Degree Of Antioxidant Protection Research Articles

Otoprotective and antioxidant activity of cytoflavin in pulmonary tuberculosis patients receiving amikacin

The objective: to study the potential otoprotective and antioxidant activity of cytoflavin in new pulmonary tuberculosis patients receiving aminoglycoside amikacin.Subjects and Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted and included 90 patients with new infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis with decay, of both genders aged from 20 to 50 years old. Clinical, paraclinical and statistical methods were used in the study. Audiometric screening was carried out by Diagnostic Audiometer AD 226. The degree of antioxidant protection was determined by the oxidation reaction of ABTS in blood serum and plasma.Results. The study included 4 groups of tuberculosis patients and 1 group of healthy donors. Dissemination of pulmonary tuberculosis in 4 groups was approximately the same and was measured by scores. Prior to the start of treatment in all 4 groups (the group receiving standard chemotherapy (CTX) without amikacin, the group receiving «CTX+amikacin», the group receiving «CTX+cytofl avin», the group receiving «CTX+amikacin+cytofl avin») there was a decrease in blood antioxidant activity compared to Control Group. After 3 months of tuberculosis treatment in all 4 groups, the results improved, while in «CTX+Cytofl avin» Group they were similar to Control Group, and «CTX+Amikacin+Cytofl avin Group», they were only 4.8% less. The elevated level of leukocytes decreased by 10.6% in CTX Group, 16.9% in «CTX+Amikacin» Group, 38.3% in «CTX+Cytofl avin» Group, and 72.3% in «CTX+Amikacin+Cytofl avin» Group. In the study, manifestations of oto- and vestibulotoxicity were found only in the «CTX+Amikacin» Group (in 4/20 (5%)). There were no such cases in «Amikacin+Cytofl avin» Group consisting of 23 patients.

Effects of Supplementation with an Herbal Mixture on the Antioxidant Capacity of Milk.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of a standardized herbal mixture to the feed ration for Holstein-Friesian cows on the antioxidant capacity of milk. The study was carried out on a farm specialized in breeding dairy cattle. The exact study involved 30 cows in lactation III, which were in the first phase of lactation at the beginning of the experiment (15 cows-control group; 15 cows-experimental group). The nutrition supplied to the cows was based on the TMR (total mixed ration) system, with roughage and concentrate fodder used as the basis of the feed ration. The addition of a standardized blend of dried herbs, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), was the experimental factor. Powdered herbs were administered as a component of the concentrate fodder at the dose of 3% DM ration/day/head. Milk samples were collected four times during the experiment (term 0 after the colostrum period and then after lactation weeks 2, 4, and 6). The following parameters were determined in the milk: the basic chemical composition, i.e., the content of total protein, fat, lactose, and casein; somatic cell count; content of selected whey proteins (α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, BSA); and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E). Additionally, the milk antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH) was determined and the degree of antioxidant protection (DAP) was calculated. It was shown that the milk from cows receiving the herbal blend-supplemented fodder had a higher content of casein, compared to the control group. The herbal supplementation contributed to a significant increase in the content of bioactive compounds, i.e., selected whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin) and lipophilic vitamins (A, E). The milk was also characterized by significantly higher antioxidant potential (regardless of the measurement method) and a higher degree of antioxidant protection (DAP).

Dairy Sheep Grazing Management and Pasture Botanical Composition Affect Milk Macro and Micro Components: A Methodological Approach to Assess the Main Managerial Factors at Farm Level.

Simple SummaryStudies on the management factors that affect milk components at the farm level are important for understanding how to transfer the results from experimental study. Plant phenological stages and partially fresh herbage intakes affect the lactose and milk fatty acid profile. The botanical composition of the grassland partially affects the milk’s phenol content. A few small relationships between plant phenols and milk colour could be of interest to explain the changes in milk colour parameters.The fatty acid profile, vitamins A and E, cholesterol, antioxidant power colour and the phenols profile of Sarda sheep milk from 11 commercial sheep flocks managed under permanent grassland were investigated. In each farm, the structural and managerial data and milk samples were collected during four periods (sampling dates, SD): January, March, May, and July. Data from the milk composition (fat, protein, casein, lactose, and somatic cell count), 68 fatty acids, 7 phenols, 1 total gallocatechin equivalent, ferric reducing antioxidant power, vitamins A and E, cholesterol, degree of antioxidant protection, and the colour (b *, a * and L *) were analyzed by multivariate factorial analysis using a principal component analysis approach. A proc mixed model for repeated measurement to point out the studied factors affecting significant macro and micro milk composition was also used. Only the first five components were detailed in this paper, with approximately 70% of the explained variance detected. PC1 presented the highest positive loadings for milk lactose, de novo FA synthesis and the BH intermediate, whereas OBCFA had negative loadings values. The PC2, LCFA, UFA, MUFA, vitamins E, and DAP showed positive loadings values, while SFA had a negative value. The PC3 showed a high positive loading for total phenols and non-flavonoids. PC4 presented a high positive loading for the milk macro-composition and negative values for n-3 FAs. The PC5 is characterized by high positive loadings for the a * and L * colour parameters whereas negative loadings were detected for the milk flavonoids content. These preliminary results could help to establish future threshold values for the biomarkers in milk sourced from grazing dairy sheep in natural, permanent pasture-based diets.

Relationship between the degree of antioxidant protection and the level of malondialdehyde in high-performance Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in peak of lactation.

Lipid peroxidation can be described as a process under which free radicals attack carbon double bonds of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Whereas the end products of this process are reactive aldehydes, such as malondialdehyde (MDA). Lipid peroxidation leads to adverse changes in the nutritional value of milk; therefore, higher degree of antioxidant protection (DAP) ensures higher stability of dairy products by effecting their high antioxidative potential. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between the DAP and the level of MDA in high-performance Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in peak of lactation. Sixty-three Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were selected to the experiment according to: parity (all in the 2nd lactation), phase of lactation (peak of lactation), cytological quality of milk (somatic cell count < 150 thousand/ml) and without diagnosed metabolic diseases. The data obtained were analyzed statistically by two–way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post-hoc test. After analysis of performance the cows were divided into 3 groups (twenty one cows in each group) based on milk yield and MDA concentration. The study revealed a significant effect of the lactation performance of cows on MDA levels in milk (P ≤ 0.01). The highest concentration of MDA (61.137 nM/mL) was shown in milk of cows yielding between 50.00 and 55.80 kg/day. The highest concentration of fat was found in milk in which the MDA level ranged from 48 to 86 nM/mL. Whereas, the inverse relationship was demonstrated in case of protein concentration. The highest level of protein was found in cows with MDA levels in the range of 18–28 nM/mL (P ≤ 0.01). The lowest MDA level (in the range of 18–28 nM/mL) was associated with the highest concentration of vitamin E, β-carotene, total antioxidant status (TAS) and DAP, measured in both milk and plasma. The obtained results show that lipid peroxidation leads to adverse changes in the nutritional value of milk; the highest DAP (7.89 x 10−3) was found in the cows with the lowest MDA concentration in milk.

Antioxidant properties of industrial heat-treated milk

Milk is a source of antioxidant compounds in a delicate balance between anti- and pro-oxidative processes. This research aims at evaluating the antioxidant properties of industrial heat treated milk (UHT, Microfiltered and High Quality Pasteurized) with particular attention towards the characterization of unsaponifiable fraction, rich in antioxidant compounds, and its contribution to radical scavenging activity. Total polyphenol content, FRAP, DPPH and colour, often related to antioxidant properties, were performed on milk. Moreover, the unsaponifiable fraction of milk samples was studied for: (a) α-tocopherol, β-carotene, retinol isomers, cholesterol and two previously developed indices Degree of Retinol Isomerization (DRI) and Degree of Antioxidant Protection (DAP); (b) DPPH assay; (c) a qualitative analysis of its major functional groups by Fourier Transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) on Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR). UHT milk showed the highest values in all assays, probably due to the development of antioxidant compounds, that occur during this severe heat-treatment and confirmed by a moderate correlation (r = 0.6791) between DPPH and b*(yellowness). On unsaponifiable fraction, differences were detected on 13-cis retinol and confirmed by DRI index and specific vibrations of functional groups of antioxidants were identified in FTIR-ATR spectra.

Glutathione content in sperm cells of infertile men

Hyperproduction of reactive oxygen species can damage sperm cells and is considered to be one of the mechanisms of male infertility. Cell protection from the damaging effects of free radicals and lipid peroxidation products is generally determined by the degree of antioxidant protection. Glutathione is non-enzymatic antioxidant which plays an important protective role against oxidative damages and lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present work is to determine the content of reduced and oxidized glutathione in sperm cells of infertile men. Semen samples from 20 fertile men (normozoospermics) and 72 infertile patients (12 oligozoospermics, 17 asthenozoospermics, 10 oligoasthenozoosper­mics and 33 leucocytospermic) were used. The total, oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH) glutathione levels were measured spectrophotometrically. The levels of total glutathione were significantly lower in the spermatozoa of patients with oligozoo-, asthenozoo- and oligoasthenozoospermia than in the control. Infertile groups showed significantly decreased values of reduced glutathione in sperm cells vs. fertile men, indicating an alteration of oxidative status. The oxidized glutathione levels in sperm cells of infertile men did not differ from those of normozoospermic men with proven fertility. The GSH/GSSG ratio was significantly decreased in the oligo-, astheno- and oligoasthenozoospermic groups compared to the normozoospermic group. In patients with leucocytospermia the GSH/GSSG ratio was lower but these changes were not significant. In addition, glutathione peroxidase activity in sperm cells was decreased in patients with oligozoo-, astenozoo-, oligoastenozoospermia and with leucocytospermia. The most significant changes in glutathione peroxidase activity were observed in infertile men with leucocytospermia. Decreased GSH/GSSG ratio indicates a decline in redox-potential of the glutathione system in sperm cells of men with decreased fertilizing potential. Redistribution between oxidized and reduced forms of glutathione can be caused by depletion of intracellular stores of glutathione and intensification of lipid peroxidation processes. This leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species, further depletion of antioxidant pools and disturbances of structure and function of spermatozoa. Our results indicate that the evaluation of reduced glutathione level and GSH/GSSG ratio in sperm cells of infertile men can be helpful in fertility assessment.

Degrees of Antioxidant Protection: A 2-Year Study of the Bioactive Properties of Organic Milk in Poland.

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of organic milk in Poland, investigate the influence of diet on antioxidant capacity and degree of antioxidant protection (DAP), and to examine the effect of season on the bioactive properties of milk from organic farms. From 2014 to 2015, 820 milk samples were collected from 6 organic farms during indoor feeding season (IDS) and pasture feeding season (PS). Pasture feeding season + corn grain (PSCG) cows' daily ration during pasture feeding season was enriched with 4 kg a day of corn to improve dietary energy balance. Milk obtained during PS was found to have a higher fat content, slight but significantly lower protein content compared with milk from IDS. The study showed that the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in milk fat was strongly linked to the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and, to a lesser extent, on the supply of MUFA. The IDS data (concentration of vitamin E, A, and β-carotene) showed the lowest values compared with the PS and PSCG groups. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and DAP showed an increasing trend in organic milk. PSCG was associated with highest level of DAP (9% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS) and TAS (37% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS). The results obtained show that supplementation of the basic ration with corn grain improved both TAS and DAP. The higher DAP and TAS value is responsible for product stability, considering the risk factor related to levels of cholesterol-oxide intake in humans.

Vascular endothelial growth factor during physical loads with different mechanism of energy's providing of muscular work

In the article the results of investigation of vascular endothelial growth factor's (VEGF) maintenance changes at the oxidative stress caused by physical activities and associated tissue hypoxia, for the representatives of types of sport with the different mechanisms of energy providing of muscular work are presented. The highest VEGF concentration of serum was marked in sports with representatives of aerobic energy supply mechanism of muscle activity--from 122.8±3.4 to 126.2±4.1 pg·ml(-1), intermediate values in VEGF marked in a mixed mechanism energy--102.4±4.91 pg·ml(-1). Anaerobic muscle activity observed providing the lowest of VEGF value (78.5±5.2 pg·ml(-1)). Initial VEGF concentration in athletes even before the current load is higher than in the healthy untrained people. A statistically significant positive correlation between the degree of antioxidant protection and the VEGF concentration has been found. It is concluded, that angiogenesis is one of the mechanisms of adaptation to tissue hypoxia during physical activities. Scientific Institute of the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine, Kiev.

Cholesterol and Antioxidant Vitamins in Fat Fraction of Whole and Skimmed Dairy Products

The skimming procedure is a common practice in dairy industry, and skimmed products contain less fat, less cholesterol and less fat-soluble vitamins than whole products. The aim of this research is to verify if something else happens during the skimming process to these compounds in milk and dairy products. Experimental milk and cream samples, ranging from 0.1 to 51.5 g fat/100 g, have been studied for beta carotene, alfa-tocopherol and cholesterol contents. The degree of antioxidant protection (DAP), useful to estimate the potential oxidative stability of fat in foods, has been calculated, combining these values. The same analytical protocol has been also applied to commercial products (fat content ranging from 0.1 to 85.0 g/100 g). As was expected, there is a good linear correlation between these compounds and fat content in experimental and in commercial samples; nevertheless, the composition of milk fat changes differently. During skimming process, in the residual fat matter, cholesterol concentration increases while antioxidant compound concentration decreases or remains unchanged. Moreover, in experimental and in commercial milk and dairy, the DAP values show that the residual cholesterol is more susceptible to oxidation in skimmed than in whole products. This aspect is particularly important from a safety point of view: actually, cholesterol oxide ingestion can be harmful and should be avoided even in a small amount.

Degree of Antioxidant Protection: A Parameter to Trace the Origin and Quality of Goat's Milk and Cheese

Traceability is an essential tool in reassuring consumers and traders that food is as safe, authentic, and of good quality as expected. Today, food traceability procedures often consist of attached documents and declarations, but scientific parameters that could objectively identify a product would be preferable. Scientific efforts in this area are mostly focused on selection and validation of experimental indicators that would be useful for tracing a food product in any step of its commercial life, describing its raw materials, processing procedures, and storage conditions. In this research, milk and cheese samples from zero grazing and grazing goats were studied to identify a tracing parameter correlated to the feeding system. In particular, α-tocopherol and cholesterol were analyzed by HPLC on a normal phase column and were combined to calculate the degree of antioxidant protection (DAP). This parameter, expressed as the molar ratio between antioxidant compounds and an oxidation target, is useful for tracing and distinguishing products from grazing and zero-grazing animals. Degree of antioxidant protection values greater than 7.0×10−3 were found in samples from grazing goats and values lower than 7.0×10−3 were found in samples from zero-grazing goats, for both milk and cheese, meaning that cholesterol was highly protected against oxidative reactions when herbage was the only feed or was dominant in the goat diet. The reliability of DAP to measure the antioxidant protection of cholesterol appeared more effective when the feeding system was based on grazing than when cut herbage was utilized indoors by animals. The DAP index was able to distinguish dairy products when the grazed herbage in the goats’ diet exceeded 15%.