Heat shock increases skin temperature during sun exposure and some evidence indicates that it may be involved in skin aging. The antioxidant response mediated by the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a critically important cellular defense mechanism that serves to limit skin aging. We investigated the effects of heat shock on collagenase expression when the antioxidant defen...

In this paper, the biosynthesis process of phenolic compounds in plants is summarized, which include the shikimate, pentose phosphate and phenylpropanoid pathways. Plant phenolic compounds can act as antioxidants, structural polymers (lignin), attractants (flavonoids and carotenoids), UV screens (flavonoids), signal compounds (salicylic acid, flavonoids) and defense response chemicals (tannins,...

The objective of this study was to investigate early biological response in olive flounder exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of waterborne phenanthrene (0.5, 1 or 2 microM). The fish were exposed for 4 weeks and we analyzed their enzymatic defense system, antioxidant and phase II enzyme activities, to evaluate the chronic exposure toxicity of phenanthrene. Waterborne phenanthrene affected an...

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause a range of health problems. In this context, the vascular system is a particular target of the deleterious effects of lead. Lead exerts its toxicity through substitution of other divalent cations such as calcium and zinc, resulting in disruption of homeostasis. Based on the evidence that lead up-regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone glucose-re...

Active oxygen species are produced as a consequence of normal aerobic metabolism. Of these, free radicals are usually metabolized or inactivated in vivo by a team of antioxidants. Individual members are a trained team fighting antioxidants to prevent the generation of ROS, destroy or oxidizing potential of capture. In terms of physiological oxidative stress, induced tissue attack is minimal. A ...

Male albino rats were sciatectomized and kept for 30 days to assess the induced oxidative damage due to disuse gastrocnemius muscle atrophy. An enhanced lipid peroxidation was recorded with elevated activity levels of conjugated diens, malondialdehyde and other thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in denervated muscle. The activity levels of antioxidant defense enzymes, viz. superoxide dismu...

Reactive oxygen species are important risk factors for age-related diseases, but they also act as signaling factors for endogenous antioxidative defense. The hypothesis that a multi-micronutrient supplement with nutritional doses of antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals (MP) may provide protection against oxidative damage and maintain the endogenous antioxidant defense capacity was assessed ...

Various abiotic stresses lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants which are highly reactive and toxic and cause damage to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA which ultimately results in oxidative stress. The ROS comprises both free radical (O(2)(-), superoxide radicals; OH, hydroxyl radical; HO(2), perhydroxy radical and RO, alkoxy radicals) and non-radical (mol...

OBJECTIVES To describe the importance of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase working together in human cells against toxic reactive oxygen species, their relationship with several pathophysiologic processes and their possible therapeutic implications. CONCLUSIONS Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the cell growth, differentiation, prog...

The role of free radicals in normal cellular functions and different pathological conditions has been a focus of pharmacological studies in the recent past. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in general are essential for cell signaling and other vital physiological functions; however, excessive amounts can cause alteration in cellular reduction-oxidation (redox) balance, and disrup...