Estimation of superoxide dismutase levels in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid among smokers and non-smokers in periodontitis patients - an observational study

Background: Smoking, which is an important risk factor for periodontitis, induces oxidative stress in the body and causes an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). The present study was done to quantify and compare the level of SOD enzyme levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva among smokers and nonsmokers. Methodology: One hundred and thirty-five individuals in the age range of 20­55 years, including 45 light smokers, 45 heavy smokers, and 45 nonsmokers (controls), were selected and the clinical parameters recorded were plaque index, probing depth, and attachment loss. Smokers were divided into light smokers (<10 cigarettes/day) and heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes/day) and into three subgroups: healthy, mild periodontitis, and moderate periodontitis. GCF and saliva samples were collected then SOD levels were analyzed using spectrophotometric assay. Results: The mean levels of SOD in the GCF and saliva of smokers were decreased compared to controls. Intra- and inter-group analyses showed a significant reduction in the levels of SOD in the GCF and saliva of heavy smokers compared to light smokers and the control group. Conclusions: There was a progressive reduction in SOD levels from healthy nonsmokers to light smokers to heavy smokers

Oxidative Stress Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Enhancement of Endogenous Antioxidant Defence Systems and the Promise of Improved Outcome

Background: Management of brain injury can pose enormous challenges to the health team. There are many studies aimed at discovering or developing pharmacotherapeutic agents targeted at improving outcome of head-injured patients. This paper reviews the role of oxidative stress in neuronal loss following traumatic brain injury and presents experimental and clinical evidence of the role of exogenous antioxidants as neuroprotectants. Method: We reviewed published literature on reactive oxygen species and their role in experimental and clinical brain injuries in journals and the Internet using Yahoo and Google search engines. Results: Traumatic brain injury causes massive production of reactive oxygen species with resultant oxidative stress. In experimental brain injury; exogenous antioxidants are useful in limiting oxidative damage. Results with clinical brain injury are however more varied. Conclusion: Oxidative stress due to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species with consequent impai rment of endogenous antioxidant defence mechanisms plays significant role in the secondary events leading to neuronal death. Enhancement of the defence mechanisms through the use of exogenous antioxidants may be neuroprotective; especially the agents can penetrate cell membranes; are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and if they are administered within the neuroprotective time window

In vitro Antioxidant Activities of the Fractions of Coccina Grandis L. Leaf Extract

The present study was aimed at investigating the antioxidant activities of the various fractions of the hydromethanolic extract of the leaves of Coccinia grandis L. Voigt. (Cucurbitaceae). The antioxidant activities of the fractions have been evaluated by using nine in vitro assays and were compared to standard antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; a-tocopherol; curcumin and butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT). All the fractions showed effective Hdonor activity; reducing power; free radical scavenging activity; metal chelating ability and inhibition of Beta-carotene bleaching. None of the fractions exerted an obvious pro-oxidant activity. The antioxidant property depends upon concentration and increased with increasing amount of the fractions. The free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities may be attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in the fractions. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the leaves of C. grandis are a potential source of natural antioxidant