Erythrocyte Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Trigonelline Ameliorates Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats

Previously, we showed that trigonelline (TRG) exerts antidiabetic effects in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and also lowers blood and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine when compared with those levels in GK control rats without TRG. These results suggested that TRG also mitigates oxidative stress, which accelerates diabetes. In this study, the mechanisms of TRG prevention of oxidative stress were determined by measuring erythrocyte and liver antioxidant enzyme activities, and expressions of genes associated with reactive oxygen species production, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms by DNA microarray. Erythrocyte and liver glutathione peroxidase, and liver catalase activities in the GK rats fed with TRG were significantly lower than those of the GK control rats. TRG downregulated the gene expressions involved with NADPH oxidase and mitochondrial electron transfer system when compared with those of the GK control group. These results suggested that mitigation of diabetes by TRG is mediated by its ameliorating effects on oxidative stress.

In vitro effect of AlCl3 on human erythrocytes: Changes in membrane morphology and functionality

Aluminum belongs to a group of potential toxic elements capable of penetrating the human body. In this paper, the effect of aluminum concentrations on red blood cell membranes using different fluorescent probes able to localize in various parts of the phospholipid bilayer (TMA-DPH, laurdan and pyrene) were studied. Our results confirm that human erythrocytes exposed to aluminum undergo physico-chemical modifications at the membrane level. A decrease in fluorescence anisotropy of TMA-DPH and in the polarity of the lipid bilayer with a concomitant shift toward a gel phase was observed, and the pyrene excimerization coefficient (kex) increased.Furthermore, the presence of aluminum induced lipid peroxidation and reduced the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSHPx). Al-induced morphological changes on the erythrocyte membrane surface were monitored using atomic force microscopy. These results provide further information on the target of action of different aluminum amounts.

Effect of atypical antipsychotics on antioxidant enzyme activities in human erythrocytes (in vitro study)

This study was set out to examine the impact of atypical antipsychotic drugs: aripiprazole, clozapine, ziprasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, sertindole and amisulpride on the activity of antioxidant defence enzymes in human erythrocytes in vitro. Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were determined after drugs incubation with blood of 15 apparently healthy non-smoking male volunteers (ages 23-39) for 1 h at 37 °C. A statistically significant increase in SOD1 activity was found in samples incubated with aripiprazole (p < 0.01) and quetiapine (p < 0.05) compared with incubated control. SOD1 activity profile following native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that aripiprazole and quetiapine protect enzyme activity from inhibition with hydrogen peroxide. Our results showed that sertindole decreases activity of CAT comparing with control non-treated erythrocytes. Moreover, in sertindole treated erythrocytes, negative correlation between SOD1 and glutathione peroxidase activities was found. Increased amount of hydrogen peroxide in such situation may leave erythrocytes and transform their role in circulation from anti-oxidative to pro-oxidative. Our results indicate that mechanism through sertindole could express its in vivo toxic effects and point toward possible (neuro)protective effects of aripiprazole and quetiapine.

Impaired enzymatic antioxidant defense in erythrocytes of women with general and abdominal obesity

The aim of this study was to investigate erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in general and abdominal obese women. In this study, 160 women 20-45 years old were randomly selected. General information data were gathered from each sample using questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes were also evaluated by measuring activities of copper zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) in selected subjects. Mean activity of CuZn-SOD was significantly lower in overweight and obese groups compared to normal weight group (721 ± 81 vs. 987 ± 84, p < 0.01 and 638 ± 74 vs. 987 ± 84, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, both erythrocyte GSH-Px (97.6 ± 45.2 vs. 148.7 ± 54.2, p < 0.01) and CAT (184.2 ± 37.8 vs. 316.7 ± 65.8, p < 0.01) activities was significantly lower in obese women compared to normal weight women. In addition, women with abdominal obesity had lower erythrocyte CuZn-SOD (632 ± 76 vs. 871 ± 84, p < 0.001), GSH-Px (103.6 ± 52.8 vs. 154.7 ± 62.4, p < 0.01) and CAT (216.6 ± 76.4 vs. 298.3 ± 71.1, p < 0.05) activities compared to women with normal body fat distribution. Moreover, multiple linear regression analysis suggests higher prediction of waist circumference (i.e. higher R(2)) on antioxidant enzyme activities in relation to other adiposity indicators. Our results provides further evidence suggesting that obesity and, especially, abdominal adiposity associated with decreased antioxidant enzyme activities which in turn, may contribute to oxidative stress related to obesity.

Serum and Liver Tissue Bio-Element Levels, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Protective Effects of Royal Jelly

The liver is a vital organ, and its function is generally impaired by chemicals. Some natural compounds have a protective role against liver diseases such as royal jelly (RJ). To our knowledge, there are no data available on the effect of RJ therapy on the levels of bio-element metabolisms and antioxidant enzyme activities in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage. Therefore, in the present study, we have investigated the role of RJ therapy in the trace and major elements and antioxidant enzymes in CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in the CCl(4)-treated group more than they did in the sham and RJ-administered groups. Many bio-element levels were also reduced in only the CCl(4)-treated group. This showed that the depletion of trace elements was related to erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. RJ administration clearly increased the trace and major element levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in RJ groups. RJ may be used as functional foods because of their naturally high antioxidant potential and rich element content.

Antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes of healthy pregnant women, preeclamptic women and newborns

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome of unknown etiology and represents multisystem disorder. It is characterized by the increased blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema. Preeclampsia is a great risk for both mother and fetus. Disturbances of the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species antioxidants status is considered to be one of the causes of various pathological conditions of the reproductive system, including preeclampsia. The main objective of this study is to determine the activities of superoxide-dismutase and catalase in peripheral blood erythrocytes of the pregnant women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women before delivery and umbilical cord blood erythrocytes of their babies immediately after the delivery. The results showed that the activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes were statistically significantly lower in the group of patients with preeclampsia than in healthy pregnant women, as in the group of their babies compared to the babies of healthy pregnant women. Similarly, catalase activity was significantly lower in women with preeclampsia compared to the controls, as well as in erythrocytes of their babies compared to babies of healthy mothers. An observed difference in the antioxidant enzyme activities suggests a putative association between preeclampsia and decreased antioxidant status. Since the direct application of antioxidants did not give expected results of the data presented indicate the opportunity for the prevention of preeclampsia and alleviation of symptoms by dietary measures and life style changes in the population of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, directy targeting the enzymatic antioxidant system.

Antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde levels can be modulated by Piper betle, tocotrienol rich fraction and Chlorella vulgaris in aging C57BL/6 mice

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to determine the erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity and the superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and plasma malondialdehyde levels in aging mice and to evaluate how these measures are modulated by potential antioxidants, including the tocotrienol-rich fraction, Piper betle, and Chlorella vulgaris.METHOD:One hundred and twenty male C57BL/6 inbred mice were divided into three age groups: young (6 months old), middle-aged (12 months old), and old (18 months old). Each age group consisted of two control groups (distilled water and olive oil) and three treatment groups: Piper betle (50 mg/kg body weight), tocotrienol-rich fraction (30 mg/kg), and Chlorella vulgaris (50 mg/kg). The duration of treatment for all three age groups was two months. Blood was withdrawn from the orbital sinus to determine the antioxidant enzyme activity and the malondialdehyde level.RESULTS:Piper betle increased the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the young, middle, and old age groups, respectively, when compared to control. The tocotrienol-rich fraction decreased the superoxide dismutase activity in the middle and the old age groups but had no effect on catalase or glutathione peroxidase activity for all age groups. Chlorella vulgaris had no effect on superoxide dismutase activity for all age groups but increased glutathione peroxidase and decreased catalase activity in the middle and the young age groups, respectively. Chlorella vulgaris reduced lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) in all age groups, but no significant changes were observed with the tocotrienol-rich fraction and the Piper betle treatments.CONCLUSION:We found equivocal age-related changes in erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity when mice were treated with Piper betle, the tocotrienol-rich fraction, and Chlorella vulgaris. However, Piper betle treatment showed increased antioxidant enzymes activity during aging.

Fructo-oligosaccharide systemically diminishedd-galactose-induced oxidative molecule damages in BALB/cJ mice

Subcutaneous (s.c.) D-galactose (DG) treatment has been shown to facilitate the development of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in C57BL/6J mice. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this treatment in young BALB/cJ mice, another mouse strain, enhanced oxidative stress to similar extents shown in older mice, and to further determine the effects of fructo-oligosaccharide (FO), a prebiotic fibre and vitamin E (antioxidant control) on the DG-induced oxidative damage of lipids, proteins and mitochondrial DNA, and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. Mice (12 weeks of age, n 40) were divided into four groups: vehicle (s.c. saline)+control (modified rodent chow); DG (s.c. 1·2 g/kg body weight)+control; DG+FO (5 %, w/w); DG+vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 0·2 %). Then, the animals were killed after 52 d of treatment. Another natural ageing (NA) group without any injection was killed at 47 weeks of age, which served as an aged control. The results indicated that the DG treatment enhanced malonaldehyde dimethyl acetal (MDA) levels in the plasma, liver and cerebral cortex, and protein carbonyl levels in the liver and hippocampus to similar levels shown in the NA group. FO, similar to α-tocopherol, systemically normalised DG-induced elevations in the levels of MDA in the plasma, liver and cerebral cortex, protein carbonyls in the liver and hippocampus, hepatic mitochondrial 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity. In conclusion, the s.c. DG treatment in younger BALB/cJ mice resembled the oxidative status in older mice. FO supplementation systemically prevented DG-induced oxidative stress, probably through its fermentation products and prebiotic effect.

Evaluation of oxidative and antioxidative parameters in pediatric hematopoietic SCT patients

Conditioning regimens preceding hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) usually consist of high-dose chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are associated with increased formation of free radicals and depletion of critical plasma and tissue antioxidants. Oxidative stress and antioxidant depletion have been described during the transplantation period in HSCT patients. In a limited number of studies, it was observed that the conditioning regimen resulted in oxidative stress and antioxidant depletion in HSCT patients. The objective of this study was to look for further evidence of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in pediatric HSCT patients. In this study, blood samples were collected from 21 pediatric allo-HSCT patients before and after conditioning therapy. Erythrocyte and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, erythrocyte reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH) levels, erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activities, plasma α-tocopherol and β-carotene levels were determined. After high-dose chemotherapy, erythrocyte and plasma MDA levels increased. Reduced GSH levels decreased whereas oxidized GSH levels increased first and then decreased significantly compared with the values before the chemotherapy regimen. It was also observed that catalase, superoxide dismutase and GSH-S-transferase activities decreased, but there was no change in GSH peroxidase activity. On the other hand, plasma α-tocopherol levels increased, but β-carotene levels did not change.

Preventive Effects of Lycopene-Enriched Tomato Wine against Oxidative Stress in High Fat Diet-Fed Rats

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant mechanism of tomato wine with varying lycopene content in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 per group) and fed an HFD (35% of total energy from fat) plus ethanol (7.2% of total energy from alcohol), tomato wine with varying lycopene content (0.425 ㎎%, 1.140 ㎎% or 2.045 ㎎% lycopene) or an isocaloric control diet for 6 weeks. Mice fed HFD plus ethanol significantly increased erythrocyte hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels with increases in activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GR) compared to pair-fed rats. Supplementation of tomato wine with varying lycopene content decreased ethanol-mediated increases of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in HFD-fed rats, and tomato wine with higher lycopene appeared to be more effective. Tomato wine also dose-dependently lowered TBARS levels with decreased pro-oxidant enzyme, xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in plasma of HFD-fed rats. In contrast to erythrocytes, the inhibitory effects of tomato wine on hepatic lipid peroxidation were linked to increased hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and alcohol metabolizing enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase) activities. There were no significant differences in hepatic XOD and cytochrome P450-2E1 activities among the groups. Together, our data suggest that tomato wine fortified with lycopene has the potential to protect against ethanol-induced oxidative stress via regulation of antioxidant or pro-oxidant enzymes and alcohol metabolizing enzyme activities in plasma, erythrocyte and liver.

Eight weeks of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation has no effect on antioxidant status in healthy overweight/obese Korean individuals

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CLA supplementation on antioxidant metabolism in healthy overweight/obese Korean individuals. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, where 29 healthy overweight/obese (BMI≥23kg/m(2)) participants (2 men and 27 women) were randomly selected to receive placebo (n=15, 2.4g olive oil/day) or 2.4g/day CLA mixture (n=14, 36.9% of cis-9, trans-11 and 37.9% of trans-10, cis-12) for 8weeks. There were no significant differences in plasma total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), lipid peroxidation (conjugated dienes), lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin concentration, erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) activities, and leukocyte DNA damage between the CLA and placebo groups. The data suggest that short-term supplementation (8weeks) with CLA (2.4g/day) might have no significant effects on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant metabolism.

Experimental evidence that phenylalanine is strongly associated to oxidative stress in adolescents and adults with phenylketonuria

Few studies have looked at optimal or acceptable serum phenylalanine levels in later life in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). This study examined the oxidative stress status of adolescents and adults with PKU. Forty PKU patients aged over fifteen years were enrolled, and were compared with thirty age-matched controls. Oxidative stress markers, anti-oxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes, and blood anti-oxidant levels were examined. Nitric oxide (NO) production was also examined as a measure of oxidative stress. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive species and serum malondialdehyde-modified LDL levels were significantly higher in PKU patients than control subjects, and correlated significantly with serum phenylalanine level ( P < 0.01). Plasma total anti-oxidant reactivity levels were significantly lower in the patient group, and correlated negatively with phenylalanine level ( P < 0.001). Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were higher and correlated significantly with phenylalanine level ( P < 0.01). Glutathione peroxidase activity was lower and correlated negatively with phenylalanine level ( P < 0.001). The oxidative stress score calculated from these six parameters was significantly higher in patients with serum phenylalanine of 700–800 μmol/l. Plasma anti-oxidant substances, beta-carotene, and coenzyme Q 10 were also lower (P < 0.001), although the decreases did not correlate significantly with the phenylalanine level. Serum nitrite/nitrate levels, as stable NO products, were higher together with low serum asymmetric dimethylarginine, as an endogenous NO inhibitor. Oxidative stress status is closely linked with serum phenylalanine levels. Phenylalanine level in should be maintained PKU below 700–800 μmol/l even in adult patients.

Ethanol induced adaptive changes in blood for the pathological and toxicological effects of chronic ethanol consumption in humans

Alcohol consumption is associated with a number of toxicological changes in blood and the oxidant-antioxidant system. The present study was performed to investigate the alcohol induced toxicological, pathological changes in blood and an adaptive role of erythrocyte antioxidant system in chronic alcoholics. Human male volunteers aged 44±6 years with similar dietary habits were divided into two groups, namely non-alcoholic controls and chronic alcoholics. We measured hematological parameters, erythrocyte lipid peroxidation, NO production, erythrocyte antioxidant and liver function test enzyme activities. Alcoholics had increased erythrocyte nitric oxide levels and also elevated erythrocyte lipid malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Strikingly, increments in reduced glutathione and markedly increased activities of certain antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and another related enzyme G-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PDH) with no alterations in the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in chronic alcoholics were observed compared to controls. Furthermore, erythrocyte NO levels were positively correlated with lipid peroxidation, SOD, GSH, GR and G6PDH in chronic alcoholics. In addition, increased AST/ALT ratio and a significant increase in WBC and platelets were also noticed. Together, these results indicate that, antioxidants and defense enzymes appear to be rendering protection as a consequence of chronic adaptation in alcoholics.

Subacute effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic herbicide on antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation in rat erythrocytes

The erythrocyte, due to its role as O2 and CO2 transporter, is under the constant exposure to reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of 2,4-D to induce oxidative stress in blood of male wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three treated groups receiving by gavage 15, 75 and 150mg, respectively, of 2,4-D/kg/BW/day for 28days. Results showed that 2,4-D caused significant negative changes in the investigated biochemical parameters. In fact, 2,4-D exposition strongly increases LDH, by contrast, there is a statistically significant decrease in Hgb levels. The malondialdehyde level was significantly increased in 2,4-D treated groups. Fatty acid composition of the erythrocytes was also significantly changed with 2,4-D exposure, in favor of the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR) activities in erythrocytes were significantly decreased. Thus, our results indicated the potential effects of 2,4-D to cause oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes. Therefore, at higher doses, 2,4-D may play an important role in the development of vascular disease via lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.

Antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes from hypertension patients receiving lisinopril monotherapy or combined lisinopril plus simvastatin therapy

Statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have beneficial impact on the serum cholesterol and blood pressure. It is supposed that statins and ACE inhibitors may modify the antioxidative status of erythrocytes. The study objective was to compare the effects of two treatments, lisinopril alone vs lisinopril plus simvastatin, on erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. The study involved 32 patients with arterial hypertension, the initial serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides within the normal range. Patients of two groups, each of 16 subjects, were treated with lisinopril (10 mg/day) or with lisinopril (10 mg/day) plus simvastatin (20 mg/day). Before and after 3 and 6 months of follow-up therapy, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GLR) in purified erythrocytes were determined. In all patients, significantly higher catalase activity (by 79.3-106.5%, p < 0.0001) and significantly lower GPx activity (by 20.7-30.6%, p < 0.001) were observed after therapy as compared to the baselines. Just the same results were obtained in both groups (lisinopril and lisinopril + simvastatin), after both periods (3 and 6 month) of treatments. SOD activity was increased only in the lisinopril group and only after 6 months (p = 0.0345). No changes of GLR reductase activity were seen under all conditions indicated. Thus, the lisinopril monotherapy and combined lisinopril plus simvastatin therapy exhibit specific, pronounced and equipotent effects on antioxidant enzymes in human erythrocytes. Administration of lisinopril or lisinopril plus simvastatin may protect erythrocytes and other tissues from oxidative damage.

Cytokines and Oxidative Stress Status Following a Handball Game in Elite Male Players

Background. Handball is considered an intermittent sport that places an important stress on a player's aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. However, the oxidative stress responses following a handball game remain unknown. We investigated the responses of plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant system and oxidative stress biomarkers following a single handball game. Methods. Fourteen male elite Brazilian handball athletes were recruited in the present study. Blood samples were taken before, immediately, and 24 hours after the game. Results. After the game and during 24 hours of recovery, the concentration of all oxidative stress indices changed significantly in a way indicating increased oxidative stress in the blood (thiol groups and reduced glutathione decreased, whereas TBARS and plasma antioxidant capacity was increased) as well as in erythrocyte (increased levels of TBARS and protein carbonyls). Erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities were also significantly changed by handball. Muscle damage indices (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) increased significantly after exercise. In addition, IL-6 increased after the game, whereas TNF-α decreased during recovery. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that a single handball game in elite athletes induces a marked state of oxidative stress evidenced by the oxidative modification in plasma and erythrocyte macromolecules, as well as by changes in the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant system.

Oxidative Photodamage Induced by Photodynamic Therapy with Methoxyphenyl Porphyrin Derivatives in Tumour-Bearing Rats

The oxidative effects of photodynamic therapy with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl) porphyrin (TMP) and Zn-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl) porphyrin (ZnTMP) were evaluated in Wistar rats subcutaneously inoculated with Walker 256 carcinoma. The animals were irradiated with red light (λ = 685 nm; D = 50 J/cm2; 15 min) 3 h after intra-peritoneal administration of 10 mg/kg body weight of porphyrins. The presence of free radicals in tumours after photodynamic therapy with TMP and ZnTMP revealed by chemiluminescence of luminol attained the highest level at 18 h after irradiation. Lipid peroxides measured as thiobarbituric-reactive substances and protein carbonyls, which are indices of oxidative effects produced on susceptible biomolecules, were significantly increased in tumour tissues of animals 24 h after photodynamic therapy. The levels of thiol groups and total antioxidant capacity in the tumours were decreased. The activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were also increased in tumour tissues after photodynamic therapy. Increased levels of plasma lipid peroxides as well as changes in the levels of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities suggest possible systemic effects of photodynamic therapy with TMP and ZnTMP.

Erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in hypertensive patients receiving lisinopril monotherapy or combined lisinopril plus simvastatin therapy

Statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have beneficial impact on the serum cholesterol and blood pressure. It is supposed that statins and ACE inhibitors may modify the antioxidative status in erythrocytes. The study objective was to compare the effects of two treatments, lisinopril alone versus lisinopril plus simvastatin, on erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. The study involved 32 patients with arterial hypertension, their initial serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were within the normal range. Patients of two groups, each of 16 subjects, were treated with lisinopril (10 mg/day) or with lisinopril (10 mg/day) plus simvastatin (20 mg/day). Before and after the ambulatory therapy for 3 and 6 months, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) were determined in purified erythrocytes. All treated patients had significantly higher catalase activity (by 79.3–106.5%, p < 0.0001) and significantly lower GPx activity (by 20.7–30.6%, p < 0.001) as compared to the baselines. The same results were obtained in both groups (lisinopril and lisinopril + simvastatin), after both periods (3 and 6 month) of treatments. SOD activity increased only in the lisinopril group and only after 6 months (p = 0.0345). No changes of GR activity were observed under all conditions studied. Thus, the lisinopril monotherapy and combined lisinopril plus simvastatin therapy exhibit specific, pronounced and equipotent effects on antioxidant enzymes in human erythrocytes. Peroral administration of lisinopril or lisinopril plus simvastatin may protect erythrocytes and other tissues against oxidative damage.

Combined Effects of Muscular Dystrophy, Ecological Stress, and Selenium on Blood Antioxidant Status in Broiler Chickens

The results obtained in this study demonstrated that experimentally induced alimentary muscular dystrophy (MD) in Cobb 500 broiler chickens resulted in increased plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), deviations in activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes Cu,Zn-SOD (decrease), and CAT (increase) as well as reduction in plasma concentrations of trace elements Cu, Zn, and Se in affected birds. These data evidenced the presence of oxidative stress in birds with MD, reared both under conditions of ecological comfort and ecological stress. The increased MDA and САТ levels and the reduced Cu,Zn-SOD, Cu, Zn, and Se concentrations in healthy chickens reared under unfavorable microclimatic conditions such as higher air temperature and humidity, higher ammonia concentrations, and lower light intensity were indicative about an induced ecological stress. After the 10-day oral treatment with a selenium-containing preparation, the levels of MDA, Cu,Zn-SOD, CAT, Cu, Zn, and Se attained their normal values in chickens with MD, reared under ecologically comfortable conditions. According to our results, ecological stress was shown to exert independently a significant adverse effect upon the levels of the studied parameters and possibly to be a cause for their slower and not complete normalization despite the selenium therapy in experimental broiler chickens.

Increased Vulnerability to Oxidative Stress in Pediatric Migraine Patients

Little is known about the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of pediatric migraine. The objective of the present study was to investigate, during a headache-free period, the activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in children and adolescents diagnosed with migraine. In all, 47 migraine patients (age range, 8-17 years; mean, 14.1 +/- 2.4 years, 14 with aura) and 35 control subjects were included. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities were measured in erythrocytes. Although superoxide dismutase activities did not differ between groups, both catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly lower in migraine patients (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). Activities of all three antioxidant enzymes were similar across migraine subgroups; there was no correlation with age and sex. These results confirm vulnerability to oxidative stress in pediatric migraine. Further studies and search for new therapeutic agents with antioxidant properties are needed.