Investigating the effect of intracameral cefuroxime on oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat cornea / Investigando o efeito de cefuroxima intracameral sobre o estresse oxidativo e a apoptose na córnea de ratos

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: We examined the effect of intracameral administration of cefuroxime on oxidative stress and endothelial apoptosis in rat corneal tissue. METHODS: In total, 30 rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each (intracameral administration of cefuroxime 0.1 mg/0.01 mL (cefuroxime group); intracameral administration of balanced salt solution 0.01 mL (control group); or absence of intracameral injection (sham group). Corneal endothelial apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis using caspase-3 and caspase-8. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, and paraoxonase and arylesterase levels were examined in corneal endothelial tissue and serum. RESULTS: Paraoxonase levels in the serum were significantly different between the sham and cefuroxime groups (p=0.027). A significant difference was also observed in total oxidant status levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.023). In addition, there were significant differences in total antioxidant status levels in corneal tissue between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p<0.001) and between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were also observed in oxidative stress index levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.001) and between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p=0.026). According to the immunohistochemical staining results, a significant association with caspase-3 activity existed between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.007), while no significant difference was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.541). Caspase-3 activity exhibited a significant relationship between the sham and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.018), but no relationship was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.623). CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical examination revealed that intracameral cefuroxime increased apoptosis when compared to the sham and balanced salt solution groups. Moreover, intracameral cefuroxime increased oxidative stress in the cornea and simultaneously induced apoptosis.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Examinamos o efeito da administração intracameral da cefuroxima sobre o estresse oxidativo e a apoptose endotelial no tecido corneano de ratos. MÉTODOS: No total, 30 ratos foram divididos em 3 grupos de 10 ratos cada (administração intracameral de cefuroxima 0,1 mg/0,01 mL (grupo cefuroxima), administração intracameral de solução salina balanceada 0,01 mL (grupo controle) ou ausência de injeção intracameral (grupo sham)). A apoptose endotelial da córnea foi avaliada por análise imuno-histoquimica usando caspase-3 e -8. O status oxidante total, o status antioxidante total, o índice de estresse oxidativo e os níveis de a paraoxonase e arilesterase foram investigados no tecido endotelial da córnea e no soro. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de paraoxonase no soro foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos sham e cefuroxima (p=0,027). Foi também observada uma diferença significativa nos níveis de estado oxidante total entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,023). Além disso, houve diferenças significativas nos níveis de status antioxidante total no tecido da córnea entre os grupos cefuroxima e sham (p<0,001) e entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p<0,001). Diferenças significativas também foram observadas nos níveis do índice de estresse oxidativo entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,001) e entre os grupos cefuroxima e sham (p=0,026). De acordo com os resultados de coloração imuno-histoquimica, houve associação significativa com a atividade da caspase-3 entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,007), enquanto não houve diferença significativa com a atividade da caspase-8 (p=0,541). A atividade da caspase-3 exibiu uma relação significativa entre os grupos sham e solução salina balanceada (p=0,018), mas nenhuma relação foi encontrada com a atividade da caspase-8 (p=0,623). CONCLUSÃO: O exame imuno-histoquímico revelou que a cefuroxima intracameral aumentou a apoptose quando comparada com os grupos sham e solução salina balanceada. Além disso, a cefuroxima intracameral aumentou o estresse oxidativo na córnea e induziu simultaneamente a apoptose.

Effect of wheatgrass on DNA damage, oxidative stress index and histological findings in diabetic rats / Efecto del pasto de trigo sobre el daño del ADN, el índice de estrés oxidativo y los hallazgos histológicos en ratas diabéticas

This study was aimed to search the effect of wheatgrass on the Total Antioxidan (TAS)-Oxidan Status (TOS) and DNA damage in rat with diabetes. The rats used in the study were randomly divided into 4 groups that each of has 10 rats: Control group; 1 ml single dose phosphate-citrate buffer injected i.p (pH: 4.5), Diabetes group; 45 mg/kg single dose streptozotocin injected i.p., Wheatgrass group; was given oral wheatgrass (10 ml/kg/day) for 6 weeks, Diabetes +Wheatgrass group; 45 mg/kg single dose streptozotocin injected i.p. and wheatgrass (10 ml/kg/day) was given by oral during 6 weeks. After the process of experiment during 6 weeks, blood sample and pancreas tissue were taken. The analysis were done of blood glucose levels, TAS, TOS levels by colorimetric kits; DNA damage by ELISA kits in serum. The pancreas tissues were examined histopathologically. In the group of Diabetes+Wheatgrass was determined that the levels of glucose levels (p<0.001), TOS (p<0.05) and OSI (p<0.01) statistically decreased and heal histopatolojical compared to diabetes group. In the group of Wheatgrass was determined that the levels of TAS p<0.05 statistically increased from other groups. The statistical significance were not found in the level of serum 8OHdG differences between the groups. The beta cells were seen to increase in the group receiving wheatgrass for therapeutic purposes.As a conclusion, it was determined that wheatgrass strengthened the anti-oxidant defense system and reduced the glucose level in diabetic rats.

El objetivo de este estudio fue buscar el efecto del pasto de trigo sobre el estado total de antioxidantes (TAS) -Oxidan Status (TOS) y el daño del ADN en ratas con diabetes. Las ratas analizadas en el estudio se dividieron aleatoriamente en 4 grupos de 10 ejemplares cada uno: grupo control; 1 ml de tampón fosfato-citrato de dosis única inyectado i.p. (pH: 4,5)., Grupo diabetes; 45 mg / kg de estreptozotocina en dosis única inyectada i.p., grupo pasto de trigo; se administró pasto de trigo oral (10 ml / kg / día) durante 6 semanas, grupo diabetes + pasto de trigo; 45 mg / kg de estreptozotocina en dosis única inyectada i.p. y pasto de trigo (10 ml / kg / día) por vía oral durante 6 semanas. Después del proceso experimental durante 6 semanas, se tomaron muestras de sangre y tejido de páncreas. Se midieron los niveles de glucosa en sangre, TAS, y TOS mediante kits colorimétricos; El daño al ADN fue realizado por kits de ELISA en suero. Los tejidos del páncreas se examinaron histopatológicamente. En el grupo de diabetes + pasto de trigo se determinó que los niveles de glucosa (p <0,001), TOS (p <0,05) y OSI (p <0,01) disminuyeron estadísticamente y curaron histopatológicamente en comparación con el grupo de diabetes. En el grupo de pasto de trigo se determinó que los niveles de TAS p <0,05 se incrementaron estadísticamente con respecto a otros grupos. No fue estadísticamente significativo el nivel de las diferencias séricas de 8OHdG entre los grupos. Se observó que las células beta aumentaron en el grupo que recibió pasto de trigo con fines terapéuticos. Como conclusión, se determinó que el pasto de trigo fortaleció el sistema de defensa antioxidante y redujo el nivel de glucosa en las ratas diabéticas.

The possible protective effects of dipyridamole on ischemic reperfusion injury of priapism

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the protective effects against ischemia reperfusion injury of dipyridamole in a model of induced priapism in rats. Materials and Methods Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups, control, P/R, P/R+DMSO and P/R+D. 3ml blood specimens were collected from vena cava inferior in order to determine serum MDA, IMA, TAS, TOS and OSI values, and penile tissue was taken for histopathological examination in control group. Priapism was induced in P/R group. After 1h, priapism was concluded and 30 min reperfusion was performed. In P/R+DMSO group 1ml/kg DMSO was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion, while in P/R+D group 10mg/kg dipyridamole was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. Blood and penis specimens were collected after the end of 30 min reperfusion period. Sinusoidal area (µm2), tears in tunica albuginea and injury parameters in sinusoidal endothelium of penis were investigated. Results Histopathological examination revealed no significant changes in term of sinusoidal area. A decrease in tears was observed in P/R+D group compared to P/R group (p<0.05). Endothelial injury decreased in P/R+D group compared to P/R group (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in MDA and IMA values between groups. A significant increase in TOS and OSI values was observed in P/R+D group compared to P/R group. A significant decrease in TAS levels was observed in P/R+D group compared to the P/R group. Conclusions The administration of dipyridamole before reperfusion in ischemic priapism model has a potential protective effect against histopathological injury of the penis.

Serum total oxidant/anti-oxidant status, ischemia-modified albumin and oxidized-low density lipoprotein levels in patients with vitamin D deficiency

Objective Oxidative damage may be responsible for the pathogenesis and complications of many diseases. Vitamin D deficiency has been suggested as a potential mediator of various extra-skeletal pathologies. However, there are limited data on anti-oxidant properties of vitamin D.Materials and methods Forty-one subjects with vitamin D deficiency and 30 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. The levels of total anti-oxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and fibrinogen were measured in both groups. The measurements were repeated in 17 patients after the replacement of vitamin D.Results Serum IMA and TOS levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively), while TAS levels were significantly lower in patients, compared to controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, fibrinogen was significantly higher in patients than controls (p = 0.003), while ox-LDL and hs-CRP levels were similar between two groups. After the replacement of vitamin D, TAS level significantly increased (p = 0.037), and TOS and fibrinogen levels significantly decreased (p = 0.043 and p = 0.010, respectively). Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with IMA and fibrinogen levels (r = -0.500, p < 0.001 and r = -0.391, p = 0.002, respectively), although positively correlated with TAS levels (r = 0.430, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between vitamin D levels, and the TOS, ox-LDL and hs-CRP levels.Conclusions In this study, while serum IMA, TOS and fibrinogen levels were increased, TAS levels were seen to be decreased in patients with vitamin D deficiency. These results suggest that oxidative/anti-oxidative balance shifts in favours of oxidative status in vitamin D deficiency.

Effect of sumac extract on serum oxidative status, RANKL/OPG system and alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in rats

Objectives Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is widely used spice which has several properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. The purpose of this animal study was to evaluate the effects of sumac extract on levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression, serum oxidative status, and alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis. Material and Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were separated into three groups: non-ligated (NL, n=8), ligature only (LO, n=8), and ligature and treated with sumac extract (S, n=8) (20 mg/kg per day for 11 days). A 4/0 silk suture was placed around the mandibular right first molars subgingivally; after 11 days, the rats were sacrificed, and alveolar bone loss was histometrically measured. The detection of RANKL and OPG were immunohistochemically performed. Levels of serum total antioxidant status (TAS)/total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were also analyzed. Results Alveolar bone loss was significantly greater in the LO group compared to the S and NL groups (p<0.05). The number of inflammatory cell infiltrate (ICI) and osteoclasts in the LO group was significantly higher than that of the NL and S groups (p<0.05). The number of osteoblasts in the LO and S groups was significantly higher than that of the NL group (p<0.05). There were significantly more RANKL-positive cells in the LO group than in the S and NL groups (p<0.05). OPG-positive cells were higher in S group than in LO and NL groups (p<0.05). TOS and OSI levels were significantly reduced in S group compared to LO group (P<0.05) and TAS levels were similar in S and NL group (p>0.05). Conclusions The present study showed that systemic administration of sumac extract may reduce alveolar bone loss by affecting RANKL/OPG balance, TOS and OSI levels in periodontal disease in rats. .

Oxidant-antioxidant status in Egyptian children with sickle cell anemia: a single center based study / Estado oxidante-antioxidante em crianças egípcias com anemia falciforme: estudo baseado em um único centro

OBJECTIVE: the present study was conducted to investigate the oxidant-antioxidant status in Egyptian children with sickle cell anemia. METHODS: the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAO), paraoxonase (PON), vitamin E, nitrite, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in 40 steady state children with homozygous sickle cell anemia (24 males and 16 females) and 20 apparently healthy age- and gender-matched controls. RESULTS: mean serum TAO, PON, vitamin E, and nitrite levels were significantly lower in the group with sickle cell anemia, whereas mean serum MDA was significantly higher in these children compared to controls. No significant differences in mean levels of TAO, PON, nitrite, vitamin E, and MDA were found in sickle cell anemia patients receiving hydroxyurea when compared with those not receiving hydroxyurea. A significant negative correlation between serum nitrite and the occurrence of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) was observed (r = -0.3, p = 0.04). PON level was found to be positively correlated with patients' weight and BMI (r = -0.4, p = 0.01; r = -0.7, p < 0.001, respectively), but not with frequency of VOC. The area under the curve of serum nitrite in predicting occurrence of VOC was 0.782, versus 0.701 for PON, and 0.650 for TAO (p = 0.006). Serum MDA was not correlated with nitrite, PON, TAO, or vitamin E levels. No significant correlations were detected between serum nitrite and hemoglobin or antioxidant enzymes. CONCLUSION: children with sickle cell anemia have chronic oxidative stress that may result in increased VOC, and decreased serum nitrite may be associated with increases in VOC frequency. A novel finding in this study is the decrease in PON level in these patients, which is an interesting subject for further research. .

OBJETIVO: o presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar o estado oxidante-antioxidante em crianc¸as egípcias com anemia falciforme. MÉTODOS: dosamos os níveis séricos da capacidade antioxidante total (CAT), paraoxonase (PON), vitamina E, nitrito e malondialdeído (MDA) em 40 crianças estáveis com anemia falciforme homozigótica (24 meninos e 16 meninas), e 20 controles pareados por idade/sexo aparente-mente saudáveis. RESULTADOS: os níveis séricos médios da CAT, PON, vitamina E e nitrito foram significativamente menores, ao passo que o nível sérico médio de MDA foi significativamente maior em crianças com anemia falciforme (AF), em comparação aos controles. Não foram encontradasdiferenças significativas nos níveis médios de CAT, PON, nitrito, vitamina E e MDA em pacientescom AF em tratamento com hidroxiureia, em comparação aos que receberam hidroxiureia. Encontramos uma correlação negativa significativa entre o nitrito sérico e a ocorrência decrises vaso-oclusivas agudas (CVO) (r = -0,3, p = 0,04). Descobrimos que o nível de PON está correlacionado positivamente com o peso e o IMC dos pacientes (r = -0,4; p = 0,01; r = -0,7; p < 0,001, respectivamente), porém não com a frequência de CVO. A área sob a curva (ASC) donitrito sérico na previsão da ocorrência de CVO foi 0,782, em comparação a 0,701 para PON e 0,650 para CAT (p = 0,006). O MDA não está correlacionado a nitrito, PON, CAT ou vitamina E. Não foram detectadas correlações significativas entre nitrito sérico e hemoglobina ou enzimas antioxidantes. CONCLUSÃO: crianças com AF apresentam estresse oxidativo crônico que pode resultar emaumento das CVO. Em crianças com AF, a redução nos níveis de ...

Estado oxidante e antioxidante de crianças com bronquiolite aguda / Oxidative and antioxidative status of children with acute bronchiolitis

OBJETIVO: O estresse oxidativo demonstrou contribuir para a patogênese de doenças pulmonares inflamatórias agudas e crônicas. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o estado oxidante/antioxidante de crianças com bronquiolite aguda por meio de mensuração da capacidade antioxidante total do plasma, estado oxidante total e índice de estresse oxidativo. MÉTODOS: As crianças com bronquiolite aguda encaminhadas para o Departamento de Emergência Pediátrica do hospital universitário entre janeiro e abril 2012 foram comparadas a controles saudáveis de mesma idade. Os pacientes com bronquiolite aguda tiveram essa doença classificada como leve e moderada. O estado oxidante e antioxidante foi avaliado pela mensuração da capacidade antioxidante total do plasma, estado oxidante total e índice de estresse oxidativo. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídas 31 crianças com bronquiolite aguda com idade de três meses a dois anos e 37 crianças saudáveis. O estado oxidante total (EOT) foi maior em pacientes com bronquiolite aguda do que no grupo de controle (5,16±1,99 µmol H2O2 em comparação a 3,78±1,78 µmol H2O2 [p = 0,004]). A capacidade antioxidante total (CAT) foi significativamente menor em crianças com bronquiolite que no grupo de controle (2,51±0,37 µmol Trolox equivalente/L em comparação a 2,75±0,39 µmol Trolox Eqv/L) (p = 0,013). Os pacientes com bronquiolite moderada apresentaram níveis de EOT mais elevados que os com bronquiolite leve e os do grupo de controle (p = 0,03, p < 0,001). Os pacientes com bronquiolite moderada apresentaram níveis de IEO mais elevados que os do grupo de controle (p = 0,015). O nível de saturação de oxigênio de pacientes com bronquiolite foi inversamente correlacionado ao nível de EOT (r = -0,476, p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O equilíbrio entre os sistemas oxidante e antioxidante é interrompido em crianças com bronquiolite moderada, indicando que o fator de estresse poderá ter um papel na patogênese da doença.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of acute and chronic lung inflammatory diseases. This article aimed to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant status of children with acute bronchiolitis through the measurement of plasma total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index. METHODS: Children with acute bronchiolitis admitted to the pediatric emergency department of a university hospital between January and April of 2012 were compared with agematched healthy controls. Patients with acute bronchiolitis were classified as mild and moderate bronchiolitis. Oxidative and antioxidative status were assessed by measurement of plasma total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index. RESULTS: Thirty-one children with acute bronchiolitis aged between 3 months and 2 years, and 39 healthy children were included. Total oxidative status (TOS) was higher in patients with acute bronchiolitis than the control group (5.16±1.99 µmol H2O2 versus 3.78±1.78 µmol H2O2 [p = 0.004]). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was lower in children with bronchiolitis than the control group (2.51±0.37 µmol Trolox eqv/L versus 2.75±0.39 µmol Trolox eqv/L [p = 0.013]). Patients with moderate bronchiolitis presented higher TOS levels than those with mild bronchiolitis and the control group (p = 0.03, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients with moderate bronchiolitis had higher oxidative stress index levels than the control group (p = 0.015). Oxygen saturation level of bronchiolitis patients was inversely correlated with TOS (r = -0.476, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The balance between oxidant and antioxidant systems is disrupted in children with moderate bronchiolitis, which indicates that this stress factor may have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Ischemia-Modified Albumin: Could It Be a New Oxidative Stress Biomarker for Colorectal Carcinoma?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: An impaired oxidative/antioxidative status plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of the novel marker ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and albumin-adjusted IMA (Adj-IMA) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and look for the associations of these with the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). METHODS: Forty patients with CRC (19 females and 21 males; mean age, 56.5+/-2.1 years) and 39 age- and sex-matched healthy people (22 females and 17 males; mean age, 56.0+/-1.7 years) were included in this study. Serum levels of IMA, TAS, and TOS were analyzed, and the OSI was calculated. RESULTS: Serum IMA, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly higher in patients with CRC than in controls (p<0.0001), whereas TAS levels were significantly lower in CRC patients (p=0.03). There was no significant difference in serum Adj-IMA levels between groups (p=0.32). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the oxidative/antioxidant status was impaired in favor of oxidative stress in CRC patients. This observation was not confirmed by IMA measurement. Further studies are needed to establish the relationship between IMA and oxidative stress parameters in CRC and other cancers.

Role of bilirubin as antioxidant in neonatal jaundice and effect of ethanolic extract of sweet lime peel on experimentally induced jaundice in rat.

Bilirubin above a threshold level is toxic to human system and is excreted in urinary and through gastrointestinal tract. The role of bilirubin as antioxidant is debatable. This paper aims at elucidating the role of bilirubin as an antioxidant in neonatal jaundice patients. It is observed that bilirubin up to 6 mg/dl in blood acts as an antioxidant and above 12.5 mg/dl is strongly prooxidant. Phototherapy is the accepted therapeutic management of neonatal jaundice and has been shown to enhance the oxidative stress. Approaches have been taken to formulate a herbal medication which will reduce bilirubin level in the neonates without inducing additional damages. The ethanolic extract of sweet lime peel, administered orally at a dose of 72 microg is found to reduce the oxidative stress in erythrocytes of phenylhydrazine-induced jaundiced rats treated with phototherapy.

[Pro oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with coronary artery disease proven angiographically]

Coronary artery disease [CAD] is the major cause of death in both industrial and developing countries. Evidences suggest that increase in free radical generation and/or attenuated antioxidant defenses may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the plasma measures of oxidative stress in patients with coronary artery disease documented by angiography. In this study case-control study, fifty eight patients with angiographic ally proven coronary artery disease as cases and fifty five control subjects [Age range: 41-70 years and 39.71 years, respectively]were recruited form heart centre at Talaghani hospital affiliated with Urmia university of medical science. Plasma vitamin E concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Plasma glutathione and malondialdehyde were studied spectrophotometrially. Data analyses were performed y SPSS-11 statistical software, using t-test. Plasma malondialdehyde leels were markedly higher in the patients group than in the controls [114.93 +/- 40.65 micro mol/L versus 50.49 +/- 17.52 micro mol/L; P<0.05]. Both vitamin E or glutathione levels were significantly lower in patient group compared with controls [28.55 +/- 6.3 micro mol/L versus 32.07 +/- 7.4 micro mol/L; P<0.05 and 43.01 +/- 48 nmol/L versus 124.4 +/- 63.4 nmol/L; P<0.05 respectively]. Significant inverse correlations were seen between malondialdehyde levels and either vitamin E or glutathione concentrations [P<0.05]. Our finding of impaired balance between antioxidant/pro oxidant suggest that enhanced oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. Understanding of the event that contribute to these changes, may provide new opportunities for rational therapeutic strategies

Homeostasis status between prooxidants and antioxidants as a potent marker in Iranian preeclamptic patients

To measure the plasma oxidant, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, ascorbate, to magnify the prooxidants and antioxidants status as a marker of pre-eclampsia. Included in the study were 50 preeclamptic and 100 normotensive pregnant women of singleton gestations in their third trimester, presented in Allavi Hospitals in Ardabil province of Iran from August 2004 to April 2005. Among these patients plasma malonaldehyde [MDA] and vitamin C concentration were analyzed. Blood samples [5 ml] were collected aseptically in heparin bulb. Spectrophotometric methods were employed to determine the plasma concentrations of vitamin C. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences software was used to analyze the data. In preeclampsia, significant increase in prooxidant MDA was observed as compared to controls. A significant fall in antioxidants vitamin C was noted in preeclampsia as compared to control. The MDA showed a significant balance to the level of vitamin C. Administration of regular nutritive supplementation containing reducing systems like vitamin C should help in maintaining the equilibrium during normal pregnancy and theoretically in preeclampsia too but to what extent they help in clinical practice is still being investigated

Effect of esmolol on oxidant status and antioxidant activity in acute myocardial infarction.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The role of oxygen free radicals in reperfusion injury to the heart in myocardial infarction (MI) has been postulated. In this study, the clinical and antioxidant effects of esmolol, an ultra-short acting beta blocker in patients of acute MI was studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled, prospective study. Total 30 patients with acute MI were included. All patients were thrombolysed with streptokinase. Fifteen of these patients were randomly selected to receive esmolol while other 15 patients served as controls. The parameters compared at 0, 2 and 24 hours between the esmolol group and the controls were--malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). RESULTS: Patients with MI had 5.16 times higher MDA level at 0 hours (20.34 +/- 6.12 nmol/ml vs. 3.94 +/- 0.70 nmol/ml, p < 0.0001) than MDA level in normal healthy population. At 2 hours, patients with MI had 5.71 times higher MDA level compared to normal healthy population (22.51 +/- 5.51 nmol/ml vs. 3.94 +/- 0.70 nmol/ml, p < 0.0001). A statistically significant difference in MDA levels at 2 and 24 hours was observed in MI patients given esmolol (mean change 2.06 +/- 5.39 nmol/ml vs. -4.47 +/- 6.93 nmol/ml, p = 0.009). Esmolol infusion also caused significant difference in GPX level at 2 hours compared to controls (23.79 + 14.68 U/gm Hb vs 38.3 +/- 8.95 U/gm Hb, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Free radical levels are raised in patients with MI which may contribute to reperfusion injury. The antioxidant action of esmolol was clearly observed by significant difference in MDA level and GPX sparing effect. Large scale clinical trials may establish conclusively role of beta blockers as antioxidants as adjuvant to thrombolytic therapy in MI.

Effects of methotrexate and leflunomide therapy on knee synovium of adjuvant induced arthritis as a model for rheumatoid arthritis

Leflunomide and methotrexate have proven to be efficacious in reducing joint inflammation and joint destruction in clinical models of arthritis and in rheumatoid arthritis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of both drugs as well as their combination therapy on the synovium and cartilage of adjuvant arthritis as a model of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] in humans. This study was carried out on forty animals stratified into 5 groups: normal, adjuvant arthritis [AA] control, AA who received leflunomide in a dose of 20 mg/kg orally, AA who received intraperitoneal methotrexate in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg twice weekly and AA who received both leflunomide and methotrexate of the same dose given in groups 3 and 4. All animals were sacrificed after 3 weeks; the right knee was dissected and examined with light microscopy. Oxidants markers [nitric oxide [NO] and malondialdhyde [MAD]] and antioxidants markers [glutathione [GSH], erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] and ceruloplasmin [CP]] were all measured. All the treatment modalities showed variable degrees of improvement of synovial and cartilage scoring in comparison to AA [the non-treated group]. The leflunomide treated group [group 3] showed the best improvement of synovial pathology, while the combined therapy group [group 5] showed the best improvement of cartilage pathology. The oxidative stress markers showed some changes with different modalities of treatment where, nitric oxide did not change significantly between all groups. Malondialdhyde [MAD] was significantly lower in the methotrexate [MTX] treated group as compared to AA controls. Also, superoxide dismutase [SOD] was significantly lower in the leflunomide treated group, MTX treated group as well as in the group who received combined therapy as compared to AA the controls. Glutathione [GSH] level was significantly decreased with combination therapy as compared to the leflunomide treated group. Serum ceruloplasmin [CP] showed a significant decrease in its level in the MTX treated group as compared to the AA controls. MTX treatment [group 4] was the best in controlling oxidative stress markers. Further study is needed to evaluate the duration and dose effect of each drug on synovium, cartilage and oxidative markers

Oxidant / Antioxidant Status in Patients with Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease with unknown etiology. Recently it has been suggested that increased ROS production and deficient function of antioxidant systems activities may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Although there are several studies investigating oxidant/antioxidant systems in psoriatic patients, the data obtained from these studies is not concordant. In this study, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant potential (AOP) levels in thirty-five patients with psoriasis were investigated and compared with those of twenty-four control subjects. Clinical severity of the disease was determined according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores in the patients. Plasma SOD activity and MDA levels were significantly higher (p=0.012 and p=0.005 respectively), whereas AOP levels were lower, in patients than controls (p=0.001). There was no correlation between PASI scores and plasma SOD, MDA, and AOP levels. Our findings may provide some evidence for a potential role of increased ROS production and decreased antioxidant activity in psoriasis.