Catalase

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is thought to involve inflammatory infiltration of leukocytes, lung injury induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), in particular superoxide anion, and fibrosis (collagen deposition). No treatment has been shown to improve definitively the prognosis for IPF patients. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide anion to hydrogen peroxide, which is subsequently detoxified by catalase. Lecithinized SOD (PC-SOD) has overcome clinical limitations of SOD, including low tissue affinity and low stability in plasma. In this study, we examined the effect of PC-SOD on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Severity of the bleomycin-induced fibrosis in mice was assessed by various methods, including determination of hydroxyproline levels in lung tissue. Intravenous administration of PC-SOD suppressed the bleomycin-induced increase in the number of leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Bleomycin-induced collagen deposition and incr...

A large number of micropropagated Euphorbia millii shoots from temporary immersion bioreactor showed thick broad leaves that were translucent, wrinkled and/or curled and brittle, symptoms of hyperhydricity. The environment inside bioreactor normally used in plant micropropagation is characterised by high relative humidity, poor gaseous exchange between the internal atmosphere of the bioreactor and its surrounding environment, and the accumulation of ethylene, conditions that may induce physiological disorders. A comparison of hyperhydric shoots (HS) with normal plants shows marked increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content in HS plants. MDA, a decomposition product of polyunsaturated fatty acids hydroperoxides, has been utilized very often as a suitable biomarker for lipid peroxidation, which is an effect of oxidative damage. This hypothesis is also confirmed by the higher lipoxygenase (LOX) activity in HS plants. The potential role of antioxidant enzymes in protecting hyperhydric shoots from oxidative injury was examined by analyzing enzyme activities and isozyme profiles of hyperhydric and non-hyperhydric leaves of E. millii. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity were significantly higher in hyperhydric tissue as compared to non-hyperhydric normal leaf tissue. After native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis, seven SOD isoenzymes were detected and the increase in SOD activity observed in hyperhydric tissue seemed to be mainly due to Mn-SOD and Cu/Zn-SOD. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) was proportionally increased in HS tissue compared to normal leaves indicating a crucial role in eliminating toxic H 2 O 2 from plant cells. The depletion of GSH and total glutathione in spite of higher GR activities observed in HS tissue indicates that mechanism of antioxidant defense was by enhanced oxidation of GSH to GSSG by DHAR yielding ascorbate (AA). The antioxidant metabolism has been shown to be important in determining the ability of plants to survive in hyperhydric stress and the up regulation of these enzymes would help to reduce the build up of ROS.

The objective of the present study was to determine the oxidative stress caused by hexavalent chromium (Cr [VI]), the chromium (Cr) uptake, and the Cr speciation in Convolvulus arvensis L. plants grown in hydroponics media containing either Cr(VI) or Cr(III). The results demonstrated that C. arvensis plants exposed to Cr(VI) concentrations ranging from 0 to 40 mg/L expressed higher ascorbate peroxidase specific activity in roots than in shoots. On the other hand, catalase activity monitored in plants exposed to 2 mg/L of Cr(VI) for 24 h increased in roots after a few hours of exposure. However, catalase activity in shoots revealed a decrement almost immediately after treatment was initiated. The results from x-ray absorption spectroscopic studies indicated that the oxidation state of the supplied Cr(III) remained the same in plant tissues. The supplied Cr(VI), however, was reduced to the trivalent form in plant tissues. The results of inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectroscopy demonstrated that after 5 d, the roots of plants exposed to 40 mg/L of Cr(III) or Cr(VI) accumulated approximately 25,000 and 3,500 mg/kg dry weight of Cr, respectively. Nevertheless, shoots concentrated 1,500 and 2,000 mg/kg dry weight of Cr from Cr(III) and Cr(VI), respectively, which indicated that Cr moved faster into C. arvensis plants when supplied as Cr(VI).

These experiments tested the hypothesis that short-term endurance exercise training would rapidly improve (within 5 days) the diaphragm oxidative/antioxidant capacity and protect the diaphragm against contraction-induced oxidative stress. To test this postulate, male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) ran on a motorized treadmill for 5 consecutive days (40-60 min x day(-1)) at approximately 65% maximal oxygen uptake. Costal diaphragm strips were excised from both sedentary control (CON, n=14) and trained (TR, n=13) animals 24 h after the last exercise session, for measurement of in vitro contraction properties and selected biochemical parameters of oxidative/antioxidant capacity. Training did not alter diaphragm force-frequency characteristics over a full range of submaximal and maximal stimulation frequencies (P > 0.05). In contrast, training improved diaphragm resistance to fatigue as contraction forces were better-maintained by the diaphragms of the TR animals during a submaxim...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the negative effects of the Pringle maneuver on pancreatic tissue with respect to the time of performing the maneuver. Moreover, the efficacy of octreotide therapy on pancreatic changes at the time of the Pringle maneuver was assessed. Fifty male Wistar Albino rats were randomized into 5 groups. The groups were formed as follows: Group A: sham operation, Group B: Pringle maneuver for 30 min plus octreotide (PM30-OCT), Group C: Pringle maneuver for 60 min plus octreotide (PM60-OCT) and Group D: Pringle maneuver for 30 min plus 0.9 % saline solution (PM30-SS), Pringle maneuver for 60 min plus 0.9 % saline solution (PM60-SS, Group E). Blood samples for the evaluation of both amylase and lipase levels were taken via the portal vein. Levels of glutathione, glutathione reductase, catalase, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) were assessed in the ...

Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are emerging as important regulators of angiogenesis. NO enhances VEGF synthesis in several cell types and is required for execution of VEGF angiogenic effect in endothelial cells. Similarly, hydrogen peroxide induces VEGF synthesis and recent studies indicate the involvement of ROS in signaling downstream of VEGF stimulation. VEGF synthesis can not only be enhanced by gene transfer of VEGF but also by overexpression of NO synthase genes. Here, we examined the possibility of augmentation of VEGF production by gene transfer of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD, SOD1). Overexpression of human SOD1 in mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts increased SOD activity, enhanced intracellular generation of H 2 O 2 and significantly stimulated VEGF production as determined by increase in VEGF promoter activity, VEGF mRNA expression and VEGF protein synthesis. The stimulatory effect on VEGF synthesis induced by SOD1 gene transfer was reverted by overexpression of human catalase. The effect of H 2 O 2 produced by engineered cells is mediated by activation of hypoxia-inducible factor response element (HRE) as well as Sp1 recognition site of VEGF promoter. This data suggest the feasibility of stimulation of angiogenesis by overexpression of SOD1. (Mol Cell Biochem 264: [169][170][171][172][173][174][175][176][177][178][179][180][181] 2004)

nature materials | VOL 3 | OCTOBER 2004 | www.nature.com/naturematerials I n the last decade we have witnessed a fast growth in the research, development and marketing of biosensors, although no clear decisions have been made in favour of specific materials 1 . An ideal biosensor should combine nature's sensitivity and specificity with the advantages of modern microelectronics. Because of its technological advancement, silicon has been used in most of the past and current developments 2-5 . However, its poor biocompatibility and chemical instability prevent silicon from becoming the ideal material for biosensor applications. In contrast, diamond is known as a biocompatible material in itself 6 , consisting of just carbon atoms. Efforts were therefore made in the past to functionalize diamond surfaces 7-9 . Nevertheless, economic considerations and a lack of information have prevented a clear judgement of the potential of diamond in this particular field.The advent of a new diamond thin-film deposition technology 10 and recent breakthroughs in substitutional doping of diamond 11,12 have generated renewed interest. Indeed, the possibility of depositing large-area thin films of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) on diverse substrates at a relatively low cost, and the fact that NCD has nearly the same combination of exceptional properties as single-crystal diamond-such as biocompatibility, chemical inertness and superb electrochemical properties 13 -have quickly led to considerable progress 15 . For instance, Yang et al. have demonstrated the modification of NCD surfaces with DNA oligonucleotides, and shown that NCD as a substrate for DNA immobilization has superior properties to those of other materials such as glass, gold or silicon 15 .

Apoptotic myocyte cell death, diastolic dysfunction and progressive deterioration in LV pump function, characterize the clinical course of diabetic cardiomyopathy. A key question concerns the mechanism(s) by which hyperglycemia (HG)-transmits danger signals in cardiac muscle cells (CMC). The growth factor adapter protein, p66ShcA is a genetic determinant of longevity, which controls mitochondrial metabolism and cellular responses to oxidative stress. Here, we demonstrate interventions that attenuate or prevent HG-induced phosphorylation at critical position 36 Ser residue (phospho-Ser-36), inhibit the redox function of p66ShcA and promote the survival phenotype. Adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM) obtained by enzymatic dissociation were transduced with mutant36 p66ShcA (mu-36) dominant negative expression vector and plated in serum free media (SFM) containing 5 mM or 25 mM glucose. At HG, ARVM exhibit marked increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, upregulation of phospho-Ser-36, collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) and increased formation of p66ShcA/cytochrome c complexes. These indices of oxidative stress were accompanied by 40% increase in apoptosis and upregulation of cleaved caspase 3 and the apoptosis related proteins p53 and Bax. To test if p66ShcA functions as a redox sensitive molecular switch in vivo, we examined hearts of male Akita diabtic nonobese (C57BL/6J) mice. Immunoblot analysis detected upregulation of phospho-Ser-36, translocation of p66ShcA to mitochondria and formation of p66ShcA/cytochrome c complexes. Conversely, correction of HG by adenoassociated viral delivery of leptin

Alphaherpesviruses, which have co-evolved with their hosts for more than 200 million years, evade and subvert host immune responses, in part, by expression of immuno-modulatory molecules. Alphaherpesviruses express a single, broadly conserved chemokine decoy receptor, glycoprotein G (gG), which can bind multiple chemokine classes from multiple species, including human and mouse. Previously, we demonstrated that infection of chickens with an infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) mutant deficient in gG resulted in altered host immune responses compared to infection with wild-type virus. The ability of gG to disrupt the chemokine network has the potential to be used therapeutically. Here we investigated whether gG from ILTV or equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) could modulate the protective immune response induced by the Helicobacter pylori vaccine antigen, catalase (KatA). Subcutaneous immunisation of mice with KatA together with EHV-1 gG, but not ILTV gG, induced significantly higher anti-KatA IgG than KatA alone. Importantly, subcutaneous or intranasal immunisation with KatA and EHV-1 gG both resulted in significantly lower colonization levels of H. pylori colonization following challenge, compared to mice vaccinated with KatA alone. Indeed, the lowest colonization levels were observed in mice vaccinated with KatA and EHV-1 gG, subcutaneously. In contrast, formulations containing ILTV gG did not affect H. pylori colonisation levels. The difference in efficacy between EHV-1 gG and ILTV gG may reflect the different spectrum of chemokines bound by the two proteins. Together, these data indicate that the immuno-modulatory properties of viral gGs could be harnessed for improving immune responses to vaccine antigens. Future studies should focus on the mechanism of action and whether gG may have other therapeutic applications.

It is generally agreed that physiological levels of melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, are important in protecting against oxidative stress-induced tissue damage. We investigated the effects that pinealectomy and the administration of exogenous melatonin have on the brains, testes, duodena and stomachs of rats. Pinealectomized (Px) and sham-operated (non-Px) rats were used. We evaluated structural changes, and catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The rats were divided into the following five groups (eight rats in each group): sham (non-Px), Px+ vehicle, Px+ melatonin (10 mg/kg given daily intraperitoneally for a week), melatonin and ethyl alcohol. The antioxidant levels in the tissue of Px rats were significantly lower than in those of the sham group. Administering melatonin significantly increased antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). The Px rats also showed a significant increase in MDA levels when com...

Sleep deprivation induces oxidative stress and impairs learning and memory processes. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a strong antioxidant that has neuroprotective effect on the brain. In this study, we examined the potential protective effect of chronic administration of vitamin E on chronic sleep deprivationinduced cognitive impairment. In addition, possible molecular targets for vitamin E effects on chronic sleep deprivation-induced cognitive impairment were determined. Sleep deprivation was induced in rats using modified multiple platform model. Vitamin E (100 mg/kg) was administered to animals by oral gavage. Behavioral study was conducted to test the spatial learning and memory using the radial arm water maze (RAWM). In addition, the hippocampus was dissected out and antioxidant markers including glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and GSH/GSSG, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. The results of this project revealed that chronic sleep deprivation impaired both (short-and long-term) memories (P < 0.05), while vitamin E treatment prevented such effect. Additionally, vitamin E normalized chronic sleep deprivation-induced reduction in the hippocampus GSH/GSSG ratio, and activity of catalase, SOD, and GPx. In conclusion, sleep deprivation induces memory impairment, and treatment with vitamin E prevented this impairment probably through its antioxidant action in the hippocampus.

An approach for enzyme therapeutics is elaborated with cell-implanted nanoreactors that are based on multiple enzymes encapsulated in hollow silica nanospheres (HSNs). The synthesis of HSNs is carried out by silica sol-gel templating of water-in-oil microemulsions so that polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified enzymes in aqueous phase are encapsulated inside the HSNs. PEI-grafted superoxide dismutase (PEI-SOD) and catalase (PEI-CAT) encapsulated in HSNs are prepared with quantitative control of the enzyme loadings. Excellent activities of superoxide dismutation by PEI-SOD@HSN are found and transformation of H2 O2 to water by PEI-CAT@HSN. When PEI-SOD and PEI-CAT are co-encapsulated, cascade transformation of superoxide through hydrogen peroxide to water was facile. Substantial fractions of HSNs exhibit endosome escape to cytosol after their delivery to cells. The production of downstream reactive oxygen species (ROS) and COX-2/p-p38 expression show that co-encapsulated SOD/CAT inside the ...

In the present study, the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of an essential oil of ginger rhizomes from Ecuador was elucidated. The analysis of the essential oil by GC/FID/MS resulted in identification of 71 compounds, of which the main are citral (geranial 10.5% and neral 9.1%), α-zingiberene (17.4%), camphene (7.8%), α-farnesene (6.8%) and β-sesquiphellandrene (6.7%). The in vitro antioxidant activity of the essential oil expressed by IC50 in descending order is: hydroxyl radical (OH*) scavenging (0.0065 μg/mL) &gt; chelating capacity (0.822 μg/mL) &gt; 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation (ABTS*+) scavenging (3.94 μg/mL) &gt; xanthine oxidase inhibition (138.0 μg/mL) &gt; oxygen radical (O2*) scavenging (404.0 μg/mL) &gt; 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH*) scavenging (675 μg/mL). Lipid peroxidation inhibition of the essential oil was less efficient than butylhydroxytoluol (BHT) in both stages, i.e. hydroperoxide and malondia...

Modification of proteins with polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to result in a decrease in immunogenicity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were modified with PEG and used to immunize mice. Antibody titers against the antigens were determined by ELBA. Mice immunized with PEG-SOD had antibody titers 0.03%-0.07% of that seen in mice with SOD, while mice immunized with PEG-catalase developed titers 0.02%-0.09% of that seen in mice with catalase. The modified enzymes retained the ability to react with preformed antibodies to the unmodified antigens. Antibodies to SOD reacted equally well with the PEG-SOD or SOD antigen. Antibodies to catalase reacted to PEG-catalase but at only 0.02% of the reaction with catalase antigen. In reciprocal studies, antisera against the PEG-proteins failed to react to an appreciable level with the corresponding unmodified protein. Modification with PEG resulted in a decrease in immunogenicity of both SOD and catalase.

Background/purpose: Persistent inflammatory response secondary to congenital or acquired biliary choleastasis plays an important role in the pathophysiology of hepatic tissue damage. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to suppress the inflammatory reactions in vivo and in vitro. PUFA has been shown also to protect againts various types of experimental liver damage in animal models and isolated hepatocytes.

The aim of the present study was to show the abilities of captopril as a thiol ACEi (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor), on mitochondria toxicity due to paraquat. Mitochondrial isolation from rat liver was divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was considered as control, group 2 received paraquat (5 mM), group 3 received captopril (0.08 mM) and group 4 received paraquat (5 mM) + captopril (0.08 mM).

1Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the first-line immunosuppressant used for the management of solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Nephrotoxicity is the major limitation of CsA use. Recent evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in mediating CsA-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity. Taurine, the major intracellular free β-amino acid, is known to be an endogenous anti-oxidant and membrane-stabilizing agent. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of taurine on CsA-induced oxidative stress, hypertension and renal dysfunction.2Animals were assigned into four groups of seven rats each as follows: (i) control group, receiving vehicle (olive oil; 1 mL/kg, s.c.); (ii) CsA group, given CsA (25 mg/kg per day, s.c.) for 21 days; (iii) taurine group, supplemented with taurine (1% in the drinking water); and (iv) taurine + CsA group, treated with taurine 3 days before and concurrently during CsA injections for 21 days.3Cyclosporine A administration elevated blood pressure, reduced serum nitric oxide (NO) levels and deteriorated renal function, as assessed by increased serum creatinine levels and proteinuria and reduced urine flow rate and creatinine clearance compared with vehicle-treated rats. Cyclosporine A induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased renal tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and reduced concentrations of renal glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Conversely, no change was noted in renal catalase activity. Moreover, the kidneys of CsA-treated rats showed interstitial inflammation and renal tubular atrophy.4Taurine markedly reduced elevated blood pressure, attenuated renal dysfunction and the reduction in serum NO levels and counteracted the deleterious effects of CsA on oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, taurine ameliorated CsA-induced morphological changes.5These data clearly indicate the protective potential of taurine against CsA-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity and suggest a significant contribution of its anti-oxidant property to this beneficial effect.Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the first-line immunosuppressant used for the management of solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Nephrotoxicity is the major limitation of CsA use. Recent evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in mediating CsA-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity. Taurine, the major intracellular free β-amino acid, is known to be an endogenous anti-oxidant and membrane-stabilizing agent. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of taurine on CsA-induced oxidative stress, hypertension and renal dysfunction.Animals were assigned into four groups of seven rats each as follows: (i) control group, receiving vehicle (olive oil; 1 mL/kg, s.c.); (ii) CsA group, given CsA (25 mg/kg per day, s.c.) for 21 days; (iii) taurine group, supplemented with taurine (1% in the drinking water); and (iv) taurine + CsA group, treated with taurine 3 days before and concurrently during CsA injections for 21 days.Cyclosporine A administration elevated blood pressure, reduced serum nitric oxide (NO) levels and deteriorated renal function, as assessed by increased serum creatinine levels and proteinuria and reduced urine flow rate and creatinine clearance compared with vehicle-treated rats. Cyclosporine A induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased renal tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and reduced concentrations of renal glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Conversely, no change was noted in renal catalase activity. Moreover, the kidneys of CsA-treated rats showed interstitial inflammation and renal tubular atrophy.Taurine markedly reduced elevated blood pressure, attenuated renal dysfunction and the reduction in serum NO levels and counteracted the deleterious effects of CsA on oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, taurine ameliorated CsA-induced morphological changes.These data clearly indicate the protective potential of taurine against CsA-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity and suggest a significant contribution of its anti-oxidant property to this beneficial effect.

Abstract:  The pancreas is highly susceptible to the oxidative stress induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury leading to the generation of acute pancreatitis. Melatonin has been shown to be useful in the prevention of the damage by ischemia-reperfusion in liver, brain, myocardium, gut and kidney. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytoprotective properties of melatonin against injury induced by IR in pancreas. The obstruction of gastro-duodenal and inferior splenic arteries induced pancreatic IR in male Wistar rats. Melatonin was intraperitoneally administered before or/and after IR injury. The animals were killed at 24 and 48 hr after reperfusion and there were evaluated parameters of oxidative stress (lipoperoxides, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione), glandular endocrine and exocrine function (lipase, amylase, insulin) and cell injury (apoptosis and necrosis). The IR induced a marked enhancement of oxidative stress and impaired pancreatic function. The histological analysis showed that IR induced acute pancreatitis with the accumulation of inflammatory infiltrate, disruption of tissue structure, cell necrosis and hemorrhage. Melatonin administration before or after pancreatic IR prevented all tissue markers of oxidative stress, biochemical and histological signs of apoptosis and necrosis, and restored glandular function. No histological signs of pancreatitis were observed 48 hr after reperfusion in 80% of the animals treated with melatonin, with only a mild edematous pancreatitis being observed in the remaining rats. Preventive or therapeutic administration of melatonin protected against the induction of oxidative stress and tissue injury, and restored cell function in experimental pancreatic IR in rats.

A tertiary care center-based, case-control study evaluated the status of oxidative stress, enzymes involved in the antioxidant defense and membrane fluidity in platelets of 6 cases with central Eales disease and 5 healthy controls. Significant differences were observed between malonaldialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in the cases and controls. Enhanced oxidative stress, is consistent with an emerging view that antioxidant defenses decline in association with the disease process.

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated through the use of the xanthine (X)-xanthine oxidase (XO) system, on equine sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and membrane lipid peroxidation. Equine spermatozoa were separated from seminal plasma on a discontinuous Percoll gradient, and spermatozoa were incubated with 0.6 mM X and 0.05 U/mL XO for 30 minutes. Catalase (150 U/mL), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 150 U/mL), or glutathione (GSH, 1.5 mM) were evaluated for their ability to preserve sperm function in the presence of the induced oxidative stress. At the end of the 30-minute incubation, sperm motility was determined by computer-assisted semen analysis. Viability and acrosomal integrity were determined by Hoechst-Pisum sativum staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by staining with JC-1. Incubation with the X-XO system led to a significant (P Ͻ .01) increase in hydrogen peroxide production and an associated decrease (P Ͻ .01) in motility parameters. Total motility was significantly (P Ͻ .01) lower in the pres-ence of X-XO compared with the case of the control (29% Ϯ 9% vs 73% Ϯ 1%, respectively). Catalase, but not SOD, prevented a decline in motility secondary to oxidative stress (71% Ϯ 4% vs 30% Ϯ 3%, respectively). The addition of glutathione had an intermediate effect in preserving sperm motility at the end of the 30-minute incubation (53% Ϯ 3%). No influence of X-XO could be determined on viability, acrosomal integrity, or mitochondrial membrane potential. In order to promote lipid peroxidation, samples were incubated with ferrous sulfate (0.64 mM) and sodium ascorbate (20 mM) for 2 hours after the X-XO incubation. No increase in membrane lipid peroxidation was detected. This study indicates that hydrogen peroxide is the major ROS responsible for damage to equine spermatozoa. The decrease in sperm motility associated with ROS occurs in the absence of any detectable decrease in viability, acrosomal integrity, or mitochondrial membrane potential or of any detectable increase in lipid peroxidation.

Hydrochlorous acid bleaches c-phycocyanin visible absorbance with a second-order rate constant (pH 7.4) of 1.3x10(3) M(-1) s(-1). In excess of protein, ca. 0.16 bilin moieties are disrupted by each reacted HOCl molecule. This indicates that the main reaction takes place at the apoprotein level, with a total rate constant (in monomeric units concentration) of 2.5x10(4) M(-1) s(-1). This rate constant is too low to provide protection to other biomolecules under physiological conditions. The reported antiinflammatory properties of phycocyanin are not then related to the removal of HOCl. On the other hand, the rather slow reaction rate with HOCI could be beneficial to its role as antiinflammatory agent since it will allow the protein to maintain its integrity at the inflammation locus.

Oxidative stress is one of the major factors leading to Maneb-and Zineb-induced disorders. The aim of this in vitro study was to examine (i) the potency of Maneb and Zineb to induce changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in Chinese hamster fibroblasts V79 cells and (ii) the role of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) in the preventing their action. Maneb increased mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) activity but failed to affect the activity of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (SOD1), whereas Zineb did not change the activity of any of superoxide dismutases. The activity of catalase (CAT) was reduced only by Zineb. The activity of both glutathione peroxidases (non-Se-GPx, Se-GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) was decreased after exposure to these agents. After NAC pre-treatment Maneb increased the activity of GR, whereas the activity of non-Se-GPx was decreased as compared to that in NAC-treated cells. On the other hand, the activity of both SODs and CAT was decreased. Zineb decreased the activity of both GPxs and SOD2 with a concomitant increase in CAT activity comparing to NAC-treated cells. The results obtained thus suggest that Zineb acts by another mechanism, than Maneb does, and that one of the mechanisms of NAC protection against Maneb or Zineb-induced effects in V79 cells is its impact on enzymatic defense. Activity of GR, SOD2, and GPxs are the most affected enzymes.

Sodium hypochlorite and sodium chlorite are commonly used as disinfectants, and understanding the mechanisms of microbial resistance to these compounds is of considerable importance. In this study, the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes in the sensitivity of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to hypochlorite and chlorite was studied. Yeast mutants lacking Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, but not mutants deficient in cytoplasmic and peroxisomal catalase, were hypersensitive to the action of both hypochlorite and chlorite. Both compounds depleted cellular glutathione, induced the production of reactive oxygen species and decreased the viability of the cells. The toxicity of hypochlorite and chlorite was abolished by hypoxic and anoxic conditions and ameliorated by thiol antioxidants and ascorbate. The results demonstrated that the action of hypochlorite and chlorite involves the formation of superoxide and peroxide and that SOD1 is protective, probably by limiting the formation of hydroxyl radicals and damage to proteins.

Comparison of 5 d old stationary cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and of cultures aged for 3 months revealed increased generation of reactive oxygen species assessed by 2Ј,7Ј-dichlorofluorescin oxidation, decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, decreased content of glutathione and increased protein carbonyl content during prolonged incubation of stationary yeast cultures. These results point to the occurrence of oxidative stress during aging of stationary cultures of the yeast. The magnitude of this stress was augmented in antioxidant-deficient strains, devoid of superoxide dismutases and catalases, and of decreased glutathione content.

Intracellular antioxidants include low molecular weight scavengers of oxidizing species, and enzymes which degrade superoxide and hydroperoxides. Such antioxidants systems prevent the uncontrolled formation of free radicals and activated oxygen species, or inhibit their ...

Background: Thymus algeriensis Boiss. et Reut. (Lamiaceae), popularly known as "mougecha" or "mazoukcha" is prolific in Mediterranean regions, mostly in North Africa, and is used in folk medicine to treat of stomach diseases. Methods: In this study, animals were induced with gastric ulcers using HCl/ethanol (0.3 M HCl/60% ethanol) and treated orally with essential oil of Thymus algeriensis (EOTa) in various doses ranging from 54 mg/kg body weight to 180 mg/kg body weight. Result: The dose found to be effective was 180 mg/kg body weight, since this dose brought about a maximum reduction in lesion index in female rats. In gastric tissues, levels of total glutathiones (GSH, GST and GPx) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Histopathological changes were observed using a cross section of gastric tissue. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of 13 components accounting for 77.7% of the essential oil from dried leaves. Oral administration of EOTa (54, 117 and 180 ml/kg) inhibited HCl/ethanol-induced ulcers. Lesion index was significantly reduced in ulcer induced animals treated with EOTa (HCl/ethanol + EOTa) compared to those ulcerated with HCl/ethanol but with no treatment given. Females showed a greater resistance to ulcers and gastric lesions occurred less often than in males. GSH, pH, enzymic antioxidants, and adherent mucus content were all significantly increased. Conclusion: From the data presented in this study, it can be concluded that male rats are more sensitive to gastric ulcers induced by HCl/ethanol than females.

Streszczenie. Celem doświadczenia było zbadanie potencjalnych skutków stresu oksydacyjnego w surowicy, mięśniach piersiowych i nóg kurcząt brojlerów Ross 308, utrzymywanych w dwóch systemach odchowu w okresie letniej wysokiej temperatury powietrza. Kurczęta (400) przydzielono do dwóch grup (po 200 ptaków): I -ptaki utrzymywane w systemie ściołowym bez możliwości korzystania z wybiegów, II -kurczęta utrzymywane w systemie ściołowym z możliwością korzystania z wybiegów. Ptaki żywiono ad libitum standardowymi paszami sporządzonymi na bazie koncentratów. Ptaki przez cały okres doświadczenia miały swobodny dostęp do poideł z wodą. Obie grupy były utrzymywane w jednakowych warunkach środowiskowych (wilgotności, temperatury, programu świetlnego) oraz żywieniowych. W 6. tygodniu odchowu, w czasie wystąpienia letnich upałów, badano aktywność enzymów antyoksydacyjnych (SOD, CAT, GPx) oraz stężenie GSH i MDA w surowicy i mięśniach piersiowych i nóg. Dodatkowo krew i tkanki pobrano dzień przed wystąpieniem podwyższonej temperatury zewnętrznej. Wyniki wskazują, iż wysoka temperatura może indukować u kurcząt brojlerów stres oksydacyjny, niezależnie od systemu utrzymania, jednak kurczęta korzystające z zielonych wybiegów charakteryzowały się stabilniejszym systemem antyoksydacyjnym. Wysoka temperatura powietrza inicjuje peroksydację lipidów, na co wskazuje wzrost poziomu MDA, przy czym mięśnie nóg są bardziej wrażliwe na stres oksydacyjny niż mięśnie piersiowe.

Myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fibers (MERRF) syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by myoclonus, muscle weakness, cerebellar ataxia, heart conduction block, and dementia. It has been documented that 80-90% of the patients with MERRF syndrome are caused by the A8344G mutation in the tRNA Lys gene of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We and other investigators have reported that the mtDNA mutation results in not only inefficient generation of adenosine triphosphate but also increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured cells harboring A8344G mutation of mtDNA. In addition, we found an imbalance in the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in the skin fibroblasts of MERRF patients. The mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity levels of manganese-superoxide dismutase were increased, but those of Cu,Zn-SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase did not show significant changes. Recently, we showed that the excess ROS could damage voltage-dependent anion channel, prohibitin, Lon protease, and aconitase in the MERRF cells. Moreover, there was a dramatic increase in the gene expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 1, which may contribute to the cytoskeleton remodeling involved in the weakness and atrophy of muscle commonly seen in MERRF patients. Taken together, we suggest that mtDNA mutation-elicited oxidative stress, oxidative dam-age, and altered gene expression are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of MERRF syndrome.

We report a systematic investigation of the effects of five carbohydrates (fructose, sucrose, trehalose, maltotriose, and dextran), freeze-drying, and subsequent heat treatment (up to 8 days at 80°C) on the structure and enzymatic activity of R-chymotrypsin and catalase. Importantly, we investigate high carbohydrate-to-protein mass ratio conditions (20:1 by mass) so as to minimize protein-protein interactions (e.g., protein aggregation). The activity of R-chymotrypsin is almost quantitatively recovered (greater than 80% of the initial activity) after lyophilization with or without added carbohydrates, and its conformation in the dried solid state as well as in an aqueous solution (after rehydration of lyophilized samples) is unchanged by the presence of carbohydrates. In contrast, catalase lyophilized without carbohydrates loses almost half of its activity upon reconstitution and shows significant structural changes in the dried state. The loss of activity and the lyophilization-induced structural alteration for catalase are appreciably reduced by addition of the lower molecular weight carbohydrates (fructose, sucrose, and trehalose). For protein preservation at elevated temperatures, the addition of carbohydrates at high carbohydrate-to-protein ratios (20:1 by mass) creates a glassy matrix dilute with respect to the protein, effectively minimizing intermolecular protein-protein interactions that could lead to protein aggregation in the solid state. It is also shown that the Maillard reaction between carbohydrates and proteins, which causes a significant loss of enzymatic activity, is successfully suppressed in glassy systems with less than 1% (w/w) water content. More significantly, a quantitative comparison is established for the first time between activity loss and the extent to which the Maillard reaction proceeds for dry glassy systems (as measured spectroscopically). Trehalose was found to be the most effective protector against prolonged heating: approximately 90% of R-chymotrypsin activity and 30% catalase activity are recovered upon reconstitution following 8 days at 80°C in a trehalose matrix.

Caffeic acid (CA), which is ubiquitously present in plants, is a potent phytotoxin affecting plant growth and physiology. The aim of our study was to investigate whether CA-induced inhibition of adventitious root formation (ARF) in mung bean {Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek [Phaseolus aureus Roxb.]} involves the induction of conventional stress responses. The effect of CA (0–1000 μM) on ARF in mung bean was determined by measuring the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in terms of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, root oxidizability and changes in levels of antioxidant enzymes. Our results show that CA significantly enhanced MDA content, indicating severe lipid peroxidation, and increased H2O2 accumulation and root oxidizability in the lower rooted hypocotylar region (LRHR) of mung bean, thereby inducing oxidative stress and cellular damage. In response to CA, there was a significant upregulation in the activities of scavenging enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase, in LRHRs of mung bean. Based on these results, we conclude that CA inhibits ARF in mung bean hypocotyls by inducing ROS-generated oxidative stress and upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Hydroponics experiments were conducted to study the effects of Pb on mined ecotype (ME) and non-mined ecotype (NME) of Elsholtzia argyi from Pb/Cu mining and the non-contaminated agricultural areas, respectively. The results showed that at 200 M Pb treatment, although concentrations of Pb in leaves and stem of the ME were 2.6 and 4.5 times higher than those of the NME, these plants exhibited higher tolerance to excessive levels of Pb in the growth medium. In both the ecotypes, Pb caused inhibition of leaf growth and photosynthesis, and induced the membrane damage which was more obvious in the NME. Pb treatment decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD) while activity of catalase (CAT) and levels of total soluble proteins (TSP), ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly induced after Pb exposure, however, increase was sharp in the ME plants. Leaf ultrastructural analysis of the spongy mesophyll cells revealed that the excessive Pb concentrations caused adverse effects on chloroplast ultrastructure of both ecotypes whereby internal damage was more severe in NME. The higher tolerance to Pb displayed by ME is mainly attributed to maintenance of its leaf growth and physiology, induction of GSH and integrity of cell organelles especially chloroplast ultrastructure.

Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated the presence of oxidative stress and its role in the pathogenesis of leadinduced hypertension. This study was designed to determine whether oxidative stress in animals with lead-induced hypertension is associated with dysregulation of the activities of the main antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). In addition, we aimed to determine the effect of lead on the regulation of guanylate cyclase (GC) expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control and lead-exposed groups, and immunodetectable Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD, CAT, and GPX were determined by immunoblotting in the thoracic aorta. Additionally, the activities of these enzymes were measured in the renal cortex, medulla, and thoracic aorta. Furthermore, immunodetectable GC was determined in the thoracic aorta. In the thoracic aorta, lead exposure resulted in significant upregulation of aortic Cu/Zn SOD activity, while CAT and GPX activity and CuZn SOD, Mn SOD, and CAT protein abundance were unchanged. Conversely, GC protein abundance was decreased in thoracic aorta. In renal cortex and medulla, CAT and Cu/Zn SOD activities were increased, while GPX activity was unchanged. Lead-exposed animals exhibited upregulation of some antioxidant enzyme activities, most likely as a compensatory response to lead exposure. However, other enzymes did not compensate in the face of oxidative stress, suggestive of an antioxidant/oxidant imbalance. These findings, combined with decrease in aortic GC protein abundance, provide further evidence for dysregulation of antioxidant/oxidant balance and hypertension in this model. r 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heavy metals can accumulate in organisms via various pathways, including respiration, adsorption and ingestion. They are known to generate free radicals and induce oxidative and/or nitrosative stress with depletion of anti-oxidants. Tuna by-product meal (TBM) is rich in proteins and can, therefore, offer an attractive protein source for animals. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of metals present in TBM, namely cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), separately or in combination with oxidative stress, on cell viability. Three cell models: rat liver FTO2B, human hepatoma HepG2, and human hepatic WRL-68, were used. Cell viability was determined following exposure to various concentrations of the metals. Two antioxidant genes, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured to obtain a better understanding of oxidative stress-associated gene expression. Among the metals present in TBM, only Cd at a concentration of 30 M was noted to exhibit cytotoxic effects. This cytotoxicity was even more pronounced after co-stimulation with H 2 O 2 , used to mimic systemic oxidative stress. At non-toxic concentrations, Hg and Pb were noted to aggravate oxidative stress toxicity. The results further revealed that exposure to Cd, Pb, and a co-stimulation of H 2 O 2 with Hg resulted in the increased expression of antioxidant gene SOD. A risk assessment of toxic contaminants in TBM indicated that food safety objectives should consider the human health impacts of foods derived from animals fed on contaminated meal and that much care should be taken when TBM is used in animal diet.

A facultatively anaerobic, halotolerant, moderately thermophilic and non-sporulating bacterium, designated strain 10C T , was isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vent samples collected on the 136 N East Pacific Rise at a depth of approximately 2600 m. Cells of strain 10C T were Grampositive, motile rods, and grew optimally at 45 6C (range 12-49 6C), pH 7.0 (range pH 5.5-9.5) and 0-2 % NaCl (range 0-11 %). (+)-L-Lactate was the main organic acid detected from carbohydrate fermentation with traces of formate, acetate and ethanol. Strain 10C T was catalasepositive, oxidase-negative and reduced nitrate to nitrite under anaerobic conditions. The DNA G+C content was 50.4 mol%. Its closest phylogenetic relatives were Exiguobacterium aestuarii TF-16 T and Exiguobacterium marinum TF-80 T (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity >99 %). However, strain 10C T differed genotypically from these two Exiguobacterium species as indicated by DNA-DNA relatedness data. Therefore, on the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain 10C T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Exiguobacterium, for which the name Exiguobacterium profundum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 10C T (=CCUG 50949 T =DSM 17289 T ).

Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic activity of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cotyledons peaked 4h post-infiltration (hpi) with the avirulent Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum race 18 (Xcm18), contributing to the oxidative burst observed in the ...

In order to mimic the biological effects of an oil spill in Arctic waters, we examined several types of biomarkers (genes, enzymes, metabolites, and DNA damage) in polar cod Boreogadus saida experimentally exposed to the water soluble fractions of crude oil. During 4 weeks of exposure, induction of the studied biomarkers exceeded baseline levels. The mRNA expression of the cytochrome P4501A1 (cyp1a1) gene was the most promising biomarker, with glutathione S-transferase (gst) as a suitable complement. The delayed ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and GST activities and their persistence following 2 weeks of depuration may allow detection of previous exposures in field samples. The composition of PAH metabolites in the bile indicated the bioavailability of different PAH size-classes. Although mRNA expressions of antioxidant defense genes were induced at start of the exposure, with the strongest responses from catalase and cytosolic superoxide dismutase, they were poor for oil monitoring purposes due to their very short response times. Significant DNA damage demonstrated genotoxicity even at low PAH concentrations (<15 g L −1 ) and was correlated with benzo(a)pyrene and pyrene metabolites in the bile.

In this study, total heavy metal contents and their relationships with soil microbiological characteristics were investigated in agricultural soils which were with polluted heavy metals. Total heavy metal content of the soils varied from 0.95 to 3.20 μg Cd g –1 , 17.10 to 42.33 μg Co g –1 , 18.43 ...

The effect of Centella asiatica extract and powder in reducing oxidative stress in SpraqueDawley rats was evaluated. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by measuring malonaldehyde (MDA) level in blood. Activities of free radical-scavenging enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were determined using H 2 O 2 decomposition and nitrobluetetrazolium reduction, respectively. Results showed that administration of H 2 O 2 (0.1%) in drinking water of the rats, for 25 weeks, increased the malonaldehyde levels in erythrocytes of all the rats. However, rats receiving C. asiatica extract, powder and a-tocopherol had lower MDA levels than did the other rats, which indicates, decrease lipid peroxidation in these rats. Increase in catalase activity of the rats appears to be a response to H 2 O 2 accumulation. The decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase in C. asiatica-and a-tocopherol supplemented rats suggested a lower requirement for the enzyme and this indicates the protective effect of the plant in combating oxidative stress undergone by the rats. Results revealed that C. asiatica extract and powder may ameliorate H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation via alteration of the antioxidant defence system of the rats.

Isoniazid (INH) is an effective first-line antituberculosis drug. KatG, a catalase-peroxidase, converts INH to an active form in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and katG mutations are major causes of INH resistance. In the present study, we sequenced katG of 108 INH-resistant M. tuberculosis clinical isolates. Consequently, 9 novel KatG mutants with a single-amino-acid substitution were found. All of these mutants had significantly lower INH oxidase activities than the wild type, and each mutant showed various levels of activity. Isolates having mutations with relatively low activities showed high-level INH resistance. On the basis of our results and known mutations associated with INH resistance, we developed a new hybridization-based line probe assay for rapid detection of INH-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates.

This work describes a simple and low cost methodology for oxalate determination in food samples, which employs a bromothymol blue-based pH optode for the determination of CO 2 generated in the enzymatic reaction between oxalic acid and oxalate oxidase. The enzyme was immobilised on barley seeds, together with catalase enzyme, and placed in a stirring bar type enzymatic reactor. The system showed a linear response range from 0.0080 up to 0.100 mol l −1 , when the measurements were carried out in 0.050 mol l −1 succinate buffer at pH 4.0 and 25 • C. In these conditions, the lifetime of the system was about 120 h, with a relative standard deviation <2% (four measurements of a 0.020 mol l −1 oxalate solution). A value of 0.075 mol l −1 was obtained for the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, with a maximum velocity of 1908 mol min −1 for oxalic acid oxidation. No significant differences were found at a confidence level of 95%, when the results were compared with those obtained with the AOAC official standard method (974.24) for oxalate determination in spinach.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), a key mediator of cardiac fibroblast activation, has a major influence on collagen type I production. However, the epigenetic mechanisms by which TGF-b induces collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) expression are not fully understood. This study was designed to examine whether or not DNA methylation is involved in TGF-b-induced COL1A1 expression in cardiac fibroblasts. Cells isolated from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured and stimulated with TGF-b 1. The mRNA levels of COL1A1 and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were determined via quantitative polymerase chain reaction and the protein levels of collagen type I were determined via Western blot as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The quantitative methylation of the COL1A1 promoter region was analyzed using the MassARRAY platform of Sequenom. Results showed that TGF-b 1 upregulated the mRNA expression of COL1A1 and induced the synthesis of cell-associated and secreted collagen type I in cardiac fibroblasts. DNMT1 and DNMT3a expressions were significantly downregulated and the global DNMT activity was inhibited when treated with 10 ng/mL of TGF-b 1 for 48 h. TGF-b 1 treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the DNA methylation percentage across multiple CpG sites in the rat COL1A1 promoter. Thus, TGF-b 1 can induce collagen type I expression through the inhibition of DNMT1 and DNMT3a expressions as well as global DNMT activity, thereby resulting in DNA demethylation of the COL1A1 promoter. These findings suggested that the DNMT-mediated DNA methylation is an important mechanism in regulating the TGF-b 1-induced COL1A1 gene expression.

It has been suggested that enzymatic and/or non-enzymatic antioxidant systems are impaired in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hence patients are exposed to oxidant stress. This study aimed to establish whether this is really the case. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 20 controls. The activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidant resistant (OR) and non-enzymatic superoxide radical scavenger activity (NSSA) values were measured in both groups. Patients with RA had higher SOD and XO activities and MDA levels than did the controls. However, NSSA and OR levels were found to be decreased, and CAT and GSH-Px activities unchanged in the study group. Results suggest that excessive free radical production through the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system is the primary factor in rheumatoid arthritis, rather than an impaired antioxidant system. The therapeutic use of XO enzyme inhibitors and some antioxidants can be beneficial in this regard.

In the current study, amifostine is evaluated for its radioprotective role in serum and kidney tissue by oxidative (malondialdehyde-MDA, advanced oxidation protein product-AOPP) and antioxidative markers (catalase, glutathione-GSH, free-thiols-F-SH). Thirty Wistar albino 3–4 months old, female rats, were randomly divided into Group I (n = 10): Control, Group II (n = 10): Irradiation-alone, Group III (n = 10): Amifostine before irradiation. In Group II and III, right kidneys of the rats were irradiated with a single dose of 6 Gy using a 60Co treatment unit. Rats in Group III received 200 mg/kg amifostine intraperitoneally, 30 min prior to irradiation. Following sacrification at 24th week, blood and kidney tissue samples were collected. Statistical analysis was done by One-way ANOVA, Post hoc Bonferroni, Dunnett T3, and Mann–Whitney U tests. Administration of amifostine significantly decreased the serum AOPP and MDA levels when compared to the irradiation-only group (P = 0.004, P = 0.006; respectively). Also amifostine significantly increased serum catalase activities and GSH levels, when given 30 min prior to irradiation (P = 00.02, P = 0.000; respectively). In the kidney tissue, administration of amifostine significantly decreased AOPP and MDA levels (P = 0.002, P = 0.016; respectively). Tissue GSH activity was increased following amifostine administration (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant result on histopathological evaluation. Amifostine may reduce radiation-induced nephropathy by inhibiting chronic oxidative stress. Biomarkers of oxidative stress in serum and kidney tissue may be used for evaluation of the radiation-induced nephropathy.