Erythrocyte Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Research Articles

Deficiency of folate and vitamin B12 increases oxidative stress in chronic pancreatitis patients.

Folate and vitamin B12 are involved in metabolic reactions for combating oxidative stress. We measured erythrocyte folate and plasma vitamin B12 and compared these with blood antioxidants - erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and plasma vitamin C - and marker of lipid peroxidation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), in chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. One hundred and seventy-five CP patients (91 tropical, 84 alcoholic) and 113 healthy controls were recruited. Erythrocyte folate and plasma vitamin B12 were measured using microbiological assay, and antioxidant levels and erythrocyte TBARS by spectrophotometry. Erythrocyte folate and plasma vitamin B12 were significantly lower in CP patients than controls (225.4 ± 9.13 vs. 380.38 ± 17.29 nmol/L, p < 0.001 and 233.23 ± 10.4 vs. 338.84 ± 19.01 pmol/L, p < 0.001), and in diabetic- vs. non-diabetic CP patients. Blood antioxidant levels were significantly lower and TBARS was higher in CP patients as compared to controls. Low folate level correlated with low GSH levels (r = 0.314, p < 0.001). CP patients with low folate and vitamin B12 had low GSH and GPx levels as compared to patients with normal folate and vitamin B12 levels. Low vitamin B12 level was associated with 3.24 (95% CI 1.11-9.46, p < 0.05) fold increased risk of pancreatic insufficiency. Smoking was associated with 9.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3-29.22, p < 0.05) fold increased risk of having low folate levels. Low folate and vitamin B12 levels were associated with increased oxidative stress in CP patients.

Association between Vitamin D Supplements, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, and Hyperbaric Therapy in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation to patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, on the markers of the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium was investigated. Patients were divided into two groups: those who did and did not receive vitamin D (cholecalciferol at 4000 IU/24 h). Concentrations of the following compounds, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD) in plasma and erythrocytes and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes, were determined. Haemoglobin (HGB) and haematocrit (HCT) were measured. Blood for analyses was collected from the basilic vein at three time points: before the first HBO procedure, up to 5 min after the first procedure, and after 14 procedures. No statistically significant differences in parameters tested were found between patients who did and did not receive vitamin D. In patients without supplementation, an increase of 53.2% (P ≤ 0.05) in erythrocyte TBARS was observed after the first HBO treatment. In patients receiving vitamin D, a reduction of 27.6% (P ≤ 0.05) was observed in erythrocyte MDA after 14 HBO treatments vs. that after the first treatment. In both groups, a decrease of 33.3% in plasma CD was observed after 14 treatments vs. that after the first treatment (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01, respectively). No statistically significant changes were observed in the erythrocyte SOD, GPx, and CAT activities and in HCT. A reduction of HGB concentration of 10.9% (P ≤ 0.05) was demonstrated in nonsupplemented patients after 14 treatments compared with baseline. The results confirm that the effect of HBO therapy on oxidative stress markers is inconclusive and complex. Repeated HBO procedures can induce adaptive changes which protect against disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium. It is possible that vitamin D supplementation inhibits the process of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes.

Sulfur-containing amino acids and oxidative stress in chronic pancreatitis patients

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients are at high risk of malnutrition due to malabsorption. Sulfur amino acids (SAAs) being important antioxidant could affect pancreatic function. In this study, we have analyzed blood SAAs and its relation to antioxidant levels. Methods: One hundred and seventy-five CP patients and 113 healthy normal controls were prospectively studied. Disease characteristics and imaging features were recorded. Plasma SAAs were estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH), GSH peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, plasma Vitamin C, erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), urinary inorganic sulfate, and creatinine were estimated by spectrophotometry. Results: Plasma SAAs, urinary inorganic sulfate/creatinine ratio, and blood antioxidant levels were lower, whereas TBARS was higher in CP patients as compared to controls. Plasma methionine and TBARS were inversely correlated, whereas plasma cysteine and GSH level were directly correlated. Plasma cysteine and Vitamin C levels were lower, whereas TBARS was higher in CP patients with atrophy as compared to patients without atrophy. No statistical difference in these parameters between diabetic and nondiabetic CP patients was observed. Conclusion: Deficiency of SAAs appears to be associated with oxidative stress in CP patients. Possible benefit of supplementation of SAAs needs to be elucidated.

P3457Oxidative stress and left ventricular remodeling in postmenopausal women

Abstract Purpose To asses the level of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women in dependence of LV structural and functional changes and its filling parameters. Methods 203 postmenopausal women were included in the investigation: 142 women with surgical menopause (average age 44,3±5,4 years, menopause duration 3,8±2,4 years); and 61 women with natural menopause (average age 46,2±4,7 years, menopause duration 4,3±2,1 years). All patients underwent general clinical examination, menopausal index evaluation, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (Cardiotens-01, Meditech, Hungary), echocardiographic examination with systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function assessment. We also measured erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), ultimate products of lipid peroxidation (Shiff bases), catalase activity and plasma general antioxidant activity. Control group consisted of 35 healthy menstruating women (mean age 39,2±4,2). Statistical methods such as Cruskell-Walles criteria and χ2 test were used. Results Only 39 postmenopausal women (19,2%) had normal LV geometry; 89 pts (43,8%) demonstrated LV concentric hypertrophy, 57 pts (28,1%) – concentric remodeling and 18 women (8,9%) –eccentric hypertrophy. All postmenopausal women showed signs of activation of oxidative stress while reducing the power of antioxidant protection systems, however, these changes were most pronounced in groups of patients with eccentric and especially concentric LV hypertrophy Nobody of included postmenopausal women had LV systolic function failure. Presence of LV diastolic function disturbance was the same in the patients with surgical and natural menopause (54,1% (33 pts) and 59,1% (84 pts), respectively, p=0,231) and did not depend on BP level: 59,1% (52 pts) in hypertensive and 56,5% (65 pts) in normotensive women, p=0,118. We detected that Shiff bases level in postmenopausal women with diastolic dysfunction was increased in 1,5 times in comparison with healthy menstruating women and in 1,3 times in comparison with those postmenopausal women who had no diastolic function disturbance (p&lt;0,01). The level of erythrocyte TBARs in this group was increased in 1,3 and 1,2 times respectively (p&lt;0,05). Erythrocyte catalase activity and plasma general antioxidant activity were decreased in all postmenopausal women in comparison with healthy ones (p&lt;0,01). The presence of LV diastolic dysfunction correlated positively with erythrocyte Shiff bases level (τ=0,47, p&lt;0,01) and negatively – with erythrocyte catalase activity and plasma general antioxidant activity (τ=−0,35 and τ=−0,35, p&lt;0,01 respectively) Conclusions Thus, oxidative stress may play important role in left ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction formation in postmenopausal women.

A Mixture of Ethanol Extracts of Persimmon Leaf and Citrus junos Sieb Improves Blood Coagulation Parameters and Ameliorates Lipid Metabolism Disturbances Caused by Diet-Induced Obesity in C57BL/6J Mice.

This study investigated the effects of a flavonoid-rich ethanol extract of persimmon leaf (PL), an ethanol extract of Citrus junos Sieb (CJS), and a PL-CJS mixture (MPC) on mice fed a highfat diet (HFD). We sought to elucidate the mechanisms of biological activity of these substances using measurements of blood coagulation indices and lipid metabolism parameters. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD with PL (0.5% (w/w)), CJS (0.1% (w/w)), or MPC (PL 0.5%, CJS 0.1% (w/w)) for 10 weeks. In comparison with data obtained for mice in the untreated HFD group, consumption of MPC remarkably prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT), whereas exposure to PL prolonged aPTT only. Lower levels of plasma total cholesterol, hepatic cholesterol, and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, and decreased SREBP-1c gene expression were observed in mice that received PL and MPC supplements compared with the respective values detected in the untreated HFD animals. Our results indicate that PL and MPC may have beneficial effects on blood circulation and lipid metabolism in obese mice.

Ascorbic acid co-administration with artemisinin based combination therapies in falciparum malaria.

Malaria infection poses a serious public health problem in endemic countries. As per World Malaria Report 2015, it is estimated that 3.2 billion people in 97 countries are at risk of being infected with malaria; 214 million cases of malaria with 4,38,000 malaria induced deaths are reported during the year1. Clinical consequences of malaria result primarily from parasitic invasion of red blood cells (RBCs). Inside the RBCs, the parasite metabolizes the host haemoglobin in the acidic environment of the parasite's food vacuole. This leads to production of free haem which contains Fe2+ atoms that can catalyze Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions, generating the radicals which can cause extensive molecular damage2. Haemolysis of infected red cells releases free haem which may be responsible for an external oxidative stress on both infected and non-infected RBCs2 and may be one of the factors contributing to destruction of normal red cells. Presence of pro-oxidants in plasma of patients suffering from acute falciparum malaria has been demonstrated by measurement of the erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentrations3. The parasite develops antioxidant mechanisms partly through reducing its own generation of reactive oxygen species and partly through increased synthesis of reduced glutathione and thioredoxin reductase system2. During intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum, a large number of parasite proteins move beyond its own plasma membrane and associate with RBC membrane cytoskeletal proteins. Parasite and host red cell cytoskeletal protein interactions lead to formation of large molecular complexes which appear as electron dense “knobs” on the RBC surface. These changes lead to alterations in the rheological properties of infected red cells which become less deformable and more adhesive4.

Oxidative Stress and Erythrocyte Membrane Alterations in Children with Autism: Correlation with Clinical Features

It has been suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but the literature reports somewhat contradictory results. To further investigate the issue, we evaluated a high number of peripheral oxidative stress parameters, and some related issues such as erythrocyte membrane functional features and lipid composition. Twenty-one autistic children (Au) aged 5 to 12 years, were gender and age-matched with 20 typically developing children (TD). Erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, urinary isoprostane and hexanoyl-lysine adduct levels were elevated in Au, thus confirming the occurrence of an imbalance of the redox status of Au, whilst other oxidative stress markers or associated parameters (urinary 8-oxo-dG, plasma radical absorbance capacity and carbonyl groups, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities) were unchanged. A very significant reduction of Na+/K+-ATPase activity (−66%, p<0.0001), a reduction of erythrocyte membrane fluidity and alteration in erythrocyte fatty acid membrane profile (increase in monounsaturated fatty acids, decrease in EPA and DHA-ω3 with a consequent increase in ω6/ω3 ratio) were found in Au compared to TD, without change in membrane sialic acid content. Some Au clinical features appear to be correlated with these findings; in particular, hyperactivity score appears to be related with some parameters of the lipidomic profile and membrane fluidity. Oxidative stress and erythrocyte membrane alterations may play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD and prompt the development of palliative therapeutic protocols. Moreover, the marked decrease in NKA could be potentially utilized as a peripheral biomarker of ASD.

Estimation of cell membrane properties and erythrocyte red-ox balance in patients with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with occurrence of the many cardiovascular risk factors such as atherogenic dyslipidemia, visceral fat distribution, arterial hypertension and pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory status. In our study the effect of disorders that appear in MS on red-ox balance and erythrocyte cell membrane properties were estimated. The study comprised 50 patients with diagnosed MS and in 25 healthy subjects. Content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity were estimated in red blood cells. Moreover, conformation status of membrane proteins, membrane fluidity and osmotic fragility were evaluated. MS was found to manifest: (1) the increase of the concentration of TBARS in erythrocytes with no statistically significant differences in antioxidant enzymes activity, (2) disorders in the structure of erythrocyte cytoskeleton proteins, (3) the increase in membrane lipids fluidity at the depth of 5th and 12th carbon atom of fatty acid hydrocarbon chain and significantly decreased fluidity at the depth of 16th carbon atom, (4) increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility.

Ameliorating effects of curcumin and vitamin E on diazinon-induced oxidative damage in rat liver and erythrocytes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E and/or curcumin against diazinon (DZN) (an organophosphorus insecticide)-induced toxicity of blood, liver and erythrocyte markers of male Wistar rats. The exposure of rats to DZN for 21 days provoked significant changes in red blood cell counts and hemoglobin. Results showed that lipid peroxidation increased significantly in DZN-treated rats, as evidenced by high liver and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels. Alteration of the antioxidant system in DZN-treated rats was confirmed by the significant decrease in the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, accompanied by a decline in reduced glutathione content in both tissues. On the other hand, a significant increase in the activities of plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase was observed in the rats treated with DZN. However, the administration of vitamin E and curcumin has ameliorated the previous markers. In conclusion, our results indicate that the natural antioxidants like vitamin E and curcumin can effectively lower the erythrocytes and hepatic injuries induced by DZN as monitored by lipid peroxides, antioxidant enzyme activities and sensitive serum enzyme levels.

Oxidative Stress Markers in Prostate Cancer Patients after HDR Brachytherapy Combined with External Beam Radiation

Assessment of oxidative stress markers was perfomed in prostate cancer (PCa) patients subjected to high-dose brachytherapy (HDR) with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Sixty men with PCa were subjected to combined two-fraction treatment with HDR (tot. 20 Gy) and EBRT (46 Gy). Blood samples were taken before treatment, immediately afterwards, after 1.5–3 months, and approx. 2 years. Control group consisted of 30 healthy men. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in the patients was lower than in healthy subjects by 34% (P < 0.001), 50% (P < 0.001), 30% (P < 0.05), and 61% (P < 0.001), respectively, at all periods. No significant differences were found by comparing superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in PCa patients with that of the controls. After 2 years of the end of treatment, the activity of studied enzymes demonstrated a decreasing tendency versus before therapy. Blood plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration was higher than in the controls at all periods, while erythrocyte TBARS decreased after 2 years to control levels. The results confirm that in the course of PCa, imbalance of oxidant-antioxidant processes occurs. The therapy did not alter the levels of oxidative stress markers, which may prove its applicability. Two years is too short a period to restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance.

Assessment of oxidative status in chronic pancreatitis and its relation with zinc status

Oxidative stress-induced free radicals have been implicated in the pathology of chronic pancreatitis (CP). We aimed to estimate oxidative stress and antioxidant status in tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) and alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) and correlate with zinc status. One hundred and seventy-five CP patients (91 TCP, 84 ACP) and 113 healthy subjects were prospectively studied. Disease characteristics and imaging features were recorded. Erythrocyte reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), plasma vitamin C, and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were estimated by spectrophotometry. Erythrocyte zinc was estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Enhanced lipid peroxidation with concomitant decrease in antioxidant status was observed in both TCP and ACP patients (p < 0.05). The findings were comparable in both diabetic and non-diabetic CP patients. Significantly, lower plasma vitamin C and elevated levels of erythrocyte TBARS was noted in TCP as compared to ACP patients. The erythrocyte zinc significantly correlated with SOD activity (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). Our study corroborates the role of oxidative stress in CP and suggests some differences in oxidative status in TCP and ACP patients. Zinc deficiency appears to affect oxidative status in CP patients.

Supplementation ofCheonggukjangand Red GinsengCheonggukjangCan Improve Plasma Lipid Profile and Fasting Blood Glucose Concentration in Subjects with Impaired Fasting Glucose

This study was conducted to investigate the plasma lipid profile and blood glucose-lowering effects of cheonggukjang (CH) and red ginseng CH (RGCH) in 45 subjects (men:women = 27:18; mean age, 44.9 ± 3.1 years) with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: control (starch, 2 g/day), CH (20 g/day), and RGCH (20 g/day). Each volunteer received his or her daily doses for 8 weeks. The supplementation with CH and RGCH significantly decreased the plasma total cholesterol about 30.0 mg/mL and 37.7 mg/mL, respectively, compared to the initial value. The plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration was also significantly reduced by 29.66% and 23.42% in the CH and RGCH groups, respectively, compared to the initial value. The concentration of plasma non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (107.9 mg/mL) was significantly lowered in the RGCH group compared to the initial value (139.1 mg/mL). The level of erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was significantly lowered in the CH (6.5 nmol/mL) and RGCH (6.6 nmol/mL) groups compared to the initial value (7.9 nmol/mL and 8.0 nmol/mL, respectively). The ratio of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-1 concentrations (2.5) was significantly reduced in the CH group compared to the initial value (3.0). The concentration of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was significantly lower in the CH- and RGCH-supplemented groups compared to the initial value. These results suggest that CH and RGCH can lower the FBG concentration and improve the plasma lipid profile in subjects with IFG.

An association among iron, copper, zinc, and selenium, and antioxidative status in dyslipidemic pediatric patients with glycogen storage disease types IA and III

Dyslipidemia in patients with glycogen storage disease types Ia (GSD Ia) and III (GSD III) does not lead to premature atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association among serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) concentrations, and their carrier proteins: ceruloplasmin, albumin, and related antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase (PON), and arylesterase (ARYL)] in 20 GSD Ia and 14 III patients compared to age and sex matched 20 healthy subjects. Erythrocyte oxidative stress was measured by erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (eTBARSs). Hypertriglyceridemia [333 (36–890) mg/dL] in GSD Ia and hypercholesterolemia with elevated LDL-cholesterol [188 (91–313) mg/dL] and decreased HDL-cholesterol [32(23–58) mg/dL] levels in GSD III were found. Serum Cu, Fe, and Zn showed no significant differences between groups. However, Se 60 (54–94), 81 (57–127) μg/L, ceruloplasmin 21 (10–90), 27 (23–65) μg/L, and albumin 2.4 (1.7–5.1), 2.8 (1.8–4.06) g/dL levels were decreased in GSD Ia and III groups, respectively, in comparison with the controls [Se 110 (60–136) μg/L, ceruloplasmin 72 (32–94) μg/L, and albumin 4.4 (4–4.8) g/dL)]. In spite of high oxidative stress in erythrocyte detected by elevated eTBARS/Hb levels in GSD group [674.8 (454.6–948.2) for GSD Ia, 636.3 (460.9–842.1) for GSD III, and 525.6 (449.2–612.6)], the activities of CAT, SOD, ARYL, and PON in GSD patients were not different from the controls. GPx activity was decreased in GSD Ia [3.7 (1.8–7.1) U/mL] and GSD III [4.2 (2.2–8.6) U/mL] compared with healthy controls [7.1 (2.9–16.2) U/mL]. In conclusion, this study supplied the data for trace elements, their carrier, and antioxidative enzymes in the patients with GSD Ia and III. The trace elements and anti-oxidative enzyme levels in GSD patients failed to explain the atherosclerotic escape phenomenon reported in these patients.

Actions of Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E on Prevention of Hypercholesterolemia and Atherogenic Lesion Formation in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

This study was carried out to investigate whether dietary vitamin E and ferulic acid (FA) can exert possible interactions on preventions of hypercholesterolemia and atherogenic lesion formation in C57BL/65 apolipoprotein E-deficient (apo E(-/-)) mice. Four-week-old male apo E(-/-) mice were randomly divided into three groups and given one of three types of Western diets with various amounts of vitamin E (0.02%, 0%, or 0.2%) for 15 weeks. FA was added to vitamin E-free Western diet and vitamin E-rich Western diet at the 0.02% level. The plasma total cholesterol concentration was significantly lowered when FA was added to the vitamin E-free and vitamin E-rich Western diet as compared to the normal vitamin E Western diet (0.02% vitamin E), and this was accompanied with a decreased hepatic acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase activity. The hepatic and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were significantly lowered when FA was added to the vitamin E-rich Western diet, which was attributable to increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and paraoxonase. Accordingly, vitamin E and/or FA are beneficial for prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherogenesis in apo E(-/-) mice. In particular, dietary FA exhibited an anti-atherosclerotic property, and this effect was synergistically enhanced with the vitamin E supplement.

Circulating lipid peroxidation, plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of the study was to investigate the levels of lipid peroxidation, and both plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant states in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The population consisted of 60 subjects divided into two groups, 30 subjects had evidence of rheumatoid arthritis and age and sex matched healthy subjects were studied as controls. The level of plasma and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was markedly increased in both the rheumatoid arthritis patients when compared to control subjects. The activities of plasma and erythrocyte antioxidants were significantly decreased in rheumatoid arthritis. C reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and antistreptolysin-O were significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients than in healthy subjects. In conclusion, on the basis of enhanced lipid peroxidation in rheumatoid arthritis patients with concomitant failure of both the plasma, and erythrocyte antioxidants defense mechanism. These results are consistent with the underlying hypothesis that there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and the antioxidant defense system in inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis disease.

Effect of chronic smoking on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in gastric carcinoma patients

The effect of chronic cigarette smoking on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in 100 newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer was studied. Equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects was taken as control. The level of plasma and erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was markedly increased in both the gastric cancer patients when compared to control subjects. The activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly decreased in both (smokers and non-smokers) gastric cancer groups when compared to control subjects. Comparatively, the increased TBARS level and decreased antioxidants level was observed in smokers than non-smoking gastric cancer patients. The present study highlights the occurrence of lipid peroxidation and possible breakdown of antioxidant status in cigarette smoking, which may subsequently increase the possibility of initiation and progression of gastric cancer.

Relationship between markers of lipid peroxidation, thiol oxidation and Glasgow coma scale scores of moderate head injury patients in the 7 day post-traumatic period

Objective: Epidemiologic works reveal that moderate head injury (MHI) is more frequent and a substantial number of these patients develop complications resulting in neurological disabilities. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in post-traumatic neuronal damage following traumatic head injury. Thus, the current study analysed the post-traumatic changes in the erythrocyte markers of oxidative damage and the relationship between these parameters and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores of MHI patients during the 7 day study period.Methods: Peripheral venous blood samples were taken at the time of hospital admission (d1 of injury) and on d7 from 25 MHI patients (admission GCS score>8). These were compared with samples from 25 healthy individuals (normal controls, NC). GCS scores were recorded at the same time points of the study period. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation (LP) and thiol oxidation levels were estimated and compared with that of NC. The relationship between GCS scores and erythrocyte markers were also studied.Results: Erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels reflecting lipid peroxidative damage remained significantly elevated at both time points of the study period in MHI patients as compared to NC (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in the level of non-protein thiols in MHI patients as compared to NC (p<0.01) at the same time points of the study. However, on d7 there were no further significant changes in the markers of oxidative damage in MHI patients as compared to on d1.Conclusion: These findings suggest that a condition of oxidative stress occurs during the entire post-traumatic period in MHI patients and the utility of markers of oxidative damage in the prognosis of head injury needs to be addressed in further works.

Seasonal variations in markers of stress and oxidative stress in rats

High ambient temperature has been reported to increase oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and decreasing antioxidant defence in transition dairy cows. It is also known to cause an increase in plasma cortisol levels in goats, European hedgehog and human volunteers. High levels of glucocorticoids have been reported to decrease blood glutathione and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in rats. Although institutional animal houses in research laboratories of developed countries maintain animals in air-conditioned rooms at constant temperature, the same is not true of animal houses in the developing countries especially those belonging to smaller institutions and this could affect the results of the experiments being conducted on these animals. The present research study was done to assess the effects of seasonal variations on the status of erythrocyte oxidative damage, antioxidant defence and plasma cortisol levels in adult female Wistar rats. Rats were kept in their home cages and were left in non-air-conditioned procedure rooms in two different seasons, Hot season (March-May) and Cool season (June to September). Erythrocyte Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and plasma cortisol levels were significantly increased in rats exposed to high ambient temperature and humidity of the hot season as compared to the rats of the cool season. Erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly decreased in the hot season group of rats. The results of our experiments showed that exposure of adult female Wistar rats to high ambient temperature and humidity of the hot season increases neuroendocrine stress, oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant defence in them.

Influence of tetrahydrocurcumin on erythrocyte membrane bound enzymes and antioxidant status in experimental type 2 diabetic rats

Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) has been used traditionally as antidiabetic and has been proven scientifically to possess high antioxidant activity and anticancer properties. The active components of Curcuma longa such as curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major colourless metabolite of curcumin also possesses antidiabetic, antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity. In the present study the effect of THC and curcumin on erythrocyte membrane bound enzymes and antioxidants activity in streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic model was investigated. Oral administration of THC at 80 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats for 45 days. The effect of THC and curcumin on glucose, insulin, haemoglobin, glycosylated haemoglobin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxide (Gpx), glutathione- S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and membrane bound enzymes were studied. The effect of THC was compared with curcumin. The levels of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, erythrocyte TBARS, were increased significantly whereas the level of plasma insulin and haemoglobin, erythrocyte antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST and GSH), membrane bound total ATPase, Na +/K +-ATPase, Ca 2+-ATPase, Mg 2+-ATPase were decreased significantly in diabetic rats. Administration of THC and curcumin to diabetic rats showed decreased level of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and erythrocyte TBARS. In addition the levels of plasma insulin, haemoglobin, erythrocyte antioxidants and the activities of membrane bound enzymes also were increased in THC and curcumin treated diabetic rats. These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of pancreas section. The present study indicates that the THC possesses a significant beneficial effect on erythrocyte membrane bound enzymes and antioxidants defense in addition to its antidiabetic effect.

Time-level relationship between indicators of oxidative stress and Glasgow Coma Scale scores of severe head injury patients

Oxidative stress is said to strongly influence the neurological recovery of patients following a severe head injury. Estimation of the markers of oxidative stress in the blood of such patients can hence aid in predicting the prognosis of head injury. Erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and plasma ceruloplasmin (CP) levels were estimated in 24 severe head-injury patients on days 1, 7 and 21 of the post-traumatic period and compared with levels in 25 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. These parameters reflecting oxidative stress status were related to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of patients noted at the same time points of the study period. Lipid peroxidation as indicated by increased levels of erythrocyte TBARS remained significantly elevated in severe head injury patients compared to controls on day 1 (p<0.001), day 7 (p<0.001) and 21 (p<0.001) of the post-traumatic period. Plasma CP levels remained significantly elevated (p<0.001) at these three time points compared to controls. The significant decrease in lipid peroxidation products (p<0.01) and significant increase in CP levels (p<0.001) on day 21 compared to day 1 in head injury patients correlated well with the significant improvement in GCS scores of patients on day 21 compared to day 1 (p<0.05). The above results could account for the adaptation of the study patients to severe oxidative stress, as evidenced by their clinical recovery trend during the study period.