Gingko biloba extract improves the lipid profile, inflammatory markers, leptin level and the antioxidant status of T2DM patients poorly responding to metformin: A double- blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Ginkgo biloba (GKB) extract as "add- on" therapy with metformin on the lipid profile, inflammatory markers, leptin and the total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is a multi- center, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blinded clinical study. Sixty patients were allocated into two groups: control and treatment groups; they received orally either 120 mg starch/capsule or 120mg GKB/capsule, respectively as an adjuvant with metformin for 90 days. Blood samples were obtained at zero time and after 90 days. The blood was utilized for analysis of the lipid profile, inflammatory markers, leptin, and TAOC. The GKB extract produced a significant decrease in the levels of TG, LDL-c, and CRP, with a significant increase in HDL-c compared to baseline values. There were no significant changes reported in the placebo-treated group. It also produced a significant decrease in the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, and leptin compared to baseline values and placebo-treated groups with a significant increase in TAOC compared to baseline values. In conclusion, GKB extract, as an adjuvant with metformin, decreases inflammatory mediators, leptin level and improves the antioxidant status and lipid profile of T2DM patients improperly managed with metformin

Combined effects of bee pollen supplementation and resistance training on aerobic capacity, muscular performance, antioxidant status, and bone metabolism markers in young men: A randomised controlled trial

@#Introduction: This study investigated the combined effects of bee pollen and resistance training on aerobic capacity, muscular performance, antioxidant status, and bone metabolism markers among young men. Methods: Forty young men were randomly assigned into four groups: sedentary control (C), bee pollen supplementation (BP), resistance training (RT), and combined bee pollen supplementation and resistance training (BPRT) groups. Bee pollen was consumed by participants in BP and BPRT groups (1500 mg daily for eight weeks). Resistance training was performed thrice per week for eight weeks in RT and BPRT groups. Participants’ anthropometry, aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscular peak torque (strength), and average power were measured. Concentrations of serum total antioxidant status (TAS), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (1CTP) were determined. Results: After eight weeks of intervention, there was a significant decrease in 1CTP in BP group. In RT group, significant increases were observed in both muscular strength and power. In BPRT group, significant increases in both muscular strength and power, and a significant decrease in 1CTP were observed after 8 weeks. There were no significant changes in aerobic capacity, serum TAS, SOD, and ALP in all the study groups. Conclusion: Resistance training using dumbbells and elastic bands seemed to elicit beneficial effects on muscular strength and power, while bee pollen supplementation alone reduced the level of bone resorption marker. In addition, combining bee pollen with resistance training seemed to offer additive benefit in muscular strength and power.

The efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid and/or gabapentin on the oxidant-antioxidant system in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy

Background: Diabetic peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy is the most common complication seen in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidant system plays a crucial role in its physiopathology. We investigated the changes in the serum levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and oxidative stress index (OSI) to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and/or gabapentin in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN).Methods: Sixty-three type 2 DM patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) were enrolled in the study. Patients with DPN were divided into four groups in terms of their treatment: Group 1 consisted of treatment-naive patients; patients treated with ALA, gabapentin or combination of ALA and gabapentin comprised groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The patients received the medications for at least six weeks.  Serum levels of TAS, TOS, PON1 and OSI were analyzed.Results: No significant difference was observed between the groups according to the oxidative stress parameters studied.Conclusions: The use of ALA and/or gabapentin in patients with DPN did not significantly affect the oxidative stress parameters, including TAS, TOS, PON1, and OSI.

Possible protective effect of olive leaves extract on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats / Possível efeito protetor do extrato de folhas de oliveira na hepatotoxicidade induzida por paracetamol em ratos albinos machos

Paracetamol (PCM) overdose can cause hepatotoxicity with oxidative stress; the present study was carried out to establish the possible protective effect of olive leaves extract (OLE) on toxicity induced by paracetamol in adult male rats. Twenty four adult male rats were divided into four equal groups; control, olive leaves extract group, paracetamol group and olive leaves extract plus paracetamol group. Some biochemical parameters and liver histopathology were evaluated. PCM treatment significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, creatinine and alpha-fetoprotein. Paracetamol was found to significantly increase malonaldehyde (MDA) and decrease glutathione reductase (GR) activity in tissue and significantly decrease total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum. Administration of OLE caused a significant decrease serum AST, ALT enzyme, total bilirubin, GGT, LDH, creatinine, urea, alpha-fetoprotein. Also, amelioration of oxidant ­ antioxidant status with olive leaves extract was observed in addition to a significant decrease in MDA and a significant increase in TAC in liver tissue with a significant increase in glutathione reductase (GR) and SOD in serum compared to paracetamol treated group The chemical pathological changes were in step with histopathological observation suggesting marked hepatoprotective result of olive leaves extract. It could be concluded that olive leaves extract (OLE) treatment may be effective in decreasing hepatic injury and oxidative stress induced by paracetamol overdose in male albino rats

A sobredosagem de paracetamol (PCM) pode causar hepatotoxicidade com estresse oxidativo; o presente estudo foi realizado para estabelecer o possível efeito protetor do extrato de folhas de oliveira (OLE) na toxicidade induzida pelo paracetamol em ratos machos adultos. Vinte e quatro ratos machos adultos foram divididos em quatro grupos iguais: controle, grupo extrato de folhas de oliveira, grupo paracetamol e extrato de folhas de oliveira mais grupo paracetamol. Alguns parâmetros bioquímicos e histopatologia hepática foram avaliados. O tratamento com PCM aumentou significativamente aspartato aminotransferase sérica (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), bilirrubina total, gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), uréia, creatinina e alfa-fetoproteína. Verificou-se que o paracetamol aumenta significativamente o malonaldeído (MDA) e diminui a atividade da glutationa redutase (GR) no tecido e diminui significativamente a capacidade antioxidante total (TAC) e a superóxido dismutase (SOD) no soro. A administração de OLE causou uma diminuição significativa de AST, enzima ALT, bilirrubina total, GGT, LDH, creatinina, uréia, alfa-fetoproteína. Também foi observada melhora do status oxidante - antioxidante com extrato de folhas de oliveira, além de uma diminuição significativa no MDA e um aumento significativo no TAC no tecido hepático, com um aumento significativo na glutationa redutase (GR) e SOD no soro em comparação ao grupo tratado com paracetamol. As alterações patológicas químicas acompanharam a observação histopatológica, sugerindo resultado hepatoprotetor acentuado do extrato de folhas de oliveira. Pode-se concluir que o tratamento com extrato de folhas de oliveira (OLE) pode ser eficaz na diminuição da lesão hepática e do estresse oxidativo induzido pela overdose de paracetamol em ratos albinos machos

Total antioxidant status in type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy

Background: Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the most common health hazard all over the world. Diabetic nephropathy is the most challenging long term complication of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and microalbuminuria is the earliest marker of diabetic nephropathy. In diabetes, chronic hyperglycemia and deranged lipid profile lead to excess generation of free radicals. The increased oxidative stress plays a major role in pathogenesis of diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy. There are many naturally occurring antioxidant enzymes in our body. Diabetes has multiple effects on protein levels and activity of these antioxidant enzymes. This further augments the oxidative stress. There are many non-enzymatic antioxidants in our body which include vitamins A, C, E and trace minerals like copper, zinc, manganese and selenium.Methods: The study was done on a total of 150 subjects. Group A comprised of 60 Type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy, Group B comprised of 60 Type 2 diabetic patients without diabetic nephropathy and Group C comprised 30 healthy controls. Total antioxidant status, microalbuminuria and glycosylated haemoglobin were measured.Results: In present study, authors found that total antioxidant status is drastically reduced in all diabetic patients, and it was found to be further low in patients with diabetic nephropathy. This decrease was found to be directly proportional to the degree of diabetic nephropathy, as measured by the levels of microalbuminuria.Conclusions: Timely institution of antioxidant supplementation therapy may emerge as a promising measure in delaying the onset and progression of diabetic complications, especially diabetic nephropathy.

Serum paraoxonase, arylesterase, and glutathione-s-transferase activities and oxidative stress levels in patients with mushroom poisoning

OBJECTIVES: Consumption of toxic species of mushrooms may have detrimental effects and increase oxidative stress. Paraoxonase, arylesterase and glutathione-S-transferase are antioxidants that resist oxidative stress. In this study, we analyzed the changes in these enzymes during intoxication due to mushrooms. METHODS: The study enrolled 49 adult patients with a diagnosis of mushroom poisoning according to clinical findings and 49 healthy volunteers as the control group. The patients with mild clinical findings were hospitalized due to the possibility that the patient had also eaten the mushrooms and due to clinical findings in the late period, which could be fatal. Paraoxonase, arylesterase, and glutathione-S-transferase concentrations, as well as total antioxidant and oxidant status, were determined in the 49 patients and 49 healthy volunteers by taking blood samples in the emergency department. RESULTS: While paraoxonase, arylesterase, and total antioxidant status were significantly decreased in the patient group (p<0.05), glutathione-S-transferase, total oxidant status and the oxidative stress index were significantly higher (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the hospitalization time and the oxidative stress index (r=0.752, p<0.001), whereas a negative correlation was found with glutathione-S-transferase (r=-0.420, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: We observed a significant decrease in paraoxonase and arylesterase and an increase in glutathione-S-transferase and oxidative stress indexes in patients with mushroom poisoning, indicating that these patients had an oxidative status. In particular, a low total antioxidant status and high oxidative stress index may gain importance in terms of the assessment of hospitalization duration.

The effect of melatonin and vitamin C treatment on the experimentally induced tympanosclerosis: study in rats / Efeito do tratamento com melatonina e vitamina C na timpanoesclerose induzida experimentalmente: estudo em ratos

Abstract Introduction: The ethiopathogenesis of tympanosclerosis has not been completely under- stood yet. Recent studies have shown that free oxygen radicals are important in the formation of tympanosclerosis. Melatonin and Vitamin C are known to be a powerful antioxidant, interacts directly with Reactive Oxygen Species and controls free radical-mediated tissue damage. Objective: To demonstrate the possible preventative effects of melatonin and Vitamin C on tympanosclerosis in rats by using histopathology and determination of total antioxidant status total antioxidant status. Methods: Standard myringotomy and standard injury were performed in the middle ear of 24 rats. The animals were divided into three groups: Group 1 received melatonin, Group 2 received vitamin C, and Group 3 received saline solution. Results: The mean values of total antioxidant status were similar in the all study groups before the treatment period. The mean values of total antioxidant status were significantly higher in the melatonin and vitamin C groups compared to control group but vitamin C with melatonin groups were similar after the treatment period (p < 0.001). Minimum and maximum wall thicknesses were lower in the melatonin and vitamin C groups compared to the control group but the differences were insignificant. Conclusion: Melatonin increases total antioxidant status level and might have some effect on tympanosclerosis that develops after myringotomy.

Resumo Introdução: A etiopatogênese da timpanoesclerose (TE) não foi ainda totalmente esclarecida. Estudos recentes têm demonstrado que os radicais livres de oxigênio são importantes na formação de TE. Melatonina e vitamina C são conhecidas por serem poderosos antioxidantes, interagir diretamente com espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e controlar danos em tecidos mediados por radicais livres. Objetivo: Demonstrar os possíveis efeitos preventivos da melatonina e da vitamina C na TE em ratos com histopatologia e determinação da capacidade antioxidante total (CAT). Método: Miringotomias padronizadas foram feitas na orelha média de 24 ratos. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos: o Grupo 1 recebeu melatonina, o Grupo 2 vitamina C e o grupo 3 solução salina. Resultados: Os valores médios de CAT foram semelhantes em todos os grupos de estudo antes do período de tratamento. Os valores médios de CAT foram significativamente maiores nos grupos que receberam melatonina e vitamina C em comparação com o grupo de controle, mas os grupos vitamina C e melatonina foram semelhantes após o período de tratamento (p < 0,001). As espessuras mínimas e máximas de parede foram menores nos grupos melatonina e vitamina C, em comparação com o grupo controle, mas as diferenças não foram significativas. Conclusão: A melatonina aumenta os níveis de CAT e pode ter algum efeito sobre a TE que se desenvolve após a miringotomia.

Antioxidant Status and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Case-Control Study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is described as glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. Increased oxidative stress has implicated in diabetic problems. The aim of the current study was to compare antioxidant capacity and antioxidant nutrient intake between women with GDM (n = 40) and healthy pregnant women (n = 40). Demographic and obstetrics data were completed using interview technique and dietary intakes by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 items. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of serum was assessed by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) method. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to compare independent variables and other potential risk factors between 2 groups. The results showed that TAC concentration of serum in women with GDM was significantly lower than in healthy pregnant women (2.3 ± 0.7 vs. 3.7 ± 0.1 µmol/L, p < 0.001). Intakes of vitamin E (11.8 + 3.1 vs. 16.2 + 3.1 mg, p < 0.001), selenium (81 ± 26 vs. 95 ± 36 µg, p < 0.05) and zinc (7.4 ± 1.9 vs. 9.1 ± 1.7 mg, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in women with GDM as compared to healthy pregnant women. In contrast, the groups showed no significant difference in vitamin C, β-carotene, selenium, fruit, and vegetable intake. Our findings showed that antioxidant capacity is lower in women with GDM, possibly related to lower intakes of vitamin E and zinc.

Dietary Antioxidant Capacity and Its Association with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the major disorders in pregnancy leading to many adverse maternal outcomes. Although the etiology of PE is not fully understood, resent studies suggest that an imbalance between free radicals production and the antioxidant defense system might have key role. Our aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum TAC and risk of PE in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. This case-control study conducted on 55 women with preeclampsia and 93 with normal pregnancy. Dietary intakes were obtained by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 itmes. Dietary TAC was assessed according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Database for oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), Release 2. Serum TAC was measured by a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). After adjusting for energy, pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI) and history of PE, no relationship was found between intake of hydrophilic-ORAC (H-ORAC), lipophilic-ORAC (L-ORAC), total phenolics (TP), total-ORAC (T-ORAC), and PE risk. However, serum TAC had a significant positive relationship with the risk of PE after adjusting for energy (odds ratio [OR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–0.35), BMI and history of PE (OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01–0.32). Findings of this study indicate that serum TAC is positively associated with the risk of PE but no association was found between intake of antioxidant indices and PE risk.

Evaluation of Oxidative Status in Patients Treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy

OBJECTIVE: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used in the treatment of many psychiatric diseases and this therapy may be effective on antioxidant defence system. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of ECT on oxidative stress. METHODS: Fourteen major depression, 11 schizophrenia and 8 bipolar affective disorder patients diagnosed and received ECT treatment, and 37 healthy volunteers enrolled in the study. ECT was applied to all patients. Before ECT, after the first and last ECTs, serum samples were obtained. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and calculated oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in patients before and after ECTs. RESULTS: TOS values before ECT were higher in major depression (p=0.005) and schizophrenia (p=0.001) groups compared to the control group. TAS values were lower in major depression (p=0.0001), schizophrenia (p=0.004), bipolar affective disorder (p=0.004) groups compared to the controls. Also OSI values were higher in major depression (p=0.0001), schizophrenia (p=0.001), bipolar affective disorder (p=0.009) groups compared to healthy group. After the last ECT, TOS values were significantly lower compared to TOS values before ECT in major depression (p=0.004) and schizophrenia patients (p=0.004). TAS values after the first ECT were higher compared to values before ECT in major depression patients (p=0.004). After last ECT, OSI values were significantly lower compared to before ECT in schizophrenia patients (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: As a result, it can be said that ECT did not increase oxidative stress. However, further studies with more patients are needed.

Perfil bioquímico nutricional en un grupo de pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello / Nutritional biochemical profile in a group of patients with head and neck cancer / Perfil bioquímico nutricional num grupo de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el estado nutricional mediante diferentes parámetros bioquímicos en 17 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos, con cáncer de cabeza y cuello, seleccionados y asistidos en el Instituto Oncológico A. Roffo al inicio del tratamiento. Las muestras de sangre fueron recolectadas en ayunas y sobre el suero separado por centrifugación se determinaron las siguientes fracciones proteicas: transtiretina (TTR), transferrina (Transf), fracciones de complemento C3 y C4 (C3c, C4c), ceruloplasmina (Cp), haptoglobina (Hp), proteína C reactiva (PCR), por inmunodifusión radial cuantitativa en placas (Binding Site, Reino Unido; Diffu-Plate, Biocientífica SA, Argentina); la concentración de IL-4 fue determinada por el método de Elisa y se evaluó el estado antioxidante total (TAS) (Kit RANDOX, Reino Unido). Sobre el 58% de los pacientes (n=10) se analizó el perfil de ácidos grasos por cromatografía gaseosa. Los ácidos oleico, linoleico, araquidónico (AA), α-linolénico, eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA) fueron identificados por el tiempo de retención y calculados como porcentaje del total de los ácidos grasos. Los resultados fueron expresados como X±DE y comparados con valores obtenidos en individuos sanos (VR). Los resultados muestran una disminución en los niveles séricos de TTR, C3c, Transf, e IL4 con aumento concomitante de Cp y Hp con respecto a los VR; estos resultados indican un comprometido estado nutricional e inflamatorio. También se observa un estado antioxidante total deprimido y disminución en la concentración de ácidos grasos esenciales (ω3 y ω6). El análisis global de estos hallazgos demuestra la importancia de la evaluación nutricional temprana y periódica de estos pacientes; esto permitiría realizar una valoración precoz de la necesidad de un apropiado tratamiento nutricional específico.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status of 17 patients suffering from head and neck cancer, who attended Angel Roffo Institute of Oncology, at the beginning of the specific treatment, through the use of biochemical parameters. Blood samples were collected from fasting patients. Specific serum protein fractions transthyretin (TTR), transferrin (Transf), C3 and C4 complement fractions (C3c,C4c); ceruloplasmin (Cp), haptoglobin (Hp) and C-reactive protein (RCP) were measured by single radial immunodiffusion technique on agar gel layers (Binding Site, UK; Diffu-Plate, Biocientífica SA, Argentina). The level of IL-4 was determined by Elisa method and total antioxidant status (TAS) by Randox Kit (UK). On 58% of patients (n=10) the fatty acid profile was analyzed. Results expressed as X±SD were compared with reference values performed in a group of healthy individuals. Data showed lower TTR, C3c, Transferrin and IL-4 together with higher Cp and Haptoglobin sera levels than reference values. The results pointed out to a depressed nutritional status and inflammation. Also, diminishment in the total antioxidant status and in essential fatty acids ω3 and ω6 was observed. These findings showed the importance of an early and periodic nutritional evaluation that could help to perform an adequate nutritional support concomitant with the specific treatment.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o estado nutricional através de diferentes parâmetros bioquímicos em 17 pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos, com câncer de cabeça e pescoço, selecionados e assistidos, no Instituto Oncológico A. Roffo, no início do tratamento. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas em jejum e sobre o soro separado por centrifugação foram determinadas as seguintes frações proteicas: transtirretina (TTR), transferrina (Transf), frações de complemento C3 e C4 (C3c, C4c), ceruloplasmina (Cp), haptoglobina (Hp), proteína C reativa (PCR), por imunodifusão radial quantitativa em placas (Binding Site, Reino Unido; Diffu-Plate, Biocientífica SA, Argentina); a concentração de IL-4 foi determinada pelo método de Elisa e se avaliou o estado antioxidante total (TAS) (Kit RANDOX, Reino Unido). Sobre 58% dos pacientes (n=10) foi analisado o perfil de ácidos graxos por cromatografia gasosa. Os ácidos oleico, linoleico, araquidônico (AA), α-linolênico, eicosapentaenoico (EPA) e docosahexaenoico (DHA) foram identificados pelo tempo de retenção e calculados como percentual do total dos ácidos graxos. Os resultados foram expressos como X±DE e comparados com valores obtidos em indivíduos saudáveis (VR). Os resultados mostram uma diminuição nos níveis séricos de TTR, C3c, Transf, e IL4 com aumento concomitante de Cp e Hp com relação aos VR; estes resultados indicam um comprometido estado nutricional e inflamatório. Também se observa um estado antioxidante total deprimido e diminuição na concentração de ácidos graxos essenciais (ω3 e ω6). A análise global destes achados demonstra a importância da avaliação nutricional precoce e periódica destes pacientes; isto permitiria realizar uma avaliação precoce da necessidade de um adequado tratamento nutricional específico.

Palm Oil-Derived Phytosterol: Glutathione Antioxidant Status in Rats Exposed to Carbon Tetrachloride.

The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant effect of phytosterol from palm oil by studying its ability to improve antioxidant status of rats induced with oxidative stress by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The rats were divided into four groups of normal control (NC), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), phytosterol (P) and phytosterol plus carbon tetrachloride (P+CCl4). The P and P+CCl4 groups received weekly phytosterol pre-treatment via subcutaneous injections at 140 mg/kg rat weight for 5 weeks while the NC and CCl4 groups only received olive oil (vehicle). Carbon tetrachloride at the dose determined by a preliminary study was given as single oral dose to induce lipid peroxidation in the CCl4 and P+CCl4 groups. After 24 hours, the rats were sacrificed and the heart, liver, kidney and lung were isolated for the determination of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels. Carbon tetrachloride caused significant reduction in the GSH:GSSH ratio in all major organs. Phytosterol pre-treatment as in the P+CCl4 group significantly increased the GSH:GSSG ratio in major organs. The present findings indicate that phytosterols keep tissue glutathione concentration in normal levels which may indicate improving antioxidant status in major organs of the rats treated with carbon tetrachloride.

MnSOD and GPx1 polymorphism relationship with coronary heart disease risk and severity

BACKGROUND: Disturbance of the equilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-oxidants (AOX) has been implicated in various diseases, including atherosclerosis, the most common pathologic process underlying coronary heart disease (CHD). Thus, the defense systems against ROS are critical protecting blood vessel walls against oxidative damage. In this study, we investigate whether Ala16Val MnSOD and Pro198Leu GPx polymorphisms are associated with CHD susceptibility and/or severity. METHODS: Both polymorphisms were genotyped in a sample of 203 controls and 164 patients. CHD risk and severity, antioxidant status (enzymatic and/or non enzymatic) and biochemical parameters were assessed and analysed by genotype. RESULTS: A significant association of MnSOD variant to CHD risk was revealed in males. Males harboring the Val/Val genotype were approximately at twofold increased risk of CHD compared to controls (Ala carriers vs Val/Val, adjusted OR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.18-3.42, p = 0.03). Significant decreases in SOD activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) were observed in Val carriers and by CHD status. Whereas, no association of GPx variant genotype (Leu/Leu) and activity to cardiopathy events was discerned. CHD severity, as demonstrated by the number of vessel stenosis, was associated with significantly higher frequency of Val allele and LDL levels in CHD subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a lack of association of Pro198Leu GPx polymorphism to CHD risk and severity. However, they suggest that Ala16Val MnSOD polymorphism and decreased antioxidant defences are likely contributed to CHD risk in Tunisian men. Furthermore, the Val encoding MnSOD allele and decreased SOD activity were significantly correlated with CHD stenosis progression

Effects of postoperative parenteral nutrition with different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of total parenteral nutrition (PN) using different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were randomized to receive soybean oil + medium chain triglycerides (MCT) (group I), soybean oil + olive oil (group II), soybean oil + olive oil + fish oil (group III) as a lipid source. PN was started on postoperative day 1 and patients were maintained on PN for a minimum period of 4 days. Laboratory variables (CRP, prealbumin, transferrin) were measured before surgery and on postoperative days. RESULTS: Three treatment groups were included in the study. Patients in group I received long chain triglycerides (LCT) + LCT/MCT emulsion (%75 LCT + %25 LCT/MCT); Patients in group II received olive oil based emulsion (80% olive oil + 20% soybean oil, ClinOleic); Patients in group III received fish oil in addition to olive oil based emulsion (%85 ClinOleic + %15 Omegaven; Fresenius Kabi). The following 14 parameters were assessed: body weight, CRP, prealbumin, transferrin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidized low density lipoprotein-2, complete blood cell, international normalized ratio, D-dimer, activated partially thromboplastin time, prothrombin time. All other parameters showed no differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our trial demonstrate a potential beneficial effect of soybean oil/olive oil based lipid emulsions for use in PN regarding inflammatory response and oxidant capacity in the treatment of patients.

Paraoxonase Activity and Oxidative Status in Patients with Tinnitus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxanase-1 (PON) activity, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) in tinnitus; and to compare the results with data from healthy subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 114 subjects-54 patients with tinnitus and 60 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum PON activity, TOS, TAS, and OSI levels were measured. RESULTS: In the tinnitus group, TAS, and PON were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001). However, the TOS, and OSI levels were significantly higher in the tinnitus group than in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the data obtained from the present study, patients with tinnitus were exposed to potent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may be the key contributing factor to the pathogenesis of tinnitus.

Relationship Between Prolactin Cleavage and the Occurrence of Hypertension, Heart Failure in Post-menopausal Female Patients / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To investigate the relationship between prolactin (PRL) cleavage and the occurrence of hypertension, heart failure (HF) in post-menopausal female patients. Methods: A total of 216 post-menopausal female subjects were enrolled in our study and they were divided into 3 groups: Hypertension group,n=80 patients with essential hypertension, Hypertension + HF group,n=76 and Control group,n=60 post-menopausal women form regular physical examination. The full length (23 kD PRL), 16 kD PRL fragment, lipid peroxide (LPO), total antioxidant status (TAS), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), NT-proBNP, creatinine, uric acid, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and BMI were examined and compared among different groups. Results:①There were no real differences in age, creatinine, uric acid, FBG and BMI among groups,P>0.05.②Compared with Control group, Hypertension group had increased LPO and decreased TAS; compared with Control group and Hypertension group, Hypertension + HF group had increased LPO and decreased TAS.③Compared with Control group, Hypertension + HF group showed lower level of 23KD PRL, higher level of 16KD PRL and the higher ratio of 16KD PRL/23KD PRL,P Conclusion: PRL cleavage was highly related to the occurrence of hypertension and HF in post-menopausal female patients.

Evaluation of Oxidative Metabolism in Child and Adolescent Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative metabolism is impaired in several medical conditions including psychiatric disorders, and this imbalance may be involved in the etiology of these diseases. The present study evaluated oxidative balance in pediatric and adolescent patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: The study included 48 children and adolescents (34 male, 14 female) with ADHD who had no neurological, systemic, or comorbid psychiatric disorders, with the exception of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and 24 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (17 male and seven female). RESULTS: TAS was significantly lower, and TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patients with ADHD than in healthy controls. Total antioxidant levels were lower in patients with comorbid ODD than in those with no comorbidity. No difference was found in TOS or OSI among the ADHD subtypes; however, TAS was higher in the attention-deficient subtype. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that oxidative balance is impaired and oxidative stress is increased in children and adolescents with ADHD. This results are consistent with those of previous studies.

Oxidative stress in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: Early effects of radioiodine therapy.

Ionizing radiation in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients treated with radioiodine (131-I) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could induce oxidative stress with disturbance of redox balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress in DTC patients treated with 3.7 or 5.5 GBq of 131-I using values for serum malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of oxidative stress), uric acid (to determine antioxidant status) and total antioxidative status (TAS). The study population included 20 DTC patients and 20 healthy controls. Significant differences in MDA concentrations were found between DTC patients before 131-I therapy and control subjects (p = 0.001), while TAS values were similar in both populations (p>0.05). There was a negative correlation between MDA concentrations and TAS in the DTC group before therapy (R2 = 0.2973, p = 0.013). Three days after 131-I therapy, MDA concentrations were higher than the pretreatment values (3.36 ± 1.69 nmol/mL vs. 2.93 ± 1.31 nmol/mL; p = 0.006), while serum uric acid concentrations declined progressively from 341.0 ± 80.39 μmol/L to 304.25 ± 77.25 μmol/L (p = 0.026) in 3 days and 291.2 ± 88.86 μmol/L (p = 0.009) in 7 days after 131-I therapy. There was no dose-dependent effect on MDA, or uric acid concentrations and TAS. Thus, 131-I therapy in DTC patients induced oxidative stress, which was accompanied by a simultaneous and extended reduction in uric acid concentration, but without significant disturbances in TAS. This is the first study that evaluated TAS capacity in DTC patients before and 7 days after 131-I therapy. The relatively stabile TAS values in these patients indicated a good protection from oxidative stress induced by high doses of ionizing radiation.

Comparison of antioxidant status between pilots and non-flight staff of the army force: pilots may need more vitamin C / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the blood antioxidant levels and dietary antioxidant intakes between pilots and non-flight staff of the Army Force in The Islamic Republic of Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-seven helicopter pilots and 40 non-flight staff were included in this study. Their general characteristics were recorded and their weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Their daily intake of energy and nutrients including antioxidants was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in red blood cells were also measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median erythrocytes SOD, serum MDA level and the mean serum level of TAC and erythrocytes GPx were significantly higher in pilots than in non-flight staff. The median vitamin C intake was significantly lower in pilots than in non-flight staff. The serum MDA levels were similar in non-flight staff and pilots when their vitamin C intake was ⋜168 mg and significantly lower in non-flight staff than in pilots when their vitamin C intake was >168 mg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The serum MDA level is lower in non-flight staff than in pilots when their vitamin C intake level is high, indicating that pilots need more vitamin C than non-flight staff.</p>

Evaluation of goitrogenic and antithyroidal effect of the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris

Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Pteridaceae, is a fern reputed to have numerous applications in traditional medicine in the treatment of leprosy, animal bites, thyroid dysfunction and musculoskeletal disorder.The proposed study was aimed to investigate the potency of the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris on the thyroid dysfunction - hypothyroidism in terms of determining thyroid gland weight, thyroid peroxidase activity, estimation of iodine in urine, concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in serum. The weight of thyroid gland was decreased, while thyroid peroxidase activity, serum T4 (p < 0.01) and serum T3 levels (p < 0.01) were increased in animals treated with the ethanol plant extract (500 mg/kg); but serum TSH level decreased significantly (p < 0.01) when compared with hypothyroid control animals. The SOD, Catalase and glutathione antioxidant enzyme levels and lipid peroxidation were measured.The results of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme assay indicated that the level of malondialdehyde was significantly lowered and the levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased when treated with ethanol extract of Adiantum capillus (500 mg/kg). Polyphenolic compounds viz., quercetin and gallic acid were determined by HPTLC analysis. With the outlined results, Adiantum capillus could be used for the regulation of hypothyroidism.