The Effect of Short-Term Physical Activity on the Oxidative Stress in Rats with Different Stress Resistance Profiles in Cerebral Hypoperfusion.

Oxidative stress associated with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is one of the fundamental factors leading to neurodegenerative diseases. To prevent oxidative stress, physical activity is effective. Physical exercise enables development of rehabilitation techniques that can progressively increase patients' stress resistance. We determined the oxidative stress dynamics in experimental hypoperfusion and modeled rehabilitation measures, comparing sex and stress resistance levels. The experiment was performed on 240 Wistar rats of both sexes over a period of 90 days. Based on behavioral test results obtained using the open field test, the rats were divided into active animals with predicted higher stress resistance (HSR) and passive animals with predicted lower stress resistance (LSR). TBA (thiobarbituric acid) plasma concentration of the active products (malondialdehyde-MDA), blood plasma (NO-X) concentration, and L-citrulline (LC) concentration were determined spectrophotometrically at the corresponding wave length (nm). The intensity of oxidative stress was evaluated using the chemoluminscent method to determine the blood plasma antioxidant activity on the BCL-07 biochemoluminometer. This study revealed two stages of oxidative stress: a less pronounced phase covering the first days after surgery and a main one, which starts from the month after the operation to 3 months. Female sex and a high initial level of stress resistance reduced the severity of oxidative stress. Physical activity commencing a week after the surgery resulted in "reloading" the adaptive mechanisms and slowed the onset of the main stage, leading to a decrease in the free-radical process in all studied subgroups and the greater blood plasma (NO)-X decrease in the male animals. Future neuropharmacological intervention most likely will be able to determine the pathophysiology mechanism of chronic brain hypoperfusion and potentially extending adaptive responses.

Oxidant/Antioxidant Status of Breast Cancer Patients in Pre- and Post-Operative Periods.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of oxidative stress before and after breast cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was tested using a thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay based on the release of a color complex due to TBA reaction with MDA. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was evaluated by enzymatic conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. The level of total glutathione (reduced GSH and oxidized GSSG) was detected using a recycling system by 5,5-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). The levels of the indices were determined in the serum of 52 patients before surgery, two hours and five days after surgery, and in 42 healthy women. RESULTS: In the patients over 50 years old the level of MDA was higher after surgery in comparison with before surgery, and GST activity was lower in comparison with the control. The GSH + GSSG level in both ages groups after surgery was lower than in the control. Significant differences of MDA level were detected in patients with stage III after surgery compared to the control. The level of GSH + GSSG was significantly lower in the patients with I-III stages compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The most expressed changes demonstrate the significance of MDA as a marker to evaluate oxidative stress in breast cancer patients. The degree of oxidative stress depends on the patient's age and stage of disease.

Antioxidant Effect of Far Infrared Radiation Produced by Bioceramics in Individuals with Intermittent Claudication: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Biomedical research has recently incorporated bioceramics applications into new health care approaches. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of far infrared-emitting bioceramics wraps in the treatment of intermittent claudication. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. Thirty-five patients met the criteria and were randomized into either control (placebo wraps) or bioceramics group (far infrared emitting-ceramics wraps) and assessed over a 90-day period for the following outcomes: six-minute walk test (6MWT), ankle-brachial index (ABI), Flow-mediated arterial dilation (FMD), quality of life and claudication. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma of patients. RESULTS: Intervention induced a decrease in oxidative stress, with significant lower levels of reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), as well as increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. There was an increase in the environment subscale of the quality of life questionnaire. No statistically significant differences were found in the inflammatory cytokines, 6MWT, ABI and FMV evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: In Sum, FIR treatment improved oxidative stress profile and quality-of-life of patients with intermittent claudication. The study was registered into the ensaiosclinicos.gov.br (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos [ReBEC]) (RBR-7nr6sy register number).

Influence of exposure in hyperbaric chambers on selected parametersof oxidative stress in professional divers.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of hyperbaric exposure chambers on selected parameters of oxidative stress in divers' blood. METHODS: 25 healthy men (non-smoking experienced divers) ages 18-40 took part in the experiment. Subjects were exposed to hyperbaric conditions similar to those at 30 meters of depth while diving. A control group consisted of 20 healthy men who have never dived or been exposed to hyperbaric conditions. Blood was drawn from the cubital vein after overnight fasting. Superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were marked in red blood cells (RBCs), carbonyl group concentration marked in serum proteins, and nitrate/nitrite concentrations were estimated in plasma. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the divers and the control group in MDA concentration in erythrocytes and carbonyl group concentration in serum proteins. Nitrite/nitrate concentrations in plasma plus SOD-1 activity in RBCs decreased significantly in the diver group compared with the control group. After hyperbaric exposure MDA concentration in erythrocytes increased considerably in the test group and a significant increase in SOD-1 activity was observed. A significant increase of nitrite/nitrate concentration was noted in plasma as well as an increase in the carbonyl group in serum proteins. CONCLUSION: Considerably weak enzymatic antioxidative defense was observed in the RBCs of individuals exposed to hyperbaric pressures versus those in normobary. This issue indicates that a diver's system has a larger susceptibility for negative effects from oxidative stress. The results also indicate that hyperbaric conditions can intensify reactions via free radicals.

Effects of oral Lactobacillus administration on antioxidant activities and CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells in NZB/W F1 mice.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is characterised by a dysregulation of the immune system, which causes inflammation responses, excessive oxidative stress and a reduction in the number of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells. Supplementation with certain Lactobacillus strains has been suggested to be beneficial in the comprehensive treatment of SLE. However, little is known about the effect and mechanism of certain Lactobacillus strains on SLE. To investigate the effects of Lactobacillus on SLE, NZB/W F1 mice were orally gavaged with Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-32 (GMNL-32), Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-89 (GMNL-89) and L. reuteri GMNL-263 (GMNL-263). Supplementation with GMNL-32, GMNL-89 and GMNL-263 significantly increased antioxidant activity, reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels and significantly decreased the toll-like receptors/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 signalling in NZB/W F1 mice. Notably, supplementation with GMNL-263, but not GMNL-32 and GMNL-89, in NZB/W F1 mice significantly increased the differentiation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells. These findings reveal beneficial effects of GMNL-32, GMNL-89 and GMNL-263 on NZB/W F1 mice and suggest that these specific Lactobacillus strains can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment of SLE patients.

Free radicals and antioxidant enzymes in older adults after regular senior elastic band exercising: an experimental randomized controlled pilot study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to pilot test the effects of regular senior elastic band exercises on the generation of free radicals and antioxidant enzyme activities in older adults. BACKGROUND: Long-term regular exercises have positive health promotion outcomes. On the contrary, high-intensity, high-speed and short-term exercises in older adults may increase free radicals and cause chronic disease and ageing effect. DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled pilot study. METHODS: Data were collected during 2012. Twenty-five older adults were recruited from a community care centre, southern Taiwan and were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Twenty-two participants completed the study: experimental group (n = 10) and control group (n = 12). The experimental group performed 6-month senior elastic band exercises while the control group kept regular daily routines. Both groups received blood tests (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances and glutathione peroxidase) 30 minutes before the study began and 1 hour after the final intervention treatment. RESULTS: At the end of the 6-month senior elastic band exercises, no statistically significant differences in thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances and glutathione peroxidase values between the experimental and control groups. No significant differences existed in both thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances and glutathione peroxidase values before and after the 6-month senior elastic band exercises either. CONCLUSIONS: Regular senior elastic band exercises did not increase the generation of free radicals and antioxidant enzyme activities. Senior elastic band exercises have the potential to be promoted among older adults in the community as an exercise option without adverse effects on free radicals and have potential for mitigating ageing and increasing disease control.

Apoptosis of T-Cell Subsets after Acute High-Intensity Interval Exercise.

INTRODUCTION: High-intensity interval training (HIT) exercise has gained much interest in both performance and recreational sports. This study aims to compare the effect of HIT versus continuous (CONT) exercise with regard to changes of circulating T cells and progenitor cells. METHODS: Subjects (n = 23) completed an HIT test and an isocaloric CONT test. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 3 and 24 h postexercise for the assessment of low differentiated (CD3CD28CD57), highly differentiated T cells (CD3CD28CD57), regulatory T cells (Tregs) (CD4CD25CD127), hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD45CD34), and endothelial progenitor cells (CD45CD34KDR) by flow cytometry. The detection of apoptosis was performed by using labeling with annexin V. To analyze potential mechanisms affecting T cells, several hormones and metabolites were analyzed. RESULTS: Both exercise tests induced an increase of catecholamines, cortisol, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (P < 0.05). CONT induced a higher increase of apoptosis in low differentiated T cells compared with the HIT (CONT: 3.66% ± 0.21% to 6.48% ± 0.29%, P < 0.05; HIT: 3.43% ± 0.31% to 4.71% ± 0.33%), whereas HIT was followed by a higher rate of apoptotic highly differentiated T cells (CONT: 21.45% ± 1.23% to 25.32% ± 1.67%; HIT: 22.45% ± 1.37% to 27.12% ± 1.76%, P < 0.05). Regarding Tregs, HIT induced a mobilization, whereas CONT induced apoptosis in these cells (P < 0.05). The mobilization of progenitor cells did not differ between the exercise protocols. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HIT deletes mainly highly differentiated T cells known to affect immunity to control latent infections. By contrast, CONT deletes mainly low differentiated T cells and Tregs, which might affect defense against new infectious agents.

[IMPACT OF PLACENTA EXTRACT ON REGENERATION OF SKIN AFTER COLD TRAUMA].

In experiment on animals, in which the cold trauma was simulated, the systemic inflammatory reactions indices­level of С­reactive protein, аctive products of thiobarbituric acid the blood serum, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leukocyte blood formula (LBF) while injection of placenta extract ­ were studied. C­reactive protein level lowering in 1.3 times on the 14­th day of experiment, reduction of ESR in 1.6 times on the 7­th and 14­th day, LBF normalization on the 7­th day, lowering of the аctive products of thiobarbituric acid level in 1.3 times on the 7, 9­th and 14­th day of observation were noted. On the 21­st day all the indices came back to norm.

Dysregulation of markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage among nail technicians despite low exposure to volatile organic compounds.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare levels of selected biomarkers of oxidative stress and DNA damage and their correlation with occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) among female nail technicians and a group of unexposed volunteers. METHODS: A panel of biomarkers of oxidative stress and DNA damage was assayed among 145 female nail technicians and 152 healthy female volunteers. Occupational exposure of nail technicians to VOC was assessed analyzing the VOC content in nail salon air samples. RESULTS: The level of occupational exposure of nail technicians to VOC was below the respective threshold limit values with combined airborne exposure to a mixture of VOC, reaching only 3.3% (range 0.2-33.3%) of the threshold limit. Despite that, nail technicians presented increased activity of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), plasma ceruloplasmin, and the GPx1/superoxide dismutase 1 ratio (P<0.0001). The levels of plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive species and DNA strand breakage in blood leukocytes were not significantly different. In contrast, total and oxidatively-generated DNA damage were significantly decreased among nail technicians compared to controls (P<0.0001). The individual's current tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption status did not modulate the observed changes. Significant correlations between selected biomarkers of oxidative stress, DNA damage, and airborne levels of VOC (eg, ethanol) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress and DNA damage among nail technicians seem to be dysregulated despite the low level of occupational exposure to VOC. Although the outcomes are not fully conclusive, our findings point to possible causation related to prolonged low-level occupational exposure to VOC.

Silicon-Enriched Restructured Pork Affects the Lipoprotein Profile, VLDL Oxidation, and LDL Receptor Gene Expression in Aged Rats Fed an Atherogenic Diet.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that silicon can play an important role in protecting against degenerative diseases. Restructuring pork by partially disassembling meat permits the incorporation of active components with potential functional effects. However, there has been no research to date on the impact that silicon, as a functional ingredient in restructured pork (RP), has on lipoprotein composition, metabolism, and oxidation. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of silicon-enriched RP on lipemia, lipoprotein profile, and oxidation markers of aged rats fed high-fat, high-energy, cholesterol-enriched diets. METHODS: RP samples similar to commercial sausages (16% protein and 22% fat, wt:wt) were prepared by mixing lean pork and lard alone or with silicon (1.3 g Si/kg fresh matter) under controlled conditions and then freeze-dried. Saturated fat-rich diets were designed by mixing 78.3% purified diet with 21.7% freeze-dried RP. Three groups composed of 8 aged male Wistar rats (1 y old) were fed for 8 wk a control RP (C) diet, a cholesterol-enriched RP (Chol-C) diet [C diet enriched with 1.26% cholesterol plus 0.25% cholic acid, or a cholesterol and silicon-enriched RP (Chol-Si) diet (same as the Chol-C diet but containing silicon)]. Plasma lipid concentrations, lipoprotein profile, the degree of VLDL oxidation, and LDL receptor gene (Ldlr) expression were tested. RESULTS: Compared with the C diet, the Chol-C diet did not modify food intake or body weight but significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma cholesterol (32%) and total lipids (19%), VLDL and intermediate density lipoprotein + LDL cholesterol (both >600%), total lipids and proteins (both >300%), and the degree of VLDL oxidation [conjugated dienes >250%; thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), 900%] and reduced Ldlr expression (64%) and liver arylesterase activity (54%). The Chol-Si diet partially normalized changes induced by the Chol-C diet. Compared with the Chol-C group, Chol-Si rats had lower VLDL compound concentrations (P < 0.001; e.g., 75% less VLDL cholesterol) and VLDL oxidation (65% less conjugated dienes and 85% less TBARS) but greater Ldlr expression (200%). CONCLUSIONS: Silicon added to RP strongly counterbalanced the negative effect of high-cholesterol-ingestion, functioning as an active hypocholesterolemic, hypolipemic, and antioxidative dietary ingredient in aged rats.

L-Carnitine supplementation improved clinical status without changing oxidative stress and lipid profile in women with knee osteoarthritis.

Considering the pathologic importance of oxidative stress and altered lipid metabolism in osteoarthritis (OA), this study aimed to investigate the effect of l-carnitine supplementation on oxidative stress, lipid profile, and clinical status in women with knee OA. We hypothesized that l-carnitine would improve clinical status by modulating serum oxidative stress and lipid profile. In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 72 overweight or obese women with mild to moderate knee OA were randomly allocated into 2 groups to receive 750 mg/d l-carnitine or placebo for 8 weeks. Dietary intake was evaluated using 24-hour recall for 3 days. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid profile, visual analog scale for pain intensity, and patient global assessment of severity of disease were assessed before and after supplementation. Only 69 patients (33 in the l-carnitine group and 36 in the placebo group) completed the study. l-Carnitine supplementation resulted in significant reductions in serum MDA (2.46 ± 1.13 vs 2.16 ± 0.94 nmol/mL), total cholesterol (216.09 ± 34.54 vs 206.12 ± 39.74 mg/dL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (129.45 ± 28.69 vs 122.05 ± 32.76 mg/dL) levels compared with baseline (P < .05), whereas these parameters increased in the placebo group. Serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TAC levels did not change significantly in both groups (P > .05). No significant differences were observed in dietary intake, serum lipid profile, MDA, and TAC levels between groups after adjusting for baseline values and covariates (P > .05). There were significant intragroup and intergroup differences in pain intensity and patient global assessment of disease status after supplementation (P < .05). Collectively, l-carnitine improved clinical status without changing oxidative stress and lipid profile significantly in women with knee OA.

Dysfunction of blood pressure regulation in hyperhomocyteinemia model in rats.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC) has been reported to be one of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effects of HHC on blood pressure regulation and its association with damage to the thoracic aorta and imbalance of redox in plasma in rats. Rats were fed a methionine enriched diet (Met diet) or a methionine and cholesterol (Met+Chol diet) enriched diet for 16 weeks to create a subchronic HHC model, in which the plasma concentration of homocysteine was about 7 times higher than that of control rats. The increase in systolic blood pressure (Δ-SBP) from sympathetic stimulation by L-epinephrine was 2- to 3-fold larger in HHC model in rats than that in control rats after several weeks of the treatment. These findings suggest that HHC deteriorates vaso-regulatory function, which could bring on an increased risk of cardiovascular events in humans. In addition, some of the elastic lamellae in the aorta were disrupted in the HHC group. However, the content of cross-linkages which give elasticity and mechanical strength in the lamellae, was not significantly different between HHC and control rats. Also plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and glutathione as indicators for redox balance in plasma were not different. In conclusion, the deterioration of vaso-regulation in HHC model in rats might be caused by the damage to elastic lamellae in the aorta, and not by oxidative stresses.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on systemic and intestinal oxidant-antioxidant events in splenectomized rats.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to show the effects of probiotic supplementation on systemic and intestinal oxidant-antioxidant events in splenectomized rats. METHODS: Male rats were divided into control (group 1) and splenectomized (group 2) groups, and after splenectomy, some rats were given Lactobacillus delbruckii subsp. bulgaricus (highest amount of extracellular polysaccharides, 211 mg/l) for 7 days (group 3) or were given the treatment for 7 days before and 7 days after splenectomy (group 4). The plasma and small intestine tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), sulfhydryl group, glutathione, ascorbic acid, and nitric oxide metabolites (NO x ) levels were determined by a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: We found increased TBARS levels in both the plasma and small intestine in the splenectomized rats compared to controls. L. delbruckii subsp. bulgaricus supplementation decreased the TBARS levels in the plasma in the splenectomized rats. In this study, the plasma TBARS and NO x levels were decreased by L. delbruckii subsp. bulgaricus supplementation after or both after and before splenectomy (groups 3 and 4). CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data suggest that. L. delbruckii subsp. bulgaricus supplementation is beneficial for decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of systemic and intestinal tissue in splenectomized rats.

Effect of sulphurous mineral water in haematological and biochemical markers of muscle damage after an endurance exercise in well-trained athletes.

To investigate the effects of sulphurous mineral water (SMW) after a hydroponic treatment on muscle damage, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood changes induced by submaximal exercise. Thirty well-trained male triathletes were supplemented with SMW or placebo: 3 weeks of placebo, 30 days of wash out and 3 weeks of SMW. After both periods, participants ran for 2 h at 70% maximal aerobic speed. Antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity and blood cell markers were compared between placebo and SMW at pre-exercise (T0), immediately post-exercise (T1), 24 h post-exercise (T2) and 48 h post-exercise (T3). Total thiols decreased until T3 vs. T0 for both placebo and SMW; transient red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit increased were shown at T1 vs. T0 and for leucocytes until T2 vs. T0, only for placebo group. Total thiols increased significantly in SMW vs. placebo at T0; Thiobarbituric acid reactive species was significantly higher at T0, T1, T2 and T3; catalase increased significantly at T1; creatine phosphokinase decreased significantly at T1, T2 and T3, although no significant differences were found at T0. Furthermore, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit were significantly higher and leucocytes were significantly lower at T0 and T1 in SMW group vs. placebo group. This study suggests that three weeks of SMW supplementation may protect from exercise-induced muscle damage.

[Oxidative stress in perioperative period of cesarean section].

OBJECTIVE: To assess a pro- and antioxidant status in pregnant women at the system level in the perioperative period of cesarean section under regional and general anaesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 62 pregnant women aged 21 to 37 years (30,9 ± 6,2 y,ears) undergone delivery by cesarean section under general (n = 33) and regional (29) anaesthesia (1-2 class ASA (American Society ofAnesthesiologists). Blood samples were collected immediately after placing patients on an operating table (T1), immediately after suturing the surgical wound (T2), and 12 (T3) and 24 (T4) hours after taking the first sample. We studied following parameters: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP). reduced glutathione (RG), total antioxidant activity, active products that react with thiobarbituric acid (TBA-ap). RESULTS: In general anaesthesia cesarean critical period activation ofprooxidant and antlioxidant activity is the period T2. Activation prooxidant activity (TBA-ap) was stored at 12 and 24 hours after surgery. Increased antioxidant activity (SOD, GP) was observed in the period T2. which wass replaced by its inhibition to 24 hours. Reduced glutathione content (RG) was reduced during T2 remains at low values up to 24 hours. Regional anaesthesia did not change observed prooxidant (poorly marked increase antioxidant activity (SOD, GP), which persists up to 24 hours). Reduced glutathione content (RG) was reduced in the period T3. but recovered after 24 hours. CONCLUSION: The use of regional imnaesthesia and spontaneous breathing with atmospheric air during an elective caesarean section helps to avoid induction and manifestations of oxidative stress in pregnant women in the perioperative period and to fully implement the program early activation parturients after cesarean section.

Effects of combined exercise training on immunological, physical and biochemical parameters in individuals with HIV/AIDS.

The practice of exercise has shown to be beneficial to quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS. Thus, the present study analysed the effects of a combined exercise training in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Ten participants participated in the present study. The following variables were analysed: viral load and cell counts for TCD4+/TCD8; maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max); total mass, absolute fat mass, relative fat mass, absolute lean mass, relative lean mass and body mass index; fasting glycaemia, fasting insulinaemia, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index (insulin resistance - homeostatic model assessment (IR-HOMA)); total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL); superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The combined exercise training consisted of resistance exercises plus aerobic training (60 min · session(-1), three times per week, during 20 weeks). The number of TCD4+ cells, absolute lean mass and relative lean mass, muscle strength for the 45° leg press, seated row and triceps extension, HDL-c levels as well as VO2max increased post-training. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were diminished post-training. Finally, it can be concluded that combined exercise training is able to change positively several variables related to health of individuals with HIV/AIDS, mainly the immune system as well as antioxidant mechanisms re-establishment.

Oxidative stress and status of antioxidant enzymes in children with Kashin-Beck disease.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify whether there is oxidative stress in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) and if cartilage damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress mediate the chondral necrosis in articular cartilage of KBD. METHODS: We recruited 64 KBD patients, 46 healthy children from severely affected KBD regions, 81 healthy children from a non-severely affected KBD endemic regions, and 91 healthy control children from a non-KBD region. Ten patients with KBD from the non-severely affected KBD regions were included in the experiment. The 2,3-DAN fluorescence technique was used to test selenium in the hair and blood. The biochemical techniques used to test the indicators of oxidative stress included thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities in serum samples. Histochemical staining was used to detect proteoglycans in cartilage sections. The 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanisine (8-OHdG) were localized by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The levels of TBARS in serum were significantly increased in KBD children. The levels of antioxidants in serum were significantly higher in both KBD and normal children from KBD regions than in the normal children from non-KBD regions. The percentage of chondrocytes staining for 4-HNE and 8-OHdG in KBD patients was significantly higher than in controls. Staining for 4-HNE and 8-OHdG in KBD patients was prominent in all zones of articular cartilage, especially in the necrotic chondrocytes of the deep zone. CONCLUSION: KBD is an oxidative stress-related disease, and the oxidative stress in cartilage contributes to the pathology of cartilage damage in KBD.

Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in depressive rotational shift workers.

Shift work is associated with sleep deprivation, occupational stress, and increased risk of depression. Depressed patients show increased oxidative stress. During excessive oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde (MDA) increases and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreases in body. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the serum level of TAC and MDA among depressed rotational shift workers in Shahid Tondooyan Tehran Oil Refinery. 21-item Beck Depression Inventory was used to measure depression level. The level of TAC and MDA was measured by 8 mL fasting blood sample. MDA was determined by thiobarbituric acid reaction. Serum total antioxidants were measured using the ABTS. Results of this study showed that TAC mean and standard deviation concentration was 2.451 (±0.536) mg/dL and MDA was 3.725 (±1.098) mic·mol/L, and mean and standard deviation of depression score and BMI were 14.07 (±3.84) and 24.92 (±3.65) kg/m(2), respectively. Depression score had a positive correlation with rotational shift work experience and work experience (r = 0.218 and r = 0.212), respectively, (P < 0.05).

Oxidized LDL receptor 1 gene polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome.

AIMS: The lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), encoded by the OLR1 gene, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We therefore evaluated the genotyping of OLR1 gene in a sample of 55 patients with Metabolic Syndrome, a clinical condition characterized by a high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND PATIENTS: The genotyping of the LOX-1 was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the IVS4-14 A>G OLR1 polymorphism embedded within the OLR1 Linkage Disequilibrium block. Patients were assessed for routine serum parameters, microalbuminuria, insulin resistance (HOMA) and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARs and thioredoxin). RESULTS: The allele or genotype distribution of the OLR1 IVS4-14 A>G was not statistically different between MS and controls subjects. A positive association was found between IVS4-14 GG genotype, microalbuminuria and fasting glycaemia as well as a higher frequency of type 2 diabetes, elevated microalbuminuria, fasting serum glucose and HOMA index in the same subjects. Thioredoxin values were higher in patients with MS but did not differ in relation to OLR1 IVS4-14 A>G genotype. The TBARs/Cholesterol ratio was higher in MS both in IVS4-14 GG and in IVS4-14 AG. CONCLUSION: IVS4-14 GG genotype seems to be related to glucose metabolism disturbance, elevated insulin level and lipid peroxidation in patients with MS.

Bioavailability study of a polyphenol-enriched extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa in rats and associated antioxidant status.

The aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa have been commonly used in folk medicine. Nevertheless, the compounds or metabolites responsible for its healthy effects have not yet been identified. The major metabolites present in rat plasma after acute ingestion of a polyphenol-enriched Hibiscus sabdariffa extract were characterized and quantified in order to study their bioavailability. The antioxidant status of the plasma samples was also measured through several complementary antioxidant techniques. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) was used for the bioavailability study. The antioxidant status was measured by ferric reducing ability of plasma method, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay, and superoxide dismutase activity assay. Seventeen polyphenols and metabolites have been detected and quantified. Eleven of these compounds were metabolites. Although phenolic acids were found in plasma without any modification in their structures, most flavonols were found as quercetin or kaempferol glucuronide conjugates. Flavonol glucuronide conjugates, which show longer half-life elimination values, are proposed to contribute to the observed lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity in the cellular membranes. By contrast, phenolic acids appear to exert their antioxidant activity through ferric ion reduction and superoxide scavenging at shorter times. We propose that flavonol-conjugated forms (quercetin and kaempferol) may be the compounds responsible for the observed antioxidant effects and contribute to the healthy effects of H. sabdariffa polyphenolic extract.