Decrease In Total Antioxidant Status Research Articles

Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor (NRF2), Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and Total Oxidant-Antioxidant Status in Patients with COVID-19

Introduction: Studies on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in COVID-19 patients are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between some biomarkers of oxidant-antioxidant status with COVID-19 disease. Material and methods: The patients older than 18 years of age who tested positive for SARS CoV-2 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with clinical symptoms and signs were included in this study. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total antioxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and HO-1 and Nrf2 levels were analyzed from serum samples taken before and after treatment. Results: In this study, 16 patients followed up with the diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. 9 (56.3%) of the patients were female and 7 (43.8%) were male. The mean age was 33.75 ± 17.03 years. All patients were symptomatic and were hospitalized to be followed up. It was determined that Nrf2 and HO-1 values increased significantly after treatment. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between Nrf2 and TAS values and TAS increases significantly in parallel to an increase in Nrf2, and there was a significant but negative correlation between Nrf2 and TOS and OSI values, and thus an increase in Nrf2 led to a decrease in TOS and OSI values. There was a significant positive correlation between HO-1 and TAS, and TAS increased significantly, as HO-1 increased. Conclusions: The decrease in TOS and OSI and the increase in Nrf2 and HO-1 during the follow-up period in COVID-19 patients suggest that the body tries to prevent ROS-related oxidative stress via Nrf2 and HO-1 and that oxidative stress may have a key role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.

Assessment of Oxidative Stress Parameters for some of Baghdad City Fuel Stations Workers

Because of inhalation of the volatile substances and unintended ingestion, the risk of health problems for fuelling employees exposed to gasoline vapours in gas stations is increased. Therefore, the goal of the study was to compare the oxidative stress state of healthy volunteers, who served as the control group, to Iraqi male fuelling staff, who served as the exposed groups. The levels of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), Uric acid (UA), and total peroxidase activity were measured. A total of 102 subjects divided into three groups according to the duration of fuel vapours exposure: 25 exposed for 1-10 years (G1), 50 exposed for 11-19 years (G2) and 27 exposed for ≥ 20 years (G3), as well as 50 healthy people as a control group (C). The results exhibited that the levels of TOS, OSI, MDA, and total peroxidase activity were highly significant increased in all exposed groups (G1, G2 & G3) as compared to the C. A highly significant decrease was observed in TAS levels in all exposed groups in comparison with the C, while there was no significant difference in UA levels in all studied groups. The exposure to petrol associated with significant increase of TOS, OSI, MDA and total peroxidase activity with a significant decrease of TAS among workers in fuel stations and they increased oxidative stress, which likely resulted in negative impacts on human health later on as a result of prolonged labour at gas stations.

Neuroprotective effect of quercetin and Zingiber officinale on sodium arsenate-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

The study was aimed at determining the ameliorative potential of quercetin and Zingiber officinale (ZO) against sodium arsenate-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty adult animals were randomly allocated to five groups (n=6). Group I served as control, groups II and IV were treated with ZO [300 mg/kg, PO (per os)/day], and group V animals were administered quercetin (50 mg/kg, PO/day) for 18 days. Groups III, IV, and V were injected with sodium arsenate (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally/day) for 4 days starting from day 15. The administration of sodium arsenate resulted in a significant decrease in total antioxidant status, total thiols, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and aryl esterase in brain tissue of the animals compared with the control group. In addition, a significant increase was observed in malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein product and plasma nitric oxide levels, indicating oxidative stress-mediated neuronal damage. However, these arsenic-induced alterations were significantly reversed by quercetin or ZO in the treatment groups, indicating their ameliorative potential. These positive effects were further confirmed by histopathological examination of brain tissue revealing the suppression of severe neuronal injury, spongiosis and gliosis in the samples pretreated with quercetin and ZO. Our results suggest that inclusion of ZO and quercetin-rich foods in the diet can help in preventing the neurotoxic effects in areas with elevated levels of arsenic in food chain and ground water.

Deksmedetomidinin Akciğer, Karaciğer ve Kalpteki Oksidatif Dengeye Etkisi: Sıçan Sepsis Modeli

Aim: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Early intervention in sepsis is vital and research on the subject continues. Having sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a potent lipophilic α2‐adrenoceptor agonist with imidazole structure. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies on the organ protective effects of DEX. Unlike other studies, in this project proposal, it was aimed to investigate the effect of DEX applied in different periods of sepsis on the oxidative stress index in the lungs, liver and heart.
 Material and methods: The study was approved by the Necmettin Erbakan University Experimental Animals Ethics Committee (2020 – 017). In the study, 50 female wistar albino rats were used as experimental animals. Animals were divided into five groups: 1st group: SHAM (n:10), 2nd group: SEPSIS (n:10), 3rd group: DEX (PreDEX, n:10) applied 30 minutes before cecal ligation puncture (CLP) procedure, group 4: DEX administered 12 hours after CLP (Post12DEX, n:10), group 5: DEX administered 24 hours after CLP (Post24DEX, n:10).
 Results: In liver and heart tissues, the decrease in total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in the SEPSIS group was statistically significant compared to the Post12DEX (p

Silver nanoparticles potentiate antitumor and oxidant actions of cisplatin via the stimulation of TRPM2 channel in glioblastoma tumor cells

We investigated the effects of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) and cisplatin (CiSP) exposure via the activation of TRPM2 cation channels in glioblastoma (DBTRG-05MG) cell line.The cells were divided into four groups as control, AgNPs (100 μg/ml for 48 h), CiSP (25 μM for 24 h), and CiSP + AgNPs. We found that the cytotoxic, oxidant and apoptotic actions of CiSP were further stimulated through the activation of TRPM2 (via ADP-ribose and H2O2) in the cells by the treatment of AgNPs. The actions were decreased in the cells by the treatments of TRPM2 antagonists (ACA and 2APB). The apoptotic actions of AgNPs were induced by the stimulation of propidium iodide positive DBTRG-05MG rate, caspase −3, caspase −8, and caspase −9 activations, although their oxidant actions were acted by the increase of mitochondrial membrane depolarization, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial oxygen free radicals (ROS), and cytosolic ROS, but the decrease of total antioxidant status, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. The accumulation of cytosolic free Ca2+ and Zn2+ into mitochondria via the activation of TRPM2 current density and activity accelerated oxidant and apoptotic actions of AgNPs in the cells.We found that the combination of AgNPs and CiSP was synergistic via the stimulation of TRPM2 for treatment of DBTRG-05MG cells. The combination of AgNPs and CiSP showed a favorable action via the stimulation of TRPM2 in the treatment of glioblastoma tumor cells.

Oxidative Status and Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis Are Changed During 75 g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test over a Five-Hour Period

Background Oral glucose loading may affect oxidative status during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We aimed to investigate how oxidant and antioxidant markers and thiol/disulfide parameters change during OGTT. Methods OGTT was performed to 42 volunteers who were considered risk of type 2 diabetes and were divided into three groups (normoglycemic, prediabetes, diabetes) according glucose levels during OGTT. Glucose, insulin, c-peptide, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), total thiol and native thiol were investigated with auto-anaylzer for five-hours period. Results Decrease of TAS and increase of TOS levels began with the increase in glucose and insulin levels. The increase of TAS started at third hour and reached the highest levels at fifth hour. OSI levels were higher at fourth hour than fasting and first hours in normoglycemic and diabetes groups. In the prediabetic group, TAS were higher than the other groups, TOS peak was at the second hour (p < 0.05). Native thiol and total thiol levels showed variable course during OGTT, both parameters increased at the end of the process (p < 0.05). Disulfide levels showed an increase trend but it was not statistically different in normoglycemic and diabetes groups. In prediabetes group, second hour disulfide level was lower than fasting state and disulfide was significantly increased at third, fourth and fifth hours and fifth hour disulfide level was also higher than fasting. Conclusion Oxidative stress parameters and thiol/disulfide balance were found to deteriorate within five-hours after glucose loading in all groups. These results indicates that oxidative stress occurs during OGTT.

Borate reduces experimental supra-celiac aortic clamping-induced oxidative stress in lung and kidney, but fails to prevent organ damage.

Background This study aims to investigate the effects of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) on aortic clamping-induced lung and kidney tissue oxidation, tissue inflammation, and histological damage in a rat model. Methods A total of 28 adult female Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to four equal groups: Control group, ischemia-reperfusion group, dimethyl sulfoxide group, and 2-APB group. Animals in the control group underwent median laparotomy. In the remaining groups, supra-celiac aorta was clamped for 45 min and, then, reperfusion was constituted for 60 min. The 2-APB (2 mg/kg) was administered before clamping. The remaining groups received saline (ischemia-reperfusion group) or dimethyl sulfoxide (dimethyl sulfoxide group). Kidney and lung tissue samples were harvested at the end of reperfusion. Results Aortic occlusion caused increased tissue total oxidant status and reduced total antioxidant status and glutathione levels in the ischemia-reperfusion and dimethyl sulfoxide groups. Tissue interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, nuclear factor kappa beta activation, and histological damage severity scores were also higher in these groups. The 2-APB treatment eliminated the increase in total oxidant status and the decrease in total antioxidant status and glutathione levels. It also caused a decrease in the interleukin-1 beta levels, although it did not significantly alter the tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, nuclear factor kappa beta immunoreactivity, and histological damage scores. Conclusion Borate exerted a beneficial antioxidant effect as evidenced by reduced oxidative stress; however, it did not inhibit nuclear factor kappa beta activation and prevent histological damage in supra-celiac aortic clamping-induced kidney and lung injury in rats.

MO008NEPHROTOXIC MECHANISMS OF GADOLINIUM: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE USE OF GADOLINIUM-BASED CONSTRAST AGENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Gadolinium-based contrast agents are widely used for magnetic resonance imaging, and although they may be considered well tolerated at recommended dosing levels, recent evidences support the deposition of free gadolinium in the tissues, and its slow release into circulation, resulting in long-term toxicity, which is aggravated in renal patients. The kidney, as the major excretion organ of these agents, and particularly the proximal tubule, as a common location of xenobiotics’ bioaccumulation, may be key targets of gadolinium’s deleterious effects. This study aimed at unveiling the nephrotoxic potential and the underlying mechanisms of toxicity of gadolinium, using an in vitro model of normal human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cell line). Method HK-2 cells were exposed for 24 h to a wide concentration range of gadolinium, in the form of trichloride hexahydrate, and cell viability was assessed to estimate the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) and the subtoxic concentration eliciting 1 % of cell death (EC01). These ECs were further used to determine the effects of gadolinium on the cell’s oxidative status, mitochondrial function, cell death mechanisms and lipid deposition, through variable colorimetric and fluorometric assays. Expression of the pro-inflammatory gene IL6 was also determined through quantitative PCR. Results Gadolinium induced cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, with estimated EC01 and EC50 of 3 and 340 µM, respectively. When compared to control cells, the subtoxic concentration showed no significant effects in terms of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) production, total glutathione levels (tGSH) or total antioxidant status (TAS). On the other hand, the EC50 showed significant disruption of the oxidative status of the cell, with over 60 % depletion of tGSH cell contents (p &amp;lt; 0.01) and a significant decrease of TAS (p &amp;lt; 0.05). However, this effect was not accompanied by an increase, but rather by a significant decline in ROS and RNS production of about 50 % below control (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). At the EC50, but not at EC01, it was also observed the disturbance of the mitochondrial and energetic homeostasis, as showed by the increment of intracellular free calcium levels, hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, and decay of the ATP levels (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Cell death induced by gadolinium was characterized by typical morphological changes of late apoptosis and necrosis, with a significant increase in propidium iodide uptake and lactate dehydrogenase leakage (p ≤ 0.0001) at EC50. The presence of neutral lipids-containing vesicles was observed in the cytoplasm of cells exposed to gadolinium using the fluorescent dye BODIPY, already noticeable at the subtoxic concentration. Cells exposed to gadolinium also showed increased expression of IL6, though this effect was only significant at the EC01 (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion Gadolinium showed marked cytotoxic potential at micromolar levels in HK-2 cells. This cytotoxicity was characterized by increased oxidative stress independent of ROS and RNS production and mitochondrial dysfunction followed by cell death via late apoptosis and necrosis. At a subtoxic concentration, gadolinium was also able to elicit the accumulation of lipidic vesicles within the cells’ cytoplasm, and to trigger a pro-inflammatory response. Although it is still unclear which amount of gadolinium is in fact released from the complexes commonly used as contrast agents, this study shows that gadolinium ion has direct nephrotoxic potential, with noteworthy manifestations at subtoxic concentrations. Acknowledgments This work was supported by Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit (UCIBIO), financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/04378/2020), by North Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N)/NORTE2020/Portugal 2020 (Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000024).

Effects of Parenteral Supplementation with Minerals and Vitamins on Oxidative Stress and Humoral Immune Response of Weaning Calves.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of injectable mineral and vitamin supplementation on weaning calves subjected to a low-stress (fence-line) weaning system. Seven-month-old Aberdeen Angus female calves (n = 40, 152 ± 11 kg body weight) from a selenium-deficient area of extensive cattle production on natural grass were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 20 each). One group received subcutaneous supplementation with copper, zinc, selenium, manganese and vitamins A and E (SG), and the other was given sterile saline solution (CG). The animals were supplemented twice, seven days before weaning (day -7) and on the day of weaning (day 0), and they were evaluated 30 (+30) and 60 (+60) days after weaning. Total antioxidant status (TAS), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, body weight, and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated. Additionally, antibody titers were assessed prior to and after each immunization with a vaccine containing bovine herpes virus type 1 (BoHV-1). On day +30, body weight (p = 0.03) was higher in SG, whereas TAS (p = 0.02) and GPx (p = 0.0038) activity were lower in CG and remained constant in SG. Antibody titers increased in SG and CG following immunization, being higher in SG on days +30 and +60 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, parenteral supplementation of minerals and vitamins with antioxidant effects in a low-stress weaning system prevented the decrease in TAS and GPx activity, improved antibody response and had positive effects on body weight.

Neuroprotective Effects of Chrysin on Diclofenac-Induced Apoptosis in SH-SY5Y Cells.

Accumulating evidences demonstrated that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) may lead to serious damages to numerous cellular biomolecules, consequently resulting in the development of several neurological diseases. Diclofenac (Dic), the most widely preferred non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) induces apoptosis by an alteration in function of mitochondria and creation of ROS. Chrysin (Chr) is a naturally active component that is found in numerous plants and bee products and retains strong neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. However its effect of Dic induced injury on SH-SY5Y neuron cells have not been investigated to date. The goal of present research was to study the molecular mechanisms of Chr protection from oxidative injury caused by Dic in SH-SY5Y cells. Dic induced significant toxicity on the cells and this effect was reversed by pre-treatment with Chr. Dic triggered a noteworthy increase in the cellular ROS and Lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and decrease in Total antioxidant status (TAS) level while pre-treatment with Chr reversed these effects. Dic induction increased the Bax, cytochrome c, cas-3, cas-8 and p53 expression at gene transcription level. Elevated levels of these genes considerably decreased by Chr pre-treatment revealing the defensive effects of Chr. The results obviously presented that exposure of SH-SY5Y with Dic resulted in oxidative stress and apoptosis while pre-treatment of neuron cells with Chr protects the cells against apoptosis triggered by Dic induction.

Total antioxidant status reduction conditioned by a serum selenium concentration decrease as a mechanism of the ultrasonographically measured brachial artery dilatation impairment in patients with arterial hypertension

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between serum concentrations of selenium (SeS) and zinc (ZnS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and endothelial function assessed by ultrasonographic method of dilatation of the brachial artery in 141 hypertensive patients.Patients with SeS < median were characterized by a statistically significantly lower flow-mediated dilation (FMD) than patients with SeS ≥ median. Patients with TAS < median were characterized by a significantly lower FMD than patients with TAS ≥ median. Older age, higher BMI, male gender, higher blood total cholesterol, ischemic heart disease, smoking and lower SeS constitute independent predictors of inferior endothelial function, expressed in lower FMD values. Smoking is an independent predictor of lower TAS, and the use of β-blockers and higher serum selenium levels are independent predictors of higher TAS.In summary, a decrease in TAS should be considered as a mechanism of inferior endothelial function in hypertensive patients conditioned by a decrease in SeS.

Antioxidant system in implementation of endotoxicosis syndrome in young persons with comorbidity of gastroesophageal reflux disease and autoimmune thyroiditis

Introduction. In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and autoimmune thyroiditis in young people. This is associated with a hereditary predisposition, viral diseases, which are often recorded in children's and adolescent groups, the unreasonable use of a large number of drugs, as well as the influence of various negative environmental factors, instability of the autonomic nervous system, eating disorders, the presence of bad habits, chronic stress and others. The aim of the work was to investigate the state of total antioxidant status and the content of biomarkers of the second phase of detoxification of xenobiotics - manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in young people with gastroesophageal reflux disease and autoimmune thyroiditis. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, 120 patients with a combined course of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) were examined, which made up the main group and two comparison groups: with isolated GERD (45 people) and AIT (42 patients). All patients were students of various universities and were between the ages of 18 and 25. Duration of the disease did not exceed 3 years. The total antioxidant status as an indicator of the first phase of defense and the levels of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase – the second phase of antioxidant defense was determined. Results. The study showed that in all surveyed groups there was a decrease of total antioxidant status, which characterizes the first phase of the antioxidant defense system. Changes in the first phase of antioxidant defense affect the indicators of the second level of the system, which became the basis for studying the activity of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase. Thus, the value of this indicator in all examined individuals exceeded the norm, which confirmed the inclusion of the second controlling phase of antioxidant system into the pathological process. At the same time, an increase inhibition of the glutathione defense link, the second phase of xenobiotic detoxification, were diagnosed. Conclusions. Negative changes occur in the enzyme system of the first line of antioxidant system in patients with GERD and AIT which may be the result of an unfavorable autoimmune background. Control over the work of antioxidant system moves to the second phase of the system, manifested by an increase in the content of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase and inhibition of the activity of glutathione peroxidase in patients with a combination of GERD and AIT.

A comparison of the oxidative stress response in single-incision laparoscopic versus multi-trocar laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

IntroductionSurgical treatment is always associated with tissue damage and the subsequent development of oxidative stress.AimTo compare the oxidative stress response in patients treated operatively for inguinal hernia with multi-trocar laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP) or single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP-SI).Material and methodsA randomized group of 34 patients with one-sided inguinal hernia was enrolled in the study. Seventeen patients were treated with a standard TEP method (group 1) and the other 17 patients were treated with the TEP-SI technique (group 2). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) as the oxidative stress markers were measured before surgery (0), 1 day (1) and 4 days (2) after surgery.ResultsA decrease in TAS on the first day after surgery was observed in both groups. Sustained reduction on the fourth day after surgery was observed in group 1, whereas in group 2 an increase followed. A statistically significant difference was observed in TAS (2 : 0) ratio with a meaningful decrease in group 1. TBARS concentration was elevated 1 day after surgery in both groups. It remained at an elevated level on the fourth day after surgery in group 1, while it decreased in group 2. The duration of surgery was higher in group 2 (mean: 57.5 min) than in group 1 (mean: 50.0 min) (p = 0.0286).ConclusionsOxidative stress levels are lower in patients treated operatively by TEP-SI technique than by TEP. TEP-SI may be considered as a less invasive technique associated with less tissue injury.

Local Antioxidant Status in Patients with Keratoconus after Ultraviolet Corneal Crosslinking

The article presents the study results of the local antioxidant status in patients with progressive keratoconus and its dynamics after the ultraviolet corneal crosslinking. Purpose: to study the oxidative activity in the tear of the patients with keratoconus and its dynamics after ultraviolet cornea crosslinking. Patients and methods. To assess the local level of oxidative activity in keratoconic patients according to the levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the tear fluid, as well as their dynamics after UV crosslinking were investigated. The study included 38 patients (38 eyes) with keratoconus stage I–II (classification according to Amsler), men — 24 (63.1 %), women — 14 (36.9 %). The standard UV crosslinking group (S-CXL) was 20 eyes, and the pulsed accelerated protocol (I-CXL) — 18 eyes. The average age of patients was 32.4 ± 6.8 years. As a control group, 12 practically healthy individuals were selected. The time of observation is before the operation, on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 30th days after the procedure. Results: On the basis of the conducted studies, it was revealed that keratoconus patients showed a statistically significant decrease in the initial indicator of TAS by 40 % and amounted to 1.68 ± 0.21 mmol/l, compared to healthy people — 2.82 ± 0.15 mmol/l. The SOD level in tears in patients with keratoconus was also lower by 19 % — to 96.7 ± 11.3 ng/ml, compared to the control — 119.1 ± 16.5 ng/ml. The use of S-CXL of the cornea caused a decrease in TAS during the first 3 days with the subsequent restoration of its level. The use of pulse A-CXL also showed a decrease in this indicator, but by the end of 1st month the level of TAS was higher than preoperative and better than when using the standard protocol. A decrease in SOD level after treatment was noted during the first 3 days, however, the use of S-CXL caused a more significant collapse of this indicator compared to the pulsed accelerated corneal crosslinking protocol. Conclusion. TAS data and SOD level had shown a decrease in local antioxidative status in patients with keratoconus. Ultraviolet corneal crosslinking causes the maximum decrease in SOD and TAS on the 3rd day after the procedure, and from the 14th day their gradual recovery to the initial level is observed. The standard protocol contributed to a more pronounced development of local cross-linking damage in patients with keratoconus. It manifests itself in the antioxidant status reduction of the tear compared to the pulsed accelerated method.

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Enzymes and Serum Selenium Levels in Libyan Atherosclerotic Patients

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is the major source of morbidity and mortality in the developed countries like Libya. Oxidative stress represents a risk factor and plays a key role at several steps of atherosclerosis. Formation of atherosclerotic plaques is the main reason for coronary artery disease. Aim: This study is aimed to assess the impact of the imbalance between body oxidants and antioxidants (oxidative stress) and its involvement in developing and severity of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic with and without diabetes Libyan patients. Methods: The study sample comprised of atherosclerosis with and without diabetes patients (n = 73), as well as healthy controls (n = 27). Blood samples were collected to determine the levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) as oxidative biomarker, serum selenium level, total antioxidant status (TAS) level and some antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (Cat) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, oxidant/antioxidant status was compared between atherosclerotic patients with and without diabetes in comparison to controls. Results: The results indicated a significant increase in MDA level among atherosclerotic patients compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.05). While the level of TAS, Cat, SOD and GPx was significantly decreased among patients compared to the controls (P < 0.05). For the atherosclerotic diabetic patients, the study was found a rise in the level of MDA as well as a marked decrease in TAS and the activity of tested antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05). A good correlation was obtained between elevated MDA and decreased TAS, Cat, SOD and GPx. Conclusion: Determination of antioxidative defense markers contributes to understanding the effect of oxidative stress on the development and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Protective effects of benfotiamine on irisin activity in methotrexate-induced liver injury in rats.

IntroductionMethotrexate (MTX) causes hepatotoxicity by producing oxidative stress. Benfotiamine and irisin have protective effects against oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in irisin activity in the liver as a result of toxicity produced by MTX and the protective role of benfotiamine in the hepatotoxicity.Material and methodsRats were divided into 4 groups as follows: control, benfotiamine (50 mg/kg, oral gavage (o.g.), for 14 days), MTX (MTX 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) on day 1), MTX + benfotiamine (MTX 20 mg/kg (i.p.) on day 1, then 50 mg/kg (o.g.) benfotiamine for 14 days). Liver tissue was used to examine histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. Serum was used to look for oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS)).ResultsAdministration of MTX caused a significant TOS increase and TAS decrease in the serum as compared to the control group. Immunohistochemically, irisin was significantly increased in immunoreactivity in the MTX group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Significant histopathological improvement and decrease in serum TOS levels were observed in the MTX + benfotiamine group compared to the MTX group (p < 0.05). In addition, an increase in TAS level and a decrease in irisin immunoreactivity were observed but they were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsOur results showed that MTX caused an increase in the activity of irisin after producing toxicity in the liver. In addition, we found that benfotiamine was effective in preventing damage caused by MTX in the liver.

Thymoquinone attenuates lead-induced nephropathy in rats.

Kidney hazards from lead (Pb) exposure are one of the fastest growing areas of concern in toxicology today. The thymoquinone (TQ) renoprotective effect against Pb-induced nephropathy has not previously been studied. Therefore, adult male Wistar rats were treated with Pb (2000 ppm of Pb acetate in drinking water) and/or TQ (5 mg/kg/day, per os). All treatments were applied for 5 weeks. The results indicated that Pb exposure produced metal deposition, histopathological changes, functional impairment (significant elevation in plasma urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels), total antioxidant status decrease, and lipid peroxidation stimulation in the kidneys. Interestingly, TQ supplementation remarkably improved the Pb-induced renal adverse effects without significantly reducing the tissue metal accumulation. In conclusion, our data indicate for the first time a protective effect of TQ against Pb-induced nephropathy, most likely through an antioxidant mechanism. On this basis, TQ deserves more consideration and further examination as a potential therapeutic option.

Elevated oxidative DNA damage in patients with coronary artery disease and its association with oxidative stress biomarkers

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to explore the relationship of oxidised purine and pyrimidine with oxidative stress.Methods: The study participants (n = 100) included 50 patients and unrelated 50 age-, sex- and population-subgroup (Jat Sikhs)-matched healthy controls. Oxidative DNA damage using the modified enzymatic comet in PBLs, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in blood serum samples using spectrophotometric methods was determined.Results: The basal DNA damage of percent tail DNA (T-DNA%) was increased as were tail moment (TM) and olive tail moment (OTM). Oxidative DNA damage in terms of oxidised purines and oxidised pyrimidines was also significantly (p < .001) elevated in patients. Rather the advanced stages of CAD, unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction had significantly more basal and oxidative DNA damage (p < .05) compared to stable angina. MDA levels (p < .01) and TOS (p < .001) were increased significantly in patients with significant (p < .001) decrease in TAS. There was positive correlation of oxidised purines (T-DNA% r = 0.399, p = .004; TM r = 0.623, p = .001; OTM r = 0.456, p= .001) and of total oxidative damage (TM r = 0.515, p = .001; OTM r = 0.463, p = .001) with disease severity, and, with TOS (r = 0.279, p = .050) and negative with TAS (r = −0.341, p = .015). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed TOS and disease severity as independent predictors of oxidative DNA damage.Conclusions: There was significant increase in oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in CAD patients compared to levels in healthy controls.

Biological activities of ginger against cadmium-induced renal toxicity.

Our aim was to evaluate the protective and antioxidant effects of ginger extract against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in animal models and to support the use of ginger as anti-renal failure natural remedy. Seventy rats were examined in a 4-week experiment to evaluate the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight on molecular DNA content, antioxidant status, and renal function in rats intoxicated with cadmium at dose of (5 mg/kg) using biochemical and histological analysis. Renal dysfunction, kidney tissue damage, and oxidative effect were evident in cadmium intoxicated rats as estimated by significant increase in (creatinine, urea), decrease in (creatinine clearance and reabsorption rate of urine albumin), increase in MDA, decrease in total antioxidant status (TAC), reduction in DNA content, and histopathological changes of kidneys’ tissues compared to control rats. Treatment with ginger resulted in significant restoring of renal function biomarkers, TAC, molecular DNA, and histological improvements which occurs via free radical scavenging and regenerative mechanisms. The activity of ginger was supported by estimation of bioactive phenolic and falvinods constituents. Twenty-eight polyphenolic compounds were estimated in ginger extract; [6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol, citral and pyrogallol were the highest amounts in ginger, and supposed to be responsible for its major antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as shown by In vitro DPPH/β-carotene-linolic acid assay tests. Consequently, ginger extracts could have a potent protective effects against nephrotoxicity induced by various toxicants.

Selenium, zinc, copper, Cu/Zn ratio and total antioxidant status in the serum of vitiligo patients treated by narrow-band ultraviolet-B phototherapy

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic, depigmenting skin disorder, whose pathogenesis is still unknown. Narrow band ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) is now one of the most widely used treatment of vitiligo. It was suggested that trace elements may play a role in pathogenesis of vitiligo.Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the concentration of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and Cu/Zn ratio as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) in the serum of patients with vitiligo.Methods: We assessed 50 patients with vitiligo and 58 healthy controls. Serum levels of Se, Zn and Cu were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry method, and the Cu/Zn ratio was also calculated. TAS in serum was measured spectrophotometrically.Result: Serum concentration of Se in patients with vitiligo before and after phototherapy was significantly lower as compared to the control group. Zn level in the serum of patients decreased significantly after phototherapy. We observed higher Cu/Zn ratio (p < .05) in examined patients than in the control group and after NB-UVB. We have found decrease in TAS in the serum of vitiligo patients after NB-UVB.Conclusions: The current study showed some disturbances in the serum levels of trace elements and total antioxidant status in vitiligo patients.