Protective effects of phillyrin on H2O 2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Oxidative stress is a major component of harmful cascades activated in neurodegenerative disorders. We sought to elucidate possible effects of phillyrin, an active constituent isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Forsythia suspense, on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell death and determine the underlying molecular mechanisms in neuron-like PC12 cells. By MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay, we found that phillyrin treatment effectively protected PC12 cells against H2O2-induced cell damage.

Protective effects of exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate on paraquat toxicity in rat kidney.

In this study, we demonstrated the protective effects of β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) against paraquat (PQ)-induced kidney injury and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. By histological examination and renal dysfunction specific markers (serum BUN and creatinine) assay, β-HB could protect the PQ-induced kidney injury in rat. PQ-induced kidney injury is associated with oxidative stress, which was measured by increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and decreased intracellular anti-oxidative abilities (SOD, CAT and GSH).

Dietary selenium influences calcium release and activation of MLCK in uterine smooth muscle of rats.

We sought to elucidate the effects of different concentrations of dietary selenium on calcium ion release, MLCK levels, and muscle contraction in the uterine smooth muscle of rats. The selenium (Se) content of blood and of uterine smooth muscle tissues was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Ca(2+) content was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy.