Blood Oxidative Stress Markers Research Articles

Effects of 6-month tele-training tai chi versus resistance training on cardiometabolic health-related indices and oxidative stress markers in older Mexican women with overweight or obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Telehealth physical exercise training represents a viable option for maintaining intrinsic capacity, especially in confinement situations such as the one experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tele-training tai chi vs. resistance exercise on cardiometabolic health-related indices in older Mexican women with overweight or obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A quasi-experimental exploratory study of a convenience sample of 38 older women with overweight or obesity who participated in a zoom tele-exercise program, divided into two groups: (1) resistance training group (RTG) n = 19 (age 61 ± 7 years; BMI, 29 ± 5); (2) tai chi group (TCG) n = 19 (age 63 ± 4 years; BMI, 31 ± 5). All participants had blood cardiometabolic health-related indices and oxidative stress (OxS) markers, and body composition parameters assessed at baseline and after 6 months of tele-exercise training. Results Adherence to the tele-training by zoom program was observed in the 90% of the RTG and 80% in the TCG. A statistically significant changes were observed after tele-training by group (p < 0.05) in several parameters, RTG: IL1β (+ 17.4%), IL6 (+ 21.2%), TNF-α (+ 19%); TAS (− 18%), TOS (+ 116%), PC (+ 33.8%), OSI (+ 147%); TCG: IL8 (+ 76.6%), IL1β (+ 26%), 8OHdG (− 26.7%), cholesterol (− 12%), %FM (− 8.1%), %FFM (+ 8.4%). Likewise, a greater increase in the ratio of free fat mass and skeletal muscle mass was observed in the TCG compared to the RTG with borderline statistical significance (p = 0.06). Conclusion Our findings suggest TC-tele-training has a significantly greater antioxidant effect than RT linked to an increase in fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, the TC-tele-training may be an option to prevent or control OxS, to maintain or improve intrinsic capacity for healthy aging.

First report of Hepatozoon and Lankesterella spp. infections in wild rodents from Pakistan, and their potential impact on blood parameters and oxidative stress markers in vital organs.

Pakistan is home to a rich rodent fauna, yet no investigations have been conducted on the presence of Haemogregarines in these animals, leaving their epidemiology and genetic diversity in this subtropical region unexplored. In this study, blood samples from four wild rodent species, Rattus (R.) rattus (n = 122), Mus (M.) musculus (n = 64), Rattus norvegicus (n = 57), and Dryomys nitedula (n = 1), were collected between May 2022 and July 2023 from three districts in Punjab and three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PCR targeting a fragment of 600 base pairs from the 18S rDNA gene revealed a 2.86% (7/244) prevalence of Haemogregarines in the rodents. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. and Lankesterella spp. in the blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis indicated genetic diversity in the Pakistani sequences, which clustered with sequences found in reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals from various countries. The prevalence of the parasite varied among rodent species, with R. rattus showing the highest infection rate, followed by R. norvegicus and M. musculus. Female rodents were more frequently infected than males. Infected R. rattus exhibited significant disruptions in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelet counts. Oxidative stress markers indicated elevated superoxide dismutase in the kidney, catalase in the heart, and malondialdehyde in the liver and lungs of infected rodents compared to uninfected ones. This study is an important contribution towards science as it the first report of Haemogregarines and Lankesterella spp. infections among Pakistani rodents.

Radioprotective potential of pomegranate peel extract against gamma irradiation-induced hazards

BackgroundWhile gamma irradiation’s damaging biological effects are well-established, the natural radioprotective agents from agricultural waste remain an underexplored area of significant potential.Aim of studyThis study was to investigate the novel use of pomegranate peel ethanol extract (PE) as a radioprotective agent against gamma radiation damage.MethodsWe pretreated Wistar rats with PE (100 mg/kg) for 14 days prior to 6 Gy gamma irradiation. We analyzed blood biochemicals, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. These included tests of red cell membrane integrity, lipid and protein oxidation, antioxidant enzyme levels, and cytokine profiles.ResultsThe study showed that PE demonstrated remarkable radioprotective effects across multiple parameters. Antioxidants were significantly enhanced, as evidenced by increased glutathione peroxidase activity (87.00 ± 6.11 mg/ml in PE-treated irradiated rats compared to 26.40 ± 1.21 mg/ml in irradiated controls). Oxidative damage was markedly reduced, with MDA levels dropping from 9.59 ± 0.24 nmol/ml in irradiated controls to near-control levels in PE-treated rats. Notably, PE treatment resulted in unprecedented maintenance of red blood cell membrane integrity post-irradiation. Furthermore, PE exhibited novel modulation of inflammatory cytokines, effectively reducing pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α while simultaneously boosting anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 levels. These multifaceted protective effects highlight PE’s potential as a comprehensive radioprotective agent.ConclusionThis study presents PE as an effective new natural radioprotective agent. Its protective effect is due to its high polyphenol content, which enhances antioxidant defenses, reduces oxidative damage, and prevents inflammation. The findings open new avenues for sustainable, cost-effective radioprotection strategies and demonstrate the potential for repurposing agricultural byproducts for critical health applications.

Pilot study on the effect of flavonoids on arterial stiffness and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease.

Flavonoids, the main class of polyphenols, exhibit antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. To prospectively investigate the impact of flavonoids on arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages I-IV. In this prospective, single-arm study, CKD patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were recorded. Patients received daily treatment with a phenol-rich dietary supplement for 3 months. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, central pulse pressure), and oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls, total phenolic compound, total antioxidant capacity) were measured at baseline and at study end. Sixteen patients (mean age: 62.5 years, 87.5% male) completed the study. Following intervention, peripheral systolic blood pressure decreased significantly by 14 mmHg (P < 0.001). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity decreased from 8.9 m/s (baseline) to 8.2 m/s (study end) (P < 0.001), and central pulse pressure improved from 59 mmHg to 48 mmHg (P = 0.003). Flavonoids also reduced oxidative stress markers including protein carbonyls (P < 0.001), total phenolic compound (P = 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.013). Flavonoid supplementation in CKD patients shows promise in improving blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and oxidative stress markers.

House cricket protein hydrolysates alleviate hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and oxidative stress in nitric oxide-deficient hypertensive rats.

Edible insects with high protein content and bioactive peptides with health promotion against chronic disease. Deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) contributes to hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and death worldwide. This study assessed the antihypertensive effects of house cricket protein hydrolysates (HCPH) in NO-deficient hypertensive rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12/group) were hypertensive after the administration of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day in drinking water for 7 weeks. The animals were then treated with HCPH (250 or 500 mg/kg BW/day) or lisinopril (Lis) (1 mg/kg BW/day) for the last 4 weeks of L-NAME administration. Blood pressure (BP), vascular function, and structural changes, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and p47phox nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase protein expression in aortic tissues, plasma nitrate/nitrite, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and oxidative stress markers in blood and tissues were evaluated. Induction of hypertension resulted in significantly elevated BP, decreased plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration, abolished vascular function, and increased vascular wall thickness. Overproduction of carotid and mesenteric superoxide, increased plasma, heart, and kidney malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels, and increased plasma ACE activity were observed. Down-expression of eNOS with overexpression of p47phox NADPH oxidase subunit was also found in L-NAME hypertensive rats. Oral treatment with HCPH, particularly at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW/day, significantly alleviated these alterations in a manner comparable to that of Lis. HCPH improved vascular function and exerted antihypertensive effects, mainly due to the improvement of NO bioavailability, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of ACE.

The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on serum fasting blood glucose, lipid parameters, and oxidative stress markers in male rats with type 2 diabetes

Background. Some studies have shown that Spirulina has biological properties exerting beneficial effects on human health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Spirulina supplementation on serum glucose, lipid parameters, and oxidative stress markers in male rats with streptozotocin/nicotinamide–induced T2DM. Methods. In this experimental study, rats with diabetes were divided into six groups: healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic-metformin, diabetic-Spirulina 100 mg/dL, diabetic-Spirulina 200 mg/dL, and healthy control-Spirulina 200 mg/d. At the end of the study (28 days), the blood samples were collected, and the fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. Results. Significant reductions (P&lt;0.001) were found in serum level of FBG in Metformin and Spirulina 100 mg/kg compared with diabetic control group. The groups were different regarding the serum levels of HDL-C post-intervention. ANOVA analysis also showed significant differences between the Spirulina 100 mg/kg or Metformin group and diabetic control group regarding the serum level of MDA (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion. Spirulina at a dose of 100 mg/kg may have contributed to controlling the fasting blood glucose and oxidative stress. Practical Implications. Our study results suggested that Spirulina, as a promising agent, at lower doses may have been considered as a functional food for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Hypotensive and Cardioprotective Potential of Yellow Bedstraw Extract-Based Oral Liquid in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

This study aimed to prepare, characterize and assess the antioxidant activity of yellow bedstraw extracts (YBEs), focusing on identifying extracts with high antioxidant capacity. The selected extract was loaded into an oral liquid formulation and further investigated for its therapeutic potential in reducing blood pressure and associated complications in spontaneously hypertensive Wistar kyoto rats (SHR). Rats were divided into untreated SHR and SHR treated with a YBE-based oral formulation over four weeks. After treatment, blood pressure was measured, and cardiac function was assessed using the Langendorff technique to simulate ex vivo ischemic conditions. Prooxidant levels were assessed in plasma while antioxidant activity was evaluated in red blood cells. Histological analyses of heart, kidney, and liver samples were conducted to assess pathological changes induced by hypertension. Our results showed that the oral formulation loaded with ethanol YBE effectively reduced blood pressure, preserved myocardial function under ischemic stress, and decreased oxidative stress markers in blood. Importantly, our formulation with YBE demonstrated potential in attenuating structural kidney damage associated with hypertension. Overall, these findings suggest a cardioprotective effect of orally administered YBE formulation, highlighting its potential as an herbal supplement. However, clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the extract's suitability for clinical use.

Effects of increased nitrate intake from beetroot juice on blood markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in older adults with hypertension

BackgroundVascular oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation are important in the pathology of cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. Cell culture and animal studies suggest that inorganic dietary nitrate may attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation through nitric oxide (NO), and there is a need to investigate whether this translates to humans. AimIn this randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study, by measuring a combination of multiple blood biomarkers, we evaluated whether previously reported benefits of dietary nitrate translate to a reduced oxidative stress and an improved inflammation status in 15 men and women (age range: 56–71 years) with treated hypertension. MethodsWe investigated the effects of a single ∼400 mg-dose of nitrate at 3 h post-ingestion (3H POST) and the daily consumption of 2 × ∼400 mg of nitrate over 4 weeks (4WK POST), through nitrate-rich versus nitrate-depleted (placebo) beetroot juice. Measurements included plasma nitrate and nitrite (NOx), oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), F2-isoprostanes, protein carbonyls, oxidised (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH); and serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), chemokines, cytokines, and adhesion molecules. Flow cytometry was used to assess the relative proportion of blood monocyte subsets. ResultsAt 4WK POST nitrate intervention, the oxLDL/NOx ratio decreased (mainly due to increases in plasma nitrate and nitrite) and the GSH/GSSG ratio (a sensitive biomarker for alterations in the redox status) increased, compared with placebo (for both ratios P < 0.01). The relative proportion of classical (CD14+CD16−) monocytes decreased at 4WK POST for placebo compared to nitrate intervention (P < 0.05). Other oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were not altered by increased nitrate intake relative to placebo. ConclusionsThe data from this study point toward a subtle alteration in the redox balance toward a less pro-oxidative profile by a regular intake of inorganic nitrate from plant foods. Clinical trial registry numberNCT04584372 (ClinicialTrials.gov).

Vitamin 25(OH)D3, E, and C Supplementation Impact the Inflammatory and Antioxidant Responses in Piglets Fed a Deoxynivalenol-Contaminated Diet and Challenged with Lipopolysaccharides.

Using alternative ingredients or low-quality grain grades to reduce feeding costs for pig diets can introduce mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) into feed, which is known to induce anorexia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Adding vitamin 25(OH)D3 or vitamins E and C to the feed could increase piglets' immune system to alleviate the effects of DON. This study used 54 pigs (7.8 ± 0.14 kg) in 27 pens (2 pigs/pen) with a vitamin 25(OH)D3 or vitamin E-C supplementation, or their combination, in DON-contaminated (5.1 mg/kg) feed ingredients over 21 days followed by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (20 µg/kg BW) 3 h prior to euthanasia for 1 piglet per pen. DON contamination induced anorexia, which reduced piglet growth. DON also induced immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and downregulated vitamin D status. The vitamin E and C supplementation and the combination of vitamins E, C, and 25(OH)D3 provided protection against DON contamination by not only decreasing blood and liver oxidative stress markers, but also by increasing antioxidant enzymes and tocopherol levels in blood, indicating improved antioxidant defense mechanisms. The combination of vitamins also restored the vitamin D status. After LPS challenge, DON contamination decreased intestinal and liver antioxidant statuses and increased inflammation markers. The addition of vitamins E and C to DON-contaminated feed reduced markers of inflammation and improved the antioxidant status after the LPS immune stimulation. The combination of all these vitamins also reduced the oxidative stress markers and the inflammation in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.

Investigating the association between blood oxidative stress markers and dementia in Egyptian elderly women

BackgroundThe predicted increase in the senior population will have a substantial impact on mental health and dementia development, emphasizing the need to study the biochemical components related to the pathogenesis of dementia. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant balance of the body. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress because of the relatively low levels of antioxidants in the brain, high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and increased oxygen needs. The increase of reactive oxygen species leads to the accumulation of protein oxidation by-products which has a key role in dementia pathogenesis. The aim of the study is to investigate the link between oxidative stress and dementia in Egyptian older women and its possible effect on dementia severity and types. A case–control study was conducted involving 40 elderly women with dementia, and another 40 cognitively intact controls. All participants were subjected to a comprehensive geriatric evaluation, which included cognitive assessment, depression screening, and functional assessment. Blood levels of malondialdehyde (an oxidative stress marker), glutathione peroxidase enzyme and total antioxidant capacity (an antioxidant markers) were measured.ResultsMalondialdehyde’s blood level was significantly higher in dementia cases (p < 0.001), indicating a higher oxidative stress status in dementia cases. While blood levels of both glutathione peroxidase enzyme and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in dementia cases (p < 0.001), indicating a lower antioxidant activity in dementia cases. We found that glutathione peroxidase enzyme at a cutoff point ≤ 122 mu/ml, total antioxidant capacity at a cutoff point ≤ 39.1 mm/l, and malondialdehyde at a cutoff point > 95 nmol/ml had perfect diagnostic value for identifying patients with dementia.ConclusionOxidative stress showed a significant role in the pathogenesis of dementia, with the presence of higher levels of oxidative damage by-products and lower levels of antioxidant status. So, the role of oxidative stress in dementia should not be neglected, and more effort should be directed to prevent unnecessary exposure to oxidative stress in older adults to contribute towards dementia prevention.

Reno-protective effect of nicorandil and pentoxifylline against potassium dichromate-induced acute renal injury via modulation p38MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 and Notch1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways

BackgroundOccupational and environmental exposure to chromium compounds such as potassium dichromate (PDC) (K2Cr2O7) has emerged as a potential aetiologic cause for renal disease through apoptotic, and inflammatory reactions. The known potent antioxidants such as nicorandil (NIC) and/or pentoxifylline (PTX) were studied for their possible nephroprotective effect in PDC-treated rats. MethodsForty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; control, PDC group, NIC+PDC, PTX+PDC group, and combination+PDC group. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. Invasive blood pressure, renal function parameters urea, creatinine, uric acid and albumin, glomerular filtration rate markers Cys-C, Kim-1 and NGAL, inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, COX-II, p38MAPK, NF-κB and TLR4, oxidative stress SOD, GSH, MDA, MPO, HO-1 and Nrf2 and apoptotic mediators Notch1 and PCNA were evaluated. Besides, renal cortical histopathology was assayed as well. ResultsPDC led to a considerable increase in indicators for kidney injury, renal function parameters, invasive blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. They were markedly reduced by coadministration of PDC with either/or NIC and PTX. The NIC and PTX combination regimen showed a more significant improvement than either medication used alone. Our results demonstrated the nephroprotective effect of NIC, PTX, and their combined regimen on PDC-induced kidney injury through suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. ConclusionRenal recovery from PDC injury was achieved through enhanced MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 and suppressed Notch1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. This study highlights the role of NIC and PTX as effective interventions to ameliorate nephrotoxicity in patients undergoing PDC toxicity.

1. Effect of Garlic (Alium Sativum) Supplementation on Short Term Interdialytic Blood Pressure Variability, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Marker in Haemodialysis Patients with Resistant Hypertension: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

1. Effect of Garlic (Alium Sativum) Supplementation on Short Term Interdialytic Blood Pressure Variability, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Marker in Haemodialysis Patients with Resistant Hypertension: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

Down-regulating the stress axis: Living in the present while preparing for the future

The measurement of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones provides us with a window into the stress physiology of vertebrates and the adaptative responses they use to cope with predictable and unpredictable changes in the environment. Baseline GCs inform us about the metabolic demands they are subject to at that point in their yearly life-history stage, whereas GC changes (often increases) in response to acute challenges inform us on their capacity to cope with more immediate environmental challenges. However, baseline GC levels and the kinetics of GC responses to acute stressors can vary substantially among and within species, depending on individual characteristics (age, sex, condition, life-history stage). In addition, a thorough understanding of the stress status of an animal requires moving beyond the measurement of GCs alone by focusing on downstream measures of metabolic activation, such as oxidative stress. Here, we evaluated the changes in blood cortisol and oxidative stress markers in wild adult Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus), following a 30-min capture-handling stress performed in mid-late June. Measurements were taken when males were post-reproductive and preparing for hibernation and adult females were weaning litters. We found three key results. First, the time-course of GC increase was markedly slower (by an order of magnitude) than what is currently reported in the literature for most species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Second, there were marked differences in the male and female response, linked to differences in life-history stage: females close to weaning had abolished GC responses, whereas post-reproductive males did not. Third, there were mild to moderate increases in oxidative damage and decreases in oxidative defenses in response to our short-term challenge, consistent with the idea that short-term acute metabolic activation may carry physiological costs. However, these changes were not correlated to the changes in GCs, a novel result suggesting a disconnect between the hormonal stress response and oxidative damage.

Antihypertensive Potential of Japanese Quail (Couturnix Couturnix Japonica) Egg Yolk Oil (QEYO) in Sprague Dawley Rats.

Oils from animal sources have been used for centuries in the management of diseases. This research was conducted to screen the ex vivo and in vivo toxicity of quail egg yolk oil (QEYO) extracts and assess their effects on the management of hypertension in rats. QEYO was extracted using gentle heating (GH) and n-hexane (NHN). The extracts were subjected to toxicity testing using the hen's egg test on chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) and bovine corneal histology test. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity (28 days) were evaluated in rats. Hypertension was induced in rats by administering 80 mg/kg of Nω-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) per day for 28 days. Treatments commenced on the 14th day; Nifedipine at 30 mg/kg and 1 mL of distilled water were administered as positive and negative controls. Blood pressure (BP), lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers were quantified. No irritation was observed using the HET-CAM test in the egg treated with both extracts. Bovine corneal histology showed no lesions in all treated groups. No signs of toxicity were observed in either acute or sub-chronic toxicity studies. A significant reduction in blood pressure was observed in rats treated with the extracts (p < 0.05). Changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLPs), and high-density lipoproteins (HDLPs) were not significant compared to the control (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress markers (SOD and CAT) increased significantly in the treated groups compared to the control, while the malondialdehyde levels decreased (p < 0.05). QEYO was safe in both ex vivo and in vivo studies and can be said to have the potential to lower blood pressure as well as cardio-protective effects in hypertensive rats. This research provides evidence based on which QEYO could be used safely as an adjuvant therapy in eye drops and cosmetics and can be considered an effective choice for preventing hypertension.

The Benefit of Hydrogen Gas as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background and Objectives: Recent studies suggest that hydrogen gas possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of hydrogen gas and assess its safety and tolerability in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and Methods: Enrolled COPD patients received standard treatments along with additional hydrogen inhalation for 30 min in the morning, afternoon, and evening over a 30-day period. The assessment included changes in the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale, lung function, sleep quality, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress markers before and after hydrogen inhalation. Results: Six patients participated in this study. Patients 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 demonstrated improvements in CAT scores following hydrogen gas intervention, with patients 2, 4, 5, and 6 also showing improvements in mMRC scores. Statistically, this study revealed significant improvements in CAT [15.5 (10.5-19.75) vs. 8.5 (3-13.5); p = 0.043] and mMRC scores [2.5 (1-4) vs. 2 (0-3.25); p = 0.046] before and after intervention, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in lung function, DLCO, sleep quality, and 6 MWT before and after hydrogen therapy. CBC examination showed a significant difference in platelet count before and after treatment [247 (209.75-298.75) vs. 260 (232.75-314.5); p = 0.043], respectively, while other blood tests, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress markers did not exhibit significant differences before and after hydrogen therapy. All patients experienced no obvious side-effects. Conclusions: Adjuvant therapy with hydrogen gas demonstrated symptom improvements in specific COPD patients, and no significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients. Hydrogen gas may also exert a modulatory effect on platelet count.

Effects of diets supplemented with bioactive peptides on nutrient digestibility, immune cell responsiveness, and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of adult cats.

Bioactive peptides (BP) are recognized for their ability to function as antioxidants and maintain lipid stability. They may have positive health effects, including antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, osteoprotective, gut health, and immunomodulatory properties, but are poorly tested in cats. Our primary objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of BP-containing kibble diets and assess how the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota were affected in adult cats. Our secondary objective was to test whether BP could impact blood oxidative stress markers and cytokine concentrations following transport stress. Twelve adult cats (4.83±0.37 yr; 4.76±0.14kg) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design to test four extruded kibble diets: Control (no BP), Chicken (4% chicken BP), Marine1 (2% marine BP), and Marine2 (4% marine BP). Each experimental period lasted 28 d, with a 20-d adaptation phase, 5 d for fecal collection, 2 d for blood collection, and 1 d for transport stress testing (driven in vehicle in individual carriers for 45min). Salivary cortisol and blood oxidative stress markers and cytokines were measured after transport. Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being considered significant and P<0.10 considered trends. No differences were observed in animal health outcomes, with all cats remaining healthy and serum metabolites remaining within reference ranges. Cats fed the Marine2 diet had higher (P<0.05) ATTD of dry matter (84.5% vs. 80.9%) and organic matter (88.3% vs. 85.8%) than those fed the control diet. The ATTD of protein and energy tended to be higher (P<0.10) for cats fed the Marine2 diet. Fecal characteristics, metabolites, and bacterial alpha and beta diversity measures were not affected by treatment. However, the relative abundances of six bacterial genera were different (P<0.05) and two bacterial genera tended to be different (P<0.10) across treatments. Treatment did not alter salivary cortisol, blood oxidative stress markers, or blood cytokines after transport stress. Our data suggest that BP inclusion may increase nutrient digestibility and modify fecal microbiota and immune measures. More testing is required, however, to determine whether BP may provide additional benefits to cats.

Effects of carob rich-polyphenols on oxidative stress markers and physical performance in taekwondo athletes.

Excessive exercise can induce cell damage and impair muscle function by generating oxidative stress. Carob rich phenolic components have attracted the attention of many researchers because of their antioxidant actions. We utilized a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled design to study the putative antioxidant role of six weeks of daily polyphenol supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress and performance in taekwondo athletes. We studied the effects of daily supplementation with carob (40 g/d, for six-weeks) on performance levels and antioxidant capacity in 22 taekwondo athletes (age 21.9 ± 1.2 years; height 1.66 ± 0.34 m; weight 68.3 ± 16.9 kg; women = 10, men = 12) using a randomized, double-blinded study. Participants were divided into an experimental group (EG) or placebo group (PG). All athletes performed a frequency speed of kick test mult (FSKTmult) before and after a six-week training period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 5 min after a FSKTmult. Physical performances improved significantly after six weeks in EG compared to PG for kicks number per set (from set 1 to set 5: p = 0.032, d = 0.70; p = 0.020, d = 0.77; p = 0.001, d = 1.12; p = 0.001, d = 1.25; p = 0.003, d = 1.01), total kicks number (p = 0,002, d = 1.04), and kick decrement index (%) (p = 0.017, d = 0.13). There were significant increases in CAT (p = 0.001, d = 1.85) and SOD (p = 0.001, d = 1.98) activities and significant decreases in MDA levels (p = 0.002, d = 0.81) in the EG. Carob supplementation during a six-week training program reduced oxidative stress and improved physical performance levels in taekwondo athletes.

Exploring blood pressure dynamics and oxidative stress markers in an animal model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder characterized by elevated androgen levels, heightened insulin secretion, and dysregulation of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. This disorder results in metabolic disruptions, while the irregular estrous cycles associated with PCOS impact cellular functions like growth, movement, and alterations in cell adhesion within the tissue matrix. This study aims to identify the blood tension, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and serum Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in rat models of PCOS. The study was conducted using female Wistar rats aged 6 months weighing between 130 and 180 g. The rats were divided into three treatment groups: negative control, induction of testosterone propionate (TP) at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW IP for 12 days, and induction of estradiol valerate (EV) at a dose of 2 mg/kg BW IP for 2 days. Data were analyzed quantitatively using a one-way analysis of variance followed by a Posthoc Test using the least significant difference with a confidence level of 95%. The research results indicate that the average blood pressure of TP Group and EV Group did not differ significantly from the negative control (p > 0.05). Serum MDA levels were significantly different in the TP Group compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). On the other hand, MMP-1 levels showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) among all the treatment groups. The findings of this study suggest that TP induction in a rat model of PCOS can potentially contribute to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, but does not significantly affect blood pressure or serum MMP-1 levels.

Study of socio-clinical risk factors and assessment of metabolic syndrome and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With polycystic ovary syndrome

Background and Aims: More than 1.55 million women of reproductive age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the world; PCOS is an important disease threatens public health, linked to psychological, metabolic, and reproductive problems. The aim of our work was an evaluation of some risk factors, oxidative stress and Cardiovascular Risk among PCOS Women in El-Oued region. Methods: Our risk factor study was conducted on a group of 200 women who were diagnosed by specialized doctors (100 healthy and 100 polycystic ovaries), with 50 women volunteering to provide blood and saliva samples to study the blood glucose, Atherogenic index, lipids profile, hematological and oxidative stress markers. Results: About risk factors study, our results showed that the high levels of Psychological distress, Menstrual fluctuation and year of taking pills are the most dangerous factors (OR=3.11; OR=9.205; OR=5.940) respectively. Our result demonstrated a significant increase (P &gt; 0.05) in blood glucose, total cholesterol, Triglycerides, VLDL, Atherogenic index and sedimentation rate, MDA and SOD levels and a significant decreased (P &gt; 0.01) in HDL, WBC (P &lt; 0.000), MCV (P &lt; 0.05) HGB, RBC, CMH, CMH level in women with PCOS patients as compared to controls. Conclusions: In conclusion, several social and nutritional factors contributed to the spread and development of PCOS in El-Oued region. In addition to a change in blood components, lipid profile Atherogenic index and their relationship to oxidative stress, which contributes to metabolic syndrome development and the occurrence of cardiovascular complication in women with PCOS.

A Mechanistic Review on How Berberine Use Combats Diabetes and Related Complications: Molecular, Cellular, and Metabolic Effects.

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid that can be extracted from herbs such as Coptis, Phellodendron, and Berberis. BBR has been widely used as a folk medicine to treat various disorders. It is a multi-target drug with multiple mechanisms. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can also adjust intestinal microbial flora. This review focused on the promising antidiabetic effects of BBR in several cellular, animal, and clinical studies. Based on previous research, BBR significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, BBR stimulated insulin secretion and improved insulin resistance through different pathways, including up-regulation of protein expression of proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, glucose transporter (GLUT) 4, PI3K/AKT, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Interestingly, it was demonstrated that BBR has protective effects against diabetes complications, such as diabetic-induced hepatic damage, cardiovascular disorders, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Furthermore, multiple clinical trial studies have emphasized the ameliorative effects of BBR in type 2 diabetic patients.