Antioxidant Potential Levels Research Articles

Association between oxidative stress and blood pressure in Korean subclinical hypertensive patients

This study was conducted in order to investigate the association between hypertension and oxidative stress-related parameters and to evaluate these parameters in subclinical hypertensive patients and normotensive subjects living in Korea. We attempted to determine whether oxidative stress-related parameters would differ between two groups of 227 newly-diagnosed, untreated (systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130 mmHg and diastolic BP ≥ 85 mmHg) and 130 normotensive subjects (systolic BP ＜ 120 mmHg and diastolic BP ＜ 80 mmHg). General characteristics of the subjects were collected using a simple questionnaire. From subjects’ blood, degree of DNA damage in lymphocytes, the activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, level of plasma total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), glutathione, and anti-oxidative vitamins, as well as plasma lipid profiles and conjugated diene (CD) were analyzed. Evaluation of the associations of oxidative stress-related parameters with blood pressure of the subjects was performed using Pearson partial correlation and multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for confounding factors. Several oxidative stress-related parameters were higher in subclinical hypertensive patients than in normotensive subjects. Plasma levels of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, TRAP, and activity of GSH-px were significantly lower in subclinical hypertensive patients than in normotensive subjects. Increased levels of DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol were observed in subclinical hypertensive patients. These results confirm an association between blood pressure and oxidative stress-related parameters and suggest that the pathogenic role of oxidative stress in hypertension might be significant. (Korean J Nutr 2013; 46(2): 126 ~ 136)

A study on the antioxidant defense system of psoriasis patients in the ethnic population of Kashmir-India

The study was designed to evaluate the role of antioxidant defense system in the etiology of psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder of complex etiology and pathology. Hospital-based case–control study was carried out in major referral hospital in Kashmir, North India. Cases (N = 40) were composed of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and controls (N = 20) were healthy volunteers. Study included estimation in plasma of both patients and controls of glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and total antioxidant potential (AOP) as indices of antioxidant defense system and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation (LP), an indicator of oxidative stress. The GSH levels, SOD activity, AOP, and malondialdehyde levels in plasma of psoriasis patients were 2.58 ± 0.22 μM/l, 5.24 ± 0.69 U/ml, 0.020 ± .011 nmol−1/ml h, and 0.88 ± 0.20 nmol/ml and were 4.76 ± 0.52 μM/l, 4.14 ± 0.56U/ml, 0.042 ± 0.018 nmol−1/ml h, and 0.53 ± 0.16 nmol/ml in healthy voluntary controls, respectively. A significant decrease in GSH levels (p < 0.005) and AOP (p < 0.005) and significant increase in SOD activity (p < 0.01) MDA levels (p < 0.005) as an indicator of LP was observed.

Assesment of C- Reactive Proteins and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic kidney failure (CKF) results from progressive loss of kidney function over a period of time. It is characterized by low glomerular filtration rate and the associated metabolic problems consequently haemodialysis is the mainstay of management of these patients prior to kidney transplant. CKF is associated with enhanced oxidative stress but scarce reports exist on the status of oxidative stress in these patients before haemodialysis. This therefore, formed the basis of this research. Fifty newly diagnosed non-dialyzed chronic kidney failure patients and thirty age and sex-marched healthy individuals participated in this study. Plasma sample was used to determine total antioxidant potential (TAP), total plasma peroxides (TPP) and urinary albumin, creatinine by standard spectrophotometric methods while oxidative stress index (OSI) was a ratio of TAP and TPP. CRP was quantified by single radial immunodiffusion method. Mid stream urine samples were assayed the same day for urinary albumin and creatinine. Statistical analysis was performed using two-tail student’s t-test. Correlations between analytes were investigated using Pearson correlation co-efficient. All data were considered significant at p< 0.05. Significant increases were observed in the levels of total antioxidant potential (TAP) urinary albumin, urinary albumin / creatinine ratio in CKF patients compared with the controls. The urinary creatinine among CKF patients was significantly lower. Positive correlations was found between OSI and CRP. Significantly high level of TAP in undialyzed CKF patients ameliorates the oxidative effects of TPP.

Abstract 316: Effects of Inhibiting of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Pathophysiology of Experimental Preeclampsia

The pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE) is not entirely known. However, increased oxidative stress possibly leading to impaired nitric oxide activity has been implicated in the critical condition. Increased oxidative stress with increased levels of highly reactive species including superoxide may generate peroxynitrite. We examined the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and oxidative stress in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) preeclampsia experimental model. METHODS: RUPP was induced in wistar rats. Pregnant rats in the RUPP group had their aortic artery clipped at day 14 of gestation. After a midline incision, a silver clip (0.203 mm) was placed around the aorta above the iliac bifurcation; silver clips (0.100 mm) were also placed on branches of both the right and left ovarian arteries that supply the uterus. Sham-operated (pregnant control rats) and RUPP rats were treated with oral vehicle or 1 mg/kg/day 1400W (iNOS inhibitor) for 5 days. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) and total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) were measured determined. Aortic iNOS expression (Western blotting) and reactive oxygen species (ROS; assessed by fluorescence microscopy with dihydroethidium-DHE) were measured. We found increased mean arterial pressure in RUPP compared with pregnant control rats (MAP= 128±1 vs. 100±1.8 mmHg, respectively; P&lt;0.05) and 1400W exerted antihypertensive effects (MAP= 114±2 vs.128±1 mmHg in RUPP treated and untreated rats, respectively; P&lt;0.05). Higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations were found in RUPP compared with pregnant control rats (7.1±0.5 vs. 5.1±0.5 arbitrary units (A.U.), respectively; P&lt;0.05) and 1400W decreased ROS production to 5.8±0.02 A.U. in RUPP treated rats, P&lt;0.05. In addition, 1400W attenuated iNOS expression in RUPP rats (0.29±0.02 vs. 0.55±0.8 A.U. in RUPP treated and untreated rats, respectively; P&lt;0.01) and had no effects on plasma TBARS and TRAP levels. Our results suggest that 1400w exerts antihypertensive effects in the RUPP model and suppresses ROS formation. Supported by FAPESP,Cnpq.

Inter-relationship of plasma markers of oxidative stress and thyroid hormones in schizophrenics

BackgroundThe relationship of oxidative stress to thyroid hormones has not been studied in the schizophrenics. The present study determined the status and interrelationship of plasma markers of oxidative stress, nitric oxide and thyroid hormones in thirty (17 males and 13 females) newly diagnosed patients with acute schizophrenia before initiation of chemotherapy. Twenty five (13 males and 12 females) mentally healthy individuals served as controls. Patients and controls with history of hard drugs (including alcohol and cigarette), pre-diagnosis medications (e.g. antiparkinsonian/antipsychotic drugs), chronic infections, liver disease and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. Plasma levels of total antioxidant potential (TAP), total plasma peroxides (TPP), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were determined in all participants using spectrophotometric and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods respectively. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated as the percent ratio of total plasma peroxides and total antioxidant potential.FindingsSignificantly higher plasma levels of MDA (p < 0.01), TPP (p < 0.01), OSI (p < 0.01), T3 (p < 0.01) and T4 (p < 0.05) were observed in schizophrenics when compared with the controls. The mean levels of TAP, NO and TSH were significantly lower in schizophrenics (p < 0.01) when compared with the controls. The result shows that T3 values correlate significantly with MDA (p < 0.05) and TPP (p < 0.01) in schizophrenics.ConclusionsHigher level of TPP may enhance thyroid hormogenesis in schizophrenics. Adjuvant antioxidant therapy may be a novel approach in the treatment of schizophrenic patients.

Characteristics of reactive oxygen metabolites in serum of early teenagers in Japan

The relationship between the incidence of cardiovascular disease and the state of oxidative stress in blood has been studied to some extent. Several lines of evidence underscore the importance of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease beginning in childhood. However, little is known about the current state of oxidative stress in childhood. This study was carried out to determine the current state of the level of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) in serum of early teenagers. This study enrolled 595 healthy junior high school students from the town of Nanbu located in northern Japan. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the serum level of ROM, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated by measuring the serum level of biological antioxidant potential (BAP). Although the ROM level in female students [308.6 ± 63.1 Carratelli units (U.CARR)] was slightly higher than that in males (299.9 ± 55.2 U.CARR), the difference was not statistically significant. The BAP level in males was significantly higher than that in females. The levels of ROM and BAP detected in males in the first grade were higher than those in the other grades. In females, only first-graders' BAP was higher than that in other grades. The current study found that the ROM level in males was negatively correlated with grade. These results suggest the presence of factor(s) that increase oxidative stress in Japanese puberty.

P1-196 The characteristics of reactive oxygen metabolites detected in the serum of early Japanese teenagers

IntroductionThe level of reactive oxygen metabolites in the serum of healthy early Japanese teenagers was analysed to determine the current state of oxidative stress during puberty in early teenagers.MethodsThis study...

Effects of curcumin and dithioerythritol on frozen-thawed bovine semen

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of curcumin and dithioerythritol added into bull semen extender on sperm parameters, lipid peroxidation, total glutathione and antioxidant potential levels of bull spermatozoa following the freeze/thawing process. Twenty-seven ejaculates obtained from three bulls were included in the study. Each ejaculate that was splitted into five equal groups and diluted in a Tris-based extender containing curcumin (0.5 and 2 mM), dithioerythritol (0.5 and 2 mM) and no additive (control) was cooled to 5 °C and frozen in 0.25-ml French straws. The extender supplemented with 0.5 mMdose of curcumin led to lower percentage of total abnormality (20.40 ± 2.36%) when compared to the control (30.60 ± 1.47%, P < 0.05). Curcumin and dithioerythritol at 0.5 mM provided a greater protective effect in the membrane functional integrity (54.40 ± 2.09% and 50.00 ± 2.68%), in comparison with control (37.20 ± 1.77%, P < 0.001). Supplementation with antioxidants did not significantly affect the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant potential levels, while the maintenance of total glutathione levels in curcumin 0.5 mM was demonstrated to be higher than that of control, following the freeze/thawing (P < 0.05). Supplementation with these antioxidants prior to the cryopreservation process may be recommended to facilitate the enhancement of sperm cryopreservation techniques.

Cultivated and wild Solanum species as potential sources for health-promoting quality traits

In this study, several genotypes of cultivated (Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigena, S. phureja) and wild, tuber-bearing Solanum species (S. chacoense, S. pinnatisectum) were examined for concentrations of antioxidants, soluble phenols and proteins in their tuber tissue. The potato genotypes differed considerably in all these traits. Amounts of antioxidants ranged from 0.06 to 4.22 μg/mg fresh weight (fw) when the ascorbic acid equivalent was measured and from 0.08 to 3.98 μg/mg fw for the trolox equivalent. The wild species S. pinnatisectum exhibited on average higher levels of both types of antioxidants than the other Solanum species, and it also had the highest quantities of soluble phenols and proteins in its tuber tissue. Among the species, S. phureja ranked on the lowest level of antioxidant potential.

Antioxidant properties and bioactive constituents of some rare exotic Thai fruits and comparison with conventional fruits: In vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of this research was to investigate the bioactivity of durian, snake fruit and mangosteen, rare exotic Thai fruits. These fruits were compared among them and with conventional fruits: durian with mango and avocado, and snake fruit with mangosteen and kiwifruit in order to find the preferable diet for human consumption. The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and carotenoids, and the level of antioxidant potential by ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC in different extracts (methanol, water, acetone, and hexane) were determined. The presence of polyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acids) in the investigated samples was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and three-dimensional fluorimetry (3D-FL).The in vivo studies were carried out on 25 male Wistar rats, divided into 5 diet groups, each of 5. During 30days of the experiment the rats of all 5 groups were fed basal diet (BD), which included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, vitamin and mineral mixtures. The rats of the Control group were fed only the BD. The BD of the other 4 groups was supplemented with 1% of nonoxidized cholesterol (NOC) (Chol group), 1% of NOC in each group and 5% of lyophilized fruits: durian (Chol/Durian), snake fruit (Chol/Snake), mangosteen (Chol/Mangosteen). After the experiment diets supplemented with exotic fruits significantly hindered the rise in plasma lipids and hindered the decrease in the plasma antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the contents of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant potential are relatively high in the studied fruits and varied among them depending on the extraction procedure. FT-IR and 3D-FL can be used as additional tools for identification and comparison of bioactive compounds. Supplementation of diets with exotic fruits positively affects plasma lipid profile and antioxidant activity in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets.

Effects of antioxidants on post-thawed bovine sperm and oxidative stress parameters: Antioxidants protect DNA integrity against cryodamage

This study was conducted to determine the effects of methionine, inositol and carnitine on sperm (motility, abnormality, DNA integrity and in vivo fertility) and oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, total glutathione and antioxidant potential levels) of bovine semen after the freeze–thawing process. Nine ejaculates, collected with the aid of an artificial vagina twice a week from each Simmental bovine, were included in the study. Each ejaculate, splitted into seven equal groups and diluted in Tris-based extender containing methionine (2.5 and 7.5 mM), carnitine (2.5 and 7.5 mM), inositol (2.5 and 7.5 mM) and no additive (control), was cooled to 5 °C and then frozen in 0.25 ml straws. Frozen straws were then thawed individually at 37 °C for 20 s in a water bath for the evaluation. The extender supplemented with 7.5 mM doses of carnitine and inositol led to higher subjective motility percentages (61.9 ± 1.3% and 51.3 ± 1.6%) compared to the other groups. The addition of methionine and carnitine at doses of 2.5 and 7.5 mM and inositol at doses of 7.5 mM provided a greater protective effect in the percentages of total abnormality in comparison to the control and inositol 2.5 mM ( P < 0.001). As regards CASA motility, 7.5 mM carnitine (41.6 ± 2.9% and 54.2 ± 4.9%) and inositol (34.9 ± 2.0% and 47.3 ± 2.2%) caused insignificant increases in CASA and total motility in comparison to the other groups. All of the antioxidants at 2.5 and 7.5 mM resulted in lower sperm with damaged DNA than that of control, thus reducing the DNA damage ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in CASA progressive motility and sperm motion characteristics among the groups. In fertility results based on 59-day non-returns, no significant differences were observed in non-return rates among groups. As regards biochemical parameters, supplementation with antioxidants did not significantly affect LPO and total GSH levels in comparison to the control group ( P > 0.05). The maintenance of AOP level in methionine 2.5 mM was demonstrated to be higher (5.06 ± 0.38 mM) than that of control (0.96 ± 0.29 mM) following the freeze–thawing ( P < 0.001). Supplementation with these antioxidants prior to the cryopreservation process protected the DNA integrity against the cryodamage. Furthermore, future research should focus on the molecular mechanisms of the antioxidative effects of the antioxidants methionine, carnitine and inositol during cryopreservation.

Serum derivative of reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) in pediatric hemato‐oncological patients with neutropenic fever

Early markers for predicting the severity of neutropenic fever (NF) in patients with hemato-oncological patients have not yet been established. Reactive oxygen species are known to play an important role in the antimicrobial function of neutrophils. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) levels in these patients, and to investigate the associations between these levels and the severity of NF. Twenty-seven pediatric hemato-oncological patients were enroled in this prospective study. Their median age was 10 years (range 1-19). Laboratory samples for C-reactive protein (CRP), d-ROMs, and BAP were collected at the onset of NF. The Free Radical Analytical System 4(R) was used to measure levels of d-ROMs and BAP. A total 36 NF episodes were evaluated. Levels of d-ROMs in NF patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS, n = 7) were significantly lower than those in subjects without SIRS (n = 29; 197.6 vs. 314.1 U.CARR, P = 0.017). There were no statistically significant differences in CRP, BAP, WBC count, or neutrophil count at the onset. The peak levels of CRP were significantly higher in patients with SIRS than in those without SIRS (23.9 vs. 6.1 mg/dl, P = 0.0003). Patients with low level of d-ROMs at the onset of NF should be observed stringently since they possibly have severe NF.

Impact of a Single Intracoronary Administration of Adiponectin on Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in a Pig Model

Adiponectin plays a protective role in the development of obesity-linked disorders. We demonstrated that adiponectin exerts beneficial actions on acute ischemic injury in mice hearts. However, the effects of adiponectin treatment in large animals and its feasibility in clinical practice have not been investigated. This study investigated the effects of intracoronary administration of adiponectin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in pigs. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded in pigs for 45 minutes and then reperfused for 24 hours. Recombinant adiponectin protein was given as a bolus intracoronary injection during ischemia. Cardiac functional parameters were measured by a manometer-tipped catheter. Apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling staining. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 transcripts were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites and biological antioxidant potential were measured. Adiponectin protein was determined by immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. Intracoronary administration of adiponectin protein led to a reduction in myocardial infarct size and improvement of left ventricular function in pigs after I/R. Injected adiponectin protein accumulated in the I/R-injured heart. Adiponectin treatment resulted in decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and increased interleukin-10 mRNA levels in the myocardium after I/R. Adiponectin-treated pigs had reduced apoptotic activity in the I/R-injured heart and showed increased biological antioxidant potential levels and decreased derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolite levels in the blood stream after I/R. These data suggest that adiponectin protects against I/R injury in a preclinical pig model through its ability to suppress inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Administration of intracoronary adiponectin could be a useful adjunctive therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

Copper(II)-selective chelation improves function and antioxidant defences in cardiovascular tissues of rats as a model of diabetes: comparisons between triethylenetetramine and three less copper-selective transition-metal-targeted treatments

Treatment with the Cu(II)-selective chelator triethylenetetramine (TETA) improves cardiovascular disease in human patients, and cardiac and vascular/renal disease in rats used as a model of diabetes. Here we tested two hypotheses: first, that TETA elicits greater improvement in organ function than less Cu-selective transition-metal-targeted treatments; second, that the therapeutic actions of TETA are consistent with mediation through suppression of oxidative stress. Rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i. v.) and treated from 8 weeks after disease induction for the following 8 weeks with effective dosages of oral TETA, or one of three less Cu-selective transition-metal-targeted treatments: D-penicillamine, deferiprone or Zn acetate. Treatment effects were measured in ex vivo cardiac and aortic tissues, plasma and urine. Diabetes damaged both cardiac and renal/vascular function by impairing the ability of cardiac output to respond physiologically to rising afterload, and by significantly elevating the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. Diabetes also lowered total antioxidant potential and heparan sulphate levels in cardiac and arterial tissues, and serum ferroxidase activity, whereas it elevated urinary heparan sulphate excretion. TETA treatment rectified or partially rectified all these defects, whereas the other three experimental treatments were ineffectual. By contrast, none of the four drug treatments lowered diabetes-mediated elevations of plasma glucose or lipid concentrations. TETA may limit the cardiac and renal/vascular damage inflicted by diabetes through its actions to reinforce antioxidant defence mechanisms, probably acting through selective chelation of 'loosely-bound'/chelatable Cu(II). It may also improve heparan sulphate homeostasis and bolster antioxidant defence by increasing vascular extracellular superoxide dismutase activity. Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio might prove useful for monitoring TETA treatment.

Investigation of Antioxidant Capacity and Phytochemical Composition of Sun Chlorella -An Invitro Study

Sun Chlorella is a natural whole food supplement derived from a fresh water single celled green algae called Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The aqueous and organic extracts (hexane and ethyl acetate) obtained from Sun chlorella were screened on reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation inhibition potential. The aqueous extract compared to hexane and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited significant high levels of antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation inhibition potential along with phenolic and flavonoid contents. In addition, the correlation coefficient between the TAC, phenolic content was found to be significantly positive for the aqueous extract (R2=0.0995) when compared to hexane (R2 =0.016 2), ethyl acetate ( R2 =0.0395 ) extracts. As the aqueous extract of sun chlorella showed significant antioxidant potential by positively modulating the antioxidant activity in vitro ((fish liver homogenate sample) study sample, it is rightly to be considered as a fish feed.

Relationship of Dietary Habits and Obesity to Oxidative Stress in Palauan People: Compared with Japanese and Mongolian People

The Republic of Palau belongs to Micronesia, and obese people and lifestyle-related diseases are prevalent there. We investigated the relationship of dietary habits and obesity to oxidative stress in Palauan people, as compared with those of Japanese and Mongolian people. A total of 126 healthy Palauan subjects were enrolled. Oxidative stress was evaluated by serum level of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by serum level of biological antioxidant potential (BAP). In Palauan subjects, BMI> or =30 was observed in 45.0% of males and 59.1% of females (Japanese: males 1.3%, females 0.8%, Mongolian: males 6.3%, females 14.7%). Palauan subjects consumed 2553 kcal per day (Japanese 2121 kcal, Mongolians 2534 kcal). The ratios of carbohydrate energy to total energy were 59.8 % (Japanese 54.7 %, Mongolians 50.2%). The ratios of fat energy to total energy were 22.9% (Japanese 26.7%, Mongolians 34.5%). ROM levels in Palauan subjects showed higher than those in Japanese subjects, while BAP levels of Palauan subjects did not decrease compared to those of Japanese. ROM levels correlated with body fat ratio, and showed a reverse correlation with handgrip strength. Handgrip strength decreased in the subjects of more than forty years of age. These findings suggest that the obesity in Palauan people may have a connection with high intake of calories through carbohydrate eating rather than through fat eating. Their high oxidative stress may be induced by obesity, and contribute to an early decline of handgrip strength, ultimately in early aging.

Reduced circulating antioxidant defences are associated with airway hyper-responsiveness, poor control and severe disease pattern in asthma

Dietary antioxidants are important in protecting against oxidative stress. We have previously demonstrated that circulating dietary antioxidant levels are reduced in asthma. The present study examined the variation in dietary antioxidant levels in asthma, according to airway responsiveness, asthma control and clinical asthma pattern. Peripheral blood was collected from forty-one subjects with stable, persistent asthma. Airway responsiveness was assessed by hypertonic saline challenge. Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire. Clinical asthma pattern was determined using Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria. Whole-blood carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin) and tocopherols (alpha-, delta-, gamma-tocopherol) were measured by HPLC. Plasma antioxidant potential (AOP) was determined by colorimetric assay (OxisResearch, Portland, OR, USA). Asthmatic subjects with airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) had reduced levels of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol compared with those without AHR. Subjects with uncontrolled asthma had low levels of AOP compared with those with controlled or partly controlled asthma. Subjects with a severe persistent clinical asthma pattern had reduced levels of alpha-tocopherol compared with those with a mild to moderate asthma pattern. We conclude that asthmatic subjects with AHR, uncontrolled asthma and a severe asthma pattern have impaired antioxidant defences and are thus most susceptible to the damaging effects of oxidative stress. This highlights the potential role for antioxidant supplementation in these subjects.

Oxidative imbalance in idiopathic renal hypouricemia

An important complication of idiopathic renal hypouricemia is exercise-induced acute renal failure (ARF). The most plausible explanation for this complication is that decreased antioxidant potential leads to kidney injury by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrated this oxidative imbalance by a concomitant assessment of ROS production and antioxidant system capability in a 15- year-old girl with idiopathic renal hypouricemia caused by a mutation in the urate transporter (URAT1) gene. Her serum level of ROS increased with decreasing antioxidant potential capacity soon after the initiation of anaerobic stress due to treadmill exercise. Thereafter, serum levels of ROS and antioxidant potential showed a parallel course, returning to the baseline values at 240 min after exercise. Some patients with idiopathic renal hypouricemia demonstrate oxidative imbalance soon after exercise with a predisposition to exercise-induced acute renal failure. Antioxidant properties may alter this imbalance by augmenting the antioxidant activity.

Increased Inflammation, Reduced Plasma Phospholipid Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Reduced Antioxidant Potential of Treated Hypertensive Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

PurposeIn the present study, we tested whether the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) would worsen the features of inflammation, plasma omega 3 fatty acid levels and antioxidant potential in treated hypertensive patients.Materials and MethodsTwo groups were classified by the components of MetS: a reference group of treated hypertensive subjects: hypertension (HTN) group (n = 39) and with more than two additional MetS components: HTN with Mets group (n = 40). We further compared the parameters between HTN group and HTN with MetS group.ResultsThe results showed that age (p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001) were significantly different between HTN group and HTN with MetS group. Age- and BMI-adjusted total radical trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) (p < 0.01) was significantly lower, whereas age- and BMI-adjusted CD (p < 0.05) and interleukin (IL) 6 (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in HTN with MetS group than in HTN group. Moreover, HTN with MetS group had significantly lower levels of age- and BMI-adjusted plasma phospholipid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) than HTN group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the levels of age- and BMI-adjusted intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), adiponectin and high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionIn conclusion, our results showed increased inflammatory marker, reduced antioxidant potential and EPA levels in treated hypertensive patients in the presence of MetS, suggesting the importance of changes of therapeutic lifestyle to modify the features of MetS.

Relationship Between Periodontal Condition and Plasma Reactive Oxygen Metabolites in Patients in the Maintenance Phase of Periodontal Treatment

The relationship between systemic antioxidative status and periodontal condition has been investigated in epidemiologic studies. However, little literature is available with regard to the correlation between systemic reactive oxygen species and periodontal condition. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between plasma reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and periodontal condition in patients in the maintenance phase of periodontal treatment. Eighty-one subjects (mean age: 57.4 years) who had entered a periodontal maintenance program were examined for probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Plasma levels of ROM and biologic antioxidant potential (BAP) were determined with a free radical electric evaluator. The plasma level of ROM was positively correlated to mean CAL (r = 0.281; P = 0.011) and percentage of teeth with CAL > or =4 mm (r = 0.236; P = 0.034), but not mean PD (r = 0.196; P = 0.080). Logistic regression analysis showed that subjects with ROM levels >400 Carratelli units (CARR U) had significantly higher mean CAL compared to subjects with ROM < or =400 CARR U after adjusting for age, gender, and the number of teeth present (P = 0.011). However, the plasma level of BAP was not significantly correlated with the periodontal parameters. A positive association was found between plasma oxidative status and CAL in patients in the maintenance phase of periodontal therapy. A systemic increase in oxidative stress may influence the rate of progression of periodontal disease.