Biological Antioxidant Potential Research Articles

Approaches to Help Older Women in ART

Ancient Chinese emperors sent messengers to the whole country and explored an elixir of life. Determent of aging has been an ultimate hope for humans for a long period. In the modern era, aging become a hot topic to be solved according to longevity. Equality of both sexes in society contributed to the late marriage and start of making children. There happen adverse effects to being conceived in the aged ovaries. The quality and quantity become impaired by the ovarian aging process. In the artificial reproductive treatment, the obtained number of oocytes in ovarian hyperstimulation diminishes in aged women. The aging impairs quality both in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Chromosomal and genetic abnormalities increase lower implantation and higher abortion. In aged women, PGT-A may be effective to effective treatment. On the other hand, aging affects organelles in the cytoplasm of oocytes by protein metabolic dysregulations. Especially it induces mitochondria dysfunction. Mitochondria are called a “powerhouse” and have an essential role in oogenesis and embryogenesis. There exist 200,000-40,000 mitochondria DNA copies in the mature oocytes. Mitochondria dysfunction causes maturation arrest of oocytes, fertilization failure, late cleavage, and fragmented embryos. We have two strategies to solve this problem by enhancement of mitochondrial function. One is the holistic approach. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals impair mitochondrial function. Also, mitochondria themselves are known to produce ROS. We measure Diacron-Reactive Oxygen Metabolites (d-Rom) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) that are predictors of systemic ROS level and antioxidant competence, respectively. Another method is a cell-engineering approach. We have conducted autologous mitochondria transfer into mature oocytes. The quality of the oocytes and embryos were dramatically improved by this method, and we obtained 13 healthy children.

Oxidative stress and optical coherence tomography angiography evaluation of choriocapillaris and retinal vessel density in children with obstructive sleep apnea.

To investigate the vascular networks of the retina and choroid using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to identify early biomarkers of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and to evaluate correlations with blood levels of oxidative stress. Patients with OSA were diagnosed based on video-polysomnography (PSG) and blood samples were collected to evaluate oxidative stress markers: total antioxidant status (TAS), biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test, Diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) test. The eyes of children with OSA were evaluated and compared with eyes of healthy age-matched children. OCTA imaging was carried out to evaluate the choroidal and retinal vascular network density indices. A total of 31 children with OSA were recruited and compared with 10 healthy children. Choriocapillaris flow area decreased (p = 0.006) and superficial capillary plexus vessel density increased (p=0.01) with increasing severity of OSA. Children with OSA showed significant differences in TAS and d-ROMs test when compared to normal pediatric values (p<0.05). In calculating the correlations between PSG, oxidative stress, and OCTA variables, there was a negative correlation between choriocapillaris flow area and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (p = 0.02, r2 -0.5) and between choriocapillaris flow area and the d-ROMs test (p 0.03; r2 0.5). The severity of OSA was associated with the choroidal and retinal capillary vascular networks. The correlation of the choriocapillaris flow area with AHI and the d-ROMs test indicates the connection of the choroidal microvasculature with the number of obstructive apnea and hypopnea events and oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress in donor mares for ovum pick-up delays embryonic development

The in vitro production of equine embryos via ovum pick-up (OPU) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased rapidly. There is a marked effect of the individual mare on the outcome of OPU-ICSI, but little is known about the influence of the mare's health condition. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between the concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in serum of oocytes' donor mares and the subsequent embryonic development. Just before OPU, a blood sample was collected from 28 Warmblood donor mares, that were subjected to a routine OPU-ICSI program. The serum concentrations of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP were assayed photometrically. The maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rate as well as the kinetics of blastocyst development were recorded. The average blastocyst rate was 24.68 ± 5.16% and the average concentrations of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP were 519.59 ± 157.08 pg/mL, 171.30 ± 4.55 carratelli units (UCARR), and 2711.30 ± 4.55 μmol/L, respectively. Serum concentrations of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP were not significantly different between mares yielding at least one blastocyst (552.68 ± 235.18 pg/mL, 168.36 ± 5.56 UCARR, and 2524.80 ± 159.55 μmol/L) and mares yielding no blastocysts (468.47 ± 179.99 pg/mL, 175.85 ± 7.89 UCARR, and 2999.50 ± 300.13 μmol/L, respectively). Serum concentrations of d-ROMs were significantly lower in mares with fast growing (at day 7–8 post ICSI; 148.10 ± 8.13 UCARR) compared to those with slow growing blastocysts (≥ day 9 post ICSI; 179.41 ± 4.89 UCARR; P = 0.003). Taken together, the serum concentration of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP do not determine the mare's ability to produce blastocysts in vitro. Although it may be questioned whether a single sample is representative of the mare's health status, changes in serum metabolites related to oxidative stress at the time of oocyte retrieval were linked to a delayed blastocyst development in a clinical OPU-ICSI outcome.

Efficacy of Comedy on Health-Related Quality of Life and Oxidative Stress in Cancer Survivors.

Cancer survivors have reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) due to impaired daily functioning. In addition, daily stress leads to worsening oxidative stress. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of laughter therapy on HRQOL and oxidative stress in cancer survivors. This before-and-after study asked cancer survivors to watch a 15-minute or longer comedy video over a four-week period to assess the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), EuroQOL 5 dimension 3-level (EQ-5D-3L), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP), Reactive Oxygen Metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), and the antioxidant/oxidative stress ratio. The nonparametric Friedman test showed significant increases from baseline in FACT-G and EQ-VAS scores and significant decreases in HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression scores. Post hoc analyses showed that these items commonly differed significantly at baseline versus three and four weeks after Bonferroni correction. T-test results in the biological analysis revealed small and moderate effects with significant differences in BAP (p < 0.01, d = 0.49), OSI (p = 0.03, d = 0.33), and BAP/d-ROMs (p < 0.01, d = 0.51). These results suggest that daily comedy viewing may be an effective intervention to improve quality of life and antioxidant capacity in cancer survivors. Considering its safety, convenience, and low cost, it should be considered a high-value intervention for cancer survivors.

Factors Associated With Visual Acuity Decline in Glaucoma Patients With Loss of Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness.

To investigate the association between ocular/systemic factors and visual acuity decline in glaucoma patients with loss of ganglion cell complex thickness (GCCT). In 515 eyes of 515 patients with open-angle glaucoma (mean age, 62.6 ± 12.8 years; mean deviation, -10.95 ± 9.07 dB), we used swept-source optical coherence tomography to measure macular GCCT in sectors classified as corresponding to circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer clock-hour sectors from 7 o'clock (inferotemporal) to 11 o'clock (superotemporal). We calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between each sector and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), determined cutoff values for BCVA decline (<20/25), and used multivariable linear regression models to determine the correlation between BCVA and biological antioxidant potential (BAP), corneal hysteresis (CH), and temporal-tissue optic nerve head blood flow (represented by temporal mean blur rate, or MBR-T). Macular GCCT corresponding to the 9 o'clock sector had the highest correlation with BCVA (Rs = -0.454; P < 0.001) and a cutoff of 76.17 µm (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.891; P < 0.001). Subjects below this cutoff (N = 173) showed significant correlations between BCVA and age, BAP, CH, and MBR-T (β = 0.192, P = 0.033; β = -0.186, P = 0.028; β = -0.217, P = 0.011; and β = -0.222, P = 0.010, respectively). Multiple factors are involved in BCVA decline in patients with glaucoma with decreased macular GCCT. This suggests that evaluating BCVA may require assessing multiple factors. Multiple factors contribute to BCVA decline.

Analysis of oxidative stress and antioxidative potential in premature ovarian insufficiency.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by an early decline in ovarian function, inducing secondary amenorrhea. While the cause of POI has not yet been identified, the function of mitochondria in the ovaries and the cytotoxicity associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in follicle pool depletion and a decline in follicle quality. Recently developed tests have enabled easy measurement of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP). The combination of these two tests is used to comprehensively assess oxidative stress in the blood. To comprehensively assess the oxidative stress of d-ROMs and BAP in POI. Participants were classified into two groups: A POI group of 11 women aged < 40 years examined between January 2021 and June 2022 with a history of secondary amenorrhea for at least 4 mo in our hospital and an FSH value of ≥ 40 mIU/mL; and a control group of healthy women of the same age with normal ovarian function in our hospital. Plasma d-ROMs and BAP were measured in both these groups underwent. Differences between groups were assessed using the t-test. The mean age and mean body mass index (BMI) were 35.8 ± 3.0 years and 20.1 ± 1.9 kg/m2 in the control group and 35.8 ± 2.7 years and 19.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2 in the POI group, respectively. The mean gravidity and parity in control and POI groups were 0.6 ± 0.7 and 0.4 ± 0.5 and 0.6 ± 0.9 and 0.3 ± 0.5, respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean age, BMI, gravidity, or parity. The d-ROMs level was significantly higher in the POI group than in the control group (478.2 ± 58.7 vs 341.1 ± 35.1 U.CARR; P < 0.001); however, the BAP level did not significantly differ between the two groups (2078.5 ± 157.4 vs 2029.0 ± 186.4 μmol/L). The oxidase stress index (d-ROMs/BAP × 100) was significantly higher in the POI group than in the control group (23.7 ± 3.3 vs 16.5 ± 2.1; P < 0.001). Oxidative stress was significantly greater in the POI group than in the control group, suggesting oxidative stress as a factor that can serve as a POI biomarker.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Variation of Oxidative Stress, hs-CRP and Cortisol Induced by Sleep Deficiency.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sleep deficiency (SD) on oxidative stress, hs-CRP and cortisol levels and to examine the effects of different intensities of aerobic exercise on these parameters under SD conditions. Thirty-two healthy male university students participated in the study and underwent both normal sleep (NS, 8 h of sleep per night for 3 consecutive days) and SD (4 h of sleep per night for 3 consecutive days). After the SD period, the participants performed treatment for 30 min according to their assigned group [sleep supplement after SD (SSD), low-intensity aerobic exercise after SD (LES), moderate-intensity aerobic exercise after SD (MES), high-intensity aerobic exercise after SD (HES)]. Sleep-related factors were measured at NS and SD, while oxidative stress, hs-CRP and cortisol levels were measured at NS, SD and immediately after treatment by group (AT). The results showed that actual total sleep time (ATST) was significantly reduced during SD compared to NS (p < 0.001), while the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were significantly increased during SD compared to NS (p < 0.001). The difference in reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and cortisol levels showed a significant interaction effect (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively), with LES showing a decrease in d-ROMs and cortisol levels compared to SD (p < 0.05). Similarly, SSD showed a decrease in cortisol levels compared to SD (p < 0.05), while HES led to a significant increase in d-ROMs and cortisol levels compared to SD (p < 0.05). Biological antioxidant potential (BAP) and hs-CRP did not show any significant effect (p > 0.05). These results suggest that LES is the most effective exercise intensity for mitigating the negative effects of SD.

Influence of body lesion severity on oxidative status and gut microbiota of weaned pigs

Body lesions in pigs are a common welfare concern, particularly during the weaning period. These lesions can lead to pain, infection, and impaired mobility, resulting in reduced growth performance and increased mortality. Moreover, weaning stress can affect gut microbiota, immune response and increase the oxidative stress of piglets during this transition period. It has been hypothesised that social stress and body lesions could contribute to affect the gut microbiota, physiological and immune response of piglets. The study aims to evaluate the impact of the body lesions due to social stress on microbial profile, immune response, and oxidative status of weaned piglets. Lesion score (LS) on skin, tail, ear, neck, middle trunk, and hind quarters was measured 1 week (28 days of age, T1) and 7 weeks postweaning (T2) on 45 tail-docked pigs according to the method suggested from the Walfer Quality® (2009) on a scale from 0 to 2. Based on the LS, at T1, piglets were classified as High LS (n = 16), when LS was >1 in at least two of the areas considered, or Low LS (n = 29). At T2, based on the same scoring system and to the LS observed at T1, piglets were divided into four groups: High to Low LS (H-L, n = 11), High to High LS (H-H, n = 5), Low to Low LS (L-L, n = 21) and Low to High LS (L-H, n = 8). Blood and faecal samples were collected at T1 and T2. At T1, pigs with a high LS had a lower biological antioxidant potential compared with the L group (P < 0.02). At T2, the L-H group had a lower Reactive Oxygen Metabolites concentration compared with the H-H group (P = 0.03) while the L-L group had a lower concentration of Immunoglobulin A compared with H-H and L-H groups (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively). At T1, piglets with high LS had a different microbiota compared to piglets with low LS (R2 = 0.04, P < 0.01). Low LS pigs were characterised by a higher abundance of Firmicutes, Blautia, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Faecalibacterium, Megasphaera, Subdoligranulum (P.adj < 0.05), while pigs with high LS were characterised by higher abundance of Bacteroidota, Rikenellaceae RC9, Prevotellaceae UCG-003, uncultured-Lachnospiraceae and uncultured-Oscillospiraceae (P.adj < 0.05). At T2, the H-H group were characterised by Oscillospirales-UCG-010, H-L by Agatobachter and L-L by Alloprevotella (P.adj < 0.05). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between body lesions, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota in weaned pigs.

Lipid metabolites, interleukin-6 and oxidative stress markers in follicular fluid and their association with serum concentrations in mares.

The application of trans-vaginal ovum pick up (OPU) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is well established for commercial in vitro embryo production in horses. These assisted reproductive techniques are especially applied during the non-breeding season of the mare. However, little is known about how the health of the oocyte donor may affect the biochemical composition of the follicular fluid (FF) in small and medium-sized follicles routinely aspirated during OPU. This study aimed to investigate associations between systemic and FF concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), and oxidative stress index (OSI) during the non-breeding season in mares. At the slaughterhouse, serum and FF of small (5-10mm in diameter), medium (> 10-20mm in diameter), and large (> 20-30mm in diameter) follicles were sampled from 12 healthy mares. There was a strong positive association (P < 0.01) between the concentration of IL-6 in serum and those measured in small (r = 0.846), medium (r = 0.999), and large (r = 0.996) follicles. Serum concentrations of NEFA were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with those measured in small (r = 0.726), medium (r = 0.720), and large (r = 0.974) follicles. Values of total cholesterol and OSI in serum and medium follicles were significantly associated (r = 0.736 and r = 0.696, respectively). The serum concentrations of all lipid metabolites were markedly higher than those measured in FF of small- and medium-sized follicles. Values of IL-6 and OSI did not change significantly between serum and all follicle classes (P ≥ 0.05). To conclude, changes in the blood composition associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and disturbed lipid metabolism of mares may lead to an inadequate oocyte microenvironment, which could affect oocyte quality and the success rate of OPU/ICSI programs. Further research should indicate whether these changes may ultimately affect in vitro oocyte developmental capacity and subsequent embryo quality.

Applications of Perilla frutescens Extracts in Clinical Practice

(1) Background: Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is an important pharmaceutical crop that remains a focus point for researchers worldwide due to its complex phytochemical constituents, medicinal effects, and nutraceutical properties. The literature data are based on animal and cell culture studies, so the clinical evidence for the therapeutic effects is poorly outlined. The aim of this review was to provide an updated and thorough understanding of Perilla frutescens applications in clinical practice using data derived from human studies, and to outline the potential directions and perspectives for further studies on this crop. (2) Methods: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were used to find relevant studies. All interventional studies that evaluated the effect of Perilla frutescens in human subjects were assessed. (3) Results: The main perspectives that can be contoured from the presented literature evaluation are an important clinical effect of Perilla frutescens extracts on allergic rhinoconjuctivitis, especially in young populations, a potent hypolipemiant effect that, in conjunction with increased serum biological antioxidant potential, determines significant improvements in cognitive function and a wide variety of miscellaneous clinical effects that need further exploration. (4) Conclusions: Supplementary research is needed in order to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of Perilla frutescens in controlled clinical settings.

Sex differences in the association between systemic oxidative stress status and optic nerve head blood flow in normal-tension glaucoma.

To investigate the association of systemic oxidative stress markers and optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients, as well as sex differences in this association. This was a cross-sectional study of 235 eyes with NTG of 134 patients (56 male, 78 female; mean age, 60.9±14.1 years). Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) was used to measure ONH blood flow (mean blur rate in the tissue area of the ONH; MBR-T) and LSFG pulse-waveform parameters, including flow acceleration index in the tissue area of the ONH (FAI-T). Oxidative stress markers, diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were measured with a free radical elective evaluator. Spearman's rank correlation test and a multivariate linear mixed-effect model were used to investigate factors associated with ONH blood flow. MBR-T was significantly correlated with age (rs = -0.28, p < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (rs = -0.20, p = 0.002), intraocular pressure (rs = 0.24, p < 0.001), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (rs = 0.62, p < 0.001), and disc area (rs = -0.26, p < 0.001), but not with serum d-ROM level. Separate analyses of the subjects divided by sex showed that BAP was positively correlated to MBR-T (rs = 0.21, p = 0.036) and FAI-T (rs = 0.36, p < 0.001) only in male subjects. Similarly, BAP was significantly associated with MBR-T (β = 0.25, p = 0.026) and FAI-T (β = 0.37, p < 0.001) in male subjects in a multivariate linear mixed-effect model. A lower serum antioxidant level, as indicated by BAP, was associated with reduced ONH blood flow only in male NTG patients. Our findings suggest that there are sex differences in the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of reduced ocular blood flow in NTG.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Body Composition and the Derivatives of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites &amp; Biological Antioxidant Potential

OBJECTIVES This study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise at different intensities on body composition and the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites &amp; biological antioxidant potential.METHODS The recruited subjects of thirty young men without any medical problems were divided into LEAI(light-exercise aerobic intensity, n=10), MEAI(moderate-exercise aerobic intensity, n=10), and VEAI(vigorous-exercise aerobic intensity, n=10). The variables were measured to the body compositions (%body fat, BMI &amp; WHR) and the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites &amp; biological antioxidant potential) on pre-and post-exercise protocol programs for 8 weeks. The collected blood samples from a fingertip were analyzed with FRAS evolve, H &amp; D co., Italy. Statistical analysis used the two-way repeatedmeasures ANOVA and Tukey’s test for post-hoc analysis and test of homogeneity with Levene’s F value.RESULTS The results are as follows; In body compositions, %body fat was shown a significant difference between pre-and post-exercise in the VIAE group and a significant difference between LIAE &amp; VIEA and MIEA group in post-exercise. WHR(waist to hip ratio) was shown a significant difference between LIAE &amp; VIEA and MIEA group in post-exercise. The oxidative stress, d-ROM(derivatives of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites) was not shown a difference significantly, and BAP(Biological Antioxidant Potential) significant difference between pre-and post-exercise in LIEA &amp; VIEA groups.CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, it increased oxidative stress parameters, the derivatives of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites, and Biological Antioxidant Potential in each group after 8 weeks of exercise. The antioxidant defense system was revealed to ensure biological safety in regular exercise situations.

Impact of Menopause and the Menstrual Cycle on Oxidative Stress in Japanese Women.

Although estrogen possesses both pro- and anti-oxidant properties, its overall role in oxidative stress among women remains unclear, particularly since the influence of exogenously administered estrogen during previous studies differed by dose, administration route, and estrogen type. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of endogenous estrogen on oxidative stress in women. Thus, we performed a non-interventional observational study of healthy postmenopausal (n = 71) and premenopausal (n = 72) female volunteers. Serum levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs, which are collectively a marker of oxidative stress), as well as the biological antioxidant potential (BAP, an indicator of antioxidant capacity), were compared between (1) pre- versus post-menopausal women, and (2) premenopausal women in early follicular versus mid-luteal phases of their menstrual cycles. We found that serum d-ROMs and BAP values in postmenopausal women were significantly higher than those in premenopausal women. Moreover, the d-ROM levels were significantly correlated with serum copper concentrations. However, neither d-ROMs nor BAP values were significantly affected by the menstrual cycle phase, although changes in d-ROMs between the follicular and luteal phases were significantly correlated with copper concentration shifts. These data indicate that postmenopausal hypoestrogenism is associated with elevated oxidative stress, although regular fluctuations of estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle do not influence oxidative stress.

Perilla seed oil improves bone health by inhibiting bone resorption in healthy Japanese adults: A 12-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Accumulating evidence suggests the beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on bone mineral density (BMD). However, the effects of perilla (Perilla frutescens) seed oil (PO), a rich source of α-linoleic acid (LNA), on human bone have not yet been elucidated. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of long-term PO intake on bone health in Japanese adults. After screening for eligibility, 52 participants (mean age 54.2 ± 6.4 years) were randomly assigned to placebo (n=25) and PO (n=27) groups, which received 7.0 ml of olive oil and PO daily, respectively. At baseline and 12-month, quantitative ultrasound of the right calcaneus was measured with an ultrasound bone densitometer and percentage of the Young Adult Mean (%YAM) was calculated. Serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were evaluated. In addition, PUFA levels in the erythrocyte plasma membrane (RBC-PM), serum biological antioxidant potential (BAP), and diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) were evaluated. Compared with the placebo group, %YAM levels increased and serum TRACP-5b levels decreased significantly in the PO group at 12-month, while serum BALP levels remained unchanged. Moreover, RBC-PM LNA levels and BAP/d-ROM ratios increased significantly in the PO compared with the placebo group. These results suggest that long-term PO intake may improve age-related BMD decline by suppressing bone resorption and increasing LNA levels.

Balance of the prooxidant and antioxidant system is associated with mortality in critically ill patients.

It is well known that oxidative stress causes certain diseases and organ damage. However, roles of oxidative stress in the acute phase of critical patients remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the balance of oxidative and antioxidative system and to clarify the association between oxidative stress and mortality in critically ill patients. This cohort study enrolled 247 patients transported to our emergency department by ambulance. Blood was drawn on hospital arrival, and serum derivatives of reactive oxidant metabolites (dROMs, oxidative index) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP, antioxidative index) were measured. Modified ratio (MR) is also calculated as BAP/dROMs/7.51. There were 197 survivors and 50 non-survivors. In the non-survivors, dROMs were significantly lower (274 vs 311, p<0.01), BAP was significantly higher (2,853 vs 2,138, p<0.01), and MR was significantly higher (1.51 vs 0.92, p<0.01) compared to those in the survivors. The AUC of MR was similar to that for the APACHE II score. Contrary to our expectations, higher BAP and lower dROMs were observed on admission in non-survivors. This may suggest that the antioxidative system is more dominant in the acute phase of severe insults and that the balance toward a higher antioxidative system is associated with mortality.

Linear association between aging and decreased blood thiol antioxidant activity in patients with cataract.

We comprehensively assessed the roles of systemic redox markers by including both prooxidant and antioxidant markers in 121 Japanese subjects (mean ± SD age, 70 ± 11 years; 38 men) with no ocular pathology except age-related cataract. Serum levels of lipid peroxides, ferric-reducing activity, and thiol antioxidant activity were measured using the diacron reactive oxygen metabolite (dROM), biologic antioxidant potential (BAP), and sulfhydryl (SH) tests, respectively, using a free-radical analyzer. Univariate analyses suggested that older age, higher pulse rate, worse best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), higher intraocular pressure, and higher cataract grade were associated with a lower SH level. Scatterplots revealed virtually linear associations between age and the SH level (estimate, -4.4 μM/year). Multivariate analyses suggested that older age, higher systolic blood pressure, and worse BCVA were associated with a lower SH level. Neither the univariate nor multivariate analyses, except between female sex and higher dROM level, were associated with the dROM or BAP level. A lower serum SH level was the driver of aging itself and age-related decline in VA due to cataract. The serum SH level may be an excellent predictor of aging status in each subject.

Acupuncture Treatment Improves Transport Stress in Microminipigs Through the Acupoint in Ears.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture treatment through the ear acupoints on transport stress in experimental microminipigs. Experiment 1: Six animals were equally divided into two groups (Control and Treatment). In the treatment group, before transportation (6 h; vehicle and plane), short, ultrathin circular transdermal needles were applied to locations corresponding to the acupoints on the apical area of both ears. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the cranial vena cava 2 days before and immediately after transportation. Blood stress markers, biochemistry indicators, and oxidative stress levels were examined. Experiment 2 (follow-up study: diarrhea incidence after transportation): Diarrhea incidence after transportation in the control and treatment groups was investigated. Experiment 1: Transport stress induced an increase in blood cortisol, serum amyloid A (SAA), glucose, non-esterified fatty acid, and derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and decreased the biological antioxidant potential (BAP)/d-ROMs ratio yet did not affect BAP. Acupuncture suppressed the increases in SAA and d-ROMs values and the decrease in BAP/d-ROMs ratio. Experiment 2: The total diarrhea incidence was 25% in the control group, whereas diarrhea was not observed in the treatment group. Acupuncture treatment suppresses hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and, as a result, reduces transport stress without affecting the suppression of the central catecholaminergic system. Acupuncture treatment for transport stress can improve animal welfare.

Oxidative stress in newborn kids and does submitted to different antenatal corticosteroid therapy

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different corticosteroid protocols performed in pregnant does on oxidative stress markers of newborn kids born with 141 days of gestation and does. Reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were examine in response to the following four protocols: GI (does: n = 4; newborns kids: n = 7) with a single dose of 20 mg dexamethasone, 2 days prior to elective surgery (139 days of gestation); GII (does: n = 4; newborns kids: n = 6) 2 mg dexamethasone (133–136 days); 4 mg (137−139); and 20 mg at 140 days; GIII (does: n = 4; newborns kids: n = 7) with a dose of 16 mg of dexamethasone (139 days), with repeated doses at 12-h interval until elective surgery; and GIV (does: n = 4; newborns kids: n = 6) using doses of 4, 8, 16, and 20 mg dexamethasone (137, 138, 139, and 140 days). Samples were collected from does 15 min (DM15) after birth and from newborn kids 15 min (M15), 24 h (M24), and 48 h (M48) after birth. When verifying the effect of time in each group, newborn kids from GII, GIII, and GIV presented lower concentrations of d-ROMs at M15 when compared to M48. Newborn kids from GIII and GIV showed increased BAP values at M24 and M48 when compared to M15, respectively. Comparisons between treatments revealed that newborn kids from GI presented higher d-ROMs than those of GII at M15 and GIV at M48. GIV presented higher BAP values than GI, GII, and GII at M48. No significant differences among does were observed considering d-ROMs or BAP values. The protocol for the administration of corticosteroids in does influence the oxidative stress response in newborn kids.

Usefulness of Skin Autofluorescence as a Biomarker of Acute Oxidative Stress in Young Male Japanese Long-Distance Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic oxidative stress in long-distance runners adversely affects conditioning. It is important to objectively assess and monitor oxidative stress, but measuring oxidative stress can be invasive or require skill to measure. Therefore, this study aimed to verify whether skin autofluorescence (SAF), a non-invasive, rapid, and easily calculable metric for calculating advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is useful as an oxidative stress biomarker. The subjects were 50 young Japanese male long-distance runners (aged 20.2 ± 1.2 years); 35 average-sized male university students (aged 19.8 ± 1.1 years) served as controls. The interactions and relationships between SAF and plasma pentosidine and oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen metabolite-derived compounds [d-ROMs], biological antioxidant potential [BAP], and the BAP/d-ROMs ratio) in runners were examined, and SAF in the runners and controls was compared. The results suggest that plasma pentosidine in runners is associated with oxidative stress markers and that it can assess oxidative stress. However, as SAF was not associated with oxidative stress markers, it was not validated as one. In future, clarifying the factors affecting SAF may also clarify the relationship between SAF, plasma pentosidine, and oxidative stress markers.

Feeding tannins to dairy cows in different seasons improves the oxidative status of blood plasma and the antioxidant capacity of cheese.

The aim of the present study was to assess the dietary supplementation of tannins to grazing dairy cows in 2 seasons characterized by a good quality pasture (spring) or a poor-quality pasture (summer). The effects of dietary tannins were assessed on plasma antioxidant status and cytokines profile and on the antioxidant properties of cheese and cheese in vitro digestates. Fourteen lactating dairy cows were divided into 2 homogeneous groups (n = 7): a control group (CON), and an experimental group (TAN) receiving 150 g/head per day of tannins supplementation. The experiment was performed twice, in spring and in summer. The animals were free to graze on spontaneous pasture (spring) or on dry stubble (summer). Blood was sampled at the beginning (d 0), at the midpoint (d 11), and at the end (d 22) of the trial. Individual cheese was produced before the beginning (d -1) and at the end (d 22) of the trial from the milk collected from each cow. On blood plasma, the reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), nonesterified fatty acids quantification, and cytokines profile in terms of IL-10, IL-8, IL-1β, and IFN-γ were determined. Data on ROM demonstrated that tannins supplementation lowered oxidative stress both in spring and in summer. Accordingly, TAN diet increased BAP levels compared with the CON during summer trial. Thus, feeding tannins resulted in lower ratio between ROM and BAP (oxidative stress index) in both spring and summer. Cytokines' profile showed lower IL-1β values in TAN group at d 22 during spring season, with a concomitant higher IL-10 level, during summer season. Moreover, TAN group had a lower level of IFN-γ in plasma than CON group, both in spring and in summer. On cheese samples, the in vitro digestion was performed and on cheese and cheese digestates (gastric and intestinal digestate) the free radical scavenging antioxidant activity was evaluated. The intestinal digestate fraction registered the highest antioxidant activity compared with cheese and gastric digestate, in both spring and summer seasons. Furthermore, an improvement of the antioxidant property of cheese and cheese digestates was found. Present data demonstrated that tannins supplementation contributed to reduce the oxidative stress of lactating dairy cows and showed an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines ratio.