Effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin E in rheumatoid arthritis - A randomized, open label, and comparative study in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin. It affects many organs and joints symmetrically. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of RA is significant. Oxidative stress occurs when there is excess production of pro oxidants (ROS) and decrease in the level of antioxidants causing oxidative damage to tissues. Anti-oxidants such as Vitamins C and E are very effective in controlling free-radical induced inflammation. Apart from providing symptomatic relief they also modify the disease. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the efficacy of Antioxidants Vitamins C and E as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in the management of RA compared to standard treatment alone. Materials and Methods: This was an open label randomized comparative study. In this study, 96 patients were screened and 60 patients were included. They were randomly divided into 30 each in study and control group. Control group received T. Hydroxy chloroquine 400 mg OD and T. Indomethacin 25 mg BD (standard treatment), study group received standard treatment plus T. Vitamin C 500 mg, and Vitamin E 400 mg for 8 s. They were followed for 4 weeks. Improvement of patients was monitored by, pain by visual analog scale, tender joint score, swollen joint score, disease activity score 28, inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), and every 4 weeks till 12 weeks. Results: All the 60 patients included in this study completed the study. After 8 weeks of treatment in the study group there is statistically significant improvement in pain score, tender joint score, swollen joint score and DAS score. Similarly, statistically significant reduction in inflammatory markers includes ESR and CRP. In the follow-up period, the improvement in study group was sustained. Conclusion: Adding Vitamins C and E over and above the standard treatment can be a new approach in the treatment of RA.

Free and liposome form of gallic acid improves calvarial bone wound healing in Wistar rats

Objective: To evaluate the effect of free and liposome form of gallic acid on bone regeneration in critical defects in Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-two female Wistar rats were divided into four study groups: group 1, negative control; group 2, positive control; group 3, gallic acid powder; group 4, gallic acid liposome. A critical-sized defect was created in all rats. Groups 2 to 4 had xenograft, autograft and membrane placement while negative control rats did not receive any treatment. The defect area was sutured and rats were kept alive for 30 d. At the end of the study, a bone specimen including the defect area was removed from calvaria. All specimens were evaluated under the stereomicroscope, then underwent histological analysis. Inflammatory cell counts, osteoblast, osteoclast counts, receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and alkaline phosphatase were determined. Results: The biggest unhealed defect area was observed in the negative control group and the smallest was observed in the gallic acid liposome group. There were no differences between the positive control group vs. the gallic acid powder group and the gallic acid powder group vs. the gallic acid liposome group. The severity of inflammation was the highest in the negative control group and the lowest in the gallic acid liposome group with significant differences between the groups. All groups had similar osteoblast counts while osteoclast counts were the highest in the positive control group. Gallic acid groups had a lower number of osteoclasts compared with the positive control group. Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase levels were similar in the groups while OPG and BMP-2 levels exhibited a significant increase compared with the negative control group and the positive control group. RANKL was similar in the negative control group, the positive control group, and the gallic acid powder groups but decreased in the gallic acid liposome group. Conclusions: Gallic acid powder and liposome significantly improve bone regeneration in Wistar rats with calvarial defects. The improvement in healing is evident with decreased inflammation and RANKL expressions and increased OPG and BMP-2 expressions.

Nuts and Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on Brazil Nuts

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death globally and most CVD can be prevented by addressing their risk factors, such as an unhealthy diet. Many authors have studied the benefits of nut consumption on CVD. Nuts contain high amounts of vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and many other bioactive compounds, like phytosterols and phenolic compounds, which are able to reduce cholesterol levels and promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. This review aims to describe studies involving the consumption of nuts, including Brazil nuts and CVD risk factors with positive results in the improvement of lipid profile, glucose metabolism, vascular function, and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers

Anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in prevention of diseases in geriatric people

As our age advances, many changes are seen in our body, such as cellular changes, cardiovascular problems, cerebrovascular diseases, including cancer mediated by inflammation and their mediators such as free radicals (ROS, RNS), cytokines, transcription factors (NF-KB, STAT3) due to altered dietary patterns and digestive disorders. The disease pattern can be suppressed by including anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in our diet to prevent various diseases in geriatric peoples associated with inflammation. Chronic activation of the inflammatory response, defined as inflammation, is the key physio-pathological substrate for anabolic resistance, sarcopenia and frailty in older individuals. Nutrients can theoretically modulate this phenomenon. This article briefs about anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in prevention of diseases associated with inflammation in geriatric people.

Protective effects of succimer against lead induced neurotoxicity in developing brain of rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of succimer against lead induced neurotoxicity in developing brain of rats. Methodology: Healthy albino Wistar rats were segregated into four groups, Control (receives normal water), Lead (100 ppm through drinking water), Lead+Succimer (100 ppm + 50 mg kg-1 b.wt. day-1) and succimer alone (50 mg kg-1 b.wt. day-1). Doses were started from the first day of pregnancy confirmed and continued till day 30 post-natal pups. The 1st, 15th, 30th day post-natal pups were used for oxidative stress markers assessment, histological study, whereas 15th, 30th day pups were used for behavioral assessment. Results: Lead treated rats showed lowered motor coordination, thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity when compared to control group and these responses reversed on treatment with succimer (p< 0.01). Lead treated rats showed a significant (p< 0.01) decrease in CAT, SOD activity and GSH levels, while LPO and GSSG levels were increased as compared to control group, and succimer treatment reversed the altered oxidative metabolism. Lead treated rats showed a decrease in number of branches in neurons and branching of neuronal networks. The number of branches and branching of neuronal networks were reverted on treatment with succimer. Interpretation: This study concludes that succimer has considerable therapeutic value against lead induced neurotoxicity along with neurodegeneration with its chelation as well as anti-oxidant properties reverse neuro-behavioral alterations, oxidative stress and histological impairments caused with lead during pre- and post-natal exposure to rats.

Effect of Yeonsan Ogye bioactive peptides on anti-oxidant indexes in rats' liver / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of bioactive Yeonsan Ogye peptides (YOPs) intake on changes in the hepatic anti-oxidant indexes in male rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 3 groups and given a casein-based AIN-93G diet and distilled water ad libitum without any added YOPs (control), distilled water with 250 mg of YOPs (Y250), or 500 mg of YOPs (Y500) per kg of body weight for 4 weeks. YOP dose was decided as referred to in the referenced study where toxicity did not occur. The hepatic anti-oxidant indexes were determined using a commercial kit. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0 and are expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Differences among the groups were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Duncan's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: There were no differences in the body weights, weight gain, food intake, food efficiency ratio, or organ weight, including liver, kidney, spleen, thymus, and epididymal fat, among all of the groups. The hepatic nitric oxide (NO) level in the Y500 group was lower than that in the control and Y250 groups, and the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level was lower in the Y500 group than in the Y250 group. The differences in hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were not statistically significant between the groups. From these results we speculated that YOPs may have anti-oxidative abilities to regulate NO and MDA production without affecting SOD and CAT activities. CONCLUSION: YOPs are presumed to act as anti-oxidants in the animal or human body.

Effect of the chemoprotectant tempol on anti-tumor activity of cisplatin / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of the chemoprotectant tempol on the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin (DDP).@*METHODS@#The cellular toxicity of tempol in human colon cancer SW480 cells and mouse colon cancer CT26 cells were evaluated using MTT and cell counting kit-8 assays. CalcuSyn software analysis was used to determine the interaction between tempol and DDP in inhibition of the cell viability. A subcutaneous homograft mouse model of colon cancer was established. The mice were randomly divided into control group, tempol group, cisplatin group and tempol + DDP treatment group with intraperitoneal injections of the indicated agents. The tumor size, body weight and lifespan of the mice were measured, and HE staining was used to analyze the cytotoxic effect of the agents on the kidney and liver. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression of Bax and Bcl2 in the tumor tissue, and TUNEL staining was used to analyze the tumor cell apoptosis. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tumor tissue was determined using flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#Tempol showed inhibitory effects on the viability of SW480 and CT26 cells. CalcuSyn software analysis showed that tempol had a synergistic anti-tumor effect with DDP (CI < 1). In the homograft mouse model, tempol treatment alone did not produce obvious anti-tumor effect. HE staining showed that the combined use of tempol and DDP alleviated DDP-induced fibrogenesis in the kidneys, but tempol also reduced the anti-tumor activity of DDP. Compared with the mice treated with DDP alone, the mice treated with both tempol and DDP had a significantly larger tumor size ( < 0.01) and a shorter lifespan ( < 0.05). Tempol significantly reversed DDP-induced expression of Bax and Bcl2 in the tumor tissue and tumor cell apoptosis ( < 0.001), and obviously reduced the elevation of ROS level in the tumor tissue induced by DDP treatment ( < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Tempol can attenuate the anti-tumor effect of DDP while reducing the side effects of DDP. Caution must be taken and the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed when considering the use of tempol as an anti-oxidant to reduce the toxicities of DDP.

The Relationship between Coffee and Green Tea Consumption and C-Reactive Protein in Korean Men and Women: Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2016

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is known as a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk compared with several other inflammatory markers. Coffee and green tea components, such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and polyphenol are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between coffee and green tea consumption and CRP levels in Korean adults.METHODS: The study included 3,031 people who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, sixth (2015) and seventh year (2016). In order to analyze the characteristics according to coffee and green tea consumption, continuous variables were presented as mean and standard error, and analysis of variance was performed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to confirm the correlation between coffee and green tea consumption and CRP levels.RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between coffee consumption and CRP level. In case of green tea consumption, the correlation was not significant in women. The regression coefficients and standard errors were −0.26 (−0.51 to −0.01) with the consumption of one cup or less, −0.40 (−1.06 to 0.25) with the consumption of two cups, and −0.55 (−0.89 to −0.20) with the consumption of three cups or more in men, demonstrating a decrease in CRP levels with an increase in green tea consumption.CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between coffee consumption and serum CRP levels in Korean adults. Serum CRP levels decreased significantly as the intake increased among men who consumed green tea compared with the men in the control group.

Nephroprotective Effects of Vernonia amygdalina in Alloxan-induced Diabetes in Rats

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Purpose: The methanol leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (MLVA) was thus investigated for its nephroprotective effects in diabetes.Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of a freshly prepared solution of Alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg). Forty-eight hours after alloxan administration, rats with fasting blood glucose levels of 200 mg/dl and above were used for the study. Animals were grouped into five (A-E) of nine animals each. Group A was non-diabetic non treated control; Group B animals were the diabetic untreated control rats while groups C, D and E animals were diabetic and treated with glibenclamide, MLVA 200 mg/kg and MVLA 400 mg/kg respectively. Biochemical changes were evaluated by measuring the serum markers of kidney damage (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen). Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant activities were measured in renal tissues. Histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were also evaluated.Results: Four-week administration of MLVA produced significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum creatinine, urea, and oxidative markers but it caused a significant increase in enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidant as well as downregulation of Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-?B) and upregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2).Conclusion: MLVA ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects

Effects of Quercetin on Tubular Cell Apoptosis and Kidney Damage in Rats Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that many nanoparticles have an adverseor toxic effect on the kidney.Objective: To investigate the nephroprotective effect of quercetin (QT) against renal injuryinduced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NTiO2) in rats.Methods: NTiO2-intoxicated rats received 50 mg/kg of NTiO2 for seven days. The QT +NTiO2 group was pretreated with QT for seven days before being administered NTiO2. Uric acid,creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were considered to be biomarkers of nephrotoxicity. Catalase(CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and renal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) weremeasured to assess the oxidative stress caused by NTiO2.Results: NTiO2 significantly increased the plasma level of the biomarkers. It alsosignificantly decreased the activities of CAT (P = 0.008) and SOD (P = 0.004), and significantlyincreased the MDA levels (P = 0.007). NTiO2 caused proximal tubule damage, the accumulationof red blood cells, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and reduced the glomerular diameters,as well as induced apoptosis in the proximal tubules. Pre-treatment with QT attenuated thehistological changes, normalised the plasma biomarkers, suppressed oxidative stress, amelioratedthe activities of CAT (P = 0.007) and SOD (P = 0.006), and reduced apoptosis (P < 0.001).Conclusion: QT was found to have a potent protective effect against nephrotoxicityinduced by NTiO2 in rats. It also reduced apoptosis caused by NTiO2.

In vitro Anti-cholinesterase and Anti-oxidant Activity of Three Standardised Polyherbal Products Used for Memory Enhancing in Ethnomedicine of South-East Nigeria

Background: Polyherbal standardised extracts used in ethnomedicine of Eastern Nigeria for memory improvements were evaluated for anti-cholinesterases and anti-oxidant properties.Methods: Anti-cholinesterase, anti-oxidant, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were established using standard procedures.Results: The three polyherbal extracts exhibited significant concentration dependent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (P = 0.001). The highest AChE inhibition was observed with the Neocare Herbal Tea (NHT) with 99.7% (IC50 = 324 μg/mL); whereas the Herbalin Complex Tea (HCT) and Phytoblis Herbal Tea (PHT) exhibited 73.8% (IC50 = 0.2 μg/mL) and 60.6% (IC50 = 0.7 μg/mL) inhibition, respectively, relative to eserine at 100% inhibition (IC50 = 0.9 μg/mL) at 200 μg/mL. The order of percentage increase in inhibition of AChE was NHT > HCT > PHT; while the order of decrease in potency was HCT > PHT > NHT.Radical scavenging activities of HCT, NHT and PHT were 82.13% (IC50 = 0.08 μg/mL), 77.43% (IC50 = 0.01 μg/mL) and 76.28% (IC50 = 0.3 μg/mL), respectively, at 1 mg/mL concentrations. The reducing power revealed a dose-dependent effect, with NHT > PHT > HCT. The order of total phenolics content in the extracts were PHT > HCT > NHT, and for total flavonoids content: PHT > NHT > HCT.Conclusion: The three polyherbal standardised products possess significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and secondary metabolites that could collectively contribute to their memory-enhancing effects.

Review of the medicinal value aboutRhamnusL. extract / 国际中医中药杂志

RhamnusL., a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, is mainly used to treat some diseases as a supplementary component in the formula. This paper, reviewed its potential medicinal value in the antibacterial activity, antioxidantactivity, anti-allergic activity and anti-tumor activity.

Comparison on difference of ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle between wild and cultivated ginseng / 中草药

Objective: In order to explore the anti-oxidant capacity of wild and cultivated ginseng, the anti-oxidase activities and antioxidants contents on ascorbic acid-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle were compared. Methods: The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was detected by NBT method and the activity of catalase (CAT) was detected by potassium permanganate titration. The anti-oxidase activities and anti-oxidants contents on AsA-GSH cycle were tested using spectrophotometric determination. The contents of glutamate (Glu), cysteine (Gly), and glycine (Cys) were tested by automatic amino acid analysis. Results: The activities of SOD and CAT in wild ginseng were higher than that of cultivated ginseng. In AsA-GSH cycle, the activities of anti-oxidase such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR). And the contents of antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AsA), and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) were also more in wild ginseng. And then the contents of amino acids (Glu, Gly, and Cys), the precursor of GSH synthesis were high expression in wild ginseng to keep the balance of AsA and GSH recirculation. Conclusion: The anti-oxidase activities and antioxidants content on AsA-GSH cycle in wild ginseng are higher than those in cultivated ginseng, which may be leaded to the antioxidant capacity of wild ginseng is stronger. It will provide a theoretical basis for efficacy differences research on wild and cultivated ginseng.

Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the leafy stems of Waltheria indica L. (Sterculiaceae).

Aim of the study: The existence of numerous side effects following the use of anti inflammatory drugs has led to the present study about Waltheria indica (Sterculiaceae), prescribed in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases component to discover phytomedicines secondary effects mitigated. Materials and methods: The chemical principles have been demonstrated by test characterization in liquid medium according the method of Ciulei (1949). In vivo, the model of edema induced by carrageenan to cause inflammation and the model of acetic acid induced pain were used to assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the extract. In vitro, the effects of the aqueous extract on the DPPH°° radical, the lipoxygenase and lipid peroxidation has been demonstrated. Results: Phytochemical study of leafy stems of the plant showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, saponins, reducing compounds, coumarins etc. In vivo, the results showed the aqueous extract and anti- edematous effects of the analgesic of the plant. In vitro, the results revealed the aqueous extract of W. indica inhibited the radical of DPPH°°, the lipoxygenase and the lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: The presence of chemical compounds and biological properties obtained justify the contribution of the plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases with inflammatory component.

Neuroprotection of Stilbenes from Leaves of Cajanus cajan against Oxidative Damage Induced by Corticosterone and Glutamate in Differentiated PC12 Cells / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of four stilbenes, namely cajaninstilbene acid (CSA), longistyline A, longistyline C, and cajanolactone A, isolated from the leaves of Cajanus cajan. Methods: Neuroprotective effects of the four stilbenes were evaluated using rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells) damage models induced by corticosterone (Cort) or glutamate. In order to elaborate whether the neuroprotective effects of stilbenes are related to anti-oxidant properties, both oxidant and anti-oxidant parameters were measured. Results: The results of MTT assay and LDH release assay demonstrated that the four stilbenes possessed neuroprotective effects. Moreover, the treatment on PC12 cells with Cort or glutamate (Glu) could significantly increase the levels of ROS and MDA with decreasing the activities of SOD and CAT. However, the four tested stilbenes could significantly alleviate such situation by dropping out the levels of ROS and MDA, as well as enhancing the activities of SOD and CAT. Conclusion: These results provide a scientific basis for further studies to explore the potential neuroprotective effects on neurodegenerative diseases.

Pasta untable de pavo enriquecida con fibras, vitaminas y minerales antioxidantes como ingredientes funcionales para el adulto mayor / Turkey spread with fiber, anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals as functional ingredients for elderly people

A spread for the elderly with turkey, fibers (insulin and oligofructose), anti-oxidant vitamins (A and E) and minerals (selenium and zinc) has been developed. The methodology of Taguchi was used for the optimization of the formulation, considering control factors such as pig butter, hydrated insulin, lactonal, salt, oregano/pepper, garlic and ice. Experimental designs L8 (27) and L9 (34) were used, and sensorial assessments were made. The optimized formulation obtained a value of4.51 (greater than "good"). The low fat and calorie levels as well as the smooth and pleasant texture stand out in the product. Furthermore, it has been shown that the product is apt and safe for consumption. The spread maintained an optimal sensorial and sanitary quality during storage for 28 days under refrigeration. Elderly showed a 90 percent of acceptance and a high preference by the spread. Therefore, the methodology of Taguchi optimized the spread, making it a good alternative of food for the elderly.

Se desarrolló una pasta untable destinada al adulto mayor con pavo, fibras solubles (inulina y oligofructosa), vitaminas (A y E) y minerales antioxidantes (selenio y zinc). La formulación se optimizó con la metodología de Taguchi, considerando como factores de control: manteca de cerdo, inulina hidratada, emulsionante, sal, orégano/pimienta, ajo y hielo. Se utilizaron los diseños experimentales L8(27) y L9(34) y se realizaron evaluaciones sensoriales, obteniendo la formulación optimizada un puntaje de 4,51 (superior a "bueno"). Del producto destacó el bajo nivel de lípidos y calorías, la textura suave-agradable y se demostró que el producto es apto y seguro para el consumo, manteniendo su calidad sensorial y sanitaria durante 28 días de almacenamiento en refrigeración. El adulto mayor mostró un 90 por ciento de aceptación y alta preferencia por la pasta. Por lo tanto, la metodología de Taguchi logró optimizar la pasta untable, constituyendo una buena alternativa de alimento para el adulto mayor.

Oxidative stress and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

Rationale. Even though oxidative stress has been proposed as an underlying mechanism for the symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), little information is available on the effects of anti-oxidant treatment on their improvement. Objectives. To observe the effects of anti-oxidant treatment on polysomnographic parameters and oxidative stress markers in OSAS patients. Methods. Polysomnography (PSG) was performed on 20 male patients. They were administered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for two nights followed by oral intake of vitamin C (100 IU BD) and vitamin E (400 IU BD) for 45 days and a repeat PSG was done. Ten healthy normal subjects underwent the same protocol excepting the CPAP therapy. Results. In OSAS patients, plasma lipid peroxidation increased significantly and whole blood reduced glutathione decreased significantly. The CPAP therapy as well as anti-oxidant treatment reduced the lipid peroxidation and restored the reduced glutathione concentrations. After anti-oxidant intake, OSAS patients slept better with decrease in Epworth sleepiness score and the number of apnoeic episodes. They spent more time in stages 3 and 4 of sleep. The optimum pressure of CPAP device was significantly lowered also. Conclusions. Oxidative stress contributes to sleep behaviour in OSAS patients, and anti-oxidant intake improves the quality of sleep in them.

Comparison of anti-oxidant activities of seventy herbs that have been used in Korean traditional medicine

Many herbs have been used as therapeutics in Korean traditional medicine. In view of their clinical indications, anti-oxidant activity may contribute to their pharmacological effects. However, anti-oxidant information on these plants has not been available. In this study, seventy herbs which have been used in Korean traditional medicine were selected and screened for anti-oxidant activity using their water extracts. The anti-oxidant activity was assessed by their ability to inhibit three oxidation reactions; luminol/Fenton reagent, 2, 7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCHF)/Fenton reagent and DCHF/peroxynitrite. In each assay, 70 herbs were divided into two groups; anti-oxidant group which inhibited the respective oxidation reaction and was majority (about 60 herbs), and pro-oxidant group which enhanced the oxidation reaction but was minority (more or less 10 herbs). When the herbs were listed in the order of their anti-oxidant strength, the orders obtained from each assay were found to be quite similar. The upper top rankers (more or less 10 herbs) in each assay showed strong activity compared to the others. The uppermost rankers in each assay were Rubus coreanus Miquel/ Rubus schizostylus, Schisandra chinensis Baillon/ Schizandra chinensis and Terminalia chebula Retzius/ Terminalia chebula. Of the pro-oxidant herbs, about 4-5 herbs were strongly pro-oxidant, which enhanced the control oxidation reactions to 150-300%. But the meaning of this observation is not known since few of them in one assay were also anti-oxidant in other assays. The results obtained in the present study may serve as information for understanding pharmacological effects of these herbs and developing new drugs from them.

Effects of puromycin aminonucleoside on the cytoskeletal changes of glomerular epithelial cells / 소아과

PURPOSE:This study was designed to clarify the mechanism of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome patients by using puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis model. METHODS:Following administration of various concentrations of PAN and antioxidants we observed the changes of podocyte cytoskeletons in cultured rat glomerular epithelial cells (GEpC) by method of scanning electron microscope, reactive oxyten species (ROS) analysis, permeability assay, confocal microscope, and Western blot assay. RESULTS:PAN not only induced the ultrastructural changes of GEpC, such as shortening and fusion of microvilli, but also separated the intercellular gaps and linear ZO-1. PAN induced oxidative stresses in time and dose dependent manners and increases of intercellular permeability in anti-oxidants inhibitable manners. High concentration of PAN induced not only actin polymerization and disorganization, but also the conglomerulation and internal dislocation of alpha-actinin protein. The intensities of fluorescences of ZO-1 protein were diminished and internalized by PAN in a dose-dependent manner, which were inhibited by anti anti-oxidants. CONCLUSION:PAN induced the changes of podocytes cytoskeleton and junctional barriers by way of increasing ROS in GEpC that resulted in increasing their permeability in a antioxidatn-inhibitable manner. Glomerular hyperpermeability induced by PAN mediateing through oxidative stresses is thought to take part in the mechanism of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome. (Korean J Pediatr 2008;51:54-61)

Expression of Superoxide Dismutase Isoforms in Inflamed Gingiva / 대한치주과학회지

No abstract available.