Antioxidant effects of açaí seed ( Euterpe oleracea ) in anorexia-cachexia syndrome induced by Walker-256 tumor

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To assess antioxidant effects of açaí seed extract on anorexia-cachexia induced by Walker-256 tumor. METHODS: A population of 20 lab rats were distributed into four groups (n=5): Control Group (CG), which only received tumor inoculation. Experimental Group-100 (EG-100), with animals submitted to tumor inoculation and treated with seed extract in a 100 mg / ml concentration through gavage. Experimental Group-200 (EG-200), with animals submitted to tumor inoculation and treated with seed extract in a 200 mg / ml concentration. Placebo Group (GP), which received tumor inoculation and ethanol-water solution. We analyzed proteolysis, lipid peroxidation, tumor diameter and weight. RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation was representative only in the cerebral cortex, where there was more oxidative stress in rats treated with the extract (p = 0.0276). For proteolysis, there was less muscle damage in untreated rats (p = 0.0312). Only tumor diameter in treated rats was significantly lower (p = 0.0200) compared to untreated ones. CONCLUSIONS: The açaí seed extract showed no beneficial effect on the general framework of the cachectic syndrome in lab rats. However, some anticarcinogenic effects were observed in the tumor diameter and weight.

The protective cardiac effects of Β-myrcene after global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in C57BL/J6 mouse

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of β-myrcene (MYR) on oxidative and histological damage in mice heart tissue caused global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) in C57BL/J6 mice. METHODS: Animals(n=40) were randomly divided into four groups: (1)control, (2)IR, (3)MYR and (4)MYR+IR. The control group was received 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose as a vehicle following a medial incision without carotid occlusion. In the IR group, the bilateral carotid arteries were clipped for 15min, and treated with the vehicle intraperitoneally(ip) for 10 days. MYR (200mg/kg) was received dissolved in 0.1%CMC for 10 days. In the MYR+IR group, the IR model was applied exactly as in the IR group, and then they were treated with MYR 10 days. RESULTS: The cerebral IR caused oxidative damage (increase TBARS, decrease antioxidant parameters). Treatment of MYR was increased in GSH,GPx,CAT,SOD activity while TBARS level was decreased. In addition, degenerative changes in I/R group heart tissue were ameliorated by MYR administration. CONCLUSİON: The administration of β-myrcene protects oxidative and histological damage in the heart tissue after global ischemia-reperfusion and may be useful safe alternative treatment for cardiac tissue after ischemic stroke.

Oxidative stress and skeletal muscle dysfunction are present in healthy smokers

Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke seems to be related to an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and changes in muscular and physical performances of healthy smokers. However, these parameters have not yet been evaluated simultaneously in previous studies. The participants of this study were healthy males divided into two groups: smokers (n=20) and non-smokers (n=20). Inflammation was evaluated by measuring plasma levels of the cytokines IL-10, IL-6 e TNF-α, and of the soluble receptors sTNFR1 and sTNFR2. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) plasma levels, total antioxidant capacity of plasma and erythrocytes activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Muscular performance was evaluated by measuring the peak torque of knee flexors and extensors, and by determining the total work of the knee extensors. Physical performance was assessed by measuring the peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), the maximum heart rate (HRmax) and the walking distance in the shuttle walking test. Smokers showed an increase in the levels of the sTNFR1 and TBARS and a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity of plasma, in the catalase activity and in the total work (P<0.05). IL-6, IL-10, sTNFR2, SOD, peak torque, VO2 peak, HRmax and walking distance were similar between groups. Smokers presented increased oxidative stress and skeletal muscle dysfunction, demonstrating that the changes in molecular and muscular parameters occur simultaneously in healthy smokers.

Effectiveness of Limberg and Karydakis flap in recurrent pilonidal sinus disease

OBJECTIVE: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is common in young men and may recur over time after surgery. We investigated whether a factor exists that can aid in the determination of the preferred technique between the early Limberg flap and Karydakis flap techniques for treating recurrent pilonidal sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective and randomized study enrolled 71 patients with recurrent pilonidal sinus in whom the Limberg flap or Karydakis flap techniques were applied for reconstruction after excision. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: 37 patients were treated with the Limberg flap technique and 34 patients were treated with the Karydakis flap technique. Fluid collection, wound infection, flap edema, hematoma, partial wound separation, return to daily activities, pain score, complete healing time, painless seating and patient satisfaction were compared between the groups. ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02287935. RESULTS: The development rates of total fluid collection, wound infection, flap edema, hematoma, and partial wound separation were 9.8%, 16%, 7%, 15% and 4.2%, respectively; total flap necrosis was not observed in any patient (p<0.001). During the average follow-up of 28 months, no patients (0%) developed recurrent disease. The two groups differed with respect to early surgical complications (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, use of the Limberg flap was associated with lower complication rates, shorter length of hospital stay, early return to work, low pain score, high patient satisfaction and better complete healing duration. Therefore, we recommend the Limberg flap for treatment of recurrent pilonidal sinus. .

Expression of Glucose Transporters 1 and 3 in Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Lower Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This study aimed to evaluate the immunoexpression of glucose transporters 1 (GLUT-1) and 3 (GLUT-3) in metastatic and non-metastatic lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC). Twenty LLSCCs with regional nodal metastasis and 20 LLSCCs without metastasis were selected. The distribution of staining and the percentage of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 staining in each tumor core and at the deep invasive front were assessed. Most tumors (70%) exhibited peripheral staining for GLUT-1 in nests, sheets and islands of neoplastic cells, whereas predominantly central staining was observed for GLUT-3 (72.5%). A high percentage of GLUT-1-positive cells was observed at the deep invasive front and in the tumor core of metastatic and non-metastatic tumors (p>0.05). The percentage of GLUT-1-positive cells was much higher than that of GLUT-3-positive cells both in the deep invasive front (p<0.001) and in the tumor core (p<0.001) of LLSCCs. No significant differences in the percentage of GLUT-1- and GLUT-3-positive cells were observed according to nodal metastasis, clinical stage or histological grade of malignancy (p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest an important role of GLUT-1 in glucose uptake in LLSCCs, although this protein does not seem to be involved in the progression of these tumors. On the other hand, GLUT-3 expression may represent a secondary glucose uptake mechanism in LLSCCs.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a imunoexpressão dos transportadores de glicose 1 (GLUT-1) e 3 (GLUT-3) em carcinomas de células escamosas de lábio inferior (CCELI) metastáticos e não-metastáticos. Vinte CCELIs com metástase nodal regional e 20 CCELI sem metástase foram selecionados. Foram analisados a distribuição da imunomarcação e o percentual de imunorreatividade para GLUT-1 e GLUT-3 no centro tumoral e no front de invasão tumoral. A maioria dos tumores (70%) revelou marcação para GLUT-1 em áreas periféricas dos ninhos, lençóis e ilhas de células neoplásicas, ao passo que GLUT-3 revelou predomínio de marcação em áreas centrais (72.5%). Um alto percentual de células positivas para GLUT-1 foi observado no front de invasão e no centro tumoral das lesões metastáticas e não-metastáticas (p>0,05). O percentual de células positivas para GLUT-1 foi superior ao percentual de células positivas para GLUT-3, tanto no front de invasão (p<0,001) quanto no centro tumoral (p<0,001) dos CCELIs. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no percentual de células positivas para GLUT-1 e GLUT-3 em relação à mestástase nodal, ao estádio clínico ou ao grau histológico de malignidade (p>0,05). Em conclusão, os resultados do presente estudo sugerem um importante papel para GLUT-1 na absorção de glicose nos CCELIs, embora esta proteína não pareça estar envolvida na progressão destes tumores. Por outro lado, a expressão de GLUT-3 pode representar um mecanismo secundário para a absorção de glicose nos CCELIs.

Effect of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa on alloxan induced early stage diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has a complex pathogenesis and poor prognosis due to the lack of therapeutic interventions. The present study investigates the effect of A. marmelos leaf extract (AME) on early alloxan induced DN. The treatment with AME was found to significantly decrease the fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, blood urea, creatinine and renal TBARS and increased the levels of renal reduced glutathione and catalase significantly as compared to the diabetic control group. The maximum dose-dependent protection was observed at a dose of 200 mg kg-1. Histological examination revealed marked reversal of the morphological derangements with AME treatment as indicated by a decrease in glomerular expansion, tubular dilatation and inflammatory cells. The present results conclude that AME treatment has a significant ameliorative effect on early changes induced in the kidneys by alloxan and improves the outcome of DN.

Efeitos da metilprednisolona na atividade inflamatória e estresse oxidativo nos pulmões de ratos com morte cerebral / Effects of methylprednisolone on inflammatory activity and oxidative stress in the lungs of brain-dead rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da administração sistêmica precoce e tardia de metilprednisolona nos pulmões em um modelo de morte encefálica em ratos. MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro ratos Wistar machos foram anestesiados e randomizados em quatro grupos (n = 6 por grupo): sham, somente morte encefálica (ME), metilprednisolona i.v. (30 mg/kg) administrada 5 min após a morte encefálica (MP5) e 60 min após a morte encefálica (MP60). Os grupos ME, MP5 e MP60 foram submetidos à morte encefálica por insuflação de um balão no espaço extradural. Todos os animais foram observados e ventilados durante 120 min. Foram determinadas variáveis hemodinâmicas e gasométricas, relação peso úmido/seco, escore histológico, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico), atividade de superóxido dismutase (SOD) e de catalase, assim como contagem diferencial de células brancas, proteína total e nível de desidrogenase lática no LBA. A atividade da mieloperoxidase, peroxidação lipídica e níveis de TNF-α foram avaliados no tecido pulmonar. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas variáveis hemodinâmicas e gasométricas, relação peso úmido/seco, análises do LBA, escore histológico, SOD, mieloperoxidase e catalase entre os grupos. Os níveis de TBARS foram significativamente maiores nos grupos MP5 e MP60 do que nos grupos sham e ME (p < 0,001). Os níveis de TNF-α foram significativamente menores nos grupos MP5 e MP60 do que no grupo ME (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Neste modelo de morte cerebral, a administração precoce e tardia de metilprednisolona apresentou efeitos semelhantes sobre a inflamação e a peroxidação lipídica no tecido pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects that early and late systemic administration of methylprednisolone have on lungs in a rat model of brain death. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were anesthetized and randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): sham-operated (sham); brain death only (BD); brain death plus methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg i.v.) after 5 min (MP5); and brain death plus methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg i.v.) after 60 min (MP60). In the BD, MP5, and MP60 group rats, we induced brain death by inflating a balloon catheter in the extradural space. All of the animals were observed and ventilated for 120 min. We determined hemodynamic and arterial blood gas variables; wet/dry weight ratio; histological score; levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and catalase activity. In BAL fluid, we determined differential white cell counts, total protein, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Myeloperoxidase activity, lipid peroxidation, and TNF-α levels were assessed in lung tissue. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of hemodynamics, arterial blood gases, wet/dry weight ratio, BAL fluid analysis, or histological score-nor in terms of SOD, myeloperoxidase, and catalase activity. The levels of TBARS were significantly higher in the MP5 and MP60 groups than in the sham and BD groups (p < 0.001). The levels of TNF-α were significantly lower in the MP5 and MP60 groups than in the BD group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this model of brain death, the early and late administration of methylprednisolone had similar effects on inflammatory activity and lipid peroxidation in lung tissue.

Protective effect of lawsone on L-Arginine induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

The efficacy of lawsone against L-arginine induced acute pancreatitis was determined at 24 h by determination of serum levels of amylase, lipase and proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive proteins and interleukin (IL)], pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], nitrate/nitrite levels, and the wet weight/body weight ratio. Lawsone and methylprednisolone treatments significantly attenuated the L-arginine- induced increases in pancreatic wet weight/body weight ratio, and decreased the serum levels of amylase and lipase, and TNF-α and IL-6 and significantly lowered pancreatic levels of MPO, TBARS, and nitrate/nitrite. The histoimmunological findings further proved the amelioration of pancreatic injury by lawsone and further proved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent property of lawsone.

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of lipid and protein membrane components of erythrocytes oxidized with hydrogen peroxide

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to monitor membrane dynamic changes in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The lipid spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid, responded to dramatic reductions in membrane fluidity, which was correlated with increases in the protein content of the membrane. Membrane rigidity, associated with the binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the erythrocyte membrane, was also indicated by a spin-labeled maleimide, 5-MSL, covalently bound to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins. At 2% hematocrit, these alterations in membrane occurred at very low concentrations of H2O2 (50 µM) after only 5 min of incubation at 37°C in azide phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Lipid peroxidation, suggested by oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde formation, started at 300 µM H2O2 (for incubation of 3 h), which is a concentration about six times higher than those detected with the probes. Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protected the membrane against lipoperoxidation, but did not prevent the binding of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, the antioxidant (+)-catechin, which also failed to prevent the cross-linking of cytoskeletal proteins with Hb, was very effective in protecting erythrocyte ghosts from lipid peroxidation induced by the Fenton reaction. This study also showed that EPR spectroscopy can be useful to assess the molecular dynamics of red blood cell membranes in both the lipid and protein domains and examine oxidation processes in a system that is so vulnerable to oxidation.

Correlation of cataract with serum lipids, glucose and antioxidant activities a case-control study / Correlación de la Catarata con los Lípidos Séricos, la Glucosa, y las Actividades Antioxidante Un Estudio de Caso-control

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between cataract development and serum lipids, glucose as well as antioxidants in a case-control study. METHODS: Ninety patients with cataract and 90 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were investigated. Lipid profiles including triglyceride (Tg), total serum cholesterol (Chol) and cholesterol content in high-density lipoproteins (HDL chol) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL chol) as well as fasting glucose (FBS) were measured for all subjects. Plasma oxidative stress as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the status of antioxidants were studied as ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and thiol substance assay. RESULTS: A higher prevalence of abnormal FBS (8.9 vs 1.1%), Tg (26.7 vs 8.9%) and Chol (54.4 vs 30%) was found in cataract patients than the control group (p <0.05). Plasma Tg (p = 0.02), Chol (p = 0.001) and LDL chol (p = 0.04) were significantly higher in the cataract group than in the control group. Likewise TBARS (p = 0.05) as the level of oxidative stress was significantly higher in the case group, and FRAP (p = 0.03) and thiol (p = 0.02) assays as the antioxidant activity was significantly lower among cataract patients. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, high LDL chol and high FBS are associated with cataract. Also lower plasma antioxidant levels and higher levels of oxidative stress were seen in cataract patients than healthy controls. These findings indicate a need for health promotional activities aimed at controlling these preventable factors among high risk populations.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la relación entre el desarrollo de la catarata y los lípidos séricos, la glucosa, así como los antioxidantes, en un estudio de caso-control. MÉTODOS: Se investigaron noventa pacientes y noventa controles sanos, pareados por edady sexo. Los perfiles lípidos, incluyendo los triglicéridos (Tg), el colesterol sérico total (Chol) y el contenido de colesterol en lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL chol) y lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL chol) fueron medidos en todos los sujetos, así como la glucosa en ayunas (FBS). Se estudió el estrés oxidativo en plasma como sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) y el estado de los antioxidantes comopoder reductor férrico/antioxidante (FRAP) y ensayo de tiol. RESULTADOS: Se encontró unaprevalencia mayor de FBS anormal (8.9 vs. 1.1%), Tg (26.7 vs 8.9%) y Chol (54.4 vs 30%) en los pacientes con catarata, en comparación con el grupo control (p <0.05). El Tg en plasma (p = 0.02), Chol (p = 0.001) y LDL chol (p = 0.04) fueron significativamente más altos en el grupo con catarata que en el grupo control. Igualmente TBARS (p = 0.05) como nivel de estrés oxidativo fue significativamente más alto en el grupo de caso, y FRAP (p = 0.03) y el ensayo de tiol (p = 0.02) como actividad antioxidante fue significativamente más baja entre los pacientes con catarata. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio mostró que la hipercolesterolemia, la hipertrigliceridemia, el colesterol LDL alto, y el FBS alto se hallan asociados con la catarata. También se observaron niveles más bajos de antioxidante plasmático y niveles más altos de estrés oxidativo en los pacientes con cataratas frente a los controles saludables. Estos hallazgos indican una necesidad de actividades de promoción de la salud afin de controlar estos factores prevenibles entre la población de alto riesgo.

Protection of estrogen in portal hypertension gastropathy: an experimental model / Proteção do estrogênio na gastropatia da hipertensão portal: um modelo experimental

CONTEXT: Portal hypertension is a complication secondary to cirrhosis that is characterized by increased blood flow and/or vascular resistance in the portal system, causing the appearance of a hyperdynamic collateral circulation. Partial portal vein ligation is an experimental model used in rats to study the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in pre-hepatic portal hypertension. Estrogen E2 is an antioxidant molecule with various physiological actions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antioxidant activity of endogenous estrogen in an experimental model of partial portal vein ligation by comparing intact with castrated rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats, weighing on average 250 g were used and divided into four groups: sham-operated (SO); intact (I) with partial portal vein ligation (I + PPVL), castrated (C) and castrated with partial ligation of the vein (C + PPVL). Day 1: castration or sham-operation; day 7, PPVL surgery; on day 15 post-PPVL, portal pressure in the mesenteric vein of rats was measured on polygraph Letica. Lipid peroxidation in the stomach was assessed using the technique of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Statistical analysis was done with ANOVA - Student-Newman-Keuls (mean ± SE), and P<0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Portal pressure was significantly increased in C + PPVL as compared to the other groups. There was no significant difference in the group of intact rats. TBARS showed significant damage in C and C + PPVL in relation to others. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased in the castrated rats with subsequent PPVL as compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: We suggest that estrogen E2 plays a protective role in intact compared with castrated rats because it presents hydrophenolic radicals in its molecule, thus acting as an antioxidant in this experimental model.

CONTEXTO: A hipertensão portal é uma complicação secundária à cirrose que tem como característica aumento do fluxo sanguíneo e/ou resistência vascular no sistema porta, causando o surgimento de uma circulação colateral hiperdinâmica. A ligadura parcial de veia porta é o modelo experimental utilizado em ratos para estudar os mecanismos fisiopatológicos envolvidos na hipertensão portal pré-hepática. O estrogênio E2 é uma molécula antioxidante com diferentes ações fisiológicas. OBJETIVOS: Verificar a ação antioxidante do estrogênio endógeno em modelo experimental de ligadura parcial de veia porta comparando ratas intactas com ratas castradas. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas 20 ratas Wistar, pesando em média 250 g, divididas em quatro grupos: "sham-operated" (SO); intactas com ligadura parcial da veia porta (I + LPVP); castradas (C) e castradas com ligadura parcial da veia porta (C + LPVP). No 1º dia: castração ou "sham-operated"; no 7º dia cirurgia de LPVP; no 15º dia após a LPVP, foi verificada a pressão portal na veia mesentérica das ratas, no polígrafo Letica. A lipoperoxidação no estômago foi avaliada através da técnica das substâncias reativas ao acido tiobarbitúrico e a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase. A análise estatística utilizada foi ANOVA - Student-Newmann-Keuls, (Média ± EP) e foi considerado significativo para P<0.05. RESULTADOS: A pressão portal mostrou aumento significativo no grupo C + LPVP em relação aos demais, não houve diferença significativa no grupo das ratas intactas. O TBARS mostrou dano estatisticamente significativo no grupo C e C + LPVP em relação aos demais. Quanto às enzimas antioxidantes, as ratas castradas e com posterior ligadura parcial de veia porta tiveram aumento significativo em relação às demais. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que o estrogênio E2, por apresentar radicais hidrofenólicos em sua molécula, desempenha um papel protetor nas ratas intactas em comparação com as castradas, agindo assim, como antioxidante, neste modelo experimental.

Total antioxidant capacity in Eales’ disease, uveitis & cataract.

Background & objectives: The human system possesses antioxidants that act harmoniously to neutralize the harmful oxidants. This study was aimed to evaluate the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as a single parameter in Eales’ disease (ED) and in an acute inflammatory condition such as uveitis and in cataract which is chronic, compared to healthy controls. Methods: The TAC assay was done spectrophotometrically in the serum of Eales’ disease cases (n=20) as well as in other ocular pathologies involving oxidative stress namely, uveitis and cataract (n=20 each). The oxidative stress measured in terms of TBARS, was correlated with the TAC. Individual antioxidants namely vitamin C, E and glutathione were also estimated and correlated with TAC. Results: TAC was found to be significantly lower in Eales’ disease with active vasculitis (0.28 ± 0.09 mM, P<0.001), Eales’ disease with healed vasculitis (0.67 ± 0.09 mM), uveitis (0.46 ± 0.09 mM, P<0.001) and cataract (0.53 ± 0.1 mM, P=0.001) compared to the healthy controls, with a TAC level of 0.77 ± 0.09 mM. The TAC was found to correlate positively with vitamin E levels (P=0.05), GSH (P=0.02) but not with vitamin C, as seen in ED cases. In ED cases supplemented with vitamin E and C, there was a significant increase in the TAC level (P=0.02). Interpretation & conclusions: The TAC measurement provided a comprehensive assay for establishing a link between the antioxidant capacity and the risk of disease as well as monitoring antioxidant therapy. This method is a good substitute for assay of individual antioxidants as it clearly gives the status of the oxidative stress in the disease process.

Plasma cytokine response, lipid peroxidation and NF-kB activation in skeletal muscle following maximum progressive swimming

Our objective was to determine lipid peroxidation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in skeletal muscle and the plasma cytokine profile following maximum progressive swimming. Adult male Swiss mice (N = 15) adapted to the aquatic environment were randomly divided into three groups: immediately after exercise (EX1), 3 h after exercise (EX2) and control. Animals from the exercising groups swam until exhaustion, with an initial workload of 2 percent of body mass attached to the tail. Control mice did not perform any exercise but were kept immersed in water for 20 min. Maximum swimming led to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in skeletal muscle, as indicated by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels (4062.67 ± 1487.10 vs 19,072.48 ± 8738.16 nmol malondialdehyde (MDA)/mg protein, control vs EX1). Exercise also promoted NF-κB activation in soleus muscle. Cytokine secretion following exercise was marked by increased plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels 3 h post-exercise (P < 0.05). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were reduced following exercise and remained reduced 3 h post-exercise (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of other cytokines investigated, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), were not altered by exercise. The present findings showed that maximum swimming, as well as other exercise models, led to lipid peroxidation and NF-κB activation in skeletal muscle and increased plasma IL-6 levels. The plasma cytokine response was also marked by reduced IL-10 levels. These results were attributed to exercise type and intensity.

Relación del colesterol total con la concentración sérica de tocoferoles, un estudio probabilístico en preescolares mexicanos / Relation of total cholesterol in serum tocopherols

Estudios epidemiologicos han demostrado el efecto del estado nutricional de los tocoferoles y el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, las cuales son cada vez mas frecuentes en edades tempranas de la vida. Este trabajo relaciona el colesterol total con las concentraciones sericas de tocoferoles en una poblacion de ninos mexicanos, evaluando ademas su estado antioxidante y oxidante. De octubre a diciembre de 2003, se cuantifico en suero a-tocoferol, γ-tocoferol y colesterol total en 1155 niños (12-59 meses) residentes de localidades urbanas y rurales; se evaluo la capacidad antioxidante y el estado oxidante con la produccion de TBARS. Los ninos con cifras de colesterol > 240 mg/dL fue de 577.3 ± 200.8 μg/dL. Sin embargo, cuando se expresaron los tocoferoles en relacion con el colesterol total (μmol/mmol), se observo que los niños con + 1.19), lo que los ubicaba en un adecuado estado nutricional de a-tocoferol, a diferencia del grupo con > 240 mg/dL de colesterol en quienes la relacion fue baja (1.93 ± 0.69). No se observaron diferencias en la capacidad antioxidante del suero, pero si en la produccion de TBARS para los niños con > 200 mg/dL de colesterol. En preescolares los incrementos en el colesterol total limitan la disponibilidad de tocoferoles sericos para los lipidos circulantes, esta condicion a traves del tiempo puede condicionar el desarrollo prematuro de lesiones vasculares mediadas por estres oxidativo.

Epidemiological studies have shown the effect of nutritional status of tocopherols and development of cardiovascular diseases that now are more frequent during early years of life. In this work we evaluated the association between the total cholesterol and serum levels of tocopherols in a population of Mexican children in whom we measured the oxidant status and antioxidant capacity (December 2003). In 1155 children (12-59 months) residents of urban and rural locations we quantified in serum a-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and total cholesterol; the antioxidant capacity and oxidative status were evaluated with the production of TBARS. Children with serum cholesterol > 240 mg/dL cholesterol recorded an average of 577.3 ± 200.8 μg/dL. However, when tocopherols were expressed in relation to total cholesterol (μmol/mmol) found that children with > 240 mg/dL of cholesterol in whom the relationship was low (1.93 ± 0.69). There were no differences in serum antioxidant capacity, but if in the production of TBARS for children with > 200 mg/dL cholesterol. In preschools the increases in total cholesterol limits the availability of serum tocopherol for circulating lipids, this condition over time could determine the early development of vascular injury mediated by oxidative stress.

Estudio comparativo del consumo de aceite de oliva virgen o seje sobre el perfil lipídico y la resistencia a la oxidación de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) del plasma de rata / Comparative study of the consumption of virgin olive oil or seje on lipid profile and oxidation resistance of high density lipoprotein (HDL) of rat plasma

Nosotros comparamos los efectos del consumo de aceite de seje (Oenocarpus bataua), con respecto el de oliva virgen sobre la concentración de los lípidos del plasma y de la susceptibilidad de oxidación in vitro de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) en la rata Sprague Dawley. Dos grupos de 10 ratas macho, fueron alimentados ad libitum por un lapso de 8 semanas, con una dieta purificada que contenía 10g aceite de seje u oliva/100 g de dieta (GS y GO respectivamente). Se extrajo la sangre a los animales previo ayuno de 14 horas. El plasma fue aislado por centrifugación, y las fracciones de lipoproteínas se separaron por ajuste de densidad y ultracentrifugaciones sucesivas. Las HDL de ambos grupos fueron oxidadas por incubación con iones cobre. La diferencia de susceptibilidad de oxidación de las HDL fue estudiada midiendo la formación de sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) a las 3 horas. Las ratas del GO presentaron una disminución estadísticamente significativa en la concentración de los triglicéridosTG (p<0.05) comparada con las ratas del GS. Las HDL del GS experimentaron una disminucion estadisticamente significativa de la susceptibilidad de oxidacion de las HDL respecto las HDL GO. Esto puede ser atribuido a la mas baja concentracion de acidos grasos poliinsaturados (AGPI) en las HDL GS comparado con las HDL del GO.

We compared the effect of the consumption of seje oil (Oenocarpus bataua), with that of olive oil, on plasma lipids and susceptibility in vitro to oxidation of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the rat. Two groups of ten male Sprague Dawley rats were fed ad libitum, for a lapse of eight week, with a purified diets with 10g de seje oil or olive oil/ 100 g of diet (GS y GO respectively). The animals were exsanguinated at the end of the experimental after a 14 hour fast. Plasma was isolated by centrifugation, and the fractions of lipoproteins were separated from the plasma by sequential ultracentrifugation. Rats of GO had a statistically significant lower in concentration of TG (p.

Preconditioning with L-alanyl-L-glutamine in a Mongolian Gerbil model of acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury / Pré-condicionamento com L-alanil-L-glutamina em modelo de isquemia/reperfusão cerebral aguda em Gerbils da Mongólia

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of L-alanyl-L-glutamine (L-Ala-Gln) preconditioning in an acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model in gerbils. METHODS: Thirty-six Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), (60-100g), were randomized in 2 groups (n=18) and preconditioned with saline 2.0 ml (Group-S) or 0.75g/Kg of L-Ala-Gln, (Group-G) administered into the femoral vein 30 minutes prior to I/R. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n=6). Anesthetized animals (urethane, 1.5g/Kg, i.p.) were submitted to bilateral occlusion of common carotid arteries during 15 minutes. Samples (brain tissue and arterial blood) were collected at the end of ischemia (T0) and after 30 (T30) and 60 minutes (T60) for glucose, lactate, myeloperoxidase (MPO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) assays and histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Glucose and lactate levels were not different in studied groups. However glycemia increased significantly in saline groups at the end of the reperfusion period. TBARS levels were significantly different, comparing treated (Group-G) and control group after 30 minutes of reperfusion (p<0.05) in cerebral tissue. Pretreatment with L-Ala-Gln promoted a significant increase in cerebral GSH contents in Group-G at T30 (p<0.001) time-point compared with Group-S. At T30 and T60, increased levels of GSH occurred in both time-points. There were no group differences regarding MPO levels. Pyknosis, presence of red neurons and intracellular edema were significantly smaller in Group-G. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with L-Ala-Gln in gerbils submitted to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion reduces oxidative stress and degeneration of the nucleus (pyknosis) and cell death (red neurons) in the cerebral tissue.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito do pré-condicionamento com L-alanil-L-glutamina (L-Ala-Gln) em gerbils submetidos à isquemia/reperfusão (I/R) cerebral aguda. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) (60-100g) foram divididos em dois grupos (n=18) e pré-condicionados com 2,0 ml de soro fisiológico (Grupo-S) ou 0.75g/kg de L-Ala-Gln, (Grupo-G), administrados na veia femoral 30 minutos antes da I / R. Cada grupo foi dividido em três subgrupos (n=6).Animais anestesiados com uretano, 1.5g/kg, ip, foram submetidos à oclusão bilateral das artérias carótidas comuns, durante 15 minutos. Amostras (tecido cerebral e sangue arterial) foram coletadas no final da isquemia (T0) e após 30 (T30) e 60 minutos (T60) para a aferição das concentrações de glicose, lactato, mieloperoxidase (MPO), substâncias reagentes ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), glutationa (GSH) e avaliação histopatológica. RESULTADOS: As concentrações de glicose e lactato não foram diferentes nos grupos estudados; a glicemia aumentou significativamente no Grupo-S ao final da reperfusão. Concentrações de TBARS no tecido cerebral foram significativamente diferentes, comparando os Grupos G e S, no T30 (p <0,05). O pré-tratamento com L-Ala-Gln promoveu um aumento significativo de GSH cerebral no Grupo-G comparado ao Grupo-S no T30 (p <0,001). Houve aumento das concentrações de GSH no T30 e T60 no Grupo-G. Não houve diferenças quanto as concentrações de MPO. Picnose, presença de neurônios vermelhos e edema intracelular foram significativamente menores no Grupo-G. CONCLUSÃO: O pré-condicionamento com L-Ala-Gln em gerbils submetidos à isquemia/reperfusão cerebral reduz o estresse oxidativo, a degeneração nuclear (picnose) e morte celular (neurônios vermelhos) no tecido cerebral.

Metabolic and oxidative effects of sevoflurane and propofol in children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease / Efeitos metabólicos e oxidativos do sevoflurano e do propofol em crianças portadoras de cardiopatia congênita submetidas à cirurgia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the metabolic and oxidative effects of sevoflurane and propofol in children undergoing surgery for correction of congenital heart disease. METHODS: Twenty children with acyanotic congenital heart disease, scheduled for elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, age range 1 day to 14 years were randomly assigned to 2 groups: Group GP, programmed to receive total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and group GS scheduled to use balanced anesthesia with sevoflurane. Exclusion criteria were cyanotic heart disease or complex, association with other malformations, severe systemic diseases, infection or children undergoing treatment and palliative or emergency surgery. Blood samples were collected at three different time-points: T0, after radial artery cannulation, T1, 30 minutes after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) launch and T2, at the end of procedure. Parameters analyzed included thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione (GLN), lactate and pyruvate plasmatic concentrations. RESULTS: TBARS, GSH, lactate and pyruvate concentrations did not change significantly by Friedman´s test. Lactate/pyruvate ratio (L/P) was >10 in both groups. There was a moderate Pearson correlation for TBARS, in T1 (r=0.50; p=0.13) e T2 (r=0.51;p=0.12). Pearson correlation was high between groups during CPB (T1) for lactate (r=0.68; p=0.02), pyruvate (r=0.75; p=0.01) and L/P ratio (r=0.83; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Anesthetic techniques investigated in this study showed a similar pattern, with no increase in metabolic substrates and oxidative stress during surgical correction of congenital heart defects in non-cyanotic children.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos metabólicos e oxidativos da anestesia com sevoflurano ou propofol em crianças portadoras de cardiopatia congênita, submetidas à cirurgia eletiva. MÉTODOS: Vinte crianças com cardiopatia congênita acianótica, agendadas para a cirurgia cardíaca eletiva com circulação extracorpórea (CEC), idades 1 dia-14 anos, foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo GP (anestesia venosa total com propofol) e grupo GS (anestesia balanceada com sevoflurano). Critérios de exclusão foram: doença cardíaca cianótica ou complexa, associação com outras malformações, doença sistêmica grave, infecção ou crianças submetidas a tratamento e cuidados paliativos ou cirurgia de emergência. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em três horários diferentes: T0, após a canulação da artéria radial, T1, 30 minutos após o início da CEC e T2, no final do procedimento. Parâmetros analisados: substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), glutationa (GLN), lactato e piruvato. RESULTADOS: As concentrações de TBARS, GSH, lactato e piruvato não foram diferentes (teste de Friedman). A razão Lactato/piruvato (L/P) foi >10 em ambos os grupos. Houve uma correlação de Pearson moderada no TBARS, em T1 (r = 0,50, p = 0,13) e T2 (r = 0,51, p = 0,12). A correlação de Pearson foi alta entre os grupos durante a CEC (T1) para lactato (r=0,68, p=0,02), piruvato (r=0,75, p=0,01) e relação L/P (r =0,83, p=0,003). CONCLUSÃO: As técnicas anestésicas investigadas mostraram um padrão semelhante, sem aumento de substratos metabólicos ou do estresse oxidativo durante a correção cirúrgica de cardiopatias congênitas em crianças acianóticas.

Aminoguanidina reduz o estresse oxidativo e as alterações estruturais pulmonares em diabetes mellitus experimental / Aminoguanidine reduces oxidative stress and structural lung changes in experimental diabetes mellitus

Avaliamos o efeito da aminoguanidina sobre o estresse oxidativo pulmonar e a estrutura pulmonar em um modelo experimental de diabetes mellitus. Foram determinados thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico), histologia e gasometria arterial em animais com diabetes mellitus (DM), animais com diabetes mellitus tratados com aminoguanidina (DM+AG) e controles. O nível de TBARS foi significativamente maior no grupo DM que nos grupos controle e DM+AG (2,90 ± 1,12 vs. 1,62 ± 0,28 e 1,68 ± 0,04 nmol/mg proteína, respectivamente), o mesmo ocorrendo com PaCO2 em relação ao grupo controle (49,2 ± 1,65 vs. 38,12 ± 4,85 mmHg), e PaO2 foi significativamente maior no grupo controle (104,5 ± 6,3 vs. 69,48 ±16,30 e 97,05 ± 14,02 mmHg, respectivamente). Neste modelo experimental de diabetes mellitus, a aminoguanidina reduziu o estresse oxidativo, alterações estruturais teciduais pulmonares e a troca gasosa no modelo experimental.

We evaluated the effect of aminoguanidine on pulmonary oxidative stress and lung structure in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), histology and arterial blood gases were evaluated in animals with diabetes mellitus (DM group), animals with diabetes mellitus treated with aminoguanidine (DM+AG group), and controls. The TBARS levels were significantly higher in the DM group than in the control and DM+AG groups (2.90 ± 1.12 vs. 1.62 ± 0.28 and 1.68 ± 0.04 nmol/mg protein, respectively), as was PaCO2 when compared with that of the control group (49.2 ± 1.65 vs. 38.12 ± 4.85 mmHg), and PaO2 was significantly higher in the control group (104.5 ± 6.3 vs. 16.30 ± 69.48 and 97.05±14.02 mmHg, respectively). In this experimental model of diabetes mellitus, aminoguanidine reduced oxidative stress, structural tissue alterations, and gas exchange.

Avaliação do estresse oxidativo e da via l-arginina-óxido nítrico em plaquetas na gestação normal e na pré-eclâmpsia / Assessment of oxidative stress and via l-arginine-nitric oxide in platelets in normal pregnancy and in pré-eclampsia

A Pré-eclâmpsia (PE) é uma síndrome hipertensiva específica da gravidez, atualmente compreendida como uma doença sistêmica que cursa com inflamação, distúrbios da coagulação, desordens metabólicas, disfunção endotelial e desequilíbrio entre agentes vasoconstrictores e vasodilatadores. Contudo, a fisiopatologia da PE ainda não foi completamente elucidada. Este estudo investigou, em 51 gestantes, o estresse oxidativo, a via L-arginina-óxido nítrico e agregação plaquetária, na gestação normal (n=27) e na PE (n=24). Amostras de soro e plaquetas de gestantes normotensas e com PE, foram utilizadas para a medida de espécies reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), a carbonilação de proteínas, a atividade das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx), assim como a produção de óxido nítrico (NO) pela formação de nitrito. Nas plaquetas foram avaliados, também, o transporte de L-arginina, a atividade da óxido nítrico sintase (NOS) e a agregação plaquetária. Em amostras de plasma foram realizadas medidas da proteína C reativa ultra-sensível (PCRus) e do aminoácido L-arginina. Estes resultados demonstram que não há diferença nas medidas da proteína C reativa e da L-arginina entre gestantes normotensas e com PE. A formação de nitritos e a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes SOD, CAT e GPx se encontram reduzidas no soro de gestantes com PE, enquanto a medida de TBARS e a carbonilação de proteínas não foi diferente das gestantes normotensas. Em plaquetas, o transporte de L-arginina pelo sistema y+L está diminuído na PE, ao passo que, a atividade da NOS, a formação de nitrito e a agregação plaquetária não modificaram em relação a gestação normal. A carbonilação de proteínas está aumentada em plaquetas na PE e a atividade da CAT está reduzida. Concluiu-se, que a menor formação de nitrito no soro sugere uma menor produção de NO em pacientes com PE. Este dado correlaciona com uma redução da defesa antioxidante observada pela menor ...

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a syndrome of pregnancy induced hypertension, currently understood as a systemic disease that leads to inflammation, coagulation, metabolic disorders, endothelial dysfunction and imbalance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents. However, the pathophysiology of PE has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated in 51 women, oxidative stress and its correlation with the L-Arginine-nitric oxide and platelet aggregation in normal pregnancy (n = 27) and PE (n = 24). Serum and platelets of normotensive pregnant women and PE were used to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), carbonyl proteins, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and nitric oxide (NO) production by the formation of nitrite. We also evaluated the transport of L-arginine, the activity of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and aggregation in platelets. Plasma samples were used to measure C-reactive protein highly sensitive (hsCRP) and the amino acid L-arginine. Our results demonstrate that there is no difference in the measurements of C-reactive protein and L-arginine at PE compared to normotensive pregnant women. The formation of nitrite and the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx are reduced in serum from women with PE, while the measure of TBARS and protein carbonyls were not different from normotensive pregnant women. In platelets, the transport of L-arginine by system y+L is reduced in PE, whereas the NOS activity, nitrite formation and platelet aggregation did not change compared to normal pregnancy. Carbonylation of proteins is increased in platelets in PE and CAT activity is reduced. In conclusion, the lower formation of nitrite in serum suggests a lower NO production in patients with PE. This finding correlates with a reduced antioxidant defense observed by the lower activity of SOD, CAT, GPx which might contribute to increased inactivation of NO. Despite normal plasma levels ...

Protective role of Cassia auriculata leaf extract on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and its safety evaluation.

Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is widely used from the ancient period to treat diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of C. auriculata aqueous leaf extract (CLEt) was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced mild diabetic (MD) and severe diabetic (SD) rats. A short-term toxicity assessment was also conducted in healthy rats to examine toxic effects of the extract. Oral administration of CLEt to MD and SD rats (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day for a period of 21 days) produced significant fall in fasting blood glucose (FBG) in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with the extract (400 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in both MD and SD rats. The antioxidant defense system was also found to be improved in CLEt-treated (400 mg/kg) MD and SD rats, as revealed by significant increase in activities of erythrocyte’s antioxidant enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) with a concomitant elevation in erythrocyte’s reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Moreover, there were no toxic signs in rats treated with high doses of the extract (1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight per day for 21 days). Blood glucose, hepatic and renal function parameters in these rats were found within normal limits. Phytochemical screening of CLEt revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides with antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties. This study suggests that CLEt possesses potent antioxidant activity along with antihyperglycemic potential, hence protective against diabetic complications.