Level of serum enzymes and electrocardiogram in healthy rabbits after injection of ICD-85 as an anticancer agent

Our previous in vivo studies confirmed that ICD-85, as an anticancer agent, was able to prevent further growth of breast tumors and expand the life expectancy of mice with breast cancer. Blood collection was carried out before, 1, 3, and 6 hours after ICD-85 injection. Sera were used to determinate the cardio and hepatic enzymes levels, including ALT, AST, LDH, CPK, and Ck-MB. Coagulation factors such as PT and PTT were also assayed. ECGs of all rabbits were recorded during the experiment. ECG results showed that the injection of 50 and 100 micro g/kg ICD-85 into healthy rabbits has no significant effect on heart function while the injection of 150 to 200 micro g/kg ICD-85 caused ECG wave changes and mild bradycardia without toxic effects on heart. After ICD-85 injection [concentrations below 100 micro g/kg], no significant increase was observed in liver and cardiac enzymes [ALT, AST, LDH, CPK, and CK-MB]. However, the concentration of 150 micro g/kg and above caused a rise in the enzymes. Comparison of the PT and PTT before and after ICD-85 injection showed no significant clotting time at any concentrations below 200 micro g/kg. Based on the results obtained in the present study as well as our previous reports, ICD-85 at concentrations below 100 micro g/kg seems to have no significant effect on the serum enzymes as indicators of hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity in healthy rabbits. However, to confirm this conclusion, more detailed surveys on heart and liver is needed to be carried out

Betulinic acid prevents alcohol-induced liver damage by improving the antioxidant system in mice

Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic lupane-type triterpene, has a wide range of bioactivities. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of BA and the potential mechanism underlying the ability of this compound to prevent liver damage induced by alcohol in vivo. Mice were given oral doses of BA (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) daily for 14 days, and induced liver injury by feeding 50% alcohol orally at the dosage of 10 ml/kg after 1 h last administration of BA. BA pretreatment significantly reduced the serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerides in a dose-dependent manner in the mice administered alcohol. Hepatic levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were remarkably increased, while malondialdehyde contents and microvesicular steatosis in the liver were decreased by BA in a dose-dependent manner after alcohol-induced liver injury. These findings suggest that the mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective effects of BA might be due to increased antioxidant capacity, mainly through improvement of the tissue redox system, maintenance of the antioxidant system, and decreased lipid peroxidation in the liver.

Enzymes in clinical medicine: An overview.

Enzymes are biocatalysts and because of their remarkable properties, they are extensively used in medical diagnosis. Researches in the last two decades have concentrated more on enzymes such as creatine kinase–MB, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase etc. for clinical applications. Enzymes are the preferred markers in various disease states such as myocardial infarction, jaundice, pancreatitis, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. They provide insight into the disease process by diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of response therapy. Even though the literature on the use of enzymes in various disease conditions has accumulated, a comprehensive analysis is lacking and hence this review.

preliminary study on some potential toxic effects of Rosa damascena Mill

Rosa damascena has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine for different therapeutic purposes. In order to preliminarily study the probable toxic effects of the plant, its infusion was orally administered to 5 groups of 5 dogs at doses 0.5-8 times that of human use in traditional medicine [90-1440 mg/kg/d] for 10 successive days. The dogs in the control group [n=4] received placebo. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], bilirubin, albumin and protein were measured in all experimental groups at days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 10. Except for a transient increase in bilirubin levels [day 3] and a rise in serum ALT at day 10, both with the highest dose of the treatment, there were no statistical differences between different experimental groups compared to the control. The results suggest minimal nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic effects for the infusion of R. damascena, however, the medication may be hepatotoxic at extraordinary high doses

Effects of D-002, a mixture of high molecular weight beeswax alcohols, on patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intimately related to insulin resistance and ranges from a benign course to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. NAFLD management mainly involves dietary modification and weight loss. Although no fully successful pharmacological intervention is available, alternative therapies to treat NAFLD have shown promising results. Experimental studies have shown that D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols with antioxidant effects, is hepatoprotective. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of D-002 in patients with NALFD. METHODS: Fifty patients with NAFLD were randomized to receive a placebo or D-002 (100 mg/day) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was a significant ultrasonography-detected reduction of liver fat infiltration versus a placebo. Secondary endpoints were decreases in the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, insulin levels, serum liver enzymes, increases in plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and improved clinical symptoms versus the placebo recipients. RESULTS: At randomization, all indicators were comparable in both groups. At study completion, seven (28.0%) D-002-patients, but none of the placebo recipients, exhibited a normal liver echo pattern on ultrasonography (p < 0.01). Also, D-002 significantly reduced (p < 0.01 vs. baseline and placebo) the HOMA index and insulin levels and increased the TAS, but did not affect other parameters. The proportion of D-002-patients (12/25, 48.0%) showing symptom improvement was higher (p < 0.001) than that of the placebo group (1/25, 4.0%). The treatment was safe and well tolerated. Three patients in each group withdrew from the study. CONCLUSIONS: D-002 (100 mg/day) improved ultrasonographic findings, indicators of insulin resistance, plasma TAS and clinical evolution on NAFLD patients. Further studies, however, are needed to confirm these results.

Medida del colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad utilizando tres metodologías / Measurement of cholesterol low-density lipoprotein using three methodologies / Medida do colesterol de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade utilizando tres metodologias

Tomando en cuenta que aún no existe una metodología estándar de rutina para la determinación del colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL-c) se decidió evaluar su determinación analítica utilizando tres técnicas: determinación enzimática homogénea, precipitación con sulfato de polivinilo y fórmula de Friedewald. Fueron procesadas 98 muestras de suero a las cuales se les determinó triglicéridos (TG), colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-c) y colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL-c). Los valores promedio de CT fueron 194,46 ± 43,54 mg/dL, HDL-c 51,12 ± 12,36 mg/dL y TG 132,88 ± 76,93 mg/dL. Aun cuando el análisis de regresión mostró una buena correlación entre los valores de LDL-c, los resultados indicaron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los mismos cuando los niveles de TG superaron los 200 mg/dL. La misma se observó principalmente entre el método de precipitación y la fórmula de Friedewald, siendo los valores significativamente más bajos en esta última (LDL-c por precipitación: 141,3 ± 26,2 mg/dL; LDL-c por fórmula de Friedewald: 110,1 ± 35,4 mg/dL). De la misma manera se vio afectada la proporción de individuos clasificados según su riesgo coronario. Es necesario comparar las técnicas aplicadas en este estudio con la cuantificación beta para evaluar cuál tiene un mayor nivel de exactitud.

Considering that there is still no standard methodology for routine determination of low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) it was decided to evaluate their analytical determination using three techniques: homogeneous enzymatic determination, polyvinyl sulphate precipitation and Friedewald formula. Ninety-eight serum samples were processed; triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) and LDL-c were determined. Mean total cholesterol was 194.46 ± 43.54 mg/dL, HDL-C was 51.12 ± 12.36 mg/dL and TG was 132.88 ± 76.93 mg/dL. Although regression analysis showed a good correlation between LDL-c, the results showed a statistically significative difference in them when TG levels exceeded 200 mg/dL. It was mainly observed in the precipitation method and the Friedewald formula, the latter values being significantly lower (LDL-C by precipitation: 141.3 ± 26.2 mg/dL, LDL-C by the Friedewald formula: 110, 1 ± 35.4 mg/dL). Moreover, this difference affected the proportion of individuals classified according to their coronary risk. It is necessary to compare the techniques applied in this study with beta quantification to assess which has a higher level of accuracy.

Levando em consideragao que ainda nao existe uma metodologia padrao de rotina para a determinagao do colesterol de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL-c) se decidiu avaliar sua determinagao analítica utilizando tres técnicas: determinagao enzimática homogénea, precipitagao com sulfato de polivinil e fórmula de Friedewald. Foram processadas 98 amostras de soro as quais lhes foi determinado triglicerídeos (TG), colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL-c) e colesterol de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL-c). Os valores médios de CT foram 194,46 ± 43,54 mg/dL, HDL-c 51,12 ± 12,36 mg/dL e TG 132,88 ± 76,93 mg/dL. Inclusive quando a análise de regressao mostrou uma boa correlagao entre os valores de LDL-c, os resultados indicaram uma diferenga estatisticamente significativa nos mesmos quando os niveis de TG superaram os 200 mg/dL. A mesma se observou principalmente entre o método de precipitagao e a fórmula de Friedewald, sendo os valores significativamente mais baixos nesta última (LDL-c por precipitagao: 141,3 ± 26,2 mg/dL; LDL-c por fórmula de Friedewald: 110,1 ± 35,4 mg/dL). Da mesma maneira se viu afetada a proporgao de indivíduos classificados conforme seu risco coronariano. É necessário comparar as técnicas aplicadas neste estudo com a quantificagao beta para avaliar qual é que tem maior nível de exatidao.

Polimorfismo de los genes C677T de la enzima metil-n-tetrahidrofolato reductasa, A2756G de la enzima metionina sintasa y A66G de la enzima metionina sintasa reductasa y su relación con la homocisteína en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares / C677T gene polymorphism of the enzyme-n-methyl-tetrahydrofolate reductase, A2756G gene polymorphism of the enzyme methionine synthase and A66G gene polymorphism of methionine synthase reductase and its relationship with homocysteine in patients with cardiovascular disease

La Hiperhomociteinemia (HHcy) se considera como un factor de riesgo idenpendiente para el desarrollo de aterosclerosis y de enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Los polimorfismos en encimas involucradas en la regulación del metabolismo de la Hcy como la metiltetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR), metionina sintasa (MTR), y la metionina sintasa reductasa (MTRR) pueden contribuir a la variación de los niveles de homocisteína en plasma (Hcy). En este estudio investigamos la asociación de los polimorfismos genéticos de las enzimas involucradas en la remetilación de la homocisteínia: metionina sintasa (MTR), metil N-tetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) y metionina sintasa reductasa (MTRR), con los niveles de Hcy en pacientes con EAC y sujetos sanos. Población 136 individuos de los cuales 90 presentaron diagnóstico de enfermedad cardiovascular (IAM y ACV) y 46 eran aparentemente sanos (controles). La concentración de Hcy fue significativamente más alta en pacientes con ECV que en los sujetos control (P<0,001). HHcy (>15 µmol/L) confirió un RR de IAM de 2.52 (95% IC: 1.4-4.4, P<0,001) y de ACV de 1.88 (95% IC: 1.0-3-5, P<0,05). Los niveles de vitamina B12 y folato se encontraba en el rango de los valores de referencia en el 86% de los individuos. La frecuencia del alelo T para C677T de MTHFR, del alelo G para A66G de MTRR y del alelo G para A2756G de MTR fueron 0.31, 0.30, 0.22 respectivamente para los sujetos casos. Los polimorfismos C677T, A66G y A276G de los genes MTHFR, MTRR y MTR no tuvieron diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el grupo de casos con respecto al grupo control. Los polimorfismos estudiados no se relacionaron estadísticamente con la HHcy en los individuos en estudio. Sugerimos que HHcy confiere riesgo para ECV. En nuestro estudio encontramos evidencia de que la regulación de Hcy es poligénica.

The Hiperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered an independent risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular arterial disease (CAD). The polymorphisms of the enzymes involved in the regulation of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism as the methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase (MTR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) may contribute to the elevation of Hcy in plasma. The main aim of the this study was to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes involved in remethylation of homocysteine: methionine synthase (MTR), N-methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), with levels of Hcy in patients with CHF and healthy subjects. Population: 136 subjects of whom 90 had a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (heart failure and stroke) and 46 were apparently healthy (controls). The concentration of Hcy was significantly higher in patients with cardiovascular disease than compare with the control group (P<0.001). HHcy (>15 mmol/L) conferred a relative risk (RR) of heart failure of 2.52 (95% CI: 1.4-4.4, P <0.001) and stroke, RR of 1.88 (95% CI: 1.0-3.5, P <0.05). The levels of vitamin B12 and folate was in the range of reference values in 86% of subjects. The frequency of the T allele of MTHFR C677T was 0,31, for the G allele of MTRR A66G was 0,30 and for the G allelwe for MTR A2756G was 0.22 for the subjects with heart failure and stroke referred as case. C677T polymorphism, A66G and A2756G of the genes MTHFR, MTRR and MTR had no associated statistically with HHcy in the subjects of the study. We suggest that HHcy confers risk for CVD. In our study we found evidence that the regulation of Hcy is polygenic.

Use of Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Newborn Screening of 6 Lysosomal Storage Disorders in a Korean Population / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the performance of multiplex tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in newborn screening for detection of 6 lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), namely, Niemann-Pick A/B, Krabbe, Gaucher, Fabry, and Pompe diseases and Hurler syndrome. METHODS: We revised the conditions and procedures of multiplex enzyme assay for the MS/MS analysis and determined the precision of our enzyme assay and the effects of sample amounts and incubation time on the results. We also measured the degree of correlation between the enzyme activities in the dried blood spots (DBSs) and those in the leukocytes. DBSs of 211 normal newborns and 13 newborns with various LSDs were analyzed using our revised methods. RESULTS: The intra- and inter-assay precisions were 2.9-18.7% and 8.1-18.1%, respectively. The amount of product obtained was proportional to the DBS eluate volume, but a slight flattening was observed in the product vs. sample volume curve at higher sample volumes. For each enzyme assay, the amount of product obtained increased linearly with the incubation period (range, 0-24 hr). Passing and Bablok regression analysis revealed that the enzyme activities in the DBSs and those in the leukocytes were favorably correlated. The enzyme activities measured in the DBSs were consistently lower in patients with LSDs than in normal newborns. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of our revised techniques for MS/MS detection and enzyme assays was of the generally acceptable standard. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of MS/MS for newborn screening of LSDs in an Asian population.

Serum enzymes changes after death & its correlation with time since death.

Estimation of time since death is one of the primary objectives of an autopsy. Forensic Scientists and researchers have been persevering hard to find out methods of accurate determination of postmortem interval since long. However, the concept of “Postmortem Clocking” so far seems to be a distant dream only. The favorite biological fluids, to study postmortem biochemical changes, have been those which withstand putrefactive changes for longer duration, like vitreous humor, cerebrospinal fluid, pericardial fluid etc. In blood, markers like electrolytes, urea, creatinine, glucose etc have been more commonly studied. Enthusiastic studies have been undertaken by various researchers to find out reasonably reliable methods of estimating postmortem interval by studying serial quantitative changes in serum levels of various enzymes and to extrapolate the data obtained therefore in terms of duration of death. However, the accuracy of such an opinion remains big area of concern even today, as the range of duration is mostly too wide to be practically useful.

Haematological and biochemical parameters in Churra-da-Terra-Quente ewes from the northeast of Portugal / Parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de ovelhas da raça Churra da Terra Quente do nordeste de Portugal

Hematological and biochemical parameters, including plasma electrolytes and thyroid hormones, were determined in 73 clinically healthy Churra-da-Terra-Quente ewes, a typical breed from the northeast of Portugal. The hemogram values were: erythrocytes 9.8±1.5×10(12)/L; haemoglobin 118.1±19.1g/L; haematocrit 40.8±5.9 percent; leukocytes 5.7±1.8×10(9)/L; and platelets 544.3±177.2×10(9)/L. The thrombin time was 17.3±1.7 seconds. The values of biochemical parameters were: total protein 76.4±6.1g/L; glucose 2.87±0.60mmol/L; total cholesterol 1.65±0.33mmol/L; aspartate aminotransferase 155.9±49.2U/L; alanine aminotransferase 23.2±9.6U/L; γ-glutamyl transferase 48.0±18.7U/L; total alkaline phosphatase 121.6±76.1U/L; glutamate dehydrogenase 6.4±3.7U/L; urea 7.32±2.22mmol/L; creatinine 123.0±54.1μmol/L; total calcium 2.53±0.25mmol/L; phosphorus 2.10±0.46mmol/L; magnesium 1.01±0.09mmol/L; sodium 152.04±3.65mmol/L; potassium 4.7±0.4mmol/L; ionized calcium 1.32±0.07mmol/L; total thyroxine 111.75±42.29nmol/L; total triiodothyronine 1.01±0.28nmol/L; free T4 11.93±1.78pmol/L; free T3 4.22±1.33pmol/L; and thyroid-stimulating hormone 0.18±0.19μIU/mL. Although differences among the Churra-da-Terra-Quente breed and other breeds may occur, the hematological and biochemical parameters, plasma electrolytes, and thyroid hormones, for this indigenous breed, were generally situated within the reference intervals previously reported for sheep.

Os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos, incluindo os eletrólitos plasmáticos e os hormônios da tireoide, foram determinados em 73 ovelhas, clinicamente saudáveis, da raça Churra da Terra Quente, raça ovina característica do nordeste de Portugal. Os valores obtidos para o hemograma foram: eritrócitos 9,8±1,5×10(12) /L; hemoglobina 118,1±19,1g/L; hematócrito 40,8±5,9 por cento; leucócitos 5,7±1,8×10(9) /L e plaquetas 544,3±177,2×10(9)/L. O tempo de trombina foi de 17,3±1,7 segundos. Os valores dos parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados foram: proteínas totais 76,4±6,1g/L; glicose 2,87±0,60mmol/L; colesterol total 1,65±0,33mmol/L; aspartato amino transferase 155,9±49,2U/L; alanina amino transferase 23,2±9,6U/L; gama-glutamil transferase 48,0±18,7U/L; fosfatase alcalina total 121,6±76,1U/L; glutamato desidrogenase 6,4±3,7U/L; ureia 7,32±2,22mmol/L; creatinina 123,0±54,1μmol/L; cálcio total 2,53±0,25mmol/L; fósforo 2,10±0,46mmol/L e magnésio 1,01±0,09mmol/L; sódio 152,04±3,65mmol/L; potássio 4,7±0,4mmol/L e cálcio ionizado 1,32±0,07mmol/L; tiroxina total 111,75±42,29nmol/L; tri-iodotironina total 1,01±0,28nmol/L; T4 livre 11,93±1,78pmol/L; T3 livre 4,22±1,33pmol/L e hormônio estimulante da tireoide 0,18±0,19μIU/mL. Apesar de terem sido observadas algumas diferenças entre a raça Churra da Terra Quente e outras raças, os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos, eletrólitos plasmáticos e hormônios da tireóide, desta raça autóctone apresentam-se no geral situados dentro dos intervalos de referência publicados para a espécie ovina.

Serum levels of bcl-2 and cellular oxidative stress in patients with viral hepatitis.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the presence of bcl-2 protein in the serum of patients with viral hepatitis and to find out if there is any correlation between bcl-2 protein levels and cellular oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis. METHODS: This study was carried out on 130 patients with viral hepatitis, 70 with chronic hepatitis, 30 with liver cirrhosis and 30 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in addition to 20 healthy persons as the control. Serum bcl-2 protein was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH-px, GR and SOD) were measured using spectrophotometric analysis. RESULTS: bcl-2 protein level was significantly elevated in the serum of HCC, cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis groups as compared to control group. There were significant positive correlations between higher bcl-2 protein level and viral hepatitis markers (HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies) in HCC and cirrhotic patients as compared to chronic hepatitis group. An increase in oxidative stress markers (MDA, NO) and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH and GSH-px) were observed. However, there was a negative correlation between bcl-2 levels and GR in all studied patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The release of oxidative free radicals, deficiency in antioxidant enzymes and the expression of bcl-2 protein might play a role in the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis. The ability to measure bcl-2 protein in the serum could be useful as a prognostic marker of cancer patients.

Modulation of DMBA-induced biochemical changes by organoselenium compounds in blood of rats.

The protective role of two synthetic organoselenium compounds 1-isopropyl-3-methylbenzimidazole-2-selenone (SeI) and 1, 3-di-p-methoxybenzylpyrimidine-2-selenone (Sell) was examined against the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced changes in biochemical parameters in blood of rats. Albino Winstar rats (150-200 g body wt) were treated with single dose of DMBA (50 mg/kg body wt) and organoselenium compounds (25 micromol/kg) for 4 weeks at two days internal. Blood was taken from the anaesthetized rats ventricle from their hearts for biochemical analysis. Administration of DMBA resulted in elevation of urea, uric acid and creatinine levels as well as AST, ALT and LDH activities and decrease in levels of total proteins, albumin and globulin. SeI and SeII caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in urea, uric acid and creatinine levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); aspartate aminotransferase; (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and significantly increased the levels of total protein and albumin (p<0.05). These organoselenium compounds are likely to be beneficial in human health.

Status of lipid peroxidation, glutathione, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and antioxidant enzymes in patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension.

The exact pro-oxidant and antioxidant status in pregnancy--induced hypertension patients is still not clear. To add a new insight to the question, changes in the erythrocyte lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde; MDA), levels of glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and plasma vitamin E (non enzymatic antioxidant parameters) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase in erythrocytes were studied in thirty five patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension and thirty five healthy pregnant normotensive cases. It was observed that there was a significant increase in erythrocyte MDA levels, activities of SOD, GPx and a significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH, ascorbic acid, plasma vitamin E levels and catalase activity in patients with pregnancy--induced hypertension when compared to controls. The results of our study have shown higher oxygen free radical production, evidenced by increased levels of MDA and decreased levels of GSH, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and Catalase activity supports the oxidative stress in pregnancy--induced hypertension. The increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory regulation in response to increased oxidative stress. The decreased concentrations of glutathione and antioxidant vitamin status supports the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation is an important causative factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

[Determination of normal values of blood serum enzymes in Acipenser persicus]

Determination of normal values of serum enzymes in Acipenser persicus. Descriptive study. Fifteen male and 17 female Acipenser persicus. Blood samples were obtained by veinponcture and the levels of enzymes were measured using an autoanalyzer. Parametric t-test and pearson correlation tests. Values of enzymes were determined as: Asparat amino transferase [AST] = 294. 59 +/- 61.26 IU/L, Alanine amino transferase [ALT] = 5.96 +/- 1.27 IU/L, Alkanine phosphatae [ALP] =74.68 +/- 13.59 IU/L, Lactate dehyrogenase [LDH] = 20118.43 +/- 507.55 IU/L, Creatine phosphokinase [CK] =6878.70 +/- 1832.63 IU/L and Acid phosphatase [ACP] = 16.06 +/- 2.71 IU/L. There was a significant difference in CK activity between female [7609.41 +/- 1674.16 Iu/lit] and male [5991.42 +/- 1659.77 Iu/lit] fishes. Moreover there was significant correlation between AlT and ACP values [P<0.05, r=0.382]

Resposta divergente da testosterona e do cortisol séricos em atletas masculinos após uma corrida de maratona / Divergent responses of serum testosterone and cortisol in athlete men after a marathon race / Divergent responses of serum testosterone and cortisol in athlete men after a marathon race

O exercício físico altera a homeostase, pois requer rápida mobilização de fontes metabólicas. Neste estudo, analisamos a resposta dos níveis séricos de testosterona (T) e cortisol (C) e das enzimas de desgaste muscular CK, CKMB e LDH, em 20 atletas masculinos sadios (25 a 40 anos), participantes de uma maratona (42,2 km). Coletas de sangue venoso foram feitas em 3 períodos: (i) pela manhã, 48 h antes da maratona (controle), (ii) logo após o término da corrida (final) e (iii) na manhã seguinte, 20 h após a realização da prova (recuperação). Ao final, T estava significantemente mais baixa (de 673 para 303 ng/dl) e C mais elevado (de 20,3 para 42,5 æg/dl) que no período controle. Na recuperação, ambos praticamente retornaram aos níveis basais. CK, CKMB e LDH estavam significantemente mais elevadas ao final da corrida e mais ainda na recuperação (exceto a CKMB), caracterizando o desgaste muscular. Enquanto CK e LDH apresentaram significante correlação negativa com a T (-0,412 e -0,546, respectivamente), CKMB correlacionou-se positivamente com o C (0,4521). Concluímos que a correlação inversa entre T e C, e o comportamento das enzimas CK, CKMB e LDH, permite comprovar que uma corrida de maratona causa intenso stress físico, provocando desequilíbrio hormonal e lesão celular severa.

Physical exercise alters homeostasis, as it requires prompt mobilization of metabolic sources. In this study, we measured serum testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) levels and the muscle-wastage enzymes CK, CKMB and LDH in 20 healthy male athletes (ages 25 to 40 years) in response to a marathon race (42.2 km). Venous blood samples were drawn in 3 different periods: (i) in the morning, 48 h before the competition (control), (ii) at the end of the race (end), and (iii) in the next morning, 20 h after the race (recovery). At the end, T was significantly lower (from 673 to 303 ng/dl) and C higher (from 20.3 to 42.5 æg/dl) as compared to the control period. At recovery, both were virtually identical to control levels. CK, CKMB and LDH were significantly higher at the end of the competition and even higher in the recovering period (except for CKMB), characterizing muscle wastage. CK and LDH disclosed a significant negative correlation with T (-0.412 and -0.546, respectively), whereas CKMB correlated positively with C (0.4521). We conclude that the inverse correlation observed between T and C levels, and the pattern of CK, CKMB and LDH increase, allow us to confirm that a marathon race may cause a marked physical stress, resulting in a distinct hormonal imbalance and severe cellular damage.

Alterações enzimáticas decorrentes de isquemia muscular esquelética em ratos / Enzymatic alterations due to skeletal muscle ischemia in rats

Os autores estudaram as alterações enzimáticas [transaminase oxalo-acética (TGO), creatinofosfoquinase (CPK) e desidrogenase lática (LDH)] decorrentes de isquemia muscular esquelética em ratos submetidos à isquemia de membro inferior por 0, 2, 4 e 6 horas. Vinte e oito ratos Wistar foram divididos em 4 grupos: Grupo I (controle); e Grupos II, III, e IV (isquemia por 2, 4 e 6 horas, respectivamente). Após o período de isquemia, foi coletado sangue do plexo retrocular para análise laboratorial. Os valores obtidos (média +/- desvio padrão) para TGO nos Grupos I, II, III e IV foram, respectivamente: 20,14 +/- 6,76; 59,71 +/- 28,91; 88,28 +/- 11,17 e 123 +/- 52,65 U/l. Para CPK, os valores foram: 67,85 +/- 62,76; 203 +/- 108,71; 237,71 +/- 95,06 e 291,71 +/- 173,19 U/l. Para LDH, obteve-se: 334,14 +/- 117,13; 414,42 +/- 222,47; 526 +/- 234,75 e 427,57 +/- 273,58 U/l. Para análise estatística, utilizou-se o método de ANOVA, seguido do teste t de Bonferroni (p<0,05). Os níveis de TGO foram significativamente superiores nos grupos III e IV quando comparados ao controle. Para CPK, houve distinção significativa entre os grupos IV e I. Os níveis de LDH não se demonstraram estatisticamente diferentes entre os grupos. Os autores concluem que em períodos de isquemia por 2, 4 e 6 horas, a dosagem de LDH não se mostra um parâmetro útil na avaliação de dano muscular esquético. A TGO e CPK tiveram alterações significativas a partir de 4 e 6 horas, respectivamente, mostrando-se úteis na avaliação de isquemia muscular em ratos.

Efficacy of dietary protein in alleviating toxicity of monocrotophos in rats.

Monocrotophos administration at intervals induced variable responses in phosphatases, transaminases and aldolase of liver and plasma. Hepato-toxicity was aggravated under protein deficient state. A weak resistance to toxicity was observed in rats on low protein diet (5%). However, animals fed on protein enriched diet (20%) indicated an elevation in tissue defense mechanism and were able to combat toxic stress of monocrotophos, though partially. A higher protein level may prove efficient and significant for alleviating pesticide toxicity.

Effect of smoking on myocardial enzymes and some haematological parameters

Effects of cigarette smoking on healthy and cardiac ptients were evaluated by studying myocardial enzyme profiles and some selected haematological parameters. The smokers, whether normal or cardiac patients, had relatively higher values of Hb. conc., [13.90g/dL], ESR [11.05 mm/hr] and TLC [7102 per cu mm]. Similarly, Neutrophil and Eosinophil counts [65% and 2.6% respectively] were found elevated in smokers. Myocardial enzymes, such as, LDH, CK-MB, GOT were found maximally raised [mean as 295.68, 68.21, 21.08, 35.86 and 68.92 U/L respectively] in exclusively the cardiac patients who also smoked. Moreover, cholesterol levels were also highest for cardiac smoker patients. The statistical analysis revealed the evaluation as significant [P<0.01, P < 0.05] Thus, the smoking was identified as a significant risk factor among normal individuals as well as those with myocardial complaints

Alteraciones enzimáticas séricas en ratas tratadas con bisulfito de sodio / Changes in serum enzymes in rats treated with sodium bisulfite

Inorganic sulphites are chemical compounds with antioxidative, antibacterial and antimycotic properties diffusely employed in agro-food and pharmaceutical industries. In spite of their continuous use there still are many questions regarding their safety, and their possible influence in several nutrients and enzymatic systems, as according to reports in the literature cited. In this study it is determined the effect of increasing doses of sodium bisulphite, 10 to 50 mg/kg/day, injected intramuscularly during seven days on the activity of the following serum enzymes: phosphohexoseisomerase (PHI), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT), cholinesterase (CHE), arginase, acid maltase (AM), alkaline phosphatase (AIP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), transaminases (GOT and GPT) and 5'-nucleotidase (5'-N) on male Wistar rats (treated groups). The results indicate that in rats treated with sodium bisulphite there is a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the activity of PHI, gamma-GT, arginase, AIP, GOT, GPT and 5'-N as well as an equally significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the activity of LDH, AM and CHE; these variations are proportional to the doses of the compound applied. These findings indicate there is cellular damage to rat liver, kidney orothers organs as a result of bisulphite injected or by its metabolic derivatives. It is suggested that measurements of serum levels of LDH, AM and CHE are particularly helpful in the clinical assessment of pathologies caused by sulfites in allergology.