Erythrocyte Antioxidant Status Research Articles

Impact of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on Antioxidant Status and Metabolic Parameters in NAFLD Patients: A 24-Month Lifestyle Intervention Study.

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is recognized as a healthy dietary pattern. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. To assess the antioxidant status in erythrocytes, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of NAFLD patients following a 24-month lifestyle intervention based on the MedDiet. Adult patients (n = 40; aged 40-60 years) diagnosed with NAFLD by magnetic resonance imaging were divided into two groups based on their adherence to the MedDiet. Consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Anthropometrics, biochemistry parameters, intrahepatic fat contents (IFC), antioxidants, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma and erythrocytes before and after the intervention. After the intervention, body mass index (BMI) and plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cytokeratin-18 (CK18) decreased, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-chol) increased. Participants with high adherence to MedDiet showed lower IFC, hepatic enzyme (AST, ALT, and GGT), glycemia, oxidase LDL (oxLDL) plasma levels, and erythrocyte MDA levels. Higher antioxidant activity (erythrocyte catalase-CAT, superoxide dismutase-SOD, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione reductase-GRd, and total glutathione-GSH as well as PBMCs-CAT gene expression) was observed in these patients, along with a reduction of PBMCs reactive oxygen species production and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression. Inverse associations were observed between adherence to the MedDiet and BMI, glycemia, AST, IFC, and CK18 plasma levels and oxLDL, CAT, SOD, and GRd activities in erythrocytes. A significant linear regression was observed between adherence to the MedDiet and antioxidant score. Adherence to the MedDiet is associated with improved plasma and PBMC antioxidant and inflammatory biomarker profiles and high antioxidant defences in erythrocytes.

Oxidant and antioxidant status of erythrocytes and plasma samples in polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common types of endocrine syndromes in women, where the disease is described as chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism, which characterized by the formation of small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries. This study was carried out to introduce knowledge when plasma and erythrocytes portions were chosen to compare the antioxidant and oxidant status of PCOS patients treated and without treatment with Metformin. Samples were included 75 women diagnostics with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria. The control group included healthy volunteers with regular menstrual cycles and with no symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Total Antioxidants Capacity (TAC), total Oxidant Status (TOS), and CuZn SOD enzyme activity were examined in both plasma and erythrocytes. The activity of the CuZn SOD enzyme was determined based on the ability of the enzyme to inhibit the autoxidation of pyrogallol. TAC values were significantly decreased in PCOS patients and the content in plasma was significantly higher than in Erythrocytes. On the other hand, the TOS values were in the opposite pattern, they were significantly increased in patients and higher in erythrocytes than plasma. The activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher in patients’ samples than in controls. This enzyme displayed higher activity values in samples from erythrocytes than the plasma and the highest activity was 61.9±3 U/ml. As the data for both TOS and SOD1 activity introduces the same pattern in blood samples, TAC values introduce a different line of responses. In considering Metformin’s effect on previous criteria, this drug significantly decreased the TAC, TOS and SOD1, activity group. as this drug is responsible for the reduction of circulating insulin and increasing the glucose uptake by peripheral tissues

Effects of N-acetylcysteine and dexamethasone on the antioxidant status of erythrocytes in experimental immunogenic uveitis

Objective . To study the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and dexamethasone over the parameters of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant defence (AOD) in erythrocytes of rabbits with experimental immunogenic uveitis (EIU). Materials and methods . An experimental study was carried out on 45 rabbits. Animals with EIU were treated with placebo, NAC, dexamethasone, or a combination of NAC and dexamethasone. Parameters of lipid peroxidation (diene conjugates, triene conjugates, malondialdehyde) and AOD (catalase activity, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione and their ratio, superoxide dismutase) were observed in blood erythrocytes of rabits. Results . EIU in rabbits was accompanied by a significant elevation of LPO parameters and inhibition of AOD in erythrocytes. NAC significantly reduced the intensity of oxidative stress in erythrocytes, and also increased the AOP parameters, including the content of reduced glutathione. Dexamethasone led to the inhibition of the glutathione system. The combined application of NAC and dexamethasone revealed the synergism of their pharmacological action. Conclusion . EIU in rabbits is accompanied by systemic manifestations of oxidative stress. NAC has a pronounced antioxidant effect on the redox status of blood erythrocytes. Dexamethasone has an inhibitory effect on the glutathione system. The combined parenteral administration of NAC and dexamethasone revealed their combined synergistic pharmacological effect.

Evaluation of the Erythrocyte Fragility, Haematological Parameters and Antioxidant Properties of Platanus orientalis Leaf Infusion Against Ethanol Toxicity in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of the leaf infusion of chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) on erythrocyte fragility, haematological parameters and antioxidant status against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups: Control, Ethanol, Ethanol+Silymarin (10 mg kg-1), Ethanol+PO-20 mg mL-1 infusion, and Ethanol+PO-60 mg mL-1 infusion. According to the results, in the Ethanol group, erythrocyte counts, red cells distribution, plateletcrit, platelet and lymphocyte levels significantly decreased compared to the Control group, while PO-60 dose-fed group showed a significant increase in haematocrit and haemoglobin values compared to the Ethanol group. There were significant changes in erythrocyte fragility of Ethanol and Ethanol-treatment groups at different NaCl concentrations of 0.3 and 0.6 according to Control group. It was observed that PO Leaf infusion reduced the hemolysis caused by ethanol at a concentration of 0.3% NaCl, thus reducing the values to the control values. In addition, PO leaf infusion caused a significant increase in total antioxidant status against ethanol toxicity and a significant decrease in total oxidative status and oxidative stress index. It was concluded that PO leaf infusion may have antihematotoxic effect, reducing erythrocyte fragility and increase antioxidant capacity against ethanol toxicity.

Impact of essential oils of clove Syzygium aromaticum in rats exposed to stress by nickel

The mechanisms that cause nickel (Ni) toxicity are multiple and potentially affect all cells in the body. For this purpose, we were interested in the oxidative stress induced by the Ni at the erythrocyte level at a dose of 2 g/l during the gestation and lactation period in the Wistar rats and the capacity of the clove essential oil, Syzygium aromaticum, (CEO) to restore or not this state of stress. Extraction of the CEO by hydro-distillation allowed us to obtain a CEO with a yield of 10.60% and the characterization of this essential oil by GC-MS indicates that the major components of this oil are: Eugenol (80.95%), eugenyl acetate (10.48%), β-caryophyllene (7.21%) and α-humulene (0.87%). The antioxidant activity of the CEO made in vitro showed a free radical scavenging capacity DPPH with an IC 50 of the order of 25.60 μg/ml. In addition, analysis of the erythrocyte antioxidant status indicated that Ni significantly increased the enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and significantly decreased the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), resulting in dysfunction of the antioxidant defense system. On the other hand, the administration of CEO by intraperitoneal (IP) over a period of 21 days to rats previously intoxicated with Ni, indicates that this CEO contributes significantly in improving defenses against free radical aggression, through a recovery. At the level of antioxidant enzyme activities by increasing their abilities to eliminate radical compounds.

Erythrocyte Lipid and Antioxidant Changes in Plasmodium falciparum-infected Children Attending Mother and Child Hospital in Akure, Nigeria.

Understanding the molecular and cellular pathways activated in response to Plasmodium falciparum infection is crucial for the development of pharmacological intervention to malaria. The present study was designed to evaluate the lipid components and the oxidative status of erythrocyte obtained from children under 5 years infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Parasitemia was assessed prior and after treatment with antimalarial, erythrocyte lipid profile, levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (reduced glutathione, GSH; superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) were measured. Results obtained showed that in Plasmodium infected erythrocyte, the total phospholipids, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly elevated beyond the normal level. In addition, an upsurge in erythrocyte oxidant (lipid peroxide) status with a concomitant downregulation of the antioxidant status (GSH concentration and SOD, catalase and GPx activities) was observed in P. falciparum-infected children. However, following a three-day treatment with artemisinin combination drugs, there was a significant reduction in erythrocyte phospholipids, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentration as well as lipid peroxide levels. Significant augmentation in erythrocyte antioxidant status (GSH, SOD, catalase and GPx) were also observed after treatment with antimalarials. This study demonstrated that erythrocyte lipids and oxidative status are usually altered in Plasmodium falciparum-infected children. Thus, monitoring erythrocyte lipid profile and oxidative status could offer a viable diagnostic strategy in early detection of malaria in children.

Low dose exposure of patulin and protective effect of epicatechin on blood cells in vitro

In the present study, we aimed to assess antioxidant status in erythrocytes in vitro after patulin (PAT) and epicatechin exposure by measuring antioxidant enzymes (superoxide-dismutase – SOD, glutathione peroxidase – GPx and catalase – CAT) and parameters associated with oxidative stress (malondialdehyde – MDA and ROS). We also investigated the effect of PAT on viability and count of lymphocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations in rabbit blood in vitro. Whole blood of rabbits was used for analysis of antioxidant changes in rabbit erythrocytes after epicatechin and PAT treatment (separately or in combination, at concentrations of 0.2; 2; 20; 200 µg mL–1 of epicatechin and 0.5; 5; 10 µg mL–1 of PAT). Whole blood of rabbits was also used for analysis of count and viability of lymphocytes after PAT treatment at concentrations of 10; 25 and 50 µg mL–1. Results from our experiment confirmed the ability of epicatechin to protect cells against oxidative stress and lipoperoxidation. Our findings indicate that mycotoxin PAT in low concentrations did not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes of rabbits significantly. Only slight non-significant changes in lymphocytes count after treatment with low doses of PAT in rabbit blood were observed.

Repeatedly heated cooking oils induced alterations in erythrocyte membrane integrity and antioxidant status in cholesterol fed Sprague Dawley rats

Repeatedly heated cooking oils induce oxidative stress in animals. Erythrocytes are prone to free radical induced lipid peroxidation. This study compared the effects of repeatedly heated cooking oils on erythrocyte membrane changes in hypercholesterolemic rats. Coconut oil, mustard oil, and sunflower oil were heated at 210 ± 10°C for 15 hr. Fresh/heated oils (15%) and cholesterol (1%) were fed with experimental diet for 60 days. Chemical analysis showed deteriorative changes in heated oils, effect being lower in heated coconut oil. Elevated MDA and protein carbonyl content and compromised antioxidant status was observed in heated oil fed animals. Membrane bound enzymes were decreased and markers of in vivo hemolysis were significantly elevated in heated oil fed animals. Osmotic fragility of erythrocytes was also higher in heated oils fed groups. Our study shows increased lipid peroxidation associated with reduced antioxidant status of erythrocytes, make them more susceptible to hemolysis. Practical applications High fat and cholesterol are increasingly being included in the modern diet. Hypercholesterolemia and lipid oxidation are serious risk factors contributing to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thermally treated dietary fats in typical modern diets contain lipid peroxidation products. Cooking oils are repeatedly heated at high temperatures and reused for maximum profit during various food preparations. The nature of fatty acids influences the rate of lipid peroxidation occurring in oils during thermal treatments. The present study clearly showed that frying oils such as mustard oil and sunflower oil have lower stability than coconut oil because of high polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Results obtained from these investigations indicate that consumption of thermally oxidized cooking oil causes oxidative damage thereby increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Hence for optimal use, it is necessary to distinguish the quality of oil and not to expose cooking oils to high temperatures for longer duration.

Enhanced Erythrocyte Antioxidant Status Following an 8-Week Aerobic Exercise Training Program in Heavy Drinkers

Alcohol-induced oxidative stress is involved in the development and progression of various pathological conditions and diseases whereas exercise training has been shown to improve redox status, thus attenuating oxidative stress-associated disease processes. PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of an exercise training program on blood redox status in heavy drinkers. METHODS: Eleven sedentary, heavy drinking men participated in an intervention where they completed an 8-week supervised aerobic training program of moderate intensity. Blood samples were collected before, during (week 4) and after intervention and analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PC), uric acid (UA), bilirubin, reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity. RESULTS: Catalase activity increased (p<0.05) after 8 weeks (340.7+13.3 U mg/Hb) of intervention compared to week 4 (299.5+18.7 U mg/Hb). GSH increased (p<0.05) after 8 weeks of intervention (1.22+0.16 μmol/g Hb) compared to the control condition (1.11 + 0.17 μmol/g Hb) and to week 4 (1.11 + 0.15 μmol/g Hb ). TAC, UA, bilirubin, TBARS and PC did not significantly change at any time point. CONCLUSION: An 8-week aerobic training program enhanced erythrocyte antioxidant status in heavy drinkers, indicating that aerobic training may attenuate pathological processes caused by alcohol-induced oxidative stress.

Oxidative status of growing West African dwarf goat kids fed diets containing different nutrient density

Nutritional manipulation is the best option against parasitic infection in ruminants, as it has no residual effect on the animal. Nutrition improves the resilience and resistance of the infected animals and eliminates the resultant clinical anaemia. Twenty-four growing intensively raised West African dwarf (WAD) goats (10.2 + 0.78) were used to assess the effect of incremental levels of protein and energy on the performance characteristics and oxidative status of the WAD goats. The animals were individually housed and allotted to diets containing varying levels of crude protein and energy levels: high-energy high-protein (HH), medium-energy medium-protein (MM) and low-energy low-protein (LL) diets in a completely randomised design. Data were collected for changes in weight gain, haematogical and serum constituents, oxidative stress biomarkers and faecal egg count. Higher levels of energy and protein in the diets increased (P < 0.05) metabolic weight gain (kgBW^0.75) and average daily gain (g/day). Increased levels of crude protein and energy significantly (P < 0.05) increased packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count of the goats. Thiol concentration was increased (P < 0.05) with increased level of protein and energy in the diets. The observed reductions in egg per gram of the faeces were similar among the treatment groups. Therefore, increased levels of protein and energy in the diets improve the dry matter intake and daily weight gain with increased erythrocyte count and antioxidant status (through increased thiol concentration) in goats fed MM and HH diets.

Enhanced erythrocyte antioxidant status following an 8-week aerobic exercise training program in heavy drinkers.

Alcohol-induced oxidative stress is involved in the development and progression of various pathological conditions and diseases. On the other hand, exercise training has been shown to improve redox status, thus attenuating oxidative stress-associated disease processes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise training program that has been previously reported to decrease alcohol consumption on blood redox status in heavy drinkers. In a non-randomized within-subject design, 11 sedentary, heavily drinking men (age: 30.3±3.5 years; BMI: 28.4±0.86kg/m2) participated first in a control condition for 4 weeks, and then in an intervention where they completed an 8-week supervised aerobic training program of moderate intensity (50-60% of the heart rate reserve). Blood samples were collected in the control condition (pre-, post-control) as well as before, during (week 4 of the training program), and after intervention (week 8 of the training program). Samples were analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PC), uric acid (UA), bilirubin, reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase activity. No significant change in indices of redox status in the pre- and post-control was observed. Catalase activity increased (p<0.05) after 8 weeks of intervention compared to week 4. GSH increased (p<0.05) after 8 weeks of intervention compared to the control condition and to week 4 of intervention. TAC, UA, bilirubin, TBARS, and PC did not significantly change at any time point. Moreover, concentrations of GSH, TBARS, and catalase activity negatively correlated with alcohol consumption. In conclusion, an 8-week aerobic training program enhanced erythrocyte antioxidant status in heavy drinkers, indicating that aerobic training may attenuate pathological processes caused by alcohol-induced oxidative stress.

Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin Fluorescence as a Biomarker to Monitor the Anticancer Effect of Semecarpus Anacardium in DMBA Induced Mammary Carcinoma Rat Model.

Endogenous fluorescence has been proposed as a means of aiding the diagnosis of various malignancies. It has been suggested that erythrocytes may be the carriers of fluorophors that accumulate in cancer tissue and may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies. Hence, the present study was designed to explore the spectrofluorimetric analysis of blood components as a marker for the analysis of mammary carcinoma treatment and also to bring about the protective effect of the drug Semecarpus anacardium on oxidative stress mediated damage of erythrocytes. Fluorescence spectra of the blood components were studied and also the level of lipid per oxides and antioxidant enzymes status in erythrocytes were determined in DMBA induced mammary carcinoma rats treated with Semecarpus anacardium Linn nut milk extract. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy of blood components are altered under cancer conditions and the drug effectively ameliorated these alterations in mammary carcinoma induced rats. The drug also effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced erythrocyte damage thereby restoring the erythrocytes antioxidant status. These results suggest that erythrocytes may be the carriers of fluorophors that accumulate in cancer tissue and hence acts as new biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment.

Effect of resistance training during the month of Ramadan on antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers in recreational bodybuilders

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a hypertrophic training program during Ramadan on levels of circulating antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers in trained bodybuilders. Eight male bodybuilders visited the laboratory two days before the start of Ramadan and on the 29th day of Ramadan (end-Ramadan), to undergo anthropometric measurement, to complete a dietary questionnaire, and to provide fasting blood and urine samples. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and protein-bound carbonyl concentrations were measured in the plasma to indicate lipid and protein oxidation, respectively. These did not change significantly during Ramadan. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, indices of erythrocytes antioxidant status, increased by 24% (p = 0.011) and 12% (p = 0.01), respectively, from before to the end of Ramadan. However, erythrocyte catalase activity did not change significantly. Uric acid values increased by 17% (p < 0.001) from before to the end of Ramadan, but ferric-reducing ability and Vitamin E levels of the plasma remained unchanged. A significant correlation was found between uric acid values and urine specific gravity (r = 0.70; p < 0.05) only at the end of Ramadan. We conclude that continuing a hypertrophic training program during Ramadan fasting does not increase oxidative stress but does increase antioxidant status in bodybuilders.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Improved some of Biochemical Parameters and Antioxidant Disturbances of Red Blood Cells in Diabetic Rats.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has a broad spectrum of biologic properties against oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GSPE on biochemical factors and antioxidant enzymes of erythrocyte in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced through single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg.Kg(-1), i.p). Forty Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four Groups: Group 1, healthy control group; Group 2, healthy group treated with GSPE (200 mg.Kg(-1)); Group 3, diabetic control group; Group 4, diabetic group treated with GSPE (200 mg.Kg(-1)) for 4 weeks. At the end, the experimental animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected and plasma parameters and erythrocytes antioxidant status were evaluated. The results show, treatment with GSPE significantly reduced (P<0.001) urine volume, proteinuria and biochemical factors such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein as well as malondialdehyde. Also GSPE treatment significantly (P<0.005) increased high density lipoprotein, total protein and albumin. Moreover GSPE significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activity such as: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. These results suggest that GSPE can ameliorate biochemical abnormalities and antioxidant system status in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats probably by its potent antioxidant features.

Erythrocyte Antioxidant Defenses Against Cigarette Smoking in Ischemic Heart Disease.

Cigarette smoke promotes atherogenesis by producing oxygen-derived free radicals. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of cigarette smoking on lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidant status in ischemic heart disease (IHD). A total of 327 male subjects were enrolled for this study, divided into two groups consisting of 200 patients, who were consecutively admitted for IHD in the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) of a Government Hospital and 127 age matched male healthy subjects. Both the groups were subsequently categorised into smokers and non smokers sub groups depending upon the smoking history {>/= 20 pack years of smoking; (20 cigarettes per day for one year constitutes one pack year)}. All 327 subjects were investigated for lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The differences in the parameters between the groups were tested for significance by one way ANOVA using the SPSS software version 19. A p-value of < 0.001 was considered to be significant statistically. Multiple comparisons were made between all the four groups by Post Hoc Tukey test. There was highly significant difference (p<0.001) observed in GPX activity, in comparison to CAT and SOD (p=0.032, p=0.009) between smokers vs non smokers in control group as well as patient group. The plasma MDA levels were found to be increased significantly (p<0.001) in IHD patients, who smoked as compared to those who did not. Chronic smoking enhances erythrocyte lipid peroxidation in IHD patients with concomitant failure of both plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant defense mechanisms. Along with conventional lipid markers and plasma MDA levels, the erythrocyte GPX activity was observed to be a better marker of oxidative stress, in chronic smokers, who are at risk of developing IHD.

Chemopreventive effect of methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica on experimental Trypanosoma brucei induced oxidative stress in dogs

Introduction:The medicinal properties of Azadirachta indica have been harnessed for many years in the treatment of many diseases in both humans and animals.Materials and Methods:Twenty-five apparently healthy dogs weighing between 3 and 8 kg were randomly divided into five groups with five dogs in each group. Ameliorative effect of A. indica on erythrocyte antioxidant status and markers of oxidative stress were assessed. Liver and kidney function tests were also performed.Results:Pre-treatment with methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica (MEAI) at different doses did not significantly alter the values of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity in Trypanosoma brucei infection. Although, serum creatinine significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with pre-treatment with 50 mg/kg A. indica, after 2 weeks of T. brucei infection. However, the reduced glutathione (GSH) content of the erythrocyte increased significantly in animals pre-treated with 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of A. indica respectively. Markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide generated were higher in animals infected with T. brucei with no significant (P >0.05) difference compared to the values obtained in pre-treated animals. Pre-treatment with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of A. indica significantly (P < 0.05) decreased serum myeloperoxidase activity at 2 weeks post-infection with T. brucei.Conclusion:From this study, MEAI showed significant ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation during experimental T. brucei infection.

Protective Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Against Toxicity on the Rat Blood After Chronic Exposure to Carbosulfan

The present study investigated the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is widely known as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose, on carbosulfan (CB)-induced hematotoxicity and oxidative stress in male rats. CB was administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg or simultaneously administered with NAC (2 g/l) for 30 days. Results of hematological examination showed that red blood cells, hematocrite, hemoglobin, and reticulocytes levels were significantly lower in CB-exposed rats compared with those in the control. Administration of CB caused a significant increase in the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. However, the glutathione (GSH) and thiols group (TSH) levels were significantly increased as well as GSH S-transferase activity and levels of glutathione peroxidase on erythrocytes of males rats compared with those in the control. Also, CB-treated rats showed significant elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on erythrocytes in comparison with the control. Co-administration with NAC exhibited chemoprotective effects against CB-mediated hematotoxicity, augmented erythrocyte antioxidant status, and prevented the induction of anemia.

Short-Term Capacities of Ethanolic Theobroma Cacao Bean Extract to Ameliorate Oxidative Stress, Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objectives: The present study ascertained the capacities of ethanolic Theobroma cacao bean extract to ameliorate hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in Type I diabetic rats (T1-DR) following short-term treatment for 64 h. Additionally, erythrocyte haemolysate reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured to establish erythrocyte antioxidant status of T1-DR. Materials and Methods: DM was induced in the experimental rats by a single intra-peritoneal injection of 0.1 mol/L alloxan monohydrate in PBS solution (pH = 7.4) at a dosage of 140 mg/kg body weight. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were drawn from the orbital sinus and measured for FPGC, erythrocyte haemolysate GSH/GSSH ratio, MDA concentration and serum lipid profile (SLP) using standard methods. Results: Blood samples of T1-DR treated with T. cacao bean extract showed substantial reduction in FPGC but were hyperglycemic. Erythrocyte haemolysate GSH/GSSG ratio and MDA concentrations of T1-DR treated with T. cacao bean extract were significantly different (p < 0.05) from that of untreated group. Generally, the administration of T. cacao bean extract caused readjustments in perturbed SLP of T1-DR, which tended towards normalcy within the 64-h treatment period. Calculated AI of the experimental rats was within the range of 5.35 ± 0.51 – 0.50 ± 0.08. Conclusion: Short-term administration of T. cocoa bean extract caused substantial reduction in blood glucose concentration but did not obliterate hyperglycemia. Additionally, T. cocoa bean extract, in the present form and doses, exhibited comparative limited capacities to reduce oxidative stress and ameliorate dyslipidemia in T1-DR.

Nrf2 and redox status in prediabetic and diabetic patients.

The redox status associated with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) was evaluated in prediabetic and diabetic subjects. Total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma and erythrocytes, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activity of antioxidant enzymes were measured as redox status markers in 259 controls, 111 prediabetics and 186 diabetic type 2 subjects. Nrf2 was measured in nuclear extract fractions from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Nrf2 levels were lower in prediabetic and diabetic patients. TAS, GSH and activity of glutamate cysteine ligase were lower in diabetic subjects. An increase of MDA and superoxide dismutase activity was found in diabetic subjects. These results suggest that low levels of Nrf2 are involved in the development of oxidative stress and redox status disbalance in diabetic patients.

Effect of long-term intake of aspartame on serum biochemical parameters and erythrocyte oxidative stress biomarkers in rats

Aspartame is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners globally. Data concerning acute toxicity of aspartame is controversial, and knowledge on its chronic effect is limited. The present study evaluates the effect of long-term intake of aspartame on serum biochemical parameters and erythrocyte antioxidant defence system in rats. Male Wistar rats, weighing 150–175 g, were randomly divided into one control group and three experimental groups. The control group received only drinking water, whereas the experimental groups were orally administered with aspartame at the concentrations of 50, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.wt respectively for 180 days. Results showed that administration of aspartame (1000 mg/kg b.wt) caused a significant increase in the levels of serum total bilirubin (P < 0.05). The activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase was significantly reduced in the erythrocytes of rats that had received aspartame (1000 mg/kg b.wt) (P < 0.05). Glutathione was significantly decreased in 500 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and 1000 mg/kg (P < 0.001) aspartame groups. It can be concluded from these observations that long-term consumption of aspartame leads to dose-dependent increase in free radical production and produces impairment in antioxidant status in erythrocytes mainly through alterations in glutathione-dependent system.