Overall, the female subjects outperformed the male subjects on the test.”
“We investigated the neuroprotective effect of Lavandula viridis extracts (infusion, water:ethanol and methanol) and

rosmarinic acid, the major compound present in the extracts, against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in A172 human astrocyte BMS-777607 manufacturer cell line regarding the neurotoxic effect, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT). We found that L viridis extracts and rosmarinic acid protected A172 astrocytes against H2O2 and reduced intracellular ROS accumulation. Furthermore, the protection effect was not caused by modulation of CAT suggesting that other intracellular mechanisms are involved in the neuroprotective effect. Our results highlight that L viridis extracts

and rosmarinic acid have beneficial effects against oxidative damage associated with neurodegenerative diseases. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Contents Our previous work has shown that an anti-androgen flutamide administered pre- and post-natally induced adverse effects on the epididymal morphology and function of adult boars. The present investigation selleck chemical is aimed to understand the effect of flutamide and its metabolite on changes in sperm plasma membrane integrity and its stability, changes in mitochondrial oxidative capability and frequency of abnormal sperm. In vivo effects

of flutamide (50 mg/kg b.w.) on sperm ultrastructure were examined by electron microscopic observations. In vitro effects of 5, 50 and 100 mu g/ml hydroxyflutamide, administered for 2 and 24 h, on sperm plasma membrane integrity were measured by LIVE/DEAD Sperm Vitality kit, while those MI-503 datasheet on sperm membrane stability and mitochondrial oxidoreductive activity were investigated using Merocyanine 540 and NADH tests, respectively. The incidence of abnormal spermatozoa increased significantly (p < 0.05) in flutamide-treated boars compared with controls. In an in vitro approach, low dose of hydroxyflutamide in 2-h incubations appeared less effective in altering the sperm plasma membrane integrity and its stability than two higher doses used (p < 0.05). No further decrease in the membrane integrity was found when the effect of anti-androgen lasted for 24 h. On the other hand, a decrease in sperm membrane destabilization and mitochondrial oxidoreductive activity was strengthened after 24 h of hydroxyflutamide administration (p < 0.05). Characterization of sperm parameters with regard to oxidative capability of mitochondria, plasma membrane changes and sperm ultrastructure provides novel data on the boar sperm sensitivity to anti-androgen action. Results indicate high sensitivity of boar spermatozoa to androgen withdrawal.