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1.
Physiol Res ; 73(3): 461-480, 2024 07 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39012176

ABSTRACT

Aging is an inevitable and complex biological process that is associated with a gradual decline in physiological functions and a higher disease susceptibility. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid, play a crucial role in maintaining brain health and their deficiency is linked to age-related cognitive decline. Combining omega-3-rich diets with exercise may enhance cognitive function more effectively, as both share overlapping neurobiological and physiological effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise and omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation in two different doses (160 mg/kg and 320 mg/kg) on anxiety-like behavior and cognitive abilities in both adult and aged rats. Male Wistar rats (4-5- and 23-24-month-old) were randomly divided into seven groups: 3-week control supplemented with placebo without exercise, low-dose omega-3 FAs, high-dose omega-3 FAs, 7-week control supplemented with placebo without exercise, exercise-only, low-dose omega-3 FAs with exercise, and high-dose omega-3 FAs with exercise. The administered oil contained omega-3 FAs with DHA:EPA in a ratio of 1.5:1. Our results indicate that aging negatively impacts the locomotor and exploratory activity of rats. In adult rats, a low dose of omega-3 FAs reduces locomotor activity when combined with exercise while high dose of omega-3 FAs reduces anxiety-like behavior and improves recognition memory when combined with exercise. The combination of omega-3 FAs and exercise had varying impacts on behavior, suggesting a need for further research in this area to fully understand their therapeutic efficacy in the context of cognitive changes associated with aging.


Subject(s)
Aging , Anxiety , Dietary Supplements , Exploratory Behavior , Fatty Acids, Omega-3 , Physical Conditioning, Animal , Rats, Wistar , Animals , Male , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/administration & dosage , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology , Anxiety/prevention & control , Physical Conditioning, Animal/physiology , Aging/psychology , Aging/drug effects , Rats , Exploratory Behavior/drug effects , Locomotion/drug effects , Locomotion/physiology , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Cognition/drug effects
2.
Physiol Res ; 72(S3): S257-S266, 2023 10 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37888969

ABSTRACT

The aim of our study was to monitor the antiproliferative/ cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of both, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the tumor (HT-29, MCF-7, U118MG) and healthy (HEK-293T) cell lines during 2D cultivation and during cultivation in the spheroid form (3D cultivation). Cells or spheroids were cultivated with nanoparticles (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 ?g/ml) for 72 hours. The cytotoxic effect was determined by the MTT test and the genotoxic effect by the comet assay. We found that 2D cultivation of tumor cell lines with PEG-b-PLA and TiO2 nanoparticles had an anti-proliferative effect on human colon cancer cell line HT-29, human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, human glioma cell line U-118MG during 72h cultivation, but not on control/healthy HEK-293T cells. At the concentrations used, the tested nanoparticles caused no cytotoxic effect on tumor cell lines. Nanoparticles PEG-b-PLA induced significant damage to DNA in HT-29 and MCF-7 cells, while TiO2 nanoparticles in MCF-7 and U-118MG cells. Only PEG-b-PLA nanoparticles caused cytotoxic (IC50 = 7 mikrog/ml) and genotoxic effects on the healthy cell line HEK-293T after 72h cultivation. The cells which were cultivated in spheroid forms were more sensitive to both types of nanoparticles. After 72h cultivation, we observed the cytotoxic effect on both, the tumor and healthy cell lines.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Nanoparticles , Humans , Polyethylene Glycols/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Polyesters
3.
Benef Microbes ; 12(5): 431-440, 2021 Oct 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34511049

ABSTRACT

In a double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, healthy school children aged 3-10 years received a probiotic based supplement daily for 6 months to assess the impact on the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms. The intervention comprised Lab4 probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL21 and CUL60, Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CUL34) at 12.5 billion cfu/day plus 50 mg vitamin C or a matching placebo. 171 children were included in the analysis (85 in placebo and 86 in active group). Incidence of coughing was 16% (P=0.0300) significantly lower in the children receiving the active intervention compared to the placebo. No significant differences in the incidence rate of other URTI symptoms were observed. There was significantly lower risk of experiencing five different URTI related symptoms in one day favouring the active group (Risk ratio: 0.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.12, 0.81, P=0.0163). Absenteeism from school and the use of antibiotics was also significantly reduced for those in the active group (-16%, P=0.0060 and -27%, P=0.0203, respectively). Our findings indicate that six months daily supplementation with the Lab4 probiotic and vitamin C combination reduces the incidence of coughing, absenteeism and antibiotic usage in 3 to 10 year old children.


Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosage , Probiotics , Respiratory Tract Infections , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Bifidobacterium , Child , Child, Preschool , Double-Blind Method , Humans , Lactobacillus acidophilus , Probiotics/therapeutic use , Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology , Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control , Vitamins/administration & dosage
4.
Sci Rep ; 10(1): 4183, 2020 03 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32144319

ABSTRACT

In an exploratory, block-randomised, parallel, double-blind, single-centre, placebo-controlled superiority study (ISRCTN12562026, funded by Cultech Ltd), 220 Bulgarian participants (30 to 65 years old) with BMI 25-34.9 kg/m2 received Lab4P probiotic (50 billion/day) or a matched placebo for 6 months. Participants maintained their normal diet and lifestyle. Primary outcomes were changes in body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), blood pressure and plasma lipids. Secondary outcomes were changes in plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), the diversity of the faecal microbiota, quality of life (QoL) assessments and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Significant between group decreases in body weight (1.3 kg, p < 0.0001), BMI (0.045 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), WC (0.94 cm, p < 0.0001) and WtHR (0.006, p < 0.0001) were in favour of the probiotic. Stratification identified greater body weight reductions in overweight subjects (1.88%, p < 0.0001) and in females (1.62%, p = 0.0005). Greatest weight losses were among probiotic hypercholesterolaemic participants (-2.5%, p < 0.0001) alongside a significant between group reduction in small dense LDL-cholesterol (0.2 mmol/L, p = 0.0241). Improvements in QoL and the incidence rate ratio of URTI (0.60, p < 0.0001) were recorded for the probiotic group. No adverse events were recorded. Six months supplementation with Lab4P probiotic resulted in significant weight reduction and improved small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) profiles, QoL and URTI incidence outcomes in overweight/obese individuals.


Subject(s)
Bifidobacterium/physiology , Lactobacillus/physiology , Obesity/drug therapy , Obesity/microbiology , Overweight/drug therapy , Overweight/microbiology , Probiotics/therapeutic use , Body Weight/physiology , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Quality of Life , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Respiratory Tract Infections , Waist Circumference/physiology , Weight Loss/physiology
5.
Bratisl Lek Listy ; 120(12): 924-928, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31855052

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thromboxane levels and oxidative stress in children with Crohn´s disease (CD), and examine the effect of natural polyphenolic compounds on thromboxane levels. METHODS: This study involved 14 children suffering from CD and 15 healthy controls. Patients were receiving the polyphenolic extract Pycnogenol for 10 weeks. Plasma levels of the static and dynamic forms of thromboxane B2 as well as their metabolite 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 in urine were determined. RESULTS: In comparison to controls, CD patients had significantly higher levels of the static and dynamic forms of thromboxane B2. Pycnogenol decreased the level of the dynamic form of thromboxane B2 after 10 weeks of administration. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric Crohn's disease is associated with higher thromboxane levels. Our results indicate that Pycnogenol administration reduces thromboxane levels, which may positively influence some clinical symptoms of CD such as thromboembolic episodes (Tab. 3, Ref. 49).


Subject(s)
Crohn Disease/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Polyphenols/pharmacology , Thromboxanes/blood , Adolescent , Antioxidants/metabolism , Biomarkers/metabolism , Case-Control Studies , Crohn Disease/blood , Crohn Disease/diagnosis , Crohn Disease/drug therapy , Female , Flavonoids/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Polyphenols/administration & dosage
6.
Bratisl Lek Listy ; 120(12): 941-944, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31855055

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterised as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection to complete sexual intercourse. ED may be considered as an early complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of registered food supplement, natural polyphenolic extract from the French maritime pine bark, Pycnogenol (PYC) on erectile function and lipid profile in ED patients. METHODS: 53 patients with ED were divided into two groups (32 with DM, 21 non-DM) in randomised, blinded and placebo-controlled study. During 3-month intervention with PYC or placebo and one month after the end of the intervention patients were investigated for ED with validated questionnaire International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5); lipid profile, glycaemia was analysed in each group. RESULTS: In a randomised, blinded and placebo-controlled study, we found that natural polyphenolic extract, Pycnogenol improved erectile function in DM group by 45 % compared to the NDM group, where the improvement was also significant, but only by 22 %. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and glucose level was lowered by PYC in patients with DM. Glucose level was not affected by PYC in non-DM. Placebo showed no effect on monitored parameters in both groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of Pycnogenol leads in improvement of erectile function in patients with ED and diabetes (DM group) by 45 %, in NDM group by 22 %, in lowering of total-, LDL-cholesterol by 20 % and 21 % and glycaemia by 22 % in DM (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 19).


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Erectile Dysfunction/drug therapy , Penile Erection/drug effects , Polyphenols/pharmacology , Adult , Diabetes Complications , Double-Blind Method , Erectile Dysfunction/complications , Humans , Lipids , Male , Middle Aged , Polyphenols/administration & dosage , Sexual Behavior/drug effects , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment Outcome
7.
Physiol Res ; 68(4): 623-631, 2019 08 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31177798

ABSTRACT

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and diabetes mellitus (DM) share common pathophysiological risk factors including endothelial dysfunction which together with hyperglycemia contribute to the increased oxidative/glycooxidative stress. A reduced NO concentration is insufficient for relaxation processes in the penis. Chronic inflammation and endoglin are involved in the regulation of endothelial function. Adiponectin from the adipose tissue has anti-inflammatory effects. Our study aimed to investigate the relation between erectile function in patients with and without DM and the oxidative stress, hormone adiponectin, and endothelial dysfunction marker endoglin. Men (n=32) with ED evaluated by the International Index of Erectile function (IIEF-5) questionnaire (17 without DM (NDM); 15 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM)) and 31 controls were included. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), 8-isoprostanes (8-isoP), protein carbonyls, antioxidant capacity, adiponectin and endoglin were determined in the blood. DM patients compared to NDM patients and controls, had increased levels of glucose, C-reactive protein, triacylglycerols, 8-isoP, AGEs, endoglin and BMI. IIEF-5 score, NO and adiponectin levels were decreased. We are the first to find out that endoglin shows a negative correlation with erectile function in NDM, but not in DM patients. Endoglin can be considered as endothelial dysfunction marker in nondiabetic men suffering from ED.


Subject(s)
Adiponectin/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Endoglin/blood , Erectile Dysfunction/blood , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Adult , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diagnosis , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Erectile Dysfunction/diagnosis , Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
9.
Physiol Res ; 66(3): 363-382, 2017 07 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28248536

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depressive disorders (DD) are two of the most prevalent health problems in the world. Although CVD and depression have different origin, they share some common pathophysiological characteristics and risk factors, such as the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, blood flow abnormalities, decreased glucose metabolism, elevated plasma homocysteine levels, oxidative stress and disorder in vitamin D metabolism. Current findings confirm the common underlying factors for both pathologies, which are related to dramatic dietary changes in the mid-19th century. By changing dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids from 1:1 to 15-20:1 some changes in metabolism were induced, such as increased pro-inflammatory mediators and modulations of different signaling pathways following pathophysiological response related to both, cardiovascular diseases and depressive disorders.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism , Depressive Disorder/metabolism , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/metabolism , Inflammation Mediators/metabolism , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/physiopathology , Depressive Disorder/epidemiology , Depressive Disorder/physiopathology , Dietary Fats/administration & dosage , Dietary Fats/adverse effects , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/administration & dosage , Humans , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Signal Transduction/physiology
10.
Oxid Med Cell Longev ; 2016: 6949020, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27885334

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of subchronic (-)-epicatechin (Epi) treatment on locomotor activity and hypertension development in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Epi was administered in drinking water (100 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Epi significantly prevented the development of hypertension (138 ± 2 versus 169 ± 5 mmHg, p < 0.001) and reduced total distance traveled in the open-field test (22 ± 2 versus 35 ± 4 m, p < 0.01). In blood, Epi significantly enhanced erythrocyte deformability, increased total antioxidant capacity, and decreased nitrotyrosine concentration. In the aorta, Epi significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) activity and elevated the NO-dependent vasorelaxation. In the left heart ventricle, Epi increased NOS activity without altering gene expressions of nNOS, iNOS, and eNOS. Moreover, Epi reduced superoxide production in the left heart ventricle and the aorta. In the brain, Epi increased nNOS gene expression (in the brainstem and cerebellum) and eNOS expression (in the cerebellum) but had no effect on overall NOS activity. In conclusion, Epi prevented the development of hypertension and reduced locomotor hyperactivity in young SHR. These effects resulted from improved cardiovascular NO bioavailability concurrently with increased erythrocyte deformability, without changes in NO production in the brain.


Subject(s)
Blood Pressure/drug effects , Catechin/pharmacology , Motor Activity/drug effects , Animals , Antioxidants/metabolism , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Erythrocyte Deformability/drug effects , Male , Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism , Rats, Inbred SHR , Superoxides/metabolism
11.
Physiol Res ; 65(1): 101-8, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26596326

ABSTRACT

The physiological function of butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8, BChE) is not clearly understood, but a role was suggested in the fat utilization process, resulting in positive correlation between plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and BChE activity. Consequently we tested the hypothesis that regular intake of betaine, a natural compound intervening in the liver TG metabolism could influence the BChE activity. The BChE activity was estimated spectrophotometrically in plasma of rats fed with betaine enriched standard (B) or high-fat diet (HFB). The results confirmed decreased TG plasma levels after betaine treatment independently on the type of diet (0.15+/-0.03 (B) vs. 0.27+/-0.08 (control) mmol/l; p=0.003 and 0.13+/-0.03 (HFB) vs. 0.27+/-0.08 (control) mmol/l; p=0.005). The BChE activity increased significantly with betaine administration, however the change was more distinct in the HFB group (0.84+/-0.34 (HFB) vs. 0.22+/-0.04 (control) O.D./min/mg; p<0.001 and 0.41+/-0.11 (B) vs. 0.22+/-0.04 (control) O.D./min/mg; p=0.001). In conclusion, betaine intake led to elevated BChE activity in plasma and this effect was potentiated by the HF diet. Since betaine is in general used as a supplement in the treatment of liver diseases accompanied by TG overload, its impact on the BChE activity in the role of the liver function marker should be taken into account.


Subject(s)
Betaine/administration & dosage , Butyrylcholinesterase/blood , Animals , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Enzyme Activation/drug effects , Enzyme Activation/physiology , Liver Diseases/blood , Liver Diseases/enzymology , Liver Diseases/etiology , Male , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Triglycerides/blood
12.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 69(3): 373-9, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25205320

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This pilot study investigates the efficacy of a probiotic consortium (Lab4) in combination with vitamin C on the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children attending preschool facilities. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study with children aged 3-6 years, 57 received 1.25 × 10(10) colony-forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL21 (NCIMB 30156), Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL60 (NCIMB 30157), Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20 (NCIMB 30153) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CUL34 (NCIMB 30172) plus 50 mg vitamin C or a placebo daily for 6 months. RESULTS: Significant reductions in the incidence rate of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI; 33%, P=0.002), the number of days with URTI symptoms (mean difference: -21.0, 95% confidence interval (CI):-35.9, -6.0, P=0.006) and the incidence rate of absence from preschool (30%, P=0.007) were observed in the active group compared with the placebo. The number of days of use of antibiotics, painkillers, cough medicine or nasal sprays was lower in the active group and reached significance for use of cough medicine (mean difference: -6.6, 95% CI: -12.9, -0.3, P=0.040). No significant differences were observed in the incidence rate ratio or duration of lower respiratory tract infection or in the levels of plasma cytokines, salivary immunoglobulin A or urinary metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a probiotic/vitamin C combination may be beneficial in the prevention and management of URTIs.


Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid/therapeutic use , Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus acidophilus , Probiotics/therapeutic use , Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control , Vitamins/therapeutic use , Absenteeism , Antitussive Agents/therapeutic use , Child, Preschool , Cough/drug therapy , Cough/etiology , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Pilot Projects , Respiratory Tract Infections/complications , Schools
13.
Physiol Res ; 63(5): 535-42, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24908086

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress is a phenomenon associated with imbalance between production of free radicals and reactive metabolites (e.g. superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) and the antioxidant defences. Oxidative stress in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has been associated with trisomy of the 21st chromosome resulting in DS phenotype as well as with various morphological abnormalities, immune disorders, intellectual disability, premature aging and other biochemical abnormalities. Trisomy 21 in patients with DS results in increased activity of an important antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) which gene is located on the 21st chromosome along with other proteins such as transcription factor Ets-2, stress inducing factors (DSCR1) and precursor of beta-amyloid protein responsible for the formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer disease. Mentioned proteins are involved in the management of mitochondrial function, thereby promoting mitochondrial theory of aging also in people with DS. In defence against toxic effects of free radicals and their metabolites organism has built antioxidant defence systems. Their lack and reduced function increases oxidative stress resulting in disruption of the structure of important biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. This leads to their dysfunctions affecting pathophysiology of organs and the whole organism. This paper examines the impact of antioxidant interventions as well as positive effect of physical exercise on cognitive and learning disabilities of individuals with DS. Potential therapeutic targets on the molecular level (oxidative stress markers, gene for DYRK1A, neutrophic factor BDNF) after intervention of natural polyphenols are also discussed.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Brain/drug effects , Down Syndrome/drug therapy , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Brain/metabolism , Brain/physiopathology , Cognition/drug effects , Down Syndrome/genetics , Down Syndrome/metabolism , Down Syndrome/physiopathology , Down Syndrome/psychology , Exercise , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Learning/drug effects , Phenotype , Treatment Outcome
14.
Free Radic Res ; 47(8): 624-34, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23710677

ABSTRACT

Crohn's disease (CD) is a nonspecific, chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It is supposed that in etiopathogenesis oxidative stress (OS) plays a role. However, its precise role in the active and non-active states of disease is not known yet. We conducted a pilot study focusing on the relationship between OS of CD in remission and the possibility to influence clinical parameters and markers of OS by polyphenolic extract, Pycnogenol® (Pyc). Compared to 15 healthy controls 15 pediatric CD patients (all were in remission according to their disease activity index - PCDAI) had reduced the activity of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased the oxidative damage to proteins. We found negative correlations between markers of inflammation (calprotectin, CRP) as well as between PCDAI and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) negatively correlated with calprotectin and PCDAI. Pyc (2 mg/kg) positively influenced the parameters of OS in CD patients after 10 weeks of administration.


Subject(s)
Crohn Disease/metabolism , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Adolescent , Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)/metabolism , Antioxidants/metabolism , Biomarkers/metabolism , Child , Crohn Disease/diagnosis , Crohn Disease/drug therapy , Female , Flavonoids/administration & dosage , Humans , Inflammation/metabolism , Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex/metabolism , Male , Mesalamine/administration & dosage , Mesalamine/therapeutic use , Pilot Projects , Plant Extracts
15.
Prague Med Rep ; 111(4): 263-71, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21189165

ABSTRACT

Our purpose in this randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study was to find out the possible effect of a polyphenolic pine bark extract, Pycnogenol® (Pyc) on the level of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) as representative of oxidative damage to DNA and on the DNA repair ability of elderly people. According to our results, three months of Pyc administration had no effect on the level of oxidative damage to DNA or on repair ability, but we found a relationship between the level of 8-oxoG and repair ability of DNA in this group. To conclude, even if the positive effect of Pyc was not confirmed in the case of elderly people it is important to highlight the necessity of further investigations about the mechanisms of Pyc acting on different age groups.


Subject(s)
DNA Damage/drug effects , DNA Repair/drug effects , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine/analogs & derivatives , Comet Assay , Double-Blind Method , Female , Guanine/analogs & derivatives , Guanine/metabolism , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Pinus
16.
Prague Med Rep ; 111(4): 279-88, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21189167

ABSTRACT

The work is focused on clarifying the impact of diabetes and natural plant polyphenols contained in Pycnogenol® (PYC) on the activity and synthesis of Cu/Zn-SOD and synthesis of nNOS and eNOS in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex in rats with induced diabetes. Rats included in the study (n=38) were divided into three groups: the controls (C), (n=7), untreated diabetics (D) (n=19) and diabetic rats treated with PYC (DP) (n=12). Diabetes significantly decreased synthesis, as well as the activity of Cu/Zn-SOD in both studied parts of the brain. PYC significantly increased the synthesis of Cu/Zn-SOD but had no effect on its activity. Diabetes also reduced the synthesis of nNOS in cerebral cortex and administered PYC elevated its amount to the level of controls. In the cerebellum, diabetes does not affect the synthesis of nNOS and PYC reduces synthesis of NOS. Diabetes as well as PYC had no influence on the synthesis of eNOS in both, the cerebellum and cerebral cortex. PYC modulated level of Cu/Zn-SOD and nNOS in cerebellum and cerebral cortex of diabetic rats, but in a different way.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum/enzymology , Cerebral Cortex/enzymology , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/enzymology , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism , Phenols/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Animals , Male , Pinus , Polyphenols , Rats
17.
Prague Med Rep ; 111(4): 300-12, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21189169

ABSTRACT

Hypercholesterolemia (HCH) is characterized by an increase of the total- and LDL-cholesterol in serum. In hypercholesterolemia, generally recognized as a risk factor of atherogenesis, oxidative stress and oxidatively modified LDL play a crucial role. In our study, children with elevated total cholesterol (above 4.5 mmol/l) were included. Parameters of lipid profile, lipophilic vitamins and antioxidants (retinol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, xantophyll, lycophen and ß-carotene) and markers of oxidative damage to lipids (lipoperoxides and 8-isoprostanes) were evaluated. We found that children with hypercholesterolemia have significantly increased parameters of lipid profile and these are gender dependent only in HDL-cholesterol (1.27 ± 0.10 mmol/l in boys vs. 1.53 ± 0.07 mmol/l in girls; p<0.05) and TAG (1.63 ± 0.31 mmol/l in boys vs. 1.08 ± 0.09 mmol/l in girls; p<0.05). In addition, children with HCH have decreased total antioxidant capacity of serum (TEAC) (about 19.64%, p<0.05) and increased lipoperoxides (LP) (about 45.73%, p<0.001). We have revealed statistically significant correlations between parameters of lipid profile and lipophilic vitamins and antioxidants, as well as between markers of oxidative stress: positive correlation between LP and 8-iso (r=0.353, n=33, p<0.05) and negative correlations between these parameters and TEAC (r= -0.377, n=33, p<0.05 for LP and r= -0.379, n=33, p<0.05 for 8-iso). In conclusion, we confirmed relation between hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress and effect of gender on these processes already in childhood. Since the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood before clinical symptoms, early detection of hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress is important in later atherosclerosis prevention.


Subject(s)
Hypercholesterolemia/metabolism , Oxidative Stress , Sex Characteristics , Adolescent , Antioxidants/analysis , Child , Dinoprost/analogs & derivatives , Dinoprost/blood , Female , Humans , Lipid Peroxides/blood , Lipids/blood , Male , Vitamins/blood
18.
Bratisl Lek Listy ; 108(2): 70-4, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17685005

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The redox state of glutathione has been used as indicator for the redox environment of the cell. OBJECTIVES: To investigate relationships between the redox environments, the SOD activity, total antioxidant status and the oxidation stress markers production (MDA and lipofuscin). METHODS: Individuals with Down syndrome and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled into a study. Some parameters of oxidative stress in serum were determined: reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, redox potential of this couple (Eh), activity of superoxide dismutase in the red blood cells as well as malondialdehyde and lipofuscin. RESULTS: In the group of persons with DS statistically significant decrease in the GSH concentration was found, however, no differences in the GSSG concentration versus controls was observed. The redox potential values for couple GSH/GSSG are a statistically significantly increased in DS individuals compared to controls. CONCLUSION: In this study we highlighted the different ways of view at the role of GSH in metabolism of persons with DS. It is useful to look at the GSH and GSSG concentrations separately as well as at redox potential value, which influence total redox state of organism (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 30) Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.


Subject(s)
Down Syndrome/blood , Erythrocytes/metabolism , Glutathione/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Glutathione Disulfide/metabolism , Humans , Infant , Lipofuscin/blood , Malondialdehyde/blood , Middle Aged , Oxidation-Reduction , Oxidative Stress , Superoxide Dismutase/blood
19.
Gen Physiol Biophys ; 25(4): 379-96, 2006 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17356231

ABSTRACT

Pycnogenol (PYC), a procyanidin-rich extract of French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster) has strong antioxidant potential and promotes cellular health. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible cooperation of natural antioxidant PYC with synthetic antioxidants ascorbic acid and trolox in the model system of lipid peroxidation determined as conjugated dienes formation in liposomes and on the oxidation of proteins (in BSA and plasma proteins) determined as protein carbonyls. The present study shows that PYC and trolox significantly increased inhibition of lipid peroxidation initiated by copper acetate and tert-butylhydroperoxide in concentration and time dependence compared with untreated unilamellar liposomes. PYC and trolox added simultaneously to the oxidized liposomes exerted an additive preventive effect. PYC s inhibitory effect on formation of carbonyl compounds in BSA and plasma proteins, oxidized by two oxidative systems--H2O2/FeSO4 and HOCl, were studied in co-operation with other synthetic antioxidants--ascorbic acid and trolox. We found the synergistic or additive effect of PYC with mentioned antioxidants.


Subject(s)
Ascorbic Acid/chemistry , Chromans/chemistry , Flavonoids/chemistry , Lipids/chemistry , Proteins/chemistry , Drug Combinations , Oxidation-Reduction , Plant Extracts
20.
Free Radic Biol Med ; 31(4): 499-508, 2001 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11498283

ABSTRACT

Thirty-seven individuals with Down syndrome (DS) were divided into four age categories: (i) 1 to < 6 years, (ii) 6 to < 13 years, (iii) 13 to < 20 years, and (iv) over 20 years. Activities of antioxidant enzymes found in individual age categories were different, but the differences between age groups were not statistically significant. We confirmed significantly higher activities of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in blood cells of people with DS as compared to 35 controls, which consisted, for the first time, of siblings of children with DS. No significant differences were found in activities of catalase and glutathione reductase in DS vs. controls. A significant difference was observed in serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in DS vs. controls (8.39 +/- 0.34 micromol/l vs. 7.34 +/- 0.27 micromol/l; p = .021) and concentration of MDA in erythrocytes of individuals with DS between the third and fourth age group (p = .05). In DS persons, an elevated ratio of SOD to catalase plus GPx with respect to the controls in all age categories was found, suggesting oxidative imbalance, potentially contributing to accelerated aging observed in these persons.


Subject(s)
Aging/metabolism , Catalase/blood , Down Syndrome/enzymology , Erythrocytes/enzymology , Lipid Peroxides/metabolism , Neutrophils/enzymology , Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Catalase/metabolism , Child , Child, Preschool , Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism , Glutathione Reductase/metabolism , Humans , Infant , Oxidation-Reduction , Peroxidase/metabolism , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
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