Stress Biomarkers Research Articles

Evaluating the potential effects of apigenin on memory, anxiety, and social interaction amelioration after social isolation stress.

Vigorous research confirmed the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidementia effects of apigenin (Api). The present study evaluated the beneficial impacts of Api administration on behaviour, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by social isolation (SI) stress in rats. For this purpose, rats underwent a 28-day SI period followed by a 4-week oral Api treatment (50 mg/kg/day, PO). On Day 56, behaviour tests were performed, including an elevated plus maze (EPM), Morris water maze (MWM), and three-chamber social tests. The oxidative stress markers, IL-6, and BDNF levels were measured in the hippocampus. Our results showed that SI stress caused an increase in anxiety and a decrease in spatial memory, sociability, and social preference index. In addition, SI stress increased hippocampal levels of IL-6 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, whereas it reduced the hippocampal BDNF level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Our study indicated that Api attenuates anxiety and causes improvements in spatial memory and social interaction. These desirable effects of Api might be related to amelioration in the BDNF level, IL-6, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the hippocampus.

Monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension: the benefic effects of magnesium sulfate, Rosuvastatin and Sildenafil.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by several maladaptive mechanisms: endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, pathological remodeling of the pulmonary arterioles, and cellular hypoxia. These mechanisms all favor progressive pulmonary vasculopathy and progressive right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. This study aims to characterize the experimental model of monocrotaline-induced PAH in rats. Subsequently, by administering Sildenafil, Rosuvastatin, and Magnesium sulfate, we assessed the animals via ultrasonography and assayed biochemical parameters to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. 42 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six equal groups (n=7) and received a single subcutaneous MCT injection (60 mg/kg dose). Drug therapy with Sildenafil, Rosuvastatin, and Magnesium sulfate in different combinations was initiated 14 days after MCT injection. Fulton Index, RV anterior wall thickness, RV internal diameter, and pulmonary arterial acceleration time/ejection time (PAAT/PAET) were measured. The following biochemical parameters were also measured: endothelin 1(ET1), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). MCT-PAH was a successful experimental model that has fulfilled anatomical, pressure, and biochemical characteristics supporting this fact. Sildenafil monotherapy does not provide any substantial benefit in reducing MCT-PAH. The additive effects of Rosuvastatin + Sildenafil or Sildenafil + Magnesium sulfate significantly reduced the degree of RV hypertrophy and improved RV systolic pressures. However, there were also modest decreases in biochemical parameters compared to Sildenafil alone. The triple drug combination Sildenafil + Rosuvastatin + Magnesium sulfate shows significant results (p<0,001) compared to the previously described drug combinations. The lowest biochemical parameters were recorded: RV anterior wall thickness, RV internal diameter values, and a significant PAAT/PAET ratio improvement. Thanks to their benefits on vascular pathological remodeling, triple drug combinations implicitly reduce ET1, VEGF, NO metabolites, and iNOS values with statistical significance. The beneficial pleiotropic effects of Rosuvastatin combined with Magnesium sulfate (thanks to its potent vasodilator and antioxidant effects) demonstrated its efficacy in this study by improving RV systolic pressures, RV hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and myocardial dysfunction biomarkers.

Impact of Six Months of Three Different Modalities of Exercise on Stress in Post-Treatment Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Extensive evidence suggests that exercise is physically and mentally beneficial for cancer survivors. This study reports on changes in self-reported stress, physiological biomarkers for stress (salivary cortisol), and HR-QOL constructs for fifty breast cancer survivors participating in one of three different exercise programs over 6 months. Methods: Fifty post-treatment breast cancer survivors were randomized to either therapeutic yoga-based exercise (YE), comprehensive exercise (CE) (aerobic, resistance, flexibility), or choosing (C) their own exercise activities. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36® (SF-36), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Five samples of salivary cortisol were collected on two consecutive days. The 10 samples were used to calculate the diurnal rhythm slope. Outcome measures were repeated after six months. Results: All groups improved in HR-QOL measures of PSS; PSQI sleep quality components of latency and daytime functioning; and five of the ten SF-36 scales (Mental Component Scale, Social Functioning subscale, Mental Health subscale, Physical Component Scale, Physical Functioning subscale). Although the CE group observed the most favorable change in cortisol (−0.183), where cortisol slope changes approached significance (p = 0.057), but no significant decrease in cortisol between groups were noted. Conclusion: Our results suggest that it is the engagement of, rather than the specific type of exercise, which is associated with improved HR-QOL. However, longer-term studies with better adherence monitoring and larger sample sizes are needed to better determine clinical impact.

Neuroprotective impact of glycitin on memory impairment in a pentylenetetrazol-induced chronic epileptic rat model: insights into hippocampal histology, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures, often accompanies neurocognitive impairments and is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigates the possible neuroprotective properties of glycitin, a soy isoflavone, on memory impairment, its impact on oxidative stress responses, and inflammatory gene expression in a chronic epileptic rat model induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Glycitin was administered at varying doses to evaluate its potential neuroprotective impact on memory, oxidative stress, and inflammation in this model. Behavioural assessments, memory retention and recall capabilities, histopathological examinations, measurements of oxidative stress biomarkers, and molecular assessments were employed for comprehensive evaluation. The results demonstrated that glycitin significantly improved memory impairment and reduced oxidative stress in epileptic rats. Additionally, glycitin treatment decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), indicating its potential to modulate the inflammatory response associated with epilepsy. These observations underscore the potential of glycitin as a therapeutic candidate for mitigating memory impairments linked to chronic epilepsy due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering insights into novel avenues for the development of targeted interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function and ameliorating oxidative damage and inflammation in epileptic conditions.

Unveiling the Interplay: Antioxidant Enzyme Polymorphisms and Oxidative Stress in Preterm Neonatal Renal and Hepatic Functions.

To explore the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) alongside notable liver function disturbances in preterm neonates. Given the immaturity of kidneys and incomplete liver development in preterm neonates, oxidative stress poses a considerable threat to their renal and hepatic health. To find out the association between various oxidative stress biomarkers and polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes with renal and live functions. In this cross-sectional study, we gathered umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood samples for assessing oxidative stress biomarkers and identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in antioxidant enzymes. Utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, we quantified these oxidative stress biomarkers. Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis was employed to ascertain the predictive capacity of these biomarkers, denoted by the area-under-the-curve (AUC). Our findings revealed that umbilical cord heat-shock proteins emerged as robust predictors of neonatal AKI (AUC: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.8-1) with a defined cut-off concentration of 1.8 ng/mL. Likewise, umbilical cord 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine demonstrated significant predictability for liver function alterations (AUC: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.9) at a cut-off concentration of 2487.6 pg/mL. We observed significant associations between SNPs in endothelial nitric oxide synthase and catalase with both AKI and impaired liver functions. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings, with a particular focus on exploring potential antioxidant interventions aimed at mitigating AKI and liver function abnormalities.

Assessment of Neurotoxic Mechanisms of Individual and Binary Mixtures of Cobalt, Nickel and Lead in Hippocampal Neuronal Cells.

Many studies have focused on the neurotoxic effects of single metals, while investigation on the exposure to metal mixtures, which mainly occur in real-life situations, is scarce. This study sought to assess the neurotoxic effect of Ni, Co, and Pb binary mixtures and their individual effects in hippocampal neuronal cells (HT-22). Cells were exposed to Ni, Co, and Pb separately for 48 h at 37°C and 5% CO2, and cell viability was assessed. Morphological assessment of the cells exposed to binary mixtures of Co, Ni, and Pb and single metals was assessed using a microscope. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, oxidative stress biomarkers (glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels, catalase [CAT], and glutathione-S transferase [GST] activities) and nitric oxide [NO] levels were evaluated after treatment with the binary mixtures and single metals. Binary mixtures of the metals reduced cell viability, exerting an additivity action. The combinations also exerted synergistic action, as revealed by the combination index. Furthermore, a significant reduction in AChE activity, GSH levels, CAT and GST activities, and high MDA and NO levels were observed in neuronal cells. The additive interactions and synergistic actions of the binary mixtures might contribute to the significant reduction of AChE activity, GSH levels, GST, and CAT activities, and an increase in MDA and NO levels. The findings from this study revealed significant evidence that binary mixtures of Co, Pb, and Ni may induce impaired neuronal function and, ultimately, neurodegeneration.

Flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia Benth seeds improves antioxidant status in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced Diabetes mellitus

BackgroundOxidative stress is a disruption in the balance between free radicals and the body's natural defenses. This study investigated the modulatory effect of a flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed (FRFMTS) on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes in diabetic Wistar rats. The plant seeds were collected, and identified then, hydro-ethanolic extract was obtained with 80 % (v/v) ethanol and partitioned with solvents to obtain the FRFMTS. Diabetes mellitus was induced with a single dose of 40 mg/kg bwt streptozotocin and the rats were treated according to their grouping; group 1: non-diabetic control, groups 2 and 3: non-diabetic treated with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS, respectively. Group 4: diabetic control group, groups 5 and 6: diabetic groups treated with 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS, respectively, while group 7: diabetic treated with 6.67 mg/kg metformin. Antioxidant status, oxidative stress biomarkers and activities of antioxidant enzymes were determined in plasma, heart, and kidney tissues using established procedures. ResultsPlasma total antioxidant status (TAS) was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats upon treatment with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS (70.4 %), while 50 mg/kg FRFMTS increased TAS by 70 %. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the plasma, heart, and kidney of diabetic rats significantly decreased (61.3 %, 58.8 % and 31.4 % respectively) while lipid peroxidation (LPO) was elevated when compared with normal control groups. Flavonoid-rich fraction of M. tenuifolia at 25 mg/kg bwt and 50 mg/kg bwt significantly increased the activity GPx enzyme by 32.3 % and 72 % in plasma, while there was no significant differences in both kidney and heart of diabetic rats when compared with diabetic control groups. The treatment of diabetic rats with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS improved SOD activity in the plasma (51.5 % and 69.8 %), heart (32.3 % and 27.6 %) and kidney (31.4 % and 27.1 %) respectively, and CAT activity in plasma (44.2 % and 57 %), heart (28.6 % and 60 %) and kidney (69.6 % and 76.7 %) respectively. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in lipid peroxidation assay in the heart and kidney of diabetic rats treated with 25 mg/kg FRFMTS and 50 mg/kg FRFMTS reduced significantly by (62.5 % and 71.1 % in heart), while 50 mg/kg FRFMTS significantly reduced MDA in kidney by 43.8 %. ConclusionsThe results showed that FRFMTS reduces oxidative stress and enhances the activities of antioxidant enzymes in STZ-diabetic Wistar rats. As such, FRFMTS could be useful in the management of oxidative stress-mediated diabetic complications.

Toxic Effects of Imidacloprid, Copper Sulfate, and Their Combinations on Biomolecular and Oxidative/Antioxidant Biomarkers in the Tissues of Oreochromis niloticus.

The wide-ranging use of heavy metals and pesticides worldwide and their irreversible accumulation in aquatic ecosystems is a major concern. As the range of household and agricultural chemicals increases, water pollution is trending from the toxic effects of a single agent to complex agent pollution that threatens aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pesticides (imidacloprid, IMI) and metals (copper sulfate, CuSO4) on oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes, and biomolecular parameters. The present study on the individual and combined effects of Oreochromis niloticus copper sulfate (CuSO4; 1ppm), imidacloprid (IMI; 10 and 50ppm), and IMI + CuSO4 (IMI10 + CuSO4, IMI50 + CuSO4) groups for 14days. In this context, oxidative stress/antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH) and biomolecular markers including HSP70, 8-OHdG, PC, and TBARS levels were examined in fish liver and kidney tissues, which are detoxification organs. The results indicated that IMI and CuSO4 toxicity alone and in combination altered oxidative stress/antioxidant markers and biomolecular parameters; moreover, 14days of exposure to the combination of CuSO4 and imidacloprid in particular exhibited a synergistic effect and caused oxidative toxicity. These findings highlighted the importance of evaluating mixtures of pesticides and metals and that the results show a remarkably synergistic effect. It can be concluded that these biomarkers are important indicators of physiological changes in living organisms.

A Method for Analysis of Oxidized Phospholipids from Biological Samples Using Mass Spectrometry.

Oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) are generated during innate immunity and inflammation, where they play a variety of biological roles, including regulation of autoimmunity and coagulation. Some are generated by enzymatic reactions, leading to stereo- and regiospecificity, while many others can be formed through nonenzymatic oxidation and truncation and can be used as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Mass spectrometry methods have been developed over many years for oxPL analysis, which can provide robust estimations of molecular species and amounts, where standards are available. Here we present a method used for the analysis of enzymatically-generated oxPL (eoxPL), which allows quantification of mono-hydroxy oxylipin-containing species. We also show profiling of many other partially characterized structures in tissue samples and provide typical chromatograms obtained.

Nonenzymatic Oxidized Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Products in Human Plasma and Urine Samples by LC-QTOF-MS/MS.

Oxidative stress induces autooxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, producing numerous isoprostanoids and isofuranoids. These oxidized products are measurable in human plasma and urine and serve as oxidative stress biomarkers for chronic diseases. This chapter details the preparation and measurement of α-linolenic acid-derived phytoprostanes and phytofurans in human samples using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS/MS).

Placenta may exert fetal protection against maternal high salt diet intake via renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of high compared to normal dietary salt intake on fetoplacental vascular function, activity of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), placental pro- and anti-angiogenic factors and biomarkers of placental remodeling and oxidative stress during healthy uncomplicated pregnancy. Materials and MethodsBased on their 24-hour sodium excretion pregnant women (37–40 weeks’ gestation) were categorized into three groups: normal salt (NS, <5.75 g/day, N=12), high salt (HS, 5.75–10.25 g/day, N=36), and very high salt (VHS, >10.25 g/day, N=17). Pulsatility (PI) and resistive index of middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery, plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) concentrations, as well as placental vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), oxidative/antioxidative stress markers (TBARS/FRAP) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) concentration were measured. ResultsPI MCA was significantly decreased in HS/VHS groups compared to NS group. HS/VHS intake did not suppress PRA and aldosterone concentration. Serum PlGF concentration was significantly increased while sFlt-1 concentration and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were significantly decreased in VHS group compared to NS group. MMP-9, VEGF-C concentration, TBARS and FRAP in placental tissue were similar between study groups. ConclusionsHS/VHS diet does not suppress RAAS during pregnancy; however, it is associated with decreased PI MCA, a significantly decreased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and unchanged biomarkers of placental remodeling or oxidative stress in healthy pregnant women, suggesting the presence of a possible protective or compensatory mechanism aimed at preserving placental function and pregnancy outcome itself in terms of maternal HS intake.

Effects of a sedentary behaviour intervention in emergency dispatch centre phone operators: a study protocol for the SECODIS randomised controlled cross-over trial

IntroductionSedentary behaviour is a public health problem. We mainly have sedentary behaviour at work, transforming them into occupational risk. To our knowledge, there is no intervention study on the reduction...

Oxidative stress and inflammation on metabolic abnormalities and renal involvement in prediabetic subjects across Europe

Background: Studying the mechanisms involved in the transition from prediabetes to diabetes and its associated complications, such as kidney disease, is a growing challenge. This study focuses on identifying valuable biomarkers for the early detection of kidney damage, evaluating molecules associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in prediabetic individuals across Europe.Methods: In plasma samples from individuals with prediabetes included in the ePREDICE study, we determined molecules related to oxidative stress (Advance oxidative protein products-AOPP) and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein-CRP; Interleukin 6-IL-6), and correlated them with anthropometric and biochemical data, assessing their potential for the early diagnosis of renal involvement.Results: Among the 967 people with prediabetes, 94 presented some sign of renal impairment such as albuminuria, hyperfiltration or hypofiltration. Significant variations were identified between oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers (upper and lower quartiles of AOPP, CRP and IL6), and parameters associated with blood pressure, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and fatty liver index. In particular, both types of biomarkers were associated with components of the metabolic syndrome. There were significant associations between AOPP and CRP, and the presence of albuminuria, but not with renal function. Overall, CRP was a better biomarker than IL-6 for most of the parameters studied.Conclusion: These results highlight the important associations of oxidative stress and inflammation with metabolic abnormalities linked to the prediabetic state and its complications such as fatty liver and renal involvement. Although these results need to be confirmed, our study suggest that AOPP and CRP could be simple biomarkers of interest in predicting the risk of loss of renal function in people with prediabetes.

Basal cortisol level modulates stress-induced opioid-seeking behavior

In preclinical studies and our human laboratory, the α2-noradrenergic autoreceptor antagonist yohimbine was found to promote drug-seeking behavior. This study evaluated effects of dose-combinations of yohimbine and the glucocorticoid receptor agonist hydrocortisone to model intensity-dependent effects of stimulating each neurochemical system, alone and together, on stress-reactivity and opioid-seeking. Twelve regular heroin-using participants diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) were stabilized on sublingual buprenorphine (8-mg/day), then passed a hydromorphone 18-mg vs. placebo intramuscular reinforcement screen. Across 9 experimental conditions (3 × 3 within-subject, randomized crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind design) during inpatient buprenorphine maintenance, combinations of oral pretreatment doses of yohimbine (0, 27, 54-mg; t = 0 min) then hydrocortisone (0, 20, 40-mg; t = 45 min) were administered. In each condition, subjective drug and mood effects, cardiovascular responses, and saliva cortisol and α-amylase levels were assessed to evaluate stress-reactivity, and participants completed a 12-trial choice progressive ratio task during which they could earn units of hydromorphone (1.5-mg intramuscular) and/or money ($2.00). Yohimbine dose-dependently increased blood pressure, α-amylase, and anxiety scores, and decreased opioid agonist symptoms; hydrocortisone dose-dependently increased cortisol levels. Yohimbine/hydrocortisone dose-combinations significantly shifted within-session responding from money to opioid-seeking among participants with lower basal cortisol levels. These findings replicate yohimbine effects on stress biomarkers and demonstrate that noradrenergic/glucocorticoid-potentiated opioid-seeking is modulated by basal cortisol level. In persons with OUD stabilized on buprenorphine, basal HPA-axis activity and acute stressors can enhance opioid relative reinforcing efficacy. These factors may limit OUD treatment efficacy and highlight the need for novel interventions that prevent stress-induced opioid-seeking.

Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Vitamin D Levels in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypovitaminosis D. Our aim was to determine whether vitamin D mediates inflammation and oxidative stress, assessed through selected biomarkers, in children with obesity and/or MetS. Eighty children with normal weight, overweight, or obesity were analyzed for serum vitamin D, C-reactive protein, leukocytes, adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, myeloperoxidase, interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC/CXCL11), superoxide dismutase-1, fasting lipid and glucose levels, ultrasound-measured abdominal fat thickness, waist circumference, body mass index and blood pressure. Children with obesity or overweight had lower vitamin D levels, increased blood pressure, visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness, and higher leukocytes, C-reactive protein, and myeloperoxidase levels. Those with MetS also had lower adiponectin levels. Vitamin D levels are negatively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness. Correlation, mediation, and regression analyses showed no link between vitamin D and inflammatory/oxidative stress variables. The novel biomarker I-TAC did not correlate with obesity or vitamin D status. Our results indicate that vitamin D does not significantly mediate inflammation or oxidative stress in children and adolescents with obesity and/or MetS. Selected inflammation/oxidative stress biomarkers appear to be altered primarily due to obesity rather than vitamin D status.

Statin therapy improves locomotor muscle microvascular reactivity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Peripheral microvascular dysfunction has been documented in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which may be related to elevated levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, few strategies have been identified to effectively ameliorate this disease-related derangement. Thus, using a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, this study evaluated the efficacy of 30-day atorvastatin administration (10 mg daily) on lower limb microvascular reactivity, functional capacity, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with HFpEF (statin, n = 8, 76 ± 6 yr; placebo, n = 8, 68 ± 9 yr). The passive limb movement (PLM)-induced hyperemic response and 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance were evaluated to assess ambulatory muscle microvascular function and functional capacity, respectively. Circulating biomarkers were also measured to assess the contribution of changes in inflammation and redox balance to these outcomes. The total hyperemic response to PLM, assessed as leg blood flow area under the curve (LBFAUC), increased following the statin intervention (pre, 60 ± 68 mL; post, 164 ± 90 mL; P < 0.01), whereas these variables were unchanged in the placebo group (P = 0.99). There were no significant differences in 6MWT distance following statin or placebo intervention. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, was significantly reduced following the statin intervention (pre, 0.68 ± 0.10; post, 0.51 ± 0.11; P < 0.01) while other circulating biomarkers were unchanged. Together, these data provide new evidence for the efficacy of low-dose statin administration to improve locomotor muscle microvascular reactivity in patients with HFpEF, which may be due, in part, to a diminution in oxidative stress.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This was the first study to investigate the impact of statin administration on locomotor muscle microvascular function in patients with HFpEF. In support of our hypothesis, the total hyperemic response to PLM, assessed as leg blood flow area under the curve, increased, and malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative damage, was reduced following the statin intervention. Together, these data provide new evidence for the efficacy of statin administration to improve locomotor muscle microvascular reactivity in patients with HFpEF, which may be due, in part, to reduced oxidative stress.

The Role of Arginase and some Parameters in Diabetic Type 2 Patients with and without Retinopathy

Background: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus by damaging cellular organelles and enzymes in blood such as arginase1, insulin and glutathione s-transferase; increasing lipid peroxidation such as malondialdehyde and increasing insulin resistance which can lead to diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Objectives: To explore the relationship of oxidative stress to the development of diabetic retinopathy by measuring the levels of Arginase1, the activity of glutathione s-transferase enzyme, and the levels of malondialdehyde as a secondary product of lipid peroxidation (biomarker for oxidative stress). Patients and MethodsThis study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 at the Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital in Baghdad, the University of Baghdad / Department of Chemistry and the National Diabetes Centre for Treatment and Research at Al-Mustansyrriah University. This study was conducted on 120 subjects distributed as follows: 40 non-diabetic obese controls, 40 type 2 diabetics with no retinopathy, and 40 type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients, between 30 and 65 years of age. All groups were subjected to tests: measuring fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol), serum total arginase1, malondialdehyde glutathione s -transferase, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio. Results: Mean arginase1 levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in diabetic retinopathy and control groups (p ≤ 0.05). The mean xidative stress marker malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher in diabetic retinopathy patients than in type 2 diabetics and the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The mean glutathione s-transferase activity in diabetic retinopathy patients was significantly higher than in the control group and type 2 diabetics (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between oxidative stress and the development of diabetic retinopathy, where the levels of arginase1 and malondialdehyde increased and the activity of glutathione s –transferase enzyme increased as a result of oxidative stress and inflammation associated with complications of type 2 diabetes.

Exercise as a promoter of neurocognitive improvement in people with psychiatric disorders and comorbid obesity: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThe psychiatric disorders and obesity comorbidity is related to neurocognitive impairment and inflammation. Exercise is crucial to improve and maintain healthy lifestyles. This randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of aerobic exercise as promoter of neurocognitive improvement across psychiatric disorders with comorbid obesity (OB). MethodsPatients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and, schizophrenia and with comorbid OB (n=29) received brief healthy lifestyle counseling and were randomized into two groups: guided physical activity group (GPAG) (n=10) which included 12 weeks of guided-exercise of moderate intensity and frequency, and incentive of autonomous physical activity proposals by the specialist. Standard physical activity group (SPAG) (n=19) continue with their usual daily physical activity, without guidance or incentives, over 12 weeks. Peripheral blood biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular mechanisms, and metabolic activity, as well as neurocognitive and functional performance were assessed twice, before and after intervention. Mixed one-way analysis of variance and linear regression analyses were performed. ResultsIndividuals in GPAG showed better neurocognitive and functional performance than individuals in SPAG after physical activity training (p<0.05; η²p=0.14 to 0.15). A significant improvement in cognition before and after the physical activity training in the GPAG group was found (p<0.0001; η²p=0.29). In all cases, the effect size was from moderate to large. Inflammatory activity (interleukin [IL-6]), oxidative (mitochondrial reactive oxygen species [mROS] and mitochondrial membrane potential [ΔΨm]) and inter cellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM1], leukocyte-endothelium adhesion [LEPMN], and p-selectin [PSEL]) levels, and cardio-metabolic (low-density lipoprotein [LDL], systolic blood pressure [SBP], and insulin) processes were significant predicting neurocognitive improve of individuals with psychiatric disorders and comorbid OB. ConclusionsPhysical activity programs may have positive impact on neurocognitive and functional performance in individuals with psychiatric disorders and OB. Exercise influences inflammatory, oxidative, vascular, and cardio-metabolic pathways, and modulate cognition. These findings may have a potential translational utility for early intervention in these disorders.

Dark Tea Wine Protects Against Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease In Vivo Through Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Antioxidant Signaling Pathway.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a complex and multifactorial disease. Dark tea exhibits great potential for various bioactivities for metabolic health. In this study, we aimed to evaluate therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of dark tea wine (DTW) on MASLD with obesity. A rat model of MASLD was established by high-fat diet and administered with different doses of DTW as an intervention. The biomarkers of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in rats were tested. The weight of organs and adipose tissues and the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were investigated based on the pathology and western blot analysis. We found that DTW enhanced antioxidant capacity via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, further markedly triggering inhibition of weight gain, reduction of lipid dysfunction, and improvement of pathological characteristics to ameliorate MASLD induced by high-fat diet. These results suggest that DTW is a promising functional supplement for prevention and treatment of MASLD and obesity.

Polyphenol Intake And Biomarkers Of Oxidative Stress In Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Women

Polyphenol Intake And Biomarkers Of Oxidative Stress In Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Women