Redox imbalance in peripheral blood of type 1 myotonic dystrophy patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to determine if redox imbalance caused by the activities of antioxidant enzymes existed in erythrocytes of type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1) patients. METHODS: The activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were measured in 30 DM1 patients and 15 healthy controls (HCs). The obtained values were correlated with the Muscular Impairment Rating Scale (MIRS) score and creatine kinase (CK). RESULTS: Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were lower in DM1 patients compared to HCs. A positive correlation was found between disease duration and MIRS score as well as with glutathione reductase activity. In DM1 patients, there were positive correlations between catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities. After sub-dividing DM1 patients according to CK levels, superoxide dismutase activity was still statistically different from HCs. However, catalase activity was significantly lower only in DM1 patients with increased CK. DISCUSSION: Undesirable alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities during DM1 disease progression may result in conditions favoring oxidative stress and changes in metabolism which together could contribute to muscle wasting.

Oocyte aspiration and in vitro embryo production in Jersey cows with selenium-supplemented diet / Aspiração de oócitos e produção de embriões in vitro de vacas Jersey suplementadas com selênio na dieta

The effects of selenium (Se) in Jersey cows' diet on the aspiration of oocytes and production of embryos in vitro were studied. Groups with five Jersey cows received 3.2mg or 9.6mg Se daily, provided in the feed concentrate. Six follicular aspirations were carried out every 15 days, using only the last 5. The oocytes were classified, and standard procedures were carried out for maturation, fertilization and cultivation. The total number of oocytes (35.11±2.65 vs 23.10±2.16) and degree 1 oocytes (11.61±2.65 vs 4.75±0.97) were higher in the group that received 9.6mg Se and the quantity of naked oocytes (3.23±0.87 vs 6.22±1.18) was lower in this group. The aspirated oocytes from the cows treated with 9.6mg Se/day resulted in higher (P<0.05) embryo production 21.98±2.37 vs 13.12±1.59). No difference was observed in serum Se concentration between the two groups. It is recommended that the daily diet be supplemented with 100g mineral salt containing 9.6mg Se, since this rate rendered a larger production of oocytes, higher quantity of degree 1 oocytes and greater production of embryos in the process of in vitro fertilization.

Avaliou-se o efeito do selênio (Se) adicional na dieta de vacas Jersey na aspiração de oócitos e produção de embriões in vitro. Dez vacas Jerseys receberam 3,2mg de Se por dia ou 9,6mg, vinculado ao concentrado. Realizaram-se seis aspirações foliculares, com intervalo médio de 15 dias, aproveitando as cinco últimas. Os oócitos foram classificados e realizaram-se os procedimentos padrões de maturação, fertilização e cultivo in vitro. O total de oócitos, 35,11±2,65 vs 23,10±2,16, e oócitos de qualidade 1, 11,61±1,58 vs 4,75±0,97, foram mais elevados no grupo que recebeu 9,6mg de Se e a quantidade de oócitos desnudos mais baixa, 3,21±0,87 vs 6,22±1,18. A produção de embriões foi maior no grupo tratado com 9,6mg de Se/vaca/dia, 21,98±2,37 vs 13,12±1,59. Não se observou diferença na concentração de Se no soro entre os dois grupos. Conclui-se que é possível recomendar o fornecimento de 100g de sal mineral, contendo 9,6mg de Se, adicionado à dieta, pois resultou em maior produção de oócitos, maior quantidade de oócitos de grau 1 e maior produção de embriões no processo de fecundação in vitro.

Protective effects of oxymatrine on adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity in rabbits and its mechanism / 上海第二医科大学学报

Objective To establish the in vivo models of adriamycin(ADR)-induced cardiotoxicity in rabbits, investigate the protective effect of oxymatrine (OMT) on ADR-induced cardiotoxicity, and explore the possible mechanism. Methods Twenty-six rabbits were randomly divided into ADR group (n=8, 2 mg/kg ADR), OMT group (n=5, 10 mg/kg OMT), ADR + OMT group (n=8, 10 mg/kg OMT was injected 30 min before ADR injection) and saline group (n=5, same quantity of normal saline), and rabbits in each group were infused with medicine or normal saline through ear marginal vein once a week for 8 weeks. The apoptosis of myocardial cells was detected by TUNEL methods, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was determined. Results After treatment, the body weight of ADR group was significantly lower than that of the other groups(P < 0.05), the activity of SOD and GSH-Px significantly decreased and the apoptosis index (AI) was significantly higher than that of the other groups(P <0.01). There were similar while minor changes in ADR + OMT group. There was no significant adverse effects in OMT group. Conclusion OMT protects heart from adriamycin-induced injury in rabbits, which may relate to the decrease in level of antioxidant and apoptosis of myocardial cells.