Blood Glutathione Levels Research Articles

The influence of the duration of the expulsive stage of parturition on the occurrence of postpartum oxidative stress in sows with uncomplicated, spontaneous farrowings

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the duration of the expulsive stage of parturition on the occurrence of postpartum oxidative stress in sows with uncomplicated, spontaneous farrowings. Twenty-five pregnant gilts were divided into three groups on the basis of duration of the expulsive stage of farrowing: (I) duration of the expulsive stage was below 3 hours; (II) duration of the expulsive stage ranged from 3 to 6 hours; (III) duration of the expulsive stage was longer than 6 hours. Blood samples were collected at 24 to 48 hours before and 24 hours after parturition. As indicators of alterations in the redox state, we quantified the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), as well as the blood levels of glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and sulfhydryl groups (SH groups). In group III, it was found that erythrocyte activity of CAT (63.89 ± 6.70 vs. 53.18 ± 2.32 U/g Hb), as well as plasma GSH concentration (0.088 ± 0.020 vs. 0.045 ± 0.024 mmol/g protein) and SH groups content (5.045 ± 1.256 vs. 3.383 ± 0.430 μmol/g protein) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 24 hours after parturition, compared with their values during the last 48 hours before parturition. The concentration of TBARS increased not significantly, although markedly at 24 hours postpartum in group III (0.124 ± 0.014 vs. 0.153 ± 0.031 μmol/g protein). The results indicate that uncomplicated, spontaneous parturition can lead to the occurrence of oxidative stress during the early postparturient period in sows, the intensity of which is related to the duration of the expulsive stage.

Effects of side-stream tobacco smoke and smoke extract on glutathione- and oxidative DNA damage repair-deficient mice and blood cells

Cigarette smoke causes direct oxidative DNA damage as well as indirect damage through inflammation. Epidemiological studies show a strong relationship between secondhand smoke and cancer; however, the mechanisms of secondhand smoke-induced cancer are not well understood. Animal models with either (i) deficient oxidative DNA damage repair, or (ii) a decreased capacity to combat oxidative stress may help determine the pathways important in mitigating damage caused by smoke. In this study, we used mice lacking Ogg1 and Myh, both of which are involved in base excision repair by removing oxidatively damaged DNA bases. Gclm-deficient mice, which have decreased levels of glutathione (GSH), were used to look at the role of smoke-induced oxidative damage. Ex vivo experiments show significantly elevated levels of DNA single-strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes from Ogg1−/−Myh−/− double knockout mice compared to wild type (WT) mice after 24h of exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The average γH2AX foci per cell was significantly elevated 3h after exposure to CSE in cells from Ogg1−/−Myh−/− double knockout mice compared to wildtype mice. In vivo we found that all mice had increased markers of DNA damage after exposure to side-stream tobacco smoke (SSTS). Ogg1−/−Myh−/− and Gclm−/− mice had altered levels of peripheral blood glutathione after SSTS exposure whereas wild type mice did not. This may be due to differential regulation of glutathione synthesis in the lung. We also found that Ogg1−/−Myh−/− mice had a decreased lifespan after oral gavage with benzo[a]pyrene compared to wildtype mice and sham-exposed Ogg1−/−Myh−/− mice. Our results are important in investigating the roles of oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage repair in cigarette smoke-induced cancers and characterizing the role of genetic polymorphisms in smoke-related disease susceptibility.

Effect of Repeated Oral Administration of Bifenthrin on Lipid Peroxidation and Anti-oxidant Parameters in Wistar Rats

The oxidative stress-inducing potential of the pyrethroid insecticide, bifenthrin, was evaluated in rats at 5.8mg/kg body weight once daily for 20 or 30days. Bifenthrin treated animals showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation, evidenced by increased blood malondialdehyde levels. Blood glutathione levels and activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly in the bifenthrin treated animals after both 20 and 30days of treatment, whereas, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase decreased significantly only on the 30th day. In conclusion, bifenthrin has a potential to induce severe oxidative stress in rats exposed to sublethal concentrations.

Reduction in Blood Glutathione Levels Occurs Similarly in Patients With Primary-Open Angle or Normal Tension Glaucoma

To investigate in parallel the systemic glutathione levels of patients suffering from primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or normal tension glaucoma (NTG) with comparable functional loss. Thirty-four POAG patients, 30 NTG patients, and 53 controls were subjected to blood analysis to detect the level of circulating glutathione in its reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms. Systemic blood pressure (BP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) parameters were also determined. Independent of age, POAG and NTG patients demonstrated significantly lower GSH and t-GSH levels than age-matched controls (P < 0.001). Additionally, a lower redox index was found, but in POAG patients only, in comparison to both NTG and control groups (P = 0.020). GSSG levels were, however, similar between all study groups (P > 0.05). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that both POAG and NTG patients exhibit lower GSH and t-GSH levels than age-matched controls, indicating a similar general compromise of the antioxidant defense systems may exist in both conditions.

Amaranthus roxburghianus root extract in combination with piperine as a potential treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice

The present work was undertaken to determine the effects of Amaranthus roxburghianus Nevski. (Amaranthaceae) root alone and in combination with piperine in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Standard group received prednisolone (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Treatment groups received hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. roxburghianus (50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) and a combination of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. roxburghianus (50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) and piperine (5 mg/kg, per oral). Ulcer index, colitis severity, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde and glutathione were estimated from blood and tissue. Column chromatography of the extract was done and purified fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Treatment with the combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus and piperine showed minimal ulceration, hemorrhage, necrosis and leucocyte infiltration by histopathological observation. Acetic acid increased MPO levels in blood and colon tissue to 355 U/mL and 385 U/mg, respectively. The combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus (100 mg/kg) and piperine (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased MPO in blood and tissue to 182 U/mL and 193 U/mg, respectively (P < 0.05). Similarly, this combination significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione levels in blood and tissue. Various phytoconstituents were detected by GC-MS. The combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus and piperine is effective in the treatment of UC and the effects are comparable with the standard drug prednisolone. 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, eugenol and benzene, and 1-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-4-methyl are reported having analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties; they may play a role in the biological activity of A. roxburghianus root.

Enhanced Glutathione Levels in Blood and Buccal Cells by Oral Glutathione Supplementation

Glutathione (GSH) is the major antioxidant in nearly all cells and plays numerous roles in protection against diseases and biological insults. Previous studies in laboratory animals indicate that orally administered GSH is bioavailable and effective at enhancing tissue GSH levels. The current objective was to determine the efficacy of GSH supplementation at enhancing body stores of GSH in healthy adults. We conducted a 6‐mo randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial to determine the impact of GSH administration at 250 mg/day and 1000 mg/day on GSH levels in different blood components and exfoliated buccal mucosal cells. Subjects were 54 healthy adults (41 females/13 males), 28–72 yr of age (mean=46.6 yr). Compliance was &gt;;90% by pill count. After 6 mo in the high dose group, GSH levels were increased 30–35% in RBC, plasma, and lymphocytes and 260% in buccal cells (P&lt;0.05). In most cases, the increases were dose and time dependent and levels returned to baseline after a 1‐month washout. No significant changes were observed in levels of protein bound GSH. A battery of immune function markers was also examined after 3 mo of GSH supplementation and Natural Killer (NK) cytotoxicity was enhanced &gt;; 2‐fold in the high dose group (P&lt;0.05). Altogether, these findings are consistent with previous pre‐clinical studies and indicate that long‐term oral administration GSH is an effective means of enhancing body stores of GSH.

Glutathione and iron at the crossroad of redox metabolism in rats infected by Trypanosoma evansi

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters of blood during acute Trypanosoma evansi infection in Wistar rats. The end points studied were hematologic parameters, red blood cell fragility, iron content, and glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels. Forty-eight animals were infected with trypomastigotes and distributed into five groups according to the level of parasitemia. Twelve non-inoculated animals were used as control. Parasitemia increased progressively, reaching highest scores at 15days post-inoculation. At this point, several deleterious effects were observed such as an increase in iron content, in osmotic fragility, and in lipid peroxidation index, while glutathione decreased drastically. These changes were highly correlated to parasitemia (p < 0.0001) and among each other (p ≤ 0.001). Hematological indices (Hb, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were also correlated to parasitemia (p ≤ 0.0003) but failed to correlate to the other variables. Along with increase in iron, RBC fragility produced a decrease in RBC, PCV, and Hb, but not in mean corpuscular volume. Decrease in glutathione was negatively correlated to the end products of lipid peroxidation, clearly indicating the establishment of a pro-oxidant condition. The results show that the infection causes hematological impairments, increases iron and osmotic fragility, along with marked oxidative stress in red blood cells of rats inoculated with T. evansi.

Glutathione: A redox signature in monitoring EPI-743 therapy in children with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies

BackgroundGenetically defined Leigh syndrome (LS) is a rare, fatal inherited neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects children. Although mitochondrial dysfunction has clearly been associated with oxidative stress, few studies have specifically examined Leigh syndrome patients' blood glutathione levels. In this study, we analyzed the balance between oxidized and reduced glutathione in lymphocytes of 10 patients with genetically confirmed LS and monitored the effects of glutathione status following 6months of treatment with EPI-743, a novel redox therapeutic. MethodsLymphocytes were obtained from blood samples of 10 children with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of LS and in 20 healthy subjects. Total, reduced, oxidized and protein-bound glutathione levels were determined by HPLC analysis. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were measured by spectrophotometric assays. Plasma total thiols, carbonyl contents and malondialdehyde were assessed by spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays. ResultsA significant impairment of all glutathione forms was detected in patients, including a profound decrease of total and reduced glutathione (GSH) associated with high levels of all oxidized glutathione forms (GSSG+GS-Pro; OX). These findings negatively correlated with the glutathione peroxidase activity, which underwent a significant decrease in patients. After treatment with EPI-743, all patients showed a significant increase in reduced glutathione levels and 96% decrease of OX/GSH ratio. ConclusionsThe data presented here strongly support glutathione as a “redox blood signature” in mitochondrial disorders and its use as a clinical trial endpoint in the development of mitochondrial disease therapies.

Oral Glutamine Reduces Radiation Morbidity in Breast Conservation Surgery

This study examined the effect of oral glutamine (Gln) on radiation injury in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The radiation injury was evaluated using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scales. Cosmesis was scored. Blood Gln and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined. Serum protein profiling was determined using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). Patients receiving Gln scored significantly better in RTOG score than the patients receiving placebo. Cosmetic scores averaged excellent in the Gln group vs fair to good in the placebo group. Blood Gln and GSH levels were significantly higher in the Gln group vs the placebo group. Serum protein profiling with SELDI-TOF MS identified a novel Gln-responsive protein that showed amino acid similarity with myoglobin. These results suggest that Gln is an effective way to reduce radiation morbidity to breast cancer and is associated with the increased expression of a novel serum protein biomarker.

The role of thymoquinone as antioxidant protection on oxidative stress induced by imidacloprid in male and female Swiss albino mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), an antioxidant agent, against imidacloprid (IMI)-induced oxidative stress in male and female mice. In total, 48 Swiss Albino male and female mice were fed a standard rodent diet and divided into 3 equal groups: the animals in the control group (vehicle treated) were given corn oil, the second group were orally administered 15 mg/kg/day IMI alone, and the third group were orally administered 15 mg/kg/day IMI and with TQ at 10 mg/kg/day for 21 days. During the experimental period, there were no significant changes between initial body weights and final body weights of IMI treated male and female mice. IMI produced significant increase in blood, liver, kidney, and heart malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decrease in blood and liver glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, IMI treatment decreased erythrocyte, liver, and kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in male mice and decreased erythrocyte and liver SOD activity in female mice. Erythrocyte catalase (CAT) activities were found to be low in male and female mice. However, treatment with TQ reversed IMI-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, TQ exhibited protective action against the IMI-induced histopathological changes in tissues of male and female mice. In conclusion, TQ was found to be effective in protecting mice against IMI-induced oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Atrial Function and Glutathione in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia- Tanta-Egypt-2012

Aims: is to correlate the atrial function with the level of oxidative stress marker (Glutathione) in children with Iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Materials and Methods: Thirty children with IDA and 20 healthy children had serum Ferritin, total blood Glutathione level and studied with conventional trans-thoracic 2-D echocardiography, Tissue Doppler (TDI) and Speckle Tracking Strain (STI) analysis. Study Design: A case–controlled study Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Outpatient Clinic; Pediatric Hematology Unit; Pediatric Cardiology Unit; Pediatric Department; Faculty of Medicine; Tanta University Hospital; Egypt. The study was conducted between January; 2012 to December; 2012. Results: Children with IDA had significantly low Glutathione [4.63 ±3.4 ng/ml] (P =.013) and Ferritin [11.88 ±5.3 ng/ml] (P .05), but there was significant negative correlation between Hemoglobin% and atrial septal velocity (P < .05). Conclusion: IDA is associated with diastolic dysfunction. Tissue Doppler and STI were more sensitive than conventional echocardiography in detection of subclinical structural and functional changes due to hemodynamic abnormality in children with IDA.

The effects of L-carnitine on acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of L-carnitine against to liver damage caused by lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in toxic hepatitis induced by acetaminophen. Materials and Methods: Wister-albino male rats were divided into three groups randomly: control, toxic hepatitis, and L-carnitine groups. To introduce a toxic hepatitis, single dose of acetaminophen (300 mg/kg) dissolved in warm saline was given intraperitoneally to toxic hepatitis and L-carnitine groups. A single dose of L-carnitine (500 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally to L-carnitine group five minutes after introducing to toxic hepatitits. A single dose of warm saline was given intraperitoneally to control group. Results: In toxic hepatitis group, serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase and plasma and liver malondialdehyde levels were higher whereas plasma Gc-globulin, whole blood and liver glutathione levels, erythrocyte and liver catalase activities and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity were lower as compared to control group. In L-carnitine group, serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase and plasma and liver malondialdehyde levels were lower whereas whole blood and liver glutathione levels, erythrocyte and liver catalase activities and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity were higher as compared to toxic hepatitis group. There was no significant change between plasma Gc-Globulin levels of these groups. Histopathological changes in toxic hepatitis group were more prominent than those found in L-carnitine group. Conclusion: L-Carnitine has a protective effect against to liver damage caused by lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in toxic hepatitis induced by acetaminopfen in rats.

2700 – Glutathione levels and schizotypy scores in unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia

Several studies have shown a glutathione (GSH) deficit in patients with schizophrenia. It may in part arise from a genetically compromised synthesis of GSH, the major cellular antioxidant and redox-regulator. First-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia share many susceptibility genes of this disease. The objectives of this study were to determine plasma glutathione levels in patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected first-degree relatives of compared to healthy controls and to examine the correlation between glutathione levels and schizotypy scores in unaffected relatives. We included 60 patients with schizophrenia, 33 of their unaffected siblings and 30 healthy controls with no family psychiatric history. The blood glutathione levels: total (GSHt), reduced (GSHr), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were measured by spectrophotometry. Schizotypy scores were assessed by the schizotypal personality questionnaire (SPQ). GSHt and GSHr were significantly lower in patients than in controls, whereas there was no difference in glutathione levels between unaffected relatives and healthy controls. Moreover, no correlation was found between glutathione levels and schizotypy scores in unaffected relatives of patients with schizophrenia. These results reveal that unaffected relatives of patients with schizophrenia didn’t have a GSH deficit. In the same group, no correlation was found between glutathione levels and schizotypy scores which considered a vulnerability marker for schizophrenia. These findings disagree with our hypothesis that GSH deficit could be a biological marker of vulnerability to schizophrenia. However, further studies are necessary to explore this hypothesis.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Thymus and Salvia Essential oils on Paracetamol-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Medicinal plants have been used traditionally worldwide for the prevention and treatment of liver disease. Thymus Capitatus and Salvia Officinal are used frequently as spices. The present investigation aimed to investigate the possible potential protective effect of Thymus and Salvia essential oils against Paracetamol induced hepatotoxicy. Administration of Paracetamol (500 mg/kg.b.wt) resulted in liver damage as manifested by significant increase in serum and hepatic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity with a significant decrease in blood and hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as blood and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Rats pretreated orally with essential oil of Thymus Capitatus and Salvia Officinal (50 mg/kg b. wt. daily) for 15 days then intoxicated with paracetamol showed a significant protection against-induced increase in serum and hepatic LDH activities and inhibit reduce GSH levels and enhance increase SOD and GPx activities in blood and liver. These data indicate that essential oils of Thymus Capitatus and Salvia Officinalis possessed a hepatoprotective activity against hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol model due to their antioxidant activity.

Effects of 10-GHz Microwaves on Hematological Parameters in Swiss Albino Mice and Their Modulation by Prunus avium

The objective of this study was to investigate the modulatory role of Prunus avium fruit extract (PAE) on several blood parameters after exposure to 10-GHz microwaves. Swiss albino mice from an inbred colony were selected and divided into 3 groups. Mice in group I served as the control; they were placed in a Plexiglas cage (without energizing the system) for 2 hours/day for 30 consecutive days. Group II mice were exposed to 10-GHz microwaves for 2 hours/day for 30 consecutive days. Mice in group III received PAE (500 mg/kg/body weight) orally once daily 1 hour before exposure to 10-GHz microwaves (2 hours/day) for 30 consecutive days. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were collected from mice in all groups and analyzed. Hemoglobin, monocytes, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration declined significantly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas white blood cells, lymphocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and mean corpuscular volume increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the control group (group I). Cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation also increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01). Depletion in blood sugar, total protein, acid phosphatase, and glutathione levels was noted after microwave exposure compared with levels in the sham-exposed (control) mice. Histopathological alterations in blood cells also were seen. Signs of improvements in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were recorded in group III, where PAE was supplemented before exposure. Exposure to microwaves influences hematological parameters, which could be ameliorated by the supplementation of PAE.

Cardioprotective effect of N-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-2-(5-bromo-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarboxamide against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity in rats

The present study was aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective activity of N-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-2-(5-bromo-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarboxamide (coded as ARL) in rats. Doxorubicin (DOX) (15 mg kg−1, i.p, single dose) was used to induce cardiotoxicity in rats. Four groups of female Wistar albino rats were used. Group 1 was used as control (0.5% CMC, oral); the other groups were treated with DOX (single i.p. dosage of 15 mg kg−1) or DOX plus compound ARL (50 or 100 mg kg−1 day−1, p.o.), respectively. Animals were treated with ARL or CMC for 7 days. On 6th day, a single dose of DOX was administered to rats. Blood was collected on 7th day. Evaluation of cardioprotective activity was estimated using biochemical parameters including plasma aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and triglycerides (TG) levels. Pretreatment with compound ARL significantly reduced the elevated levels of cardiotoxic biomarkers in plasma. DOX-induced depletion of glutathione levels in blood was significantly alleviated by pretreatment with compound ARL.

Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS4a/b) Gene Polymorphism is Associated with Tumor Recurrence and Progression in Superficial Bladder Cancer Cases

We investigated the relationship between the distribution of the eNOS4a/b polymorphism and the clinical features of superficial bladder cancer. This study included 201 healthy controls with a mean ± SD age of 62.35 ± 7.96 years and 123 patients with a mean age of 64.03 ± 11.00 years diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed superficial bladder cancer. The eNOS4a/b polymorphism genotype (aa, bb or ab) was identified by polymerase chain reaction. Blood glutathione and plasma malondialdehyde levels were measured by spectrophotometry as an indicator of oxidative stress. We estimated total plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites using a colorimetric assay kit. There were no significant differences in age or body mass index between patients and controls. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide metabolite levels were statistically significantly increased (p = 0.000 and 0.024, respectively) and glutathione levels were decreased (p = 0.000) in patients with superficial bladder cancer. The bb genotype of the eNOS4a/b polymorphism is the most frequent one in the Turkish population and the aa genotype was significantly more common in patients with superficial bladder cancer (p = 0.000). Also, the aa plus ab genotype was significantly more common in patients with high grade tumors (p = 0.013) and in those with more progression to muscle invasive disease (p = 0.000). This genotype was also a significant independent risk factor for recurrence after adjusting for smoking status, stage, grade and the presence of carcinoma in situ on logistic regression analyses (OR 3.095, 95% CI 1.21-7.86, p = 0.018). The current study suggests that a genotype containing the a allele of the eNOS4a/b polymorphism may be a risk factor for bladder cancer. Additionally, patients harboring the aa plus ab genotype are more likely to experience tumor recurrence and progression.

Acute blood glucose fluctuations can decrease blood glutathione and adiponectin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes

IntroductionGlutathione appears to have apparent antioxidant activity to counter regulate hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress. Adiponectin also plays a role in the suppression of the metabolic derangements in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to determine whether blood glucose fluctuations can alter blood levels of glutathione and adiponectin. MethodsWe enrolled 34 patients with type 2 DM. As a measure of short-term glycemic variability, the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) was computed from a continuous glucose monitor system (CGMS), and data were recorded over 72h. For long-term glycemic variability, we calculated the standard deviation (SD) of HbA1c over a 2-year period. Glutathione and adiponectin levels were measured after completing the 72-h CGMS data collection. ResultsThe blood levels of glutathione were significantly and negatively correlated with MAGE (r=−0.543; P<0.001), but not with HbA1c and SD of HbA1c. Adiponectin levels were also significantly and negatively correlated with MAGE and SD of HbA1c (r=−0.64 and r=−0.55, respectively; P<0.001). Using generalized estimating equations, multivariate regression analysis revealed that MAGE is an independent predictor of serum levels of adiponectin (P=0.002) and glutathione (P=0.004). ConclusionsWe found strong associations between acute blood glucose variability, glutathione, and adiponectin in type 2 diabetic patients treated with oral hypoglycemic agent therapy.

Effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems, and key liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats

In this study, we investigated the effects of Matricaria chamomilla L. extract (MCE) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems, and several liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. Rats were divided into five groups. The first group (control group) was fed on standard feed. The rats in the other groups (CCl4, MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200) were injected intraperitoneally with 0.8 mL kg−1 CCl4. Moreover, rats in the MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200 groups were gavaged with 50 mg kg−1, 100 mg kg−1, and 200 mg kg−1 MCE, respectively. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity levels were measured after 14 days of exposure. ALT and AST in the CCl4 group increased significantly in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). MCE decreased MDA levels and increased GSH, SOD, and GPx activities. Decreases were observed in CAT activity levels in the CCl4, MCE50, MCE100, and MCE200 groups at different significance levels. In conclusion, the findings suggest that, depending on the dose administered, MCE decreases CCl4-induced damage and consequent oxidative stress in rats; it affects the antioxidant system positively.

Abnormal Retinal Vascular Reactivity in Individuals with Impaired Glucose Tolerance: A Preliminary Study

To investigate the relationship between vascular function parameters measured at the retinal and systemic level and known markers for cardiovascular risk in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Sixty age- and sex-matched white European adults (30 with IGT and 30 with normal glucose tolerance [NGT]) were recruited for the study. Fasting plasma glucose, lipids, and 24-hour blood pressure (BP) were measured in all subjects. Systemic vascular and endothelial function was assessed by using carotid-artery intimal media thickness (cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Retinal vascular reactivity was assessed by the dynamic retinal vessel analyzer. Additionally, blood glutathione (reduced glutathione [GSH], glutathione disulfide [GSSG], and total glutathione [tGSH]) and plasma von Willebrand (vWF) factor levels were also measured. Individuals with IGT demonstrated higher BP values (P < 0.001), fasting triglyceride (TG) levels and TG:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratios (P < 0.001) than NGT subjects. Furthermore, total:HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios and Framingham scores were raised (P = 0.010 and P < 0.001, respectively). Blood glutathione levels (GSH, GSSG, and tGSH) were lower (P < 0.001, P = 0.039, and P < 0.001, respectively) while plasma vWF was increased (P = 0.014) in IGT subjects compared to controls. IGT individuals also demonstrated higher IMT in right and left carotid arteries (P = 0.017 and P = 0.005, respectively) alongside larger brachial artery diameter (P = 0.015) and lower FMD percentage (P = 0.026) and glyceryl trinitrate-induced dilation (P = 0.012) than healthy controls. At the retinal arterial level, the IGT subjects showed higher baseline diameter fluctuations (BDFs) (P = 0.026), longer reaction time (RT) (P = 0.032), and reduced baseline-corrected flicker response (bFR) (P = 0.045). In IGT subjects, retinal BDF correlated with total:HDL (P = 0.003) and HDL-C (P = 0.004). Arterial RT also correlated with FMD (P = 0.017) in IGT but not NGT subjects. In IGT individuals there is a relationship between macro- and microvascular function, as well as a direct correlation between the observed retinal microcirculatory changes and established plasma markers for cardiovascular diseases. Multifactorial preventive interventions to decrease vascular risk in these individuals should be considered.