Erythrocyte Catalase Activities Research Articles

The effect of mexidol on the pro- and antioxidant status of blood cells at the stages of anesthesia and in the postoperative period during cystectomy and nephrectomy

Introduction. In clinical experiments with various pathologies leading to the activation of POL, it was found that one of the most important areas of correction of oxidative stress is the use of drugs with the properties of antioxidants and antihypoxants [6, 7]. Among these drugs, succinic acid and its derivatives deserve special attention, one of which is the synthetic antioxidant mexidol. Objectives. To study the effect of antioxidant drug Mexidol on the dynamics of indicators of lipid peroxidation in pre and postoperative phase in patients, which was shown cystectomy and nephrectomy. Methods. For the study we have chosen two groups of patients, which included patients with pathology of bladder, mostly with tainted tumors. The second group of patients included patients with cancer of the kidney, which was shown nephrectomy. In both groups used different types of anesthesia and premedication with Mexidol. Mexidol was used in the postoperative phase of treatment. To assess the state of the antioxidant system of the organism of patients was determined the activity of antioxidant enzymes – superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the intensity of free radical oxidation at the level of accumulation of malondialdehyde. All of these parameters were determined in plasma and in red blood cells at the following stages: 1 – before surgery, prior to sedation; 2 – traumatic phase on the background of anesthesia, 3 in the postoperative period for 7–10 days. Results. When comparing the results of the study between groups of patients with malignant tumors of the bladder and oncological diseases of the kidneys, a unidirectional change in the balance of POL /AOS was found: against the background of intensification of free radical oxidation processes, inhibition of the activity of erythrocyte SOD and catalase and an increase in the activity of the same enzymes in blood plasma were recorded. The development of oxidative stress caused by changes in the activity of AOS enzymes was more pronounced in group 2 patients. Conclusion. Patients with malignant tumors of the bladder and kidneys discovered inhibition of the activity of erythrocyte enzymes of the first line of antioxidant defense against increase the intensity of the FLOOR. The use of Mexidol as a protective means during operative intervention, the effects of epidural and endotracheal anesthesia, as well as during postoperative treatment caused stabilization of antioxidant enzymes in blood cells and in plasma, exerting a positive effect on the status of cellular membranes.

Effect of ultrahigh frequency ozone therapy on oxidative metabolism in the blood of rats with ischemic skin flaps: A preclinical experimental randomized study

Background. Maintaining and restoring skin microcirculation in surgical flaps, as well as accelerating rehabilitation after skin flap transplantation, in order to mitigate the consequences of burns and injuries, remain a pressing issue. In addition to various timings and techniques for plastic surgery, physiotherapeutic approaches prove to be efficient and include low-intensity electromagnetic radiation in millimeter waves as their prominent techniques. In recent years, experts have paid an increasing attention to the application of low-intensity electromagnetic radiation across different frequency ranges for the enhancement of microcirculation in patients after surgical correction of burn consequences. However, this approach is yet to be further validated. Objective. To investigate the effect of different combinations of ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation with ozone therapy on the oxidative metabolism of blood in rats using a model of ischemic skin flaps. Methods. A preclinical experimental randomized study was conducted on 100 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 200 and 250 grams. Five equal-sized groups of animals were formed in the study: Group 1: intact (no interventions), and Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5: after surgical intervention (modeling of ischemic skin flaps). Animals in Group 2 (control group) received no therapeutic procedures. Rats in Groups 3 and 5 underwent a 10-minute course of electromagnetic radiation exposure with a dose of 0.06 mJ for seven days. Animals in Group 3 were exposed to electromagnetic radiation of ultrahigh frequency with a range of 53–78 GHz. Animals in Group 4 received injections of ozonized saline solution (with a saturating ozone concentration in the ozonized oxygen mixture of 3000 µg/L) daily for 7 days, administered intraperitoneally at a volume of 1 mL. Group 5 underwent a combined treatment: daily exposure to ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation along with intraperitoneal ozone therapy (the application modalities of these treatments were similar to those used in Groups 3 and 4, respectively). The intensity of lipid peroxidation, peroxide resistance in erythrocytes, and overall antioxidant system activity were assessed in order to investigate the balance of pro- and antioxidant systems in plasma and erythrocytes. Additionally, the study involved determination of the level of malondialdehyde content and evaluation of the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in erythrocytes. The obtained date were analyzed, using MS Office 2013 (Microsoft Corporation, USA) and Statistica 10 (StatSoft, USA). Results. The conducted analysis revealed an antioxidant effect from ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation, with this effect being enhanced by ozone therapy. In addition, the study detected the inhibition of free radical oxidation under the ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation and ozone therapy. Conclusion. Thus, the positive effects of the studied therapeutic factors manifest at the systemic level, as evidenced by the optimization of biochemical parameters and indicators of oxidative metabolism in the plasma of animal blood. It has been established that ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation, administered in a noise mode, exerts a regulatory effect on pro- and antioxidant systems in the body, as demonstrated in a model of transplanted skin flap. This intervention leads to a reduction in the severity of oxidative stress and an enhancement of antioxidant reserves in the blood. The observed effect is further amplified with the additional application of ozone therapy.

Effects of a Two-Year Lifestyle Intervention on Intrahepatic Fat Reduction and Renal Health: Mitigation of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, a Randomized Trial.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease observed in clinical practice worldwide. This disorder has been independently associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a 2-year intervention based on a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity focussed on reducing intrahepatic fat contents (IFC) was associated with a decreased risk of CKD. Forty adults (50% women) residing in Mallorca, aged 48 to 60 years, diagnosed with MAFLD were recruited. Participants were divided into two groups based on whether they improved IFC measured by nuclear magnetic resonance. Anthropometric and clinical parameters improved in responders, including reduced weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Only responders showed improvements in lipid profile and liver enzymes. Haematological parameters showed favourable changes in both groups. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers differed between groups. Responders had lower plasma interleukine-18 (IL-18) levels, but higher erythrocyte malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. Non-responders showed increased erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. After 2 years, non-responders had higher serum creatinine, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) levels, while responders showed reductions in these parameters together with uric acid and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Positive correlations were found between changes in IFC and kidney injury biomarkers, including MDRD and serum creatinine levels. In conclusion, a healthy diet based on the Mediterranean dietary pattern and lifestyle promotes significant improvements in parameters related to cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal health.

PATIENTS' CHRONOTYPE INFLUENCE IN TREATMENT EFFICIENCY OF PLACENTA CRYERXTRACT CHANGES IN MAXILLOFACIAL PHLEGMONS

Among acute odontogenic inflammatory diseases, a significant subset comprises purulent processes in soft tissues, including abscesses and phlegmons. Methods. The study encompassed 90 patients (both male and female) diagnosed with maxillofacial phlegmons, aged between 35 and 60 years. These patients were divided into three clinical groups, each comprising 30 individuals, further categorized into two subgroups based on circadian rhythms. Analyzing the obtained data, it can be asserted that the most significant changes in markers of lipid peroxidation in patients with superficial phlegmons of maxillofacial localization were experienced in both experimental groups when used against the background of treatment according to standard protocols of intravenous injections of the cryopreserved placenta without and in combination with local injection of the cryopreserved placenta as part of "Levomekol" ointment, in contrast to the control group. It was proved that the markers of lipid peroxidation underwent the most significant changes in both clinical groups compared to the control group, but the largest changes were visualized in the second clinical group. On the 5th day of treatment, SOD activity reliably increases by 15.7% in patients with the morning chronotype and 14.9% - with the evening chronotype. A significant decrease in erythrocyte catalase activity by 51.5% was noted in patients with the evening chronotype and 56.1% - with the morning chronotype. In the control group, significant changes were noted only in the late stages of treatment. The dependence of lipid peroxidation markers on the timing of surgical intervention on the patient's circadian rhythm was established, which is most clearly observed in the 2nd clinical group. Optimal healing of a purulent wound helps to reduce the duration of treatment, accelerate the rehabilitation of patients, and improve the formation of a postoperative scar. Conclusion. Thus, aligning the timing of surgical intervention for maxillofacial phlegmons with the patient's circadian rhythm, particularly when combined with intravenous injections and local application of placenta cryoextract alongside standard treatment, contributes to an optimal modulation of lipid peroxidation markers.

Changes in the blood redox status of horses subjected to combat training

Combat training of police horses, involving physical activity in the presence of environmental stressors, poses a risk of oxidative stress. This study compared the oxidative imbalance after combat training in horses in the regular police service and in horses that had just been schooled. Blood collection was performed immediately after training and after 16 h rest. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant status (TAS) were determined as the markers of enzymatic antioxidant defence. At the same time, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonylation (Carb) were assessed as oxidation biomarkers. Additionally, oxidative imbalance indexes such as SOD/CAT, SOD/GPx, TBARS/TAS and TBARS/GPx were calculated. Animals during schooling had significantly lower SOD activity in erythrocytes than those experienced. CAT activity in erythrocytes was insignificantly higher immediately after training than during recovery. The SOD/GPx ratio was higher in experienced animals, which may reflect the intra-erythrocyte imbalance between enzymes producing and degrading hydrogen peroxide towards the first one. The concentration of carbonyl groups was significantly higher after the combat training compared to the recovery period in all horses. In inexperienced animals slight increase in TBARS/TAS and TBARS/GPx indexes were observed during the recovery time after exercises, contrary to experienced horses, in which these markers decreased slightly. These results suggest that the oxidative imbalance in inexperienced horses, although less pronounced just after combat training, was more prolonged as compared to horses in regular service.

STATE OF OXIDANT HOMEOSTASIS IN THE BODY OF DOGS WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF HIGHER NERVOUS ACTIVITY

The relevance of the study is due to the lack of data on the cortical mechanisms of regulation of the activity of the antioxidant defense system in the body of dogs. In this regard, this article is aimed at revealing the specifics of the activity of key enzymes of the system of antioxidant protection of the blood of dogs with various types of higher nervous activity under the influence of short-term food deprivation. It was shown that short-term food deprivation in dogs caused a stressful state, which was accompanied not only by a change in the behavior of the animals, but also reflected the state of the enzymatic link of the antioxidant defense system in their body. In particular, a significant effect of short-term food deprivation on the activity of catalase in dog blood erythrocytes was established (F = 13.7 > FU = 4.15; p < 0.001). We note the increase in the influence of the force of nervous processes on the activity of catalase in the blood of dogs during the experiment from – gh²ᵪ = 0.20 (р < 0.05) in the intact state, to the indicator – гх²ᵪ = 0.68 (р < 0.001) by the third day of research. Also, under the influence of food deprivation, direct connections of the strength and balance of nervous processes with the activity of this enzyme appear (r = 0.52–0.78 (р < 0.05–0.001). Under such influence, after one day and three days after the action of the stress factor, the activity of catalase in the blood of dogs with a weak type of higher nervous activity is lower by 3.6–5.8% (P < 0.05) than that of dogs with a strong balanced mobile type of higher nervous activity blood erythrocytes also found a decrease in the activity of the glutathione link of the antioxidant protection system in the blood plasma of dogs, in particular, under the influence of a stress factor, the activity of glutathione reductase during the day in dogs with various types of higher nervous activity decreases by 11.6–16.9%, respectively (р < 0, 05–0.01), the activity of glutathione reductase also decreases. Prospects for further research consist in the development of new methods for the correction of substance metabolism based on the use of nanoaquachelates of biogenic metals, taking into account the individual characteristics of the dog’s body.

Total Antioxidant Capacity, Lipid Peroxidation, and Erythrocyte Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Subjects with Obesity: A Case-Control Study

Introduction: Considering that the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in recent years, one of the key targets of public health is obesity and its associated pathological conditions. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress (OS) may be the mechanistic link between obesity and the development of metabolic and vascular diseases related to obesity. In this study, it was hypothesized that obesity would be associated with lipid peroxidation (LP) and antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes. Methods: In this case-control study, 80 subjects with obesity and 80 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal weight were selected from the health centers affiliated with Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Iran. General information was gathered from each participant using questionnaires. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as well as, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) activities underwent assessment. Results: The study sample consisted of 160 obese adults (42.5% males and 57.5% females, with a mean age of 41.0±7.6 years). Serum MDA levels (P=0.016) and erythrocyte SOD activity (P=0.013) were significantly higher in subjects with obesity compared to non-obese controls. Moreover, subjects with obesity had significantly lower serum TAC (P=0.008) in comparison to the controls. There were no significant differences in erythrocyte GPX and CAT activities between subjects with obesity and non-obese controls. Significant positive correlations were observed between body mass index (BMI) and serum MDA levels (r=-0.461, P<0.001) and erythrocyte SOD activity (r=-0.442, P=0.002). Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was found between BMI and serum TAC levels (r=-0.426, P=0.008). Conclusion: The present findings provide further evidence suggesting that obesity leads to substantial LP and OS, which, in turn, may contribute to the development of obesity-related diseases.

Association of Serum Selenium and Selenoprotein P with Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age which is characterized by various reproductive and metabolic disorders. Oxidative stress (OS) is now recognized to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS which could be targeted in the management of PCOS-related complications. Selenium (Se), as an antioxidant trace element, has been shown to decrease in PCOS patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Se and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels with OS markers in women with PCOS. In this cross-sectional study, 125 females aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PCOS were included. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle information of participants were obtained using the relevant questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure biochemical parameters. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities as well as anthropometric measurements were assessed across tertiles of serum concentrations of Se and SELENOP. Higher serum levels of Se were associated with higher serum TAC levels (β=0.42, P<0.001) and erythrocytes GPx activity (β=0.28, P=0.002) as well as with lower serum TBARS levels (β= -0.26, P=0.003). Similarly, higher serum levels of SELENOP were associated with higher TAC (β=0.32, P<0.001) and erythrocyte GPx activity (β=0.30, P=0.001). SELENOP also showed an inverse association with serum levels of TBARS (β= -0.40, P<0.001). Nevertheless, erythrocytes SOD and CAT activities showed no significant relationships with serum Se and SELENOP concentrations (all P>0.05). The present study found that serum Se and SELENOP levels were inversely associated with TBARS levels and positively associated with TAC levels and erythrocytes GPx activity.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in acute blood loss and its correction with magnetite nanoparticles in a sodium chloride matrix

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in acute blood loss and its correction with magnetite nanoparticles in a sodium chloride matrix

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and Vitamin D: The "Lost Sunlight" Paradox and the Oxidative Stress Explanation.

UV radiation (UVR) is responsible for inducing both harmful and beneficial effects on skin health. Specifically, it has been reported to disrupt oxidant and antioxidant levels, leading to oxidative stress conditions in skin tissue. This phenomenon might trigger photo-carcinogenesis, resulting in melanoma, NMSC (non-melanoma skin cancer), such as BCC (basal cell carcinoma) and SCC (squamous cell carcinoma), and actinic keratosis. On the other hand, UVR is essential for the production of adequate vitamin D levels, a hormone with important antioxidant, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. The exact mechanisms implicated in this two-fold action are not well understood, as there still no clear relation established between skin cancer and vitamin D status. Oxidative stress seems to be a neglected aspect of this complex relation, despite its role in both skin cancer development and vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the correlation between vitamin D and oxidative stress in skin cancer patients. A total of 100 subjects (25 with SCC, 26 with BCC, 23 with actinic keratosis, and 27 controls) were assessed in terms of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) and redox markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma, glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase activity in erythrocytes. The majority of our patients revealed low vitamin D levels; 37% of the subjects showed deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and 35% insufficiency (21-29 ng/mL). The mean 25(OH) D level of the NMSC patients (20.87 ng/mL) was also found to be significantly lower (p = 0.004) than that of the non-cancer patients (28.14 ng/mL). Furthermore, higher vitamin D levels were also correlated with lower oxidative stress (positive correlation with GSH, catalase activity TAC index and negative correlation with TBARS and CARBS indices). NMSC patients diagnosed with SCC showed lower catalase activity values compared to non-cancer patients (p < 0.001), with the lowest values occurring in patients with a chronic cancer diagnosis (p < 0.001) and vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001). Higher GSH levels (p = 0.001) and lower TBARS levels (p = 0.016) were found in the control group compared to the NMSC group, and to patients with actinic keratosis. Higher levels of CARBS were observed in patients with SCC (p < 0.001). Non-cancer patients with vitamin D sufficiency showed higher TAC values compared to non-cancer patients with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.023) and to NMSC patients (p = 0.036). The above-mentioned results indicate that NMSC patients reveal increased levels of oxidative damage markers compared to control levels, while vitamin D status plays a critical role in the determination of individuals' oxidative status.

Short-Term Moderate Energy Restriction Does Not Affect Indicators of Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity in Humans

Restriction of energy intake (ER), without malnutrition of essential nutrients, has repeatedly been demonstrated to increase longevity in rodents. In the antioxidant theory of aging the lack of balance between the generation of free radicals and free radical scavenging was thought to be a main causal agent, in the aging process. From this point of view the antiaging effect induced by ER might be due to the lower rate of free-radical production and related damage induced by a lower metabolic rate. The antiaging effects of ER might also occur in humans. This study explored the effects of a 10-week moderately energy-restricted diet (80% of habitual) in 24 non-obese middle-aged men (16 ER subjects, 8 controls) on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and indicators of the primary antioxidant defense system, oxidative stress and genotoxicity. RMR decreased significantly in both groups, even when adjustments were made for the change in body composition. The increase in blood vitamin C concentration correlated with the increase in urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (80HdG) excretion. The change in urinary 80HdG excretion also correlated with the change in RMR per kg fat-free mass. No differences between groups were found for changes in indicators of genotoxicity, erythrocyte catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and in plasma vitamin E, A or beta-carotene concentrations. We conclude that 10 weeks of moderate ER did not affect indicators of antioxidative capacity, oxidative stress and genotoxicity of humans. Since subjects were not in energy balance at the end of the study, no conclusions can be made with respect to long-term effects.

Cirrhosis-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes: The therapeutic potential of taurine.

Cholestasis/cirrhosis could induce erythrocyte lysis. The incidence of various types of anemia in cirrhosis is approx. 75%. Several studies have mentioned the pivotal role of oxidative stress in this complication. Taurine (TAU) is the human body's most abundant free amino acid. TAU is known as a robust cell membrane stabilizer. Many studies have mentioned that TAU could counteract oxidative stress in various experimental models. The current study was intended to evaluate the effect of TAU on erythrocytes in cirrhotic rats. Bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery was carried out on rats. Then, complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (HTC), and erythrocytes' G6PD, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Moreover, biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed, and the erythrocytes' morphological changes were monitored in the cirrhotic mice exposed to TAU (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w : v in drinking water). Significant changes in the assessed erythrocyte parameters (G6PD activity, Hgb, HTC, and erythrocyte count) and red blood cells (RBC) morphological alterations were detected on day 42 after BDL surgery. Biomarkers of oxidative stress also did not change at the time points, except on post-BDL days 28 and 42. A significant decrease in blood parameters was evident at post-BDL day 42. All doses of TAU (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w : v in drinking water) significantly improved erythrocyte parameters and encountered oxidative stress in the erythrocytes of cirrhotic animals. These data indicate that TAU could be a safe agent to mitigate cirrhosis-induced erythrocyte damage and anemia. Further investigations are necessary to prove this in clinical settings.

Зміна окремих показників еритроцитів крові щурів за впливу гістаміну і кверцетину

Зміна окремих показників еритроцитів крові щурів за впливу гістаміну і кверцетину

Decreased Activity of Erythrocyte Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Patients with Schizophrenia.

Background and Objectives: Catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are important antioxidant enzymes that break down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in order to control its intracellular concentration, thus enabling its physiological role and preventing toxic effects. A lack or disruption of their function leads to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and the occurrence of oxidative stress. Accumulating studies have shown that the activities of key antioxidant enzymes are impaired in patients with schizophrenia. Since the published results are contradictory, and our previous studies found significantly higher erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in patients with schizophrenia, the aim of this study was to determine the activity of enzymes that degrade hydrogen peroxide in the same group of patients, as well as to examine their dependence on clinical symptoms, therapy, and parameters associated with this disease. Materials and Methods: Catalase and GPx activities were determined in the erythrocytes of 68 inpatients with schizophrenia and 59 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The clinical assessment of patients was performed by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The catalase activity was measured by the kinetic spectrophotometric method, while the GPx activity was determined by the commercially available Ransel test. Results: Erythrocyte catalase and GPx activities were significantly lower (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) in subjects with schizophrenia than they were in healthy individuals. Lower catalase activity does not depend on heredity, disease onset, the number of episodes, or disease duration, while GPx activity showed significant changes in patients who had more than one episode and in those who had been suffering from the disease for over a year. Significantly lower catalase activity was noted in the PANSS(+/−) group in comparison with the PANSS(+) and PANSS(−) groups. The lowest catalase activity was found in subjects who were simultaneously treated with first- and second-generation antipsychotics; this was significantly lower than it was in those who received only one class of antipsychotics. Conclusion: These results indicate the presence of oxidative stress in the first years of clinically manifested schizophrenia and its dependence on the number of psychotic episodes, illness duration, predominant symptomatology, and antipsychotic medication.

Dynamics of Metabolic and Oxidative Parameters of Erythrocytes during Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure with Molecular Hydrogen.

We studied the effect of molecular hydrogen (H2) on the content of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG), ATP, malondialdehyde, and catalase activity in erythrocytes in chronic heart failure. Inhalation of 2% molecular hydrogen H2 was carried out for 40 min repeatedly (5 days) or once. Inhalation of H2 caused an increase in ATP concentration in both research groups, but was more pronounced after repeated inhalation. The content of 2,3-DPG increased after repeated exposure to H2. The increase in metabolic activity under the effect of H2 was accompanied by a decrease in malondialdehyde concentration and an increase in catalase activity. Thus, the application of H2 in chronic heart failure reduced oxidative stress and improved metabolism of erythrocytes, which contributes to improvement of microcirculation. This allows us to recommend H2 for protection against ischemic and reperfusion damage to the myocardium.

Effect of aqueous extract of Scorodophloeus zenkeri bark on chronic hyperglycemia and its complications in a diabetic Wistar rat model induced by streptozotocin

Diabetes and its complications represent a real major public health problem in the world because of its high rates of morbidity and mortality. Chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia and inflammation play a major role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its vascular complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of S. zenkeri on chronic hyperglycemia and its complications in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rat model. The barks of S. zenkeri were washed, dried and crushed; the powder was dissolved in distilled water (1:10 weight/volume) then macerated and the filtrate obtained was dried in an oven. Subsequently, after quantification of the bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloids) present in the extract, an in vivo study was conducted in an animal model of streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia. For this fact, the rats were divided into four groups of five rats as folow: a normoglycaemia group (NC), an untreated hyperglycaemia group (PC), two hyperglycaemia groups including a test group receiving by esophageal gavage, the aqueous extract of the bark of S zenkerii (AESZ) at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight and a control group receiving metformin at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. During the treatment which lasted 21 days, the weights have been taken every two days and the blood sugar levels every week. At the end of the treatment, the rats were killed under light chloroform anesthesia; the plasma, hemolysate, serum and liver homogenate prepared were used to assay the biochemical parameters of oxidative stress (catalase, MDA), lipid profile (Triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol) and immunological (CRP and NFS). It emerged that the extract limited weight loss and caused a reduction in blood sugar of −26.59% after 21 days of treatment; the extract caused an increase in the activity of erythrocyte catalase and a reduction in the concentration of hepatic MDA, as well as a very marked reduction in inflammatory cells and CRP. The extract also caused a reduction in dyslipidemiawhich was materialized by a reduction in CRR, AC, AIP and an increase in CPI. These results suggest that this extract contains bioactive compounds capable of reducing chronic hyperglycemia while preventing its complications, thus justifying its traditional use in the management of diabetes.

Erythropoietin Resistance Development in Hemodialysis Patients: The Role of Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative stress (OS) is considered a significant risk factor for the development of anemia in patients treated by regular hemodialysis (HD). Moreover, OS represents a risk factor for the development of erythropoietin (EPO) resistance in these patients. The aim of this study was to examine the role of OS regarding EPO resistance development in patients treated by regular HD. 96 patients treated with standard HD and on-line hemodiafiltration were included in this study. The patients were treated with short-acting and long-acting EPOs for anemia. The concentration of superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and nitric oxide in the form of nitrites and the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were measured in patients' blood spectrophotometrically. Standard biochemical analysis, inflammatory markers, nutritional status, HD parameters, and erythropoietin resistance index were also determined. Patients with resistance to short-acting EPO had significantly lower concentration of hemoglobin in the blood and hematocrit value, a significantly higher serum ferritin concentration, and significantly lower catalase activity in erythrocytes than patients without EPO resistance. Patients with resistance to long-acting EPO have a significantly lower hemoglobin concentration in the blood, hematocrit values, and serum concentration of prealbumin and vitamin D, as well as significantly higher concentration of C-reactive protein, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide concentration than those without resistance. OS significantly contributes to EPO resistance development. OS, higher ferritin and CRP levels, lower hemoglobin, hematocrit and prealbumin levels, and vitamin D deficiency represent significant risk factors for EPO resistance development in HD patients.

Artemisinin and l-carnitine combination therapy alters the erythrocytes redox status.

Hematopoiesis is a sensitive target of artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives, and hemolysis is one of their commonly reported side effects. l-carnitine (LC), an amino acid derivative involved in lipid metabolism, is beneficial for hematological parameters. Sixty adult laboratory mice were randomly divided into six groups. Group I (control) received saline and corn oil; groups II and III received therapeutic (50 mg/kg) and toxic (250 mg/kg) doses of ART, respectively; groups IV and V received 370 mg/kg LC along with the 50 and 250 mg/kg ART, respectively; and group VI received 370 mg/kg LC. Drugs were administered orally for 7 consecutive days. The erythrocyte glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) activity, and the reduced glutathione (GSH) level were assessed by colorimetric methods. ART reduced the G6PD activity both at therapeutic and toxic doses. The therapeutic dose of ART reduced the CAT activity and the GSH level, nonsignificantly. The toxic dose of ART reduced the CAT activity and increased the POX activity. LC reduced the G6PD, CAT, and POX activities and increased GSH level. The therapeutic dose of ART and LC showed synergy in reducing the G6PD activity. LC and ART combination reduced POX activity and increased GSH level without any significant effect on the CAT activity. Inhibition of G6PD may be a potentially new mechanism of ART action. Coadministration of LC with ART or following treatment with ART may have protective effects on erythrocytes.

Effect of Linseed Oil Supplementation on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Capacity in Pregnant Overfed Obese Rats and Their Offspring

Effect of Linseed Oil Supplementation on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Capacity in Pregnant Overfed Obese Rats and Their Offspring

Assessment of the Biological Effects of Pellia endiviifolia and its Constituents in Vitro

Liverworts are characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds reported to show antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the biological effects of the methanol extract of the liverwort Pellia endiviifolia and its constituents, bis-bibenzyls perrottetin E, 10′-hydroxyperrottetin E, and 10,10′-dihydroxyperrottetin E, were investigated using human peripheral blood cells as a model system. The assessment of the investigated compounds comprised testing their genotoxicity, apoptotic potential, and redox modulating activities. The genotoxicity testing indicated that medium (25 µM) and high concentrations (100 µM) of the investigated compounds displayed genotoxic and antiproliferative effects in human lymphocytes as revealed by significant, concentration-dependent enhancement of the micronuclei incidence and decrease in the cytokinesis-block proliferation index compared to the control ( P &lt; .001). Analysis of leukocyte apoptosis showed a substantial potential of all investigated compounds to induce apoptosis, which was not concentration-dependent. The P endiviifolia extract and perrottetin E demonstrated considerable pro-apoptotic potential, even at the lowest concentration (1 µM) applied. Evaluation of the redox modulating effects, which comprised measuring erythrocyte catalase activity and the lymphocyte malondialdehyde level, showed that the investigated compounds did not induce oxidative stress in human peripheral blood cells ( P &gt; .05). The observed genotoxic, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic effects of the investigated compounds make them suitable for further comprehensive studies related to their possible applications as anticancer agents.