Erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

Association of Serum Selenium and Selenoprotein P with Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age which is characterized by various reproductive and metabolic disorders. Oxidative stress (OS) is now recognized to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS which could be targeted in the management of PCOS-related complications. Selenium (Se), as an antioxidant trace element, has been shown to decrease in PCOS patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Se and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels with OS markers in women with PCOS. In this cross-sectional study, 125 females aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PCOS were included. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle information of participants were obtained using the relevant questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure biochemical parameters. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities as well as anthropometric measurements were assessed across tertiles of serum concentrations of Se and SELENOP. Higher serum levels of Se were associated with higher serum TAC levels (β=0.42, P<0.001) and erythrocytes GPx activity (β=0.28, P=0.002) as well as with lower serum TBARS levels (β= -0.26, P=0.003). Similarly, higher serum levels of SELENOP were associated with higher TAC (β=0.32, P<0.001) and erythrocyte GPx activity (β=0.30, P=0.001). SELENOP also showed an inverse association with serum levels of TBARS (β= -0.40, P<0.001). Nevertheless, erythrocytes SOD and CAT activities showed no significant relationships with serum Se and SELENOP concentrations (all P>0.05). The present study found that serum Se and SELENOP levels were inversely associated with TBARS levels and positively associated with TAC levels and erythrocytes GPx activity.

Effects of duration of exposure, co-supplementation with iron and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection on accumulation of trichloroacetic acid-insoluble copper in rats given molybdate in drinking water

Thiolation can convert molybdate (MoO4) into a series of thiomolybdates (MoSxO4-x) in the rumen, terminating in tetrathiomolybdate (MoS4), a potent antagonist of copper absorption and, if absorbed, donor of reactive sulphide in tissues. Systemic exposure to MoS4 increases trichloroacetic acid-insoluble copper (TCAI Cu) concentrations in the plasma of ruminants and induction of TCAI Cu in rats given MoO4 in drinking water would support the hypothesis that rats, like ruminants, can thiolate MoO4. Data on TCAI Cu are presented from two experiments involving MoO4 supplementation that had broader objectives. In experiment 1, plasma Cu concentrations (P Cu) tripled in female rats infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis after only 5 days exposure to drinking water containing 70 mg Mo L−1, due largely to an increase in TCAI Cu; activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and plasma caeruloplasmin oxidase (CpOA) were unaffected. Exposure for 45–51 days did not raise P Cu further but TCA-soluble (TCAS) Cu concentrations increased temporarily 5 days post infection (dpi) and weakened the linear relationship between CpOA and TCAS Cu. In experiment 2, infected rats were given less MoO4 (10 mg Mo L−1), with or without iron (Fe, 300 mg L−1), for 67 days and killed 7 or 9 dpi. P Cu was again tripled by MoO4 but co-supplementation with Fe reduced TCAI Cu from 65 ± 8.9 to 36 ± 3.8 μmol L–l. Alone, Fe and MoO4 each reduced TCAS Cu in females and males when values were higher (7 and 9 dpi, respectively). Thiolation probably occurred in the large intestine but was inhibited by precipitation of sulphide as ferrous sulphide. Fe alone may have inhibited caeruloplasmin synthesis during the acute phase response to infection, which impacts thiomolybdate metabolism.

Dietary phytochemical index is favorably associated with oxidative stress status and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with obesity

Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods. Consumption of phytochemical-rich foods has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases prevention in various populations. To quantify the phytochemical content of the diet, dietary phytochemical index (DPI) was established which is defined as the proportion of daily energy intake derived from foods rich in phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the DPI and oxidative stress markers and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 140 adults aged 20–60 years and body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2 were included. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on dietary intakes. The DPI was calculated based on the following formula: DPI = [daily energy obtained from foods rich in phytochemicals (kcal)/total daily energy intake (kcal) × 100]. There was an inverse association between DPI and serum concentrations of Malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.004), triglyceride (TG) (P-trend = 0.003), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P = 0.017), and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P = 0.024). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was positively associated with DPI score (P = 0.045). No significant relationship was found between the DPI score and fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and anthropometric parameters as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The current study found that there was a significant inverse association between DPI and oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertriglyceridemia as cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese population. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

The impact of heat stress on oxidative stress and histopathological dynamics in red hybrid tilapia experimentally infected with Streptococcus agalactiae

The most common predisposing factor to Streptococcosis in the aquaculture industry is heat stress. The impact of heat stress on oxidative stress and histopathological changes in red tilapia with Streptococcosis is not well understood. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of heat stress on oxidative stress and histopathological dynamics in red hybrid tilapia experimentally infected with Streptococcus agalactiae. Apparently healthy 105 red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis nolyticus) were used. The fish weighing 120 to 130 g were acclimatized for 2 days prior to onset of the experiment. The 105 tilapias were randomly separated to group 1, group 2 and group 3 of 35 fishes each in 200 litre tanks. Group 1 was inoculated with 0.1 mL of S. agalactiae at 109 CFU/mL intraperitoneally and subjected to heat stress (33°C). Group 2 was injected intraperitoneally with the same quantity of S. agalactiae in similar manner to group 1 without heat stress as positive control while group 3 served as negative control. Samples of blood was collected from five fish in every group before and at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 h and 96 hours post-inoculation (pi) for lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) analysis. The fish were necropsied and samples were taken from spleen, liver and kidney for microbiology and histopathology. Statistical analysis from the value of MDA and SOD revealed that there were significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between all the groups. Predominant lesions in the spleen were hemosiderin deposition, lymphoid depletion and haemorrhages. In the liver, main lesions were hepatocellular necrosis, mononuclear cell infiltration and haemorrhages while in the kidney, predominant histopathological lesions were mononuclear cell infiltration, necrosis, degeneration of tubular epithelial cells and haemorrhages. The lesions were significantly higher in spleen, liver and kidney of fish in group 1, followed by group 2 as compared to 3 which had no significant histological damage. Based on the findings of this study, heat stress alters significantly, the oxidative stress status and histopathology of Streptococcus infection in red hybrid tilapia.

Assessment of naphazoline effect on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in rats under experimental modeling of acute radiation sickness

Aim to assess the activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes of rats after a single intramuscular injection of naphazoline in radiofrequency dose and in experimental simulation of acute radiation sickness.&#x0D; Material and methods. The activity of erythrocytes superoxide dismutase (SOD) after single intramuscular injection of nafazoline in experimental modeling of acute radiation sickness was investigated. The pharmacological properties and mechanisms of radioprotective action of nafazoline were clarified based on the dynamics of activity of erythrocytes SOD in intact and irradiated animals with the dose of 7,4 Gy.&#x0D; Results. The superoxide dismutase activity was found to increase significantly 60 min after single intramuscular administration of nafazolin at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Under experimental conditions of acute radiation disease modeling, a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity was observed within the first hour after exposure, evidencing the direct involvement of the antioxidant system components in the inactivation of free-radical reaction products.&#x0D; Conclusion. The radioprotective properties of naphazoline may be due not only to reduction of oxygen delivery to the cells of radiosensitive tissues and inhibition of their metabolism by effect on 2-adreno- and imidazoline receptors, but also by activation of antioxidant system links.

Cirrhosis-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes: The therapeutic potential of taurine.

Cholestasis/cirrhosis could induce erythrocyte lysis. The incidence of various types of anemia in cirrhosis is approx. 75%. Several studies have mentioned the pivotal role of oxidative stress in this complication. Taurine (TAU) is the human body's most abundant free amino acid. TAU is known as a robust cell membrane stabilizer. Many studies have mentioned that TAU could counteract oxidative stress in various experimental models. The current study was intended to evaluate the effect of TAU on erythrocytes in cirrhotic rats. Bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery was carried out on rats. Then, complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (HTC), and erythrocytes' G6PD, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Moreover, biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed, and the erythrocytes' morphological changes were monitored in the cirrhotic mice exposed to TAU (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w : v in drinking water). Significant changes in the assessed erythrocyte parameters (G6PD activity, Hgb, HTC, and erythrocyte count) and red blood cells (RBC) morphological alterations were detected on day 42 after BDL surgery. Biomarkers of oxidative stress also did not change at the time points, except on post-BDL days 28 and 42. A significant decrease in blood parameters was evident at post-BDL day 42. All doses of TAU (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w : v in drinking water) significantly improved erythrocyte parameters and encountered oxidative stress in the erythrocytes of cirrhotic animals. These data indicate that TAU could be a safe agent to mitigate cirrhosis-induced erythrocyte damage and anemia. Further investigations are necessary to prove this in clinical settings.

Decreased Activity of Erythrocyte Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Patients with Schizophrenia.

Background and Objectives: Catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are important antioxidant enzymes that break down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in order to control its intracellular concentration, thus enabling its physiological role and preventing toxic effects. A lack or disruption of their function leads to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and the occurrence of oxidative stress. Accumulating studies have shown that the activities of key antioxidant enzymes are impaired in patients with schizophrenia. Since the published results are contradictory, and our previous studies found significantly higher erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in patients with schizophrenia, the aim of this study was to determine the activity of enzymes that degrade hydrogen peroxide in the same group of patients, as well as to examine their dependence on clinical symptoms, therapy, and parameters associated with this disease. Materials and Methods: Catalase and GPx activities were determined in the erythrocytes of 68 inpatients with schizophrenia and 59 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The clinical assessment of patients was performed by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The catalase activity was measured by the kinetic spectrophotometric method, while the GPx activity was determined by the commercially available Ransel test. Results: Erythrocyte catalase and GPx activities were significantly lower (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) in subjects with schizophrenia than they were in healthy individuals. Lower catalase activity does not depend on heredity, disease onset, the number of episodes, or disease duration, while GPx activity showed significant changes in patients who had more than one episode and in those who had been suffering from the disease for over a year. Significantly lower catalase activity was noted in the PANSS(+/−) group in comparison with the PANSS(+) and PANSS(−) groups. The lowest catalase activity was found in subjects who were simultaneously treated with first- and second-generation antipsychotics; this was significantly lower than it was in those who received only one class of antipsychotics. Conclusion: These results indicate the presence of oxidative stress in the first years of clinically manifested schizophrenia and its dependence on the number of psychotic episodes, illness duration, predominant symptomatology, and antipsychotic medication.

Effects of Molybdate and Tetrathiomolybdate Supplementation of Drinking Water on Immature Rats Infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. 2. Copper Status and Tissue Molybdenum Accretion

Molybdate (MoO4) and tetrathiomolybdate (MoS4) supplementation of rats via drinking water had opposite effects on the establishment of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis larvae but both induced hypercupraemia, temporarily inhibited activities of superoxide dismutase in liver and duodenum after infection and enlarged the femoral head. Effects of MoO4 and MoS4 on activities of caeruloplasmin oxidase (CpO) in plasma, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (ESOD) and tissue copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) were compared to test the hypothesis that species lacking a rumen can thiolate MoO4. Three groups of 18 immature Wistar rats were given Mo (70mg/L as MoO4) or MoS4 (5mg/L) via drinking water or remained untreated; all received a commercial, cubed diet and 12 from each group were infected with larvae of N. brasiliensis. Rats were killed 7-9 days later and liver, kidney, spleen, heart, muscle (quadriceps), brain and bone (femur) removed for Cu and Mo analysis. Plasma Cu was greatly increased by MoO4 and MoS4, without changing CpO activity, but the effect was more variable with MoO4 and accompanied by a smaller decrease in ESOD. Tissue Cu and Mo were increased by MoS4 in all tissues examined except brain and bone, correlating with plasma Cu and with each other; relationships were strongest in spleen, followed by kidney. MoO4 also increased soft tissue Cu and Mo but increases were generally smaller than those induced by MoS4 and correlations between the two elements and with plasma Cu generally weaker. Since hypercupraemia and correlated increases in liver and kidney Cu and Mo are characteristic of systemic thiomolybdate (TM) exposure, we conclude that MoO4 was partially thiolated to give a different TM profile from that produced by MoS4. The pathophysiological significance of systemic exposure to di- and tri-TM merits investigation in non-ruminants as agents of chelation therapy and in ruminants as agents of short-lived TM toxicity on Mo-rich pastures.

Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides may induce brain cancer through oxidative stress.

In this study, oxidative stress was investigated as the possible mechanism of action of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in primary brain tumors (PBT). The levels of seven OCP residues and enzymatic antioxidant biomarkers including erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) along with non-enzymatic oxidative biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured in blood samples of 73 patients with PBT and 104 healthy controls. A significant association was found between farming activities and PBT (55% of patients were engaged in farming activities while 45% had no farming experience). The mean levels of β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4 DDE, 4,4 DDE, 4,4 DDT, MDA, PC, NO, SOD, CAT, and GPx were significantly higher in PBT patients, whereas the levels of TAC, PON-1, and AChE were significantly lower in these patients. Regression analysis showed that PBT was correlated with β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4 DDE, 4,4 DDE, and 4,4 DDT. Based on these results, it can be concluded that OCPs and OPPs may play a role in PBT development through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting oxidative stress.

Relationship Between Markers of Chronic Inflammation and Copper Nutritional Status in Obese Women.

Adipose tissue dysfunction causes the development of metabolic complications, such as low-grade chronic inflammation, which may to alter copper homeostasis in obese individuals. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between markers of chronic inflammation and copper nutritional status in obese women. Cross-sectional study involved women aged 20-50years, divided into two groups: case (BMI > 35kg/m2) and control (18.5 > BMI > 24.9kg/m2). Plasma and erythrocyte copper concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme in the erythrocytes was determined with an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-10, and IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined by using flow cytometer. Serum IL-6 concentrations were 105% higher in the case group compared to eutrophic women. Plasma copper concentrations were 20.5% higher, and erythrocyte copper concentrations were 23.5% lower in patients with obesity. In addition, erythrocyte SOD activity was 20% lower in obese participants when compared to eutrophic women. Our study identified significant negative correlation between the cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 and the SOD activity in the case group, suggesting a possible influence of chronic inflammation on copper distribution in obese individuals.

Adverse Effects of Excessive Zinc Intake in Infants and Children Aged 0-3 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Zinc supplementation reduces morbidity, but evidence suggests that excessive intakes can have negative health consequences. Current guidelines of upper limits (ULs) of zinc intake for young children are extrapolated from adult data. This systematic review (PROSPERO; registration no. CRD42020215187) aimed to determine the levels of zinc intake at which adverse effects are observed in young children. Studies reporting potential adverse effects of zinc intake in children aged 0-3 y were identified (from inception to August 2020) in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with no limits on study design. Adverse clinical and physical effects of zinc intake were synthesized narratively, and meta-analyses of biochemical outcomes were conducted. Random effects models were used to generate forest plots to examine the evidence by age category, dose, dose duration, chemical formula of zinc, and zinc compared with placebo. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist, Cochrane Risk of Bias 2, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guideline were employed to assess risk of bias and to appraise the certainty of evidence. Fifty-eight studies assessed possible adverse effects of zinc doses ranging from 3 to 70mg/d. Data from 39 studies contributed to meta-analyses. Zinc supplementation had an adverse effect on serum ferritin, plasma/serum copper concentration, serum transferrin receptor, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the odds of anemia in ≥1 of the subgroups investigated. Lactulose:mannitol ratio was improved with zinc supplementation, and no significant effect was observed on C-reactive protein, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, zinc protoporphyrin, blood cholesterol, and iron deficiency anemia. The certainty of the evidence, as assessed using GRADE, was very low to moderate. Although possible adverse effects of zinc supplementation were observed in some subgroups, it is unclear whether these findings are clinically important. The synthesized data can be used to undertake a dose-response analysis to update current guidelines of ULs of zinc intake for young children.

Etiveria alliaceae EXTRACT HAD A PROTECTIVE IMPACT ON OXIDATIVE STRESS BIOMARKERS IN MALE RATS WITH LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED ENDOTOXICITY

Introduction: An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants causes oxidative stress, which has detrimental consequences for a variety of health issues. Petiveria alliaceae (P. alliaceae) is a global plant having a variety of bioactive chemicals that have a variety of therapeutic uses. Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of P. alliaceae leaf aqueous extract on oxidative stress biomarkers in male rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced-endotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five (25) male albino rats were divided into five (n = 5) groups at random. Group 1 was used as a control, Group 2 was given P. alliaceae aqueous extract (1000 mg/kg body weight), Group 3 was given LPS, a single intraperitoneal dose (4 ml/kg body weight), and was observed for 4 hours before being sacrificed, Group 4 was given LPS (observed for 4 hours) and treated with P. alliaceae for 7 days, Group 5 was given P. alliaceae extract for 7 days, then Spectrophotometric analysis was used to evaluate the activities of oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma, erythrocytes, brain, liver, kidney, and heart. Results: As seen in this work, oxidative stress is a characteristic of LPS-induced endotoxicity. Following LPS injection, P. alliaceae leaf aqueous extract significantly (p 0.05) increased CAT and SOD activities. Conclusion The aqueous extract of P. alliaceae leaf reduced the effect of endotoxins in the body by mopping up free radicals, according to the findings

Relationship between zinc-related nutritional status and the progression of multiple sclerosis

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. ObjectiveTo investigate plasma and erythrocyte zinc status and its relationship to MS. MethodsCross-sectional study, including 98 participants, distributed in groups: case (MS, n = 49), diagnosed with MS and control (n = 49), matched by age and sex with the case group. Zinc was analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by spectrophotometry. ResultsMean plasma zinc was 94.6 (22.1) μg/dL for MS patients and 81.5 (31.3) μg/dL for control group, with statistical difference (p = 0.023). The mean erythrocyte zinc was 83.6 (41.6) µg/gHb for case group and 72.6 (31.5) µg/gHb for control. Erythrocyte SOD activity was above reference values, significantly different for MS patients (p = 0.003). There was a significant direct correlation between erythrocyte zinc and SOD (r = 0.835; p < 0.001). SOD showed inverse correlation with MS outbreaks (r = -0.317; p = 0.027). ConclusionPatients with MS have normal plasma and elevated erythrocyte zinc. Erythrocyte zinc showed positive correlation with SOD, which correlated inversely to outbreaks.

The potential of pathogenetic therapy in the treatment of new coronavirus infection COVID-19

The objective: to increase efcacy of treatment of patients with new coronavirus infection COVID-19 by prescription of Remaxol.Subjects and Methods: 105 patients with confrmed new coronavirus infection COVID-19 with lung damage from 25 to 50% (CT-2) were examined and divided into 2 groups (Main Group and Comparison Group). All patients received standard treatment; patients from Main Group (55 people) additionally received Remaxol intravenously 200.0 ml No. 10 daily, then No. 5 every other day. Treatment efcacy was assessed between the 3rd and 4th week of the study.Results: the patients treated with Remaxol showed more pronounced positive changes of clinical and laboratory symptoms (lower frequency of fever, improved state of health, appetite, decreased dyspnea, cough and wheezing, higher level of SpO2, decreased neutrophilia and blood clotting, ferritin levels, a signifcant increase in activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes and a decrease in myeloperoxidase activity in neutrophils) versus patients receiving standard treatment. The CT lung scan after 3 weeks in patients from Main Group showed the transformation of ground-glass areas into impactions according to the consolidation type in 58.2% (32 people), in 52.2% (29 people) there appeared an organizing pneumonia, a decrease in size of impactions was observed in 54.6% (30 people); in Comparison Group ‒ in 24.0% (12 people), 20% (10 people) and 24% (12 people), respectively, in all three comparisons (p &lt; 0.05).

Effects of Calorie Restricted Diet on Oxidative/Antioxidative Status Biomarkers and Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to investigate the effects of a calorie-restricted (CR) diet on oxidative/anti-oxidative status in patients with NAFLD and the potential mediating role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) in this regard. This randomized, controlled clinical trial was carried out on sixty patients with NAFLD aged 20 to 60 years with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 35 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to either the CR diet group (received a prescribed low-calorie diet for twelve weeks, n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, and physical activity data were collected for all participants at baseline and at the end of the trial. Significant reductions in weight, BMI, waist circumference, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed in the CR diet group compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). Liver steatosis grade, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and FGF-21, as well as erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities did not show significant changes in the CR group when compared to the controls at the end of the study (p > 0.05). CR diet with moderate weight loss has some favorable effects on NAFLD but was not able to modify oxidative/anti-oxidative status in these patients. Future studies are warranted to target the effects of long-term interventions with a greater weight loss in this patient population.

Improvement of Growth Performance, Hepatic and Erythrocyte Antioxidant Capacity, Innate Immunity, and Biochemical Parameters of Persian Sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, by Sulfur Amino Acids’ Supplementation

The present study was aimed at determining the effects of taurine and/or methionine addition to a plant-based diet on growth performance and immunological and antioxidant responses of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus. Four plant-based diets were formulated, including control (C), control+1 g/kg taurine (T), control+2 g/kg methionine (M), and control+1 g/kg taurine and 2 g/kg methionine (T+M). Fish were fed each diet in triplicate for 70 days, and growth performance, hematological, plasma biochemical, and immunological parameters, and hepatic and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters were determined after that. Dietary taurine or methionine supplementation significantly increased growth performance, hematological parameters, antioxidant enzymes’ activities, plasma lysozyme, alternative complement, and total immunoglobulin but decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase activities, and malondialdehyde. Interaction additive effects of dietary taurine and methionine were observed in erythrocyte count, hematocrit, alternative complement, total immunoglobulin, hepatic malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, dietary taurine (1 g/kg) and methionine (2 g/kg) supplementation is necessary to support higher growth rate, immunological responses, and antioxidant capacity in Persian sturgeon, when fed a plant-based diet. According to the present results, the highest performance is obtained when both amino acids are simultaneously added to the fish diet.

Reconsidering the Tolerable Upper Levels of Zinc Intake among Infants and Young Children: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence.

Safe upper levels (UL) of zinc intake for children were established based on either (1) limited data from just one study among children or (2) extrapolations from studies in adults. Resulting ULs are less than amounts of zinc consumed by children in many studies that reported benefits of zinc interventions, and usual dietary zinc intakes often exceed the UL, with no apparent adverse effects. Therefore, existing ULs may be too low. We conducted a systematic bibliographic review of studies among preadolescent children, in which (1) additional zinc was provided vs. no additional zinc provided, and (2) the effect of zinc on serum or plasma copper, ceruloplasmin, ferritin, transferrin receptor, lipids, or hemoglobin or erythrocyte super-oxide dismutase were assessed. We extracted data from 44 relevant studies with 141 comparisons. Meta-analyses found no significant overall effect of providing additional zinc, except for a significant negative effect on ferritin (p = 0.001), albeit not consistent in relation to the zinc dose. Interpretation is complicated by the significant heterogeneity of results and uncertainties regarding the physiological and clinical significance of outcomes. Current zinc ULs should be reassessed and potentially revised using data now available for preadolescent children and considering challenges regarding interpretation of results.

Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Liver Damage in Hypercholesterolemic Rats.

Metabolic syndrome, especially its component related to dyslipidemia, is related to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a disease with a significant global prevalence. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids emerged as a complementary therapeutic possibility for dyslipidemia, but its benefits are questioned. This paper aims at evaluating the effects of fish oil supplementation in rats with hypercholesterolemia induced by hypercholesterolemic diet (HD). The study design is based on an experimental model in which the animals were randomly divided into 3 groups: G1 (standard commercial feed + saline solution); G2 (hypercholesterolemic diet + saline solution) and G3 (hypercholesterolemic diet + fish oil) over a period of 16 weeks. Metabolic control parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated according to standardized methodologies. The G3 group showed significantly lower values of plasma concentrations of TG, and hepatic myeloperoxidase as well as higher erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.05). Regarding histopathological analysis, there was lipid accumulation in the liver of animals from group G2; meanwhile, hepatocytes reorganization and expressive reduction of lipid vacuoles and hepatic TG content was observed in group G3. This study demonstrated how fish oil supplementation reduced the plasma concentration and hepatic content of triglycerides, as well as liver tissue damage in histopathological analysis.

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.

STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD ERYTHROCYTES AND ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION ENZYMES IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.

The aim: The aim of this work is to study the structural and functional features of peripheral blood erythrocytes and antioxidant defense enzymes in patients with multiple sclerosis, depending on its clinical forms and the stage of development of the pathological process. Materials and methods: The state of the processes of lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant defense system in 62 patients with multiple sclerosis was studied. The influence of these processes on the clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis is shown. Results: It has been shown that in multiple sclerosis, the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase / catalase enzyme system is characterized by the phenomenon of cross-regulation of activity, which is reflected in a negative correlation between enzyme activities and is associated with the appearance of irreversibly altered forms of erythrocytes in the general bloodstream. Conclusions: Based on the analysis of the dynamics of laboratory parameters, the pathogenetic significance of membrane-destabilizing processes in peripheral blood erythrocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis was proved.