Physiological regulation of salicylic acid on Helianthus tubeuosus upon copper stress and root FTIR analysis / 生物工程学报

Phytoremediation plays an important role in the treatment of heavy metal pollution in soil. In order to elucidate the mechanism of salicylic acid (SA) on copper absorption, seedlings from Xuzhou (with strong Cu-tolerance) and Weifang Helianthus tuberosus cultivars (with weak Cu-tolerance) were selected for pot culture experiments. 1 mmol/L SA was sprayed upon 300 mg/kg soil copper stress, and the photosynthesis, leaf antioxidant system, several essential mineral nutrients and the changes of root upon copper stress were analyzed to explore the mechanism of copper resistance. The results showed that Pn, Tr, Gs and Ci upon copper stress decreased significantly compared to the control group. Meanwhile, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid decreased with significant increase in initial fluorescence (F0), maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSⅡ (Fv/Fm), electron transfer rate (ETR) and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) content all decreased. The ascorbic acid (AsA) content was decreased, the glutathione (GSH) value was increased, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity in the leaves were decreased, and the peroxidase (POD) activity was significantly increased. SA increased the Cu content in the ground and root system, and weakened the nutrient uptake capacity of K, Ca, Mg, and Zn in the root stem and leaves. Spray of exogenous SA can maintain the opening of leaf stomata, improve the adverse effect of copper on photosynthetic pigment and PSⅡ reaction center. Mediating the SOD and APX activity started the AsA-GSH cycle process, effectively regulated the antioxidant enzyme system in chrysanthemum taro, significantly reduced the copper content of all parts of the plant, and improved the ion exchange capacity in the body. External SA increased the content of the negative electric group on the root by changing the proportion of components in the root, promoted the absorption of mineral nutrient elements and the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, strengthened the fixation effect of the root on metal copper, and avoided its massive accumulation in the H. tuberosus body, so as to alleviate the inhibitory effect of copper on plant growth. The study revealed the physiological regulation of SA upon copper stress, and provided a theoretical basis for planting H. tuberosus to repair soil copper pollution.

Ferroptosis of airway epithelial cells in asthma: current and future / 药学学报

Ferroptosis is a novel cell death mode proposed in recent years, which is characterized by intracellular iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Its mechanisms include lipid peroxidation, iron accumulation and the imbalance of antioxidant system. The crosstalk between ferroptosis and asthma is gradually deepening. Elucidating the specific mechanism of ferroptosis in regulating asthma is helpful to broaden the understanding of the pathology of asthma. This paper expounds the role of ferroptosis in airway epithelial cells in the occurrence and development of asthma from three perspectives: lipid peroxidation, iron accumulation and the imbalance of antioxidant system, hoping to find new targets and strategies for asthma treatment.

Sistema antioxidante enzimático en mujeres con diagnóstico de Atipias celulares y Neoplasia Intraepitelial Cervical grado I / Enzymatic antioxidant system in women diagnosed with cell atypia and grade I cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Introducción: El virus de papiloma humano per se no es capaz de desarrollar todas las transformaciones neoplásicas en el cérvix uterino, de manera que factores de riesgo como los genéticos, ambientales, estilo de vida sexual y el desbalance oxidativo podrían contribuir a la enfermedad. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento del sistema enzimático antioxidante en mujeres con atipia de células escamosas de significado indeterminado y neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grado I. Métodos: Se conformaron tres grupos de estudio: el primero incluyó 30 mujeres con diagnóstico de atipias, el segundo se constituyó con 40 mujeres con neoplasia intraepitelial grado I y el tercero consistió en 30 mujeres con citología negativa tomadas como control, provenientes de la consulta de Patología de Cuello del Agustín Gómez Lubián de Santa Clara. Mediante métodos espectrofotométricos se determinaron los niveles de actividad enzimática superóxido dismutasa y catalasa así, como las concentraciones de glutatión reducido. Las comparaciones se realizaron con el programa SPSS, versión 18. Resultados: En el grupo de atipias aunque los tres parámetros tuvieron una tendencia a la disminución no hubo diferencias significativas con respecto al control. Mientras que el grupo de neoplasia grado I evidenció disminución significativa de los tres indicadores estudiados al ser comparados con el grupo control. Conclusiones: Se constató afectación del sistema antioxidante enzimático en el grupo de neoplasia grado I, lo cual podría considerarse un cofactor importante en la progresión de las lesiones en el cérvix uterino(AU)

Introduction: Human papillomavirus per se can not carry out all the neoplastic transformations occurring in the uterine cervix. Genetic and environmental risk factors as well as sexual behavior and oxidative imbalance may also play a role. Objective: Determine the behavior of the enzymatic antioxidant system in women with squamous cell atypia of indeterminate significance and grade I cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Methods: Three study groups were formed. The first group included 30 women diagnosed with atypia, the second group was made up of 40 women with grade I intraepithelial neoplasia, and the third or control group consisted of 30 women with negative cytology from Agustín Gómez Lubián Cervical Pathology service in Santa Clara. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activity, as well as the concentrations of reduced glutathione. Comparisons were made with the SPSS software, version 18. Results: In the atypia group the three parameters showed a decreasing tendency, but differences with respect to the control group were not significant. In the grade I neoplasia group, however, a significant reduction was found of the three study indicators when compared with the control group. Conclusions: Damage to the enzymatic antioxidant system was observed in the grade I neoplasia group. This could be considered to be an important cofactor in the progress of uterine cervix lesions(AU)

Efectividad de los suplementos antioxidantes en la mejoría del desempeño físico atlético. Artículo de revisión / Effectiveness of antioxidant supplements in the improvement of athletic physical performance: Review article

Introducción: En la actualidad se ha incrementado el uso de antioxidantes en el ámbito deportivo, sin embargo, no existe evidencia concluyente del efecto de estas sustancias en la mejora del desempeño físico de los atletas. Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad del uso de suplementos antioxidantes en la mejoría del desempeño físico atlético. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en bases de datos en línea como Pubmed, Scopus, la Web of Knowledge y el buscador google academic. Se incluyeron solo trabajos originales de estudios doble ciego relacionados con la intervención de un suplemento antioxidante. El periodo de revisión fue del 2009 a diciembre del 2017. Desarrollo: Se identificaron un total de 1053 artículos de los cuales 33 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión de la revisión. De acuerdo con el tipo de suplemento, 2 correspondieron a vitaminas, 9 a polifenoles, 11 comerciales y los 9 restantes diversos. La antigüedad de los artículos analizados fue de 4,8 ± 2,4 años, en cuanto a la obsolescencia, determinado por el semiperiodo de Burton y Kleber y el índice de Price, fue 5,5 y 61,0 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: Hasta el momento no existe evidencia sólida de que la ingesta de suplementos antioxidantes mejore el desempeño físico atlético. Son pocos los resultados positivos en alguna de las variables evaluadas, por tal motivo se requiere de mayor evidencia para poder dilucidar el efecto de los suplementos antioxidantes(AU)

Introduction: At present, the use of antioxidants in the sports field has increased. However, there is no conclusive evidence of the effect of these substances in improving the physical performance of athletes. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of antioxidant supplements in the improvement of athletic physical performance. Material and Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out through the search on online databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, the Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar search engine. Only original double-blind studies related to the intervention of an antioxidant supplement were included. The review period was from 2009 to December 2017. Development: A total of 1053 articles were identified, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria for the review. Regarding the type of supplement, 2 of them corresponded to vitamins, 9 to polyphenols, 11 to commercials, and the remaining 9 ones to several types. The historic period of the articles analyzed was 4.8 ± 2.4 years in terms of obsolescence, which was determined by the Burton and Kleber half-period and the Price index (5.5 and 61.0 percent respectively). Conclusions: To date, there is no solid evidence that the intake of antioxidant supplements improves physical athletic performance. There are few positive results in some of the evaluated variables; for this reason, more evidence is required to elucidate the effect of antioxidant supplements(AU)

Indicators of oxidative stress in long-lived individuals belonging to the municipality of Santa Clara

Aim: To determine indicators of oxidative stress in long-lived individuals. Methods: 120 subjects were studied and two groups were formed: 50 individuals older than 85 years of nuclear families and 70 adults under 60 years old taken as a control group, all belonging to the municipality of Santa Clara. Indicators of antioxidant defense status included enzymatic activities superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations. The determinations were made with the use of spectrophotometric techniques, and the comparisons between the groups were made through the statistical program SPSS with a level of significance of 95 percent. Results: The activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD and GSH levels showed significant differences when comparing both study groups. In the case of the SOD enzyme, the group of long-lived individuals showed a significant reduction in their activity compared to the controls, while GSH levels also decreased in this group. The CAT enzyme activity showed no significant differences between the two study groups. Conclusions: The decrease in enzymatic activity SOD accompanied by a decrease in GSH levels could be an indicator of a state of oxidative imbalance in individuals older than 85 years, which increases their susceptibility to the action of reactive oxygen species(AU)

Protect effect of Delphinidin on light induced oxidative damage of retina / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To investigate the mechanism of Delphinidin(Dp)in protecting retinal against light induced oxidative damage.<p>METHODS: All 661W photosensitive cells were treated with 2 000Lx light(48h)and/or different concentrations of Dp(5, 10, 20μmol/L, 24h). Cell activity, intracellular LDH activity, TBARS content and antioxidant enzymes(SOD, GSH-Px, GST)activity were determined respectively. After the healthy SD rats were treated with 3 000 Lx light(24h)and/or Dp \〖100mg/(kg·d)for 4wk\〗, then changes in retinal tissue structure were observed and fluctuations in oxidative stress index(SOD, GSH-Px, GST)were determined.<p>RESULTS: The results of <i>in vitro</i> experiments showed that the cell activity was significantly decreased after irradiation, the LDH activity and TBARS content were increased, and the activity of antioxidant enzyme system were decreased. However, Dp treatment could increase cell viability, decrease LDH activity and TBARS content, and increase the activity of antioxidant enzyme system. <i>In vivo</i> experiments showed that Dp can protect the structural integrity of retina, reduce the content of TBARS in retinal tissue, and increase the activity of SOD, GSH-Px and GST.<p>CONCLUSION: Dp may protect retinal against Photochemical factors -induced oxidative damage by regulating the oxidation-antioxidant system.

Analysis of endogenous antioxidant system and oxidative stress level in patients with diabetic cardiomyopa-thy / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the endogenous carnosine,glutathione system and oxidative stress level in serum of patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM),and the potential relationships among them.Meth-ods The serum of 102 healthy people,96 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 74 patients with diabetic car-diomyopathy in the third affiliated hospital of QiQihar Medical University were enrolled.Carnosine content was mea-sured by ELISA.T-GSH,GSH and GSSG were detected by using micro-enzyme labeling assay.GSH-Px,GST and GRAC were detected by using colorimetry. The content of NO was detected by nitrate reduction method. The con-tent of H2O2was detected by using molybdic acid coloring method. The activities of NOS and CAT was determined by colorimetry. Results Compared with the healthy control group,the average level of human serum carnosine, GSH content,GRAC,GSH/GSSG ratio,GST activity and T-SH content in the DM and DCM group were signifi-cantly reduced(P < 0.05,respectively). NO content,H2O2and iNOS activity were increased,but CAT activity was decreased in DCM group.Conclusion Decreases of levels of serum carnosine and glutathione(GSH)and the imbalance of redox state were observed in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy,which may promote the occur-rence and development of the diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Rosmarinic Acid Attenuates Cell Damage against UVB Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress via Enhancing Antioxidant Effects in Human HaCaT Cells

This study was designed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes. RA exerted a significant cytoprotective effect by scavenging intracellular ROS induced by UVB. RA also attenuated UVB-induced oxidative macromolecular damage, including protein carbonyl content, DNA strand breaks, and the level of 8-isoprostane. Furthermore, RA increased the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, heme oxygenase-1, and their transcription factor Nrf2, which are decreased by UVB radiation. Collectively, these data indicate that RA can provide substantial cytoprotection against the adverse effects of UVB radiation by modulating cellular antioxidant systems, and has potential to be developed as a medical agent for ROS-induced skin diseases.

Mechanisms involved in reproductive damage caused by gossypol in rats and protective effects of vitamin E

BACKGROUND: Gossypol is a chemical present in the seeds of cotton plants (Gossypium sp.) that reduces fertility in farm animals. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and may help to protect cells and tissues against the deleterious effects of free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of gossypol in rats and the protective effects of vitamin E. Forty Wistar rats were used, divided into four experimental groups (n = 10): DMSO/ saline + corn oil; DMSO/saline + vitamin E; gossypol + corn oil; and gossypol + vitamin E. RESULTS: Fertility was significantly reduced in male rats treated with gossypol in that a significant decrease in epididy-mal sperm count was observed (P < 0.05) and the number of offspring was significantly reduced in females mated with them (P < 0.05). This dysfunction was prevented by vitamin E. Gossypol caused a significant increase in the activity of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.01) and glutathione reductase (P < 0.01), but vitamin E did not reduce the enzyme activities (P > 0.05). The levels of reduced glutathione and pyridine nucleotides in testis homogen-ate were significantly reduced by gossypol (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and this reduction was accompanied by increased levels of oxidized glutathione (P < 0.05). Vitamin E showed a preventive effect on the changes in the levels of these substances. Gossypol significantly increased the levels of malondialdehyde (P < 0.01), a lipid peroxida-tion indicator, whereas treatment with vitamin E inhibited the action of the gossypol. Vitamin E prevented a decrease in mitochondrial ATP induced by gossypol (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the reproductive dysfunction caused by gossypol may be related to oxidative stress and mitochondrial bioenergetic damage and that treatment with vitamin E can prevent the infertility caused by the toxin.

Sistema antioxidante enzimático e indicadores de daño oxidativo en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 / Antioxidant enzymatic system and oxidative damage indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes

Several biological processes are involved in the oxidative stress present in diabetes mellitus; among them we can find glucose autooxidation, proteins glycation and decreased antioxidant defenses. Free radicals yielded at mitochondrial level could be a trigger to unchain the vicious circle of the oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. Aims: to determine antioxidant system’s alterations and indicators of oxidative damage on lipids and proteins in patients with type II Diabetes and a control group. Materials and Methods: It was analyzed 120 serum samples; 60 from patients that suffer type II diabetic from endocrinology surgery belonging “Casa de atención al paciente diabético”in Santa Clara, Villa Clara and 60 samples from healthy individuals used as control group. Spectrofotometric techniques were used to assess levels of Superoxide dismutase and Catalase activity as well as concentrations of reduced glutathione, malonildialdehide and advanced products of proteins Oxidation. Results were compared using the statistical software SPSS. Results: Diabetes type 2 patients showed decreased of Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase enzymatic activity (p = 0,003) and (p = 0,013) respectively as well as and reduced Glutathione levels (p = 0,038). Malondialdehide and Advanced Products of Proteins Oxidation were increased (p = 0,000) in diabetics patients compared with control group. Conclusions: it was found redox alterations in patients that suffer type 2 Diabetes. These alterations are evidenced by a reduced antioxidant enzymatic system and damage on macromolecules such as lipids and proteins...

Effect of astaxanthin and fish oil on enzymatic antioxidant system and ?-amylase activity of salivary glands from rats

Salivary glands contribute to oral health. It is therefore of interest to study therapies that may favor their function and protection. AIM: To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin, fish oil and association of them on enzymatic antioxidant system and functional parameters of salivary glands. METHODS: Healthy rats (n=32) were divided into 4 groups: untreated-control, astaxanthin-treated (1 mg/kg body weight- BW), fish oil-treated (10 mg EPA/kg BW and 7 mg DHA/kg BW), and fish oil plus astaxanthin-treated. A prophylactic dose was administered in each group daily by gavage, for 45 days. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reductase, and α-amylase activities were determined in salivary glands and compared by ANOVA and Tukey post-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Parotid gland presented increased catalase and glutathione system and unaffected SOD activity after astaxanthin and astaxanthin plus fish oil treatment (p<0.05). Fish oil stimulated only glutathione peroxidase activity of parotid gland (p<0.05). Submandibular gland presented stimulated SOD and catalase, and reduced glutathione reductase activities after fish oil and fish oil plus astaxanthin treatment (p<0.05). SOD and glutathione reductase activities were reduced by astaxanthin treatment in submandibular gland (p<0.05). Parotid gland presented increased α-amylase activity in all groups supplemented and submandibular glands presented no changes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Astaxanthin, fish oil and combination of them stimulated the antioxidant system and functional parameter of salivary glands, which could be beneficial to oral health.

Differential antioxidative response of tolerant and sensitive maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes to drought stress at reproductive stage.

The role of oxidative stress management was evaluated in two maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes — Parkash (drought-resistant) and Paras (drought-sensitive), subjected to drought stress during reproductive stage. Alterations in their antioxidant pools — glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) combined with activities of enzymes glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) involved in defense against oxidative stress and stress parameters, namely chlorophyll (Chl), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated in flag leaves from silk emergence till maturity. The drought caused transient increase in GR, APX, POX and CAT activities in drought-tolerant genotype (Parkash) which decreased at later stages with the extended period of drought stress. However, in Paras, drought stress caused decrease in activities of GR and CAT from initial period of stress till the end of experiment, except for POX which showed slight increase in activity. A significant increase in GSH content was observed in Parkash till 35 days after silking (DAS), whereas in Paras, GSH content remained lower than irrigated till maturity. Parkash which had higher AsA and Chl contents, also showed lower H2O2 and MDA levels than Paras under drought stress conditions. However, at the later stages, decline in antioxidant enzyme activities in Parkash due to severe drought stress led to enhanced membrane damage, as revealed by the accumulation of MDA. Our data indicated that significant activation of antioxidant system in Parkash might be responsible for its drought-tolerant behavior under drought stress and helped it to cope with the stress up to a definite period. Thus, the results indicate that antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in flag leaves can be used as indices of drought tolerance in maize plants and also as potential biochemical targets for the crop improvement programmes to develop drought-tolerant cultivars.

Restraint stress-induced central monoaminergic & oxidative changes in rats & their prevention by novel Ocimum sanctum compounds.

Background & objectives: Ocimum sanctum (OS) is known to possess various therapeutic properties. We have earlier isolated and characterized three OS compounds; Ocimarin, Ocimumoside A and Ocimumoside B. However, their role in modulating stress-induced central changes is unexplored. Thus, the present study was aimed to investigate the effect of these OS compounds on restraint stress (RS)-induced changes in the monoaminergic and antioxidant systems in the frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus of rats. Methods: RS was produced by immobilizing (restraining) the Sprague Dawley rats for a period of 2.5 h inside cylindrical steel tubes. The monoamine levels and the in vivo antioxidant status in brain regions were evaluated by HPLC-EC and spectrophotometric assays, respectively. Results: RS significantly increased the dopamine levels in the frontal cortex and decreased in the striatum and hippocampus, and accompanied with selective increase of dopamine metabolites compared to the NS control group. The serotonin and its metabolite levels were significantly increased, while noradrenaline levels were decreased by RS in the three brain regions studied. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the frontal cortex and striatum were significantly increased by RS with decreased glutathione levels and increased lipid peroxidation. Pre-treatment with Ocimumoside A and B (40 mg/kg po) for a period of 3 days prevented the RS-induced changes with an efficacy similar to that of standard anti-stress (Panax quinquefolium; 100 mg/kg po) and antioxidant (Melatonin; 20 mg/kg ip) drugs, while, Ocimarin failed to modulate these changes. OS compounds per se had no effect on these parameters. Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings showed the anti-stress potential of Ocimumoside A and B in relation to their simultaneous modulatory effects on the central monoaminergic and antioxidant systems implicating their therapeutic importance in stress-related disorders. Further studies are required to understand the mechanism of action of these compounds.

Evaluation of oxidative stress tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings in response to drought.

Seedlings of selected six genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) differing in their drought sensitivity (LM5 and Parkash drought-tolerant and PMH2, JH3459, Paras and LM14 as drought-sensitive) were exposed to 72 h drought stress at two leaf stage. Alterations in their antioxidant pools combined with activities of enzymes involved in defense against oxidative stress were investigated in leaves. Activities of some reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were enhanced in tolerant genotypes in response to drought stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly decreased in sensitive genotypes, but remained unchanged in tolerant genotypes under stress. Peroxidase (POX) activity was significantly induced in tolerant, as well as sensitive genotypes. Imposition of stress led to increase in H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker for lipid peroxidation) content in sensitive genotypes, while in tolerant genotypes no change was observed. Significant increase in glutathione content was observed in sensitive genotypes. Ascorbic acid pool was induced in both tolerant and sensitive genotypes, but induction was more pronounced in tolerant genotypes. Significant activation of antioxidative defence mechanisms correlated with drought-induced oxidative stress tolerance was the characteristic of the drought tolerant genotypes. These studies provide a mechanism for drought tolerance in maize seedlings.

Exercício físico e estresse oxidativo: mecanismos e efeitos / Exercise and oxidative stress: mechanisms and effects

Exercícios físicos associados a uma dieta balanceada são importantes fatores para a promoção da saúde. Contudo, a realização de exercícios físicos intensos e prolongados ou de caráter exaustivo podem promover inflamação crônica, overtraining e maior susceptibilidade de infecções. Sendo causa ou consequência, um dos fatores que contribuem para estes efeitos é o aumento exacerbado da síntese de compostos pró-oxidantes, conhecidos como espécies reativas do oxigênio (ERO). O aumento das ERO pode reduzir a capacidade antioxidante corporal, situação conhecida como estresse oxidativo. O estresse oxidativo tem sido relacionado ao aumento de lesões a diversos constituintes celulares, principalmente sobre as membranas, haja vista desencadear um processo de degeneração dos fosfolipídios, conhecido como peroxidação lipídica (PL). Dentre as fontes de síntese de ERO, induzidas pelo exercício físico estão às mitocôndrias, o processo de isquemia e reperfusão tecidual, a inflamação e a exacerbada liberação de íons metais de transição. Quando ocorrido cronicamente, o estresse oxidativo pode reduzir a massa e a força muscular, bem como, aumentar a gravidade de lesões às células, resultando em menor capacidade de recuperação. Deste modo, face essencial o conhecimento dos mecanismos e efeitos das ERO induzidas por exercícios físicos, bem como seus efeitos sobre o sistema antioxidante corporal.

Physical exercises associated with a balanced diet are important factors for health promotion. However intense and prolonged or strenuous exercise may promote chronic inflammation, overtraining and increased susceptibility to infections. Being cause or consequence, one of the factors that contribute to deleterious effects is exacerbated increase in the synthesis of pro-oxidant compounds, known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). The increase of ROS may reduce the body antioxidant capability, a condition known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a promoter of injuries to various cellular constituents, especially, on the membranes, due to trigger the degeneration of phospholipids, an effect known as lipid peroxidation. Among the sources for the synthesis of ROS induced by exercise is the mitochondria, the process of tissue ischemia and reperfusion, inflammation and exaggerated release of transition metal ions. When occurred chronically, oxidative stress can reduce muscle mass and strength, as well as increase the severity of injuries to the cells, resulting in lower resilience. Thus, given the essential knowledge of the mechanisms and effects of ROS induced by exercise, as well as its effects on the antioxidant system of body.

Drought stress induced changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in genus Avena.

Seven species of genus Avena viz., Avena sativa, Avena strigosa, Avena brevis, Avena vaviloviana, Avena abyssinica, Avena marocana and Avena sterilis were used to study the impact of drought stress on lipid peroxidation and other antioxidant enzymes. Maximum increase in the catalase activity was recorded in A. vaviloviana (129.97%) followed by A. sativa (122.82%) and A. brevis (83.38%) at vegetative stage; however at flowering stage the maximum increase was reported in A. sativa (25.62%) followed by A. sterilis (20.46%) and A. brevis (18.53%). At vegetative stage drought, maximum increase in peroxidase activity was recorded in A. sativa (122.82%) followed by A. brevis (83.38%) and A. sterilis (49.78%). Flowering stage drought, showed maximum increase in A. sativa (27.09%) followed by A. marocana (23.50%) and A. sterilis (20.46%). A. sativa and A. sterilis showed stress tolerance at both the stages by accumulating higher percentage of peroxidase followed by A. brevis at vegetative and A. marocana at flowering stage. Level of lipid peroxidation in terms of Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased in the leaves when plants were subjected to moisture stress. The rate of increase in lipid peroxidation occurs irrespective of stage however; maximum increase was recorded in A. strigosa at both the stages. Avena species which showed high level of MDA content, indicates more lipid peroxidation and more membrane permeability and are comparatively more susceptible for water stress than those which produce less Malondialdehyde (MDA) content at higher magnitude of water stress such species have better capability for moisture stress tolerance.

CAPACIDAD ANATIOXIDANTE DURANTE LA MADURACIÓN DE ARAZÁ (Eugenia stipitata Mc Vaugh) / ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY DURING THE RIPENING OF ARAZA (Eugenia stipitata Mc Vaugh)

Con el propósito de conocer la evolución de algunos componentes antioxidantes de la pulpa de arazá durante el almacenamiento de los frutos, éstos se cosecharon en su madurez fisiológica y se almacenaron durante seis días a 25 °C. Se encontró que los frutos presentan su máximo climatérico luego de dos días de almacenamiento y, al llegar al sexto día, sus características sensoriales están marcadamente deterioradas. Los contenidos de ácido ascórbico y fenólicos disminuyeron durante el almacenamiento. Los niveles encontrados de ácido ascórbico, compuestos fenólicos y la actividad anti-oxidante muestran que la contribución de la pulpa de arazá al potencial antioxidante, cuando se compara con otros alimentos, en la dieta humana es buena.

In order to know the evolution in some antioxidants from the pulp of araza fruit during its ripening, fruits were harvested in their physiological maturity and stored at 25 °C during 6 days. Fruits showed a climacteric maximum after 2 days of storage; at 6th day their sensorial characteristics were widely deteriorated. Ascorbic acid, free and bound phenolics were depleted during storage. Ascorbic acid, phenolics and antioxidant activity showed that antioxidant contribution of araza pulp to human diet is important.

Effect of Vegetable Juice Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Activity in College Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 6-week vegetable juice supplementation (360 ml/day) on serum lipid profiles and antioxidant activity in college women. Twenty women (mean age: 21) with normal life style and dietary pattern and who are free of any specific diseases were recruited among the student in S women's university. The subjects consumed vegetable juice to take part in an uncontrolled clinical trial for a 6-week intervention period. While there was no difference in the concentration of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, serum concentrations of TG and HDL/LDL ratio were significantly reduced by 22% (p = 0.013) and 6% (p = 0.007) respectively. Significant decrease in malondialdehyde (p = 0.000) was accompanied by an increase in the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes, such as GSHPx (p = 0.000), SOD (p = 0.007). It was also found that total antioxidant status was improved by 5.4% (p = 0.009). Serum parameters were all changed without affecting body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, or nutrient intakes after six week of supplementation. This study demonstrated that the supplementation regular meals with vegetable juice can favorably affect serum lipid profiles and antioxidant systems, and hence could contribute to reduce the risks of chronic diseases in college women.

Antioxidant System and Oxidative Stress in Uterine Cervical Neoplasia of Korean women / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the plasma levels of antioxidant system and oxidative stress of cervical neoplasia patients to normal control, and to investigate the relationship between the plasma antioxidant system and various clinicopathological factors of cervical cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 90 cervical neoplasia patients and 90 normal control group was recruited from Nov. 2000 to Jan. 2001 at Yonsei University Medical Center. As the parameter of lipid peroxidation, plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) was spectrophotomerically measured. Plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were analyzed by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was measured by coupled enzyme procedure. The correlation between the results and various clinicopathological factors of cervical cancer were evaluated. RESULTS: In women with cervical neoplasia, the activity of GSH-Px and plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins such as lutein, beta-carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin were significantly lower compared to normal control, while the concentration of MDA was significantly higher. However, between CIN and cervical cancer, only the levels of alpha-tocopherol and MDA showed significant differences. The changes in plasma antioxidant system showed no significant correlation with the prognostic factors of cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a potential role of oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation and the impairment of antioxidant system in the pathogenesis of cervical neoplasia. However, these changes failed to define a causal relationship between the antioxidant system and disease outcome, or to show a significant correlation between several antioxidant parameters and the prognostic factors of cervical cancer.

Changes in Body Fat Distribution and Antioxidant System in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

BACKGROUND: Changes in body fat distribution and antioxidant status can be shown in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and these changes may be more pronounced in CHD patients with than those without diabetes. This study was undertaken to determine the discrimination of body fat distribution, hormones and antioxidants among healthy male and CHD male patients with and without diabetes. METHODS: An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 64 healthy males and 56 CHD male patients. CHD group was subdivided into patients with and without diabetes. Adipose tissue and muscle areas were calculated from computed tomography scans made at four body levels, L1, L4 and mid portion of thigh and calf. Fasting serum levels of lipids, hormones and antioxidants and plasma level of homocysteine were determined. RESULTS: 28% of healthy males, 33% of CHD patients without diabetes and 15% of CHD patients with diabetes were current smokers. 56% of healthy males, 30% of CHD patients without diabetes and 46% of CHD patients with diabetes supplemented their diet with synthetic vitamin preparation. There were no differences among groups in means of age, body mass index and blood pressure. While CHD patients without diabetes showed an increase in visceral fat area at only L1 level, CHD patients with diabetes showed an increase at both L1 and L4 levels, compared with healthy males. CHD patients with diabetes showed the lowest mean value of HDL-cholesterol and testosterone. The mean response areaof insulin and C-peptide during OGTT was higher in CHD patients without diabetes than healthy males. CHD patients with and without diabetes showed higher plasma level of homocysteine and lower serum levels of IGF-1, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and beta-carotene, compared with healthy males. Serum levels of cryptoxanthin and lycopene were lower in CHD patients with diabetes than healthy males. CONCLUSION: Visceral fat accumulation, an increase in insuline and homocysteine levels and a decrease in IGF-1, SOD and beta-carotene levels in CHD patients indicate a difference in body fat distribution, hormones and antioxidant systems between CHD patients and healthy males. In addition, a further increase in visceral fat and a decrease in the serum levels of HDL-cholesterol, testosterone and carotenoids in CHD patients with diabetes show the increased risk in the simultaneous presence of CHD and diabetes. Thus, the lifestyle modification of these CHD patients such as quitting smoking, reducing abdominal fat and taking antioxidant-rich foods is recommended.