin with its antioxidant and the ability to ameliorate late effect of radiation exposure, combined with improvement in survival in experimental animal following irradiation, makes it another probable candidate against radiological injury. Furthermore, the extracts of P. hexandrum and P. kurroa in combine treatment regime, M. piperita, E. officinalis, A. sinensis, nutmeg, genistein and ginsan warrants further studies on their radioprotective potentials. However, one that has received a lot of attention is the dietary flaxseed. The scavenging ability against radiation-induced free radicals, prevention of radiation-induced lipid peroxidation, reduction in radiation cachexia, level of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis, are some of the remarkable characteristics of flaxseed in animal models of radiation injury. While countering the harmful effects of radiation exposure, it has shown its ability to enhance survival rate in experimental animals. Further, flaxseed has been tested and found to be equally effective when administered before or after irradiation, and against low doses (${\leq}5Gy$) to the whole body or high doses (12-13.5 Gy) to the whole thorax. This is particularly relevant since apart from the possibility of using it in pre-conditioning regime in radiotherapy, it could also be used during nuclear plant leakage/accidents and radiological terrorism, which are not pre-determined scenarios. However, considering the infancy of the field of plant-based radioprotectors, all the above-mentioned plant extracts/plant-derived compounds deserves further stringent study in different models of radiation injury.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.4945-4949
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Egyptian females. Nrf2 is involved in oxidative stress while P73 functions in response to DNA damage. This study aimed to assess the role of Nrf2 promoter and P73 G4C14 to A4T14 SNPs in breast cancer in Egypt. Patients: Eighty-five female patients with breast tumours (41 malignant, 44 benign) were included. Nrf2 (rs6721961) and p73 (G4A) SNPs were determined by PCR- CTPP assay. Results: Genotype frequencies of the Nrf2 promoter SNP were 34.2% and 37.9% for AA in benign and malignant groups respectively, and 43.9% and 40.5% for CC and, 21.9 % and 21.6% for CA. Genotype frequencies for the P73 G4A SNP were 52.9% and 44.7% for GA in benign and malignant groups respectively, and 47.1% and 55.3% for GG. Discussion: Nrf2 genotypes in pre - and post-menopausal patients, showed significantly different distributions in the 2 patient groups, the AA genotype being significantly more common in pre-menopausal patients. The P73 G4A SNP showed no relation to age of disease onset. Conclusion: The Nrf2 (rs6721961) AA genotype might be related to early breast cancer onset. In contrast the P73 G4A polymorphism showed no relation to either disease risk or age at presentation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.795-802
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• 2015

This study investigates the bioactivity of tannin from amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) extracts. The antioxidant activities of the extracts from amaranth leaves, flowers, and seeds were evaluated. Tannin from leaves of amaranth has been evaluated for superoxide scavenging activity by using DPPH and ABTS⁺ analysis, reducing power, protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in L-132 and BNL-CL2 cells, and inhibition of superoxide radical effects on HL-60 cells. At a concentration of 100 µg/ml, tannin showed protective effects and restored cell survival to 69.2% and 41.8% for L-132 and BNL-CL2 cells, respectively. Furthermore, at the same concentration, tannin inhibited 41% of the activity of the superoxide radical on HL-60 cells and 43.4% of the increase in nitric oxide levels in RAW 264.7 cells. The expression levels of the antioxidant-associated protein SOD-1 were significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner in RAW 264.7 cells treated with tannin from amaranth leaves. These results suggest that tannin from the leaves of Amaranthus caudatus L. is a promising source of antioxidant component that can be used as a food preservative or nutraceutical.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.684-692
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• 2016

Acute respiratory virus infectious diseases are a growing health problem, particularly among children and the elderly. Much effort has been made to develop probiotics that prevent influenza virus infections by enhancing innate immunity in the respiratory tract until vaccines are available. Lactobacillus plantarum GB-LP2, isolated from a traditional Korean fermented vegetable, has exhibited preventive effects on influenza virus infection in mice. To identify the molecular basis of this strain, we conducted a whole-genome assembly study. The single circular DNA chromosome of 3,284,304 bp was completely assembled and 3,250 protein-encoding genes were predicted. Evolutionarily accelerated genes related to the phenotypic trait of anti-infective activities for influenza virus were identified. These genes encode three integral membrane proteins, a teichoic acid export ATP-binding protein and a glucosamine - fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase involved in host innate immunity, the nonspecific DNA-binding protein Dps, which protects bacteria from oxidative damage, and the response regulator of the three-component quorum-sensing regulatory system, which is related to the capacity of adhesion to the surface of the respiratory tract and competition with pathogens. This is the first study to identify the genetic backgrounds of the antiviral activity in L. plantarum strains. These findings provide insight into the anti-infective activities of L. plantarum and the development of preventive probiotics.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.734-740
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of green tea catechins on the antioxidative defense enzyme activity of kidney in diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighting 100$\pm$10g were randomly assigned to one normal and three STZ-induced diabetic groups; catechin free diet(DM-0C group), 0.25% catechin diet(DM-0.25C group) and 0.5% catechin diet(DM-0.5C group). Diabetes was induced by intravenous of 55mg/Kg body weight of STZ in sodium citrate buffer(pH 4.3) after 4 weeks feeding of experimental diets. Rats were sacrified at the 6th day of diabetic states. Superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity in kidney was decreased by 25% and 20% in DM-0C and DM-0.25C groups compared with normal group, DM-0.5C group was not significantly different when compared with normal group. Glutathione peroxidase(GSHpx) activity in kidney was were no significant differences the diabetic groups compared to normal group. Xanthin oxidase(XOD) activity was increased by 110% and 63% in DM-0C and DM-0.25C groups compared with normal group, DM-0.5C group was not significantly different when compared with normal group. The contents of superoxide radical(O$_2$)in kindney were 116% and 33%, respectively, higher in DM-0C and DM-0.25C groups than normal group. DM-0.5C group and normal groups were similar levels in their superoxide radical contents of kidneys. Levels of TBARS(thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) in kidney were increased by 62% in DM-0C group, when compared with normal group, but those of DM-0.5C group were similar to that of normal groups. These results indicate that free radical generation system was weakened and free radical scavenger system was enhance in kidney of STZ-induced diabetics rats by dietary catechin. Thereby it may reduce renal disorders such as oxidative damage and aging of tissue.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.89-98
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• 2000

Cerebral ischemia, the most prevalent form of clinical stroke, is a medical problem of the first magnitude. Substantial efforts are being made to develop drugs which will protect the brain from the neurodegeneration followed by an ischemic stroke. A key factor in this process is the development of animal models that mimic the neuropathological consequences of stroke. Recently, there is increasing an evidence that free radical is involved in the mechanisms of ischemic brain damage. We investigated the macro scale gene expression analysis on the global ischemia induced by 4-vessel occlusion in Wister rats. The recent availability of microarrays provides an attractive strategy for elaborating an unbiased molecular profile of large number of genes during ischemic injury. This experimental approach offers the potential to identify molecules or cellular pathways not previously associated with ischemia. Ischemia was induced by 4-vessel occlusion for 10 minutes and reperfused again. RNA from sham control brain and time-dependent ischemed brain were hybridized to microarrays containing 4,000 rat genes. 589 genes were found to be at least 2 fold regulated at one or more time points. These survey data provide the foundation studies that should provide convincing proof for ischemia and oxidative stress on gene expression.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.316-321
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• 2008

The hepatoprotection by the methanol extract of Oenanthe javanica DC (water dropwort) (OJME) was investigated in Sprague Dawley rats with inducing liver damage by acetaminophen. After OJME administration for 1 week, the increase of hepatic lipid peroxide level by acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity was significantly reduced. In case of phase I microsomal enzyme systems including cytochrome P-450, aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase, any significant differences between in control and in OJME-pretreated group was observed after acetaminophen treatment. However, the pretreatment of OJME maintained the hepatic glutathione level and the activity of liver cytosolic glutathione S-transferase, which was significantly decreased by the acetaminophen intoxication. Among the glutathione-generating system, glutathione reductase was more responsible for its biosynthesis rather than ${\gamma}-glutamylcystein$ synthetase. OJME itself showed the strong inhibition activity on DPPH radical generation. In conclusion, OJME administration maintains the liver glutathione pool and hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity, in addition with its high anti-oxidative capability, to show hepatoprotective effect from acetaminophen intoxication.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2005

The number of reporting the effects on ginseng's physiological, pharmacological, and behavioral effects has been increased every year. Major active components of Panax ginseng, are the ginsenosides, which are mainly triterpenoid dammarane derivatives. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is blown to induce cellular energy deficit and oxidative stress related neurotoxicity via an irreversible inhibition of the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Intraperitoneal injection of 3-NP produces striatal degeneration. Aged animals was more vulnerable to 3-NP than young animal. We used three different ages of 5-, 8-, and 26-week-old rats. 3-NP alone treatment induced striatal lesion and increased lesion volume with age-dependent manner in 5-, 8-, and 26-week-old rats by $30.2{\pm}5.8$, $v$, and $51.3{\pm}8.4mm^3$, respectively. However, pretreatment of GTS (100 mg/kg/day) before 3-NP reduced striatal lesion in 5-,8-, and 26-week-old rats by $3.15{\pm}6.1$, $8.89{\pm}1.9$, and $27.3{\pm}5.6mm^3$, respectively. Pretreatment of GTS also significantly increased survival rate in 5-week-old rats (3-NP alone: GTS +3-NP = $40.4{\pm}6.3$: $72.5{\pm}9.5\%$) than 8-week-old rats (3-NP alone: GTS + 3-NP : $13.5{\pm}5.2\%$ : $45.1{\pm}3.1\%$). In 26-week-old rats, 3-NP alone treated group died on day 18, whereas GTS +3-NP-treated group prolonged lifespan to 30 days. Thus, pretreatment of GTS before administration of 3-NP extended lifespan in all ages. The present results indicate that aged animals are more vulnerable to 3-NP and GTS pretreatment protected 3-NP-induced striatal damage in different ages of animals.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.990-996
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• 2003

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Forsythia viridissima Lindl. (FVL) on antioxidative defense system and lipid peroxidation of liver in rats fed high-cholesterol diet. Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100 $\pm$ 10 g were randomly assigned into five experimental groups fed 0.5％ cholesterol ; HC group which was not supplemented FVL extract, 0.05％ methanol extract diet group (MSI group), 0.1％ methanol extract diet group (MS2 group), 0.025％ ethylacetate-souble fraction diet group (ES1 group) and 0.05％ ethylacetate-souble fraction diet group (ES2 group). Experimental diets were fed ad libitum to the rats for 3 weeks. The hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in the MS2 group was decreased to 20％ as compared to HC group. The activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were not significantly different among all the high cholesterol diet groups. The hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) activity in MS2, ES2 groups were significantly increased as compared to HC group. The hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the MS2 group was increased to 20％ as compared to HC group. The levels of hepatic TBARS in the MS1, MS2, ES1 and ES2 groups were reduced by 13％, 21％, 13％ and 21％, respectively, as compared with HC group. The contents of lipofuscin in liver tissue was not significantly different among all the experimental groups. The results indicate that FVL extract may reduce oxidative damage by activating antioxidative defense system of liver in rats fed high-cholesterol diets.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2006

The differential effects of various fatty acids such as n-3 and n-6 types or degrees of unsaturation on the CYP2E1 induction and the production of lipid peroxidation (LPO) were investigated. The CYP2E1-transduced human hepatoma HepG2 cells (E47) were cultured in RPMI 1640 media containing different concentrations of various fatty acids up to 48 h incubation compared to 04 cells and CYP2E1-null cells. Treated fatty acids were linoleic acid (LA:n-6, C18:2), arachidonic acid (AA:n-6, C20:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA:n-3, C22:6). The cell survival rate was decreased corresponding to the degree of unsaturation (LA>AA $\cong$DHA) and to LPO production in E47 and 04 cells. The four or five unsaturation degree of fatty acids, AA and DHA, caused time- and dose-dependent cell death in E47 cells but not as much as in C34 (without CYP2E1), suggesting an important role of CYP2E1 in the DHA mediated damage. In the levels of lipid peroxides (LPO), AA also elevated LPO by 3- and 5- fold compared to DHA or LA treated E47 cells. However, AA did not increase LPO until 48 h incubation in C34 cells. In conclusion, the polyunsaturated fatty acids induced CYP2E1 induction might be changed by the elevated levels of lipid peroxide (LPO) and oxidative stress through the connection of CYP2E1 and degrees of unsaturated fatty acids.