Paraoxonase 3 activity and the ratio of antioxidant to peroxidation in the follicular fluid of infertile women

Paraoxonase-3 [PON3], as a high density lipoprotein [HDL]-associated lactonase, is capable of preventing the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein [LDL]. PON3 activity in follicular fluid [FF] is three times more than its activity in serum. However, the detailed role of PON3 in women's fertility remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between PON3 activity in the FF of women undergoing assisted reproductive technique [ART], in vitro fertilization [IVF], or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]. This cross-sectional study consisted of 50 women from couples with male factor infertility [MFI] or with female factor infertility [FFI]. The FF samples were obtained during the ART intervention. PON3 activity, HDL cholesterol [HDL C], total antioxidant status [TAS] and the level of malondialdehyde [MDA] were determined. The morphology of the embryo was determined using embryo cell number [ECN] and embryo fragmentation score [EFS]. In addition, fertilization rate [FR] was used an oocyte fertilization index. Of 50 women, 20 women belonged to FFI group and the remaining 30 women belonged to MFI group. PON3 activity in FF of women in FFI group was significantly lower [p<0.05] in comparison with corresponding value in MFI group. The value of PON3 activity/MDA in the FFI group was lower than that in MFI group. Moreover, MDA level in the FF of FFI group was significantly higher [p<0.05] than its concentration in MFI group. Meanwhile, no significant difference was found in HDL-C concentration and TAS of both groups. No significant correlation was observed between the ECN and FF biochemical parameters. There was also a negative correlation between FR and MDA [r=-0.42, p=0.02], whereas a positive relation between FR with PON3 activity [r=0.59, p=0.004], HDL-C [r=0.35, p=0.04] and PON3/MDA [r=0.59, p=0.001]. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, PON3 activity level as a key component of antioxidant system in FF may directly be associated with the success rate of ART and fertilization rate in women

Antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects of Satureja khozestanica essential oil on LDL oxidation induced-CuSO(4) in vitro

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess various antioxidative activities of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) and its effect on oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by CuSO4 in vitro by monitoring the formation of conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde (MDA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The formation of conjugated dienes, lag time and MDA were measured. Inhibition of this Cu-induced oxidation was studied in the presence of several concentrations of SKE. Also total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging of SKE were determinated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was demonstrated that SKE was able to inhibit LDL oxidation and decrease the resistance of LDL against oxidation. The inhibitory effects of SKE on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 µg/mL. Total antioxidant capacity of SKE was (3.20±0.40) nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g SKE. The SKE showed remarkable scavenging activity on 2, 2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl, IC50 (5.30±0.11) ng/mL.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study shows that SKE is a source of potent antioxidants and prevents the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.</p>