Glutathione Peroxidase Activity Levels Research Articles

Glycemic Indices/Renal and Hepatic Antioxidant Status of Hyperglycemic Rats Treated with Single and Combinatorial Herbal Formulations

The present study ascertained the comparative capacities of single and combinatorial herbal formulations of Acanthus montanus, Emilia coccinea, Hibiscus rosasinensis and Asystasia gangetica to exert glycemic control and ameliorate oxidative stress in renal and hepatic tissues of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats (HyGR) following 30 days treatment. Phytochemical composition of the herbal extracts and fasting plasma glucose concentration (FPGC) of the rats were measured by standard methods. The post mitochondrial supernatant fractions (PMSF) of renal and hepatic tissues homogenates were measured for activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione (GSH) concentration. Comparatively, flavonoids were the most abundant phytochemical present in the four herbal extracts. FPGC of treated HyGR was within the range of 66.30 ± 0.71 - 133.00 ± 0.63 mg/dL as against the untreated hyperglycemic rat group=368.20 ± 0.72 mg/dL (p<0.05). At the end of the experimental time, treated HyGR liver SOD activities were lower than that of normal group (p<0.05). Liver and kidney GPOx activities of HyGR were 2.36 folds and 3.93 folds lower than the normal rats. Furthermore, liver and kidney CAT activities of the treated HyGR were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the normal rats, whereas liver and kidney GSH/GSSG ratios were significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared with treated HyGR. Combinatorial herbal formulations exerted greater glycemic control than the single herbal formulations and caused a sparing effect on renal and hepatic antioxidants against reactive oxygen species.

Medicinal plants in management of type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.

Medicinal plants in management of type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.

Research investigating antioxidation of astaxanthin extracted from Haematoccus pluvialis in mice

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidative effect of astaxanthin extracted from Haematoccus pluvialis in mice. Methods: Fifty mice were randomly divided into five groups (high-dose [astaxanthin 4.0 mg/kg]; medium dose [astaxanthin 2.0 mg/kg]; low dose [astaxanthin 1.0 mg/kg]; model control; and blank control). The experimental substance was administered every day. Mice in the model group and the control group received an equal volume of vegetable oil for 30 days. After 30 days, blood antioxidant enzyme activity was measured in tail blood. Except for the blank control group, the other groups were exposed to 8 Gy 60Coγ irradiation. On the fourth day after irradiation, all animals were euthanized and liver tissue was tested for malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity levels. Results : Superoxide dismutase levels in all three groups that received astaxanthin were significantly higher than in the model control group, and malondialdehyde levels in all three groups that received astaxanthin were significantly lower than in the control group. Glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity in the high-dose group was significantly higher in the model control group. Conclusion: According to the evaluation standards in Inspection and Assessment Standard for Health Food, 2003 edition, the present study demonstrated that astaxanthin extracted from Haematoccus pluvialis has antioxidative effects in a mouse model.

Amelioration Effect of Zinc and Iron Supplementation on Selected Oxidative Stress Enzymes in Liver and Kidney of Cadmium-Treated Male Albino Rat.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic, nonessential heavy metal with many industrial uses that can contribute to a well-defined spectrum of diseases in animals as well as in humans. The present study examines the effect of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) supplementation on oxidative stress enzymes in Cd-treated rats. Wistar strain male albino rats were treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) at a dose of 1/10th LD50/48 h, that is, 22.5 mg/kg body weight for 7, 15, and 30 days (d) time intervals. The 15d Cd-treated rats were divided into three groups. The first group received Zn (12 mg/kg), second group Fe (40 mg/kg) alone, and third group supplemented with both Zn and Fe and observed for 7, 15, and 30d. After the specific time intervals, rats were decapitated and oxidative stress enzymes like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were assayed in liver and kidney. Simultaneously lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were also measured. A significant elevation in LPO levels with decreased activity levels of CAT, SOD, GPx, and GST were observed during Cd intoxication. With Zn and/or Fe supplementation, a significant reversal in the oxidative stress enzymes was observed. Our study reveals that combination of Zn and Fe supplementation is effective in detoxifying the Cd body burden from the test tissues.

The influence of macro and trace elements on sperm quality

The aim of this study was to examine the association between combined concentrations of macro and trace elements and markers of oxidative stress and antioxidative defense system function together with selected cytokine levels. Based on the combined medians of the seminal plasma levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, the study subjects (88 fertile male volunteers) were divided into the following two subgroups: the Me-L group (low level of metals) and the Me-H group (high level of metals). There was a tendency toward reduced motility in the Me-H group compared to that in the Me-L group. The total protein, albumin, and total oxidation status (TOS) levels were significantly higher in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group. The total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, and CuZn-SOD, activity in spermatozoa were significantly lower in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group. In seminal plasma, the Mn-SOD activity was significantly higher in the Me-H group, whereas the CuZn-SOD activity was significantly lower. Additionally, the activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were lower in the Me-H group. The medians of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12 were significantly higher in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group, whereas the medians of IL-2, IL-5, and IL-13 were significantly lower. Higher levels of macro and trace elements in the seminal plasma of fertile males may be associated with decreased motility. Higher levels of the examined metals are associated with elevated oxidative stress accompanied by decreased activities of some of the antioxidant enzymes and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Shinzami Korean purple-fleshed sweet potato extract prevents ischaemia-reperfusion-induced liver damage in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of an extract from Shinzami, a variety of purple sweet potato, in rats injured by hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R). Pretreatment with Shinzami extract decreased the aspirate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase serum levels in our hepatic I/R rat model. The glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity level were significantly higher in the rats pretreated with the Shinzami extract compared with the hepatic I/R rats, and the glutathione peroxidase activity level was higher in pretreated rats. The total anthocyanins extracted from Shinzami, however, only increased the superoxide dismutase activity level in the hepatic I/R rats. Rats pretreated with the Shinzami extract or anthocyanins demonstrated attenuated hepatic pathological changes, such as hepatic distortion, haemorrhage, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the hepatic I/R control rats. Shinzami extract and anthocyanins have a hepatoprotective effect on the liver damage induced by hepatic I/R by improving antioxidant status. Furthermore, the Shinzami extract may have a more potent effect on the antioxidant status compared with the Shinzami anthocyanins alone.

Determination of morphological, biometric and biochemical susceptibilities in healthy Eurasier dogs with suspected inherited glaucoma.

In both humans and dogs, the primary risk factor for glaucoma is high intraocular pressure (IOP), which may be caused by iridocorneal angle (ICA) abnormalities. Oxidative stress has also been implicated in retinal ganglion cell damage associated with glaucoma. A suspected inherited form of glaucoma was recently identified in Eurasier dogs (EDs), a breed for which pedigrees are readily available. Because of difficulties in assessing ICA morphology in dogs with advanced glaucoma, we selected a cohort of apparently healthy dogsfor the investigation of ICA morphological status, IOP and plasma concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers. We aimed to establish correlations between these factors, to identify predictive markers of glaucoma in this dog breed. A cohort of 28 subjects, volunteered for inclusion by their owners, was selected by veterinary surgeons. These dogs were assigned to four groups: young males, young females (1–3 years old), adult males and adult females (4–8 years old). Ocular examination included ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, gonioscopy, biometry and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and the evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers consisting of measurements of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity and taurine and metabolic precursor (methionine and cysteine) concentrations in plasma. The prevalence of pectinate ligament abnormalities was significantly higher in adult EDs than in young dogs. Moreover, in adult females, high IOP was significantly correlated with a short axial globe length, and a particularly large distance between Schwalbe's line and the anterior lens capsule. GP activity levels were significantly lower in EDs than in a randomized control group of dogs, and plasma taurine concentrations were higher. Hence, ICA abnormalities were associated with weaker antioxidant defenses in EDs, potentially counteracted by higher plasma taurine concentrations. This study suggests that EDs may constitute an appropriate canine model for the development of glaucoma. This cohort will be used as a sentinel for longitudinal monitoring.

Serum homocysteine levels, oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

IntroductionHyperhomocysteinemia is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress is one of the major pathogenic mechanisms in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. AimOur study aimed to evaluate serum homocysteine levels and oxidative stress in patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and possible association with cardiovascular risk measured by carotid artery intima-media thickness (c-IMT). Patients and methods50 patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and 30 healthy controls, age and gender matched, were recruited. Lipid profile, liver biochemical markers, serum homocysteine, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, glutathione (reduced and total), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, whole blood glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde and carotid intima-media thickness were assayed. ResultsPatients had an altered lipid profile and liver biochemical markers; carotid intima-media thickness and serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher compared to controls, but there were no differences in folate, B12 and B6 vitamins levels. Patients had significantly lower levels of glutathione peroxidase activity, total and reduced glutathione and higher levels of malondialdehyde, but unchanged superoxide dismutase activity compared to control group. Also, serum homocysteine level showed significant positive correlation with waist circumference, body mass index, free cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, amino transferases and negative correlation with reduced and total glutathione, superoxide dismutase and γ-GT. ConclusionNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, associated with elevated homocysteine levels, oxidative stress and c-IMT. c-IMT could be used as an indicator of early atherosclerotic changes initiated by dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, while higher level of homocysteine might be an effect of liver damage.

Health Risk Connected With the Low Selenium Levels in Foodstuffs of Mongolia

The objective of this study was to evaluate health risks connected with the selenium level in foodstuffs of Mongolia. Meat of domestic animals from 17 provinces of Mongolia (n=142), wheat (n=30), garlic, eggs, blood serum samples from the Dornogovi province of Mongolia (n=40) were obtained to determine the selenium level by fluorimetric method. The Se levels were 105-346 (173±42) µg/kg d.w. in meat of domestic animals, 6-34 (18±10) µg/kg in wheat, 68±2 µg/kg in garlic and 13.14±0.54 µg/100 g in eggs. Contrary to areas of marginal Se deficiency (Moscow region) Mongolia was characterized by elevated Se levels in lung of domestic animals compared to liver concentrations of the element. Calculated Se intake with meat by residents of Mongolia varied from 8.7 to 17 µg/person/day. High concentrations of Cd, Pb and Ni in wheat of Selenge, Tuv and Dornod provinces accordingly, Al in Selenge grain and Ni and Pb in spring garlic of Zavkhan province presented additional health risks for the population. The mean serum Se level of the Dornogovi population was 71±5.7 ?g/l, indicating a lower level of glutathione peroxidase activity. The study revealed that the most pronounced Se deficiency in foodstuffs of Mongolia was typical for the Northern and Eastern provinces of the country. Development of effective program of the Se status optimization in Mongolia should become one of the most important health care intervention priority so as to reduce the ecological risk arising from Se deficiency in Mongolia.

Selenium status affects selenoprotein expression, reproduction, and F1 generation locomotor activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Se is an essential trace element, and is incorporated into selenoproteins which play important roles in human health. Mammalian selenoprotein-coding genes are often present as paralogues in teleost fish, and it is unclear whether the expression patterns or functions of these fish paralogues reflect their mammalian orthologues. Using the model species zebrafish (Danio rerio; ZF), we aimed to assess how dietary Se affects key parameters in Se metabolism and utilisation including glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, the mRNA expression of key Se-dependent proteins (gpx1a, gpx1b, sepp1a and sepp1b), oxidative status, reproductive success and F1 generation locomotor activity. From 27 d until 254 d post-fertilisation, ZF were fed diets with graded levels of Se ranging from deficient ( < 0·10 mg/kg) to toxic (30 mg/kg). The mRNA expression of gpx1a and gpx1b and GPX activity responded in a similar manner to changes in Se status. GPX activity and mRNA levels were lowest when dietary Se levels (0·3 mg/kg) resulted in the maximum growth of ZF, and a proposed bimodal mechanism in response to Se status below and above this dietary Se level was identified. The expression of the sepp1 paralogues differed, with only sepp1a responding to Se status. High dietary Se supplementation (30 mg/kg) decreased reproductive success, while the offspring of ZF fed above 0·3 mg Se/kg diet had lower locomotor activity than the other groups. Overall, the novel finding of low selenoprotein expression and activity coinciding with maximum body growth suggests that even small Se-induced variations in redox status may influence cellular growth rates.

Effects of methionine supplementation on the redox state of acute heat stress–exposed quails1

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the possible effects of heat stress (HS) on H2O2 production and to evaluate whether methionine supplementation (MS) could mitigate the deleterious effects on cell metabolism and the redox state induced by oxidative stress. Meat quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) were fed a diet that either met the nutritional demands for methionine or did not meet this demand (methionine deficient [MD] diet) for 7 d. The animals were either kept at a thermal comfort temperature (25°C) or exposed to HS (38°C for 24 h, starting on the sixth day). Heat stress induced decreased food intake (P = 0.0140), decreased daily weight gain (P < 0.0001), and increased water intake (P = 0.0211). A higher rate of H2O2 production was observed in HS animals (0.0802 vs. 0.0692 nmol of reactive oxygen species [ROS] produced per minute per milligram of protein; P = 0.0042) and in animals fed with the MD diet (0.0808 vs. 0.0686 nmol of ROS produced per minute per milligram of protein; P = 0.0020). We observed effects of the interaction between diet and the environment on the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GP-x) and catalase (P = 0.0392 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Heat stress induced higher levels of GP-x activity in animals on the MS diet and higher catalase activity in animals on the MD diet. Glutathione (GSH) levels were higher in animals on the MS diet (P = 0.0273) and in animals that were kept in thermal comfort (P = 0.0018). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was higher in HS animals fed with the MD diet (P = 0.0386). Significant effects of the interaction between supplementation and environment were observed on uric acid concentration levels, which were higher in HS animals fed the MS diet (P = 0.008), and on creatine kinase activity levels, which were lower in HS animals fed the MD diet (1,620.33 units/L; P = 0.0442). Our results suggest that under HS conditions, in which H2O2 production is increased, MS was able to mitigate ROS-induced damage, possibly by increasing the activities of antioxidant elements such as GSH, GPx activity, and uric acid concentration, which were present in higher levels in animals that were subjected to HS and fed the MS diet.

Comparative investigation of kidney mesangial cells from increased oxidative stress-induced diabetic rats by using different microscopy techniques

High glucose and increased oxidative stress levels are the known important mediators of diabetic nephropathy. However, the effects of these mediators on tissue damage basically due to extracellular matrix expansion in mesangial cells have yet to be fully examined within the context of early stage diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we attempted to characterize changes in mesangial cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with a comparative investigation of kidney tissue by using different microscopy techniques. The serum levels of urea and creatinine of diabetic rats, as biomarkers of kidney degeneration, decreased significantly compared to those of age-matched controls. In diabetic rats, there are increased malondialdehyde and oxidized-glutathione levels as well as reduced-glutathione and glutathione-peroxidase activity levels in renal tissue compared to those of the controls. By using light and electron microscopies, we showed that there were marked thickening in Bowman's membrane and glomerular capillary wall, increased amount of extracellular matrix often occupying Bowman's space, degenerations in tubules, an increased number of mesangial cells in the network of glomerular capillary walls, and increased amount of lipid accumulation in proximal tubules in the renal tissue of diabetic rats. Our confocal microscopy data confirmed also the presence of irregularity and widened in glomerular capillaries, their attachment to the Bowman's capsule, degenerated heterochromatin, thickening in foci of glomerular basement membrane, and marked increase in mesangial cells. These results suggest that a detailed structural investigation of kidney tissue provides further information on the important role of mesangial cells in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

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Introduction: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. The glutathione redox cycle is an important innate antioxidant system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the changes in the components of the glutathione redox cycle, such as, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity during the early period of therapy were associated with the 28-day mortality of patients with septic shock. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study conducted in a 12-bed intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral hospital. Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with septic shock were enrolled from September, 2012 to February, 2013. According to the 28-day mortality, the enrolled patients were divided into the two groups: the survivors and the non-survivors. We obtained serum samples from the patients at admission (0 hr), 24 hrs (24 hrs), and 72 hrs after admission (72 hrs). We measured the serum levels of NADPH, GSH, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and GPx activity. Then we compared the data between the survivors and the non-survivors. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. Thirty-four patients were grouped into the survivors and sixteen into the non-survivors. Age and the severity scores including APACHE II score and SOFA score of the survivors were lower than those of the non-survivors (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in gender, co morbidity, pathogen, infection site, and the interval from visit to antibiotics treatment between the two groups. During the first 72 hrs of therapy, the serum levels of NADPH and GSH of the survivors were higher than those of the non-survivors (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively), and serum MDA level of the survivors were lower than that of the non-survivors (p = 0.008). There were no significant differences in serum GPx activity between the two groups. Conclusions: Low serum NADPH and GSH levels were associated with the increase of serum MDA level and the 28-day mortality of patients with septic shock.

Antioxidant status in oral subchronic toxicity of fipronil and fluoride co-exposure in buffalo calves

The effects of fipronil and fluoride co-exposure were investigated on antioxidant status of buffalo calves. A total of 24 healthy male buffalo calves divided into 4 groups were treated for 98 consecutive days. Group I, receiving no treatment, served as the control. Animals of groups II and III were orally administered with fipronil at the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/day and sodium fluoride (NaF) at the dosage of 6.67 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 98 days. Group IV was coadministered with fipronil and NaF at the same dosages as groups II and III. Administration of fipronil alone produced significant elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). However, it did not produce any significant effect on the activities of enzymatic antioxidants including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). NaF exposure led to enhanced oxidative stress as shown by significant increase in the LPO and SOD activities while GPx and CAT activities and GSH levels were significantly decreased. Co-exposure to fipronil and NaF showed additive effects on LPO, GPx activity, and GSH levels.

In Vitro Analysis of CsA-Induced Hepatotoxicity in HepG2 Cell Line: Oxidative Stress and α2 and β1 Integrin Subunits Expression

BackgroundCyclosporine A (CsA)-induced hepatotoxicity could be due to a reduction in α2β1 integrin expression that may either be from the direct effect of CsA itself or from reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction.ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to identify the cellular mechanisms underlying CsA-induced hepatic injury by investigating the activation patterns of the antioxidant enzymes, using HepG2 as an in vitro model.Materials and MethodsHepG2 cells were cultured with different concentrations of CsA (0, 0.1, 1, 10 μg/ml) for 72 h. Effect of CsA on, 1) cellular integrity, 2) glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, 3) cellular levels of glutathione (GSH), 4) intracellular ROS, 5) ALT and AST activities, 6) urea production and 7) α2β1 integrin expression were assayed.ResultsCsA treatment demonstrated a dose dependent increase in intracellular levels of ROS, GPx activity and decrease in GSH levels (P<0.05). GR activity was mildly attenuated in 1 and 10 µg/ml concentrations of CsA. Alanine aminotranferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased in CsA treated cells, while urea synthesis was significantly decreased following treatment with higher concentrations of CsA (P<0.05). Significant down-regulation of β1integrin expression was observed in 1 and 10 µg/ml CsA treated cells while α2 integrin mRNA was significantly down-regulated in all CsA treated cells.ConclusionsThe observed reduction of α2β1 integrin expression following CsA treatment could be proposed as a possible pathway of CsA-induced hepatotoxicity. Further studies are required to elucidate whether this attenuated expression is due to the direct effect of CsA or caused by overproduction of ROS.

Comparing the effects of dietary selenium and mannan oligosaccharide supplementation on the growth, immune function, and antioxidant enzyme activity in the cultured marron Cherax cainii (Austin, 2002)

This study was conducted to compare the effects of dietary supplementation of selenium (Se, both inorganic and organic) and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on the growth, immune function, and antioxidant enzyme activities in the haemolymph of the marron Cherax cainii (Austin, 2002); 0.4 mg kg−1 of sodium selenate, 0.2 g kg−1 Sel-Plex®, or 0.4 % Bio-MOS® was added to the basal diet as sources of inorganic selenium (IS), organic selenium (OS), and MOS, respectively. After 90 days, marron fed all 3 supplemented test diets had significantly higher final weight, specific growth rate (SGR), survival, total haemocyte count (THC), percentage of hyaline cells, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities than marron fed without any supplements. The marron fed OS showed significantly higher THC and percentage of hyaline cells than those fed IS and MOS. Marron fed MOS showed the highest final weight, SGR, and percentage of granular cells; however, there was no significant difference in the neutral red time retention between marron fed IS and OS, whereas marron fed OS resulted in the highest GPx activity and total Se levels in the haemolymph but the lowest lipid peroxidase activity; therefore, it is suggested that dietary supplementation with any source of Se and MOS is beneficial to improving growth, survival, and antioxidant activity.

Changes in oxidative stress markers in patients with schizophrenia: The effect of antipsychotic drugs

The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels or activities of oxidative stress markers in patients with schizophrenia in acute phase and evaluate the changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) after treatment. We consecutively enrolled 41 patients with schizophrenia in acute phase, and 27 patients were followed up with a 4-week antipsychotic treatment. Serum oxidative stress markers were measured with assay kits. We found that Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores were significantly negatively correlated with serum GPx activity and GSH levels and positively correlated with serum SOD activity in patients with schizophrenia in acute phase. In addition, serum GPx activity had a positive correlation with GSH levels and negative correlation with SOD activity. We also found that serum SOD activity was significantly negatively correlated with TBARS levels in patients in acute phase. Furthermore, we found significantly increased changes only in GPx activity in female patients receiving the 4-week treatment (P=0.006). In conclusion, our results suggest that SOD, GPX and GSH might be indicators of schizophrenia severity in acute phase. Furthermore, antipsychotic drugs might affect serum GPx activity in female patients receiving the 4-week treatment.

Association of Oxidative Stress Markers with Atherogenic Index of Plasma in Adult Sickle Cell Nephropathy

This paper evaluates the association of oxidative stress and atherogenic index of plasma in order to assess the cardiovascular risk in Sickle cell nephropathy especially as lipoprotein levels are lower in SCD than non-SCD patients. Antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde(MDA), urea, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate were evaluated in 110 confirmed sickle cell disease patients: 65 males in steady state, aged 21.1 ± 6.0 years, 30 males with macroalbuminuria, aged 24.5 ± 7.0, years and 15 with chronic kidney disease (CKD), aged 31.8 ± 2.0 years. The mean activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), and catalase (CAT) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in SCD with macroalbuminuria and CKD while MDA was higher (P < 0.001) in SCD with macroalbuminuria and CKD compared with controls. There was negative correlation between GPx (P < 0.001), Cu/ZnSOD (P < 0.02), and Atherogenic index of plasma in SCD with CKD, while MDA shows a positive correlation (P < 0.001) with AIP in SCD with CKD. There was however no correlation between CAT and AIP. Decreased activity levels of antioxidant enzymes and low HDL-cholesterol concentration were confirmed in adult SCD with CKD in Nigerians. The increase oxidative stress and high atherogenic index in CKD may accelerate the process of cardiovascular complications in adult SCD patients. Atherogenic index of plasma was negatively correlated with antioxidant enzymes and positively with MDA.

Influence of sex and glucocorticoid exposure on preterm placental pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance

Glucocorticoids (GC) are known to influence fetal ROS production and anti-oxidant defences yet little attention has focused on the potential for effects in the placenta. We hypothesised that antenatal GC exposure alters placental pro-oxidant-anti-oxidant balance sex-specifically, based upon the known relationship between male sex and poor pregnancy outcome. Placentae were collected from 60 women who delivered between 24 and 31 completed weeks gestation and placental oxidative and nitrative stress (protein carbonyl, lipid hydroperoxide, and nitrotyrosine concentration) and anti-oxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, and superoxide dismutase) measured. A pro-oxidant state was observed in placentae of male compared to female infants born within 72 h of antenatal GC exposure, with higher levels of protein carbonyl content (p = 0.04), lipid hydroperoxide (p < 0.01) and nitrotyrosine content (p = 0.02), and lower levels of glutathione peroxidase activity (p = 0.01). A pro-oxidant state continued to be observed in placentae of males compared to females born outside of 72 h, with higher protein carbonyl content (p = 0.04) and lower glutathione peroxidase activity (p = 0.01) than females, however no differences in placental lipid hydroperoxide and nitrotyrosine content were observed. These sex-specific alterations in products of placental oxidative stress could not purely be explained by differences in clinical illness severity (CRIB2 score). Therefore, these sex-specific alterations in placental pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in response to antenatal betamethasone exposure, independent of illness severity, could contribute to the patho-physiologic processes underlying oxygen radical diseases of the newborn, conditions known to exhibit a male excess.

Cerebral Epiphyseal Proteins and Melatonin Modulate the Hepatic and Renal Antioxidant Defense of Rats

The cerebral epiphysis (pineal gland) secrets melatonin and number of other proteins and peptides. It was thus hypothesized that antioxidant properties of epiphyseal proteins and melatonin could potentially benefit from exogenous therapies. In view of the therapeutic potential of these proteins, the present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of buffalo epiphyseal proteins (BEP, at 100 μg/kg BW, i.p.) and melatonin (MEL, at 10 mg/kg BW, i.p) on changes in hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes of adult female Wistar rats. Buffalo epiphyseal proteins significantly (P < .05) increased hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and renal LPO, catalase (CAT), GR, GSH, GPx levels as compared to control animals. Similarly, MEL treatment significantly (P < .05) up-regulated hepatic SOD and GPx activity, whereas CAT, GR, GPx, and GSH levels in renal tissues were increased while SOD and LPO remained unaffected. Buffalo epiphyseal protein treatment produced greater effects on hepatic GPx and renal CAT and GSH levels than did MEL. These findings support the conclusion that buffalo epiphyseal proteins and melatonin activate a number of antioxidant mechanisms in hepatic and renal tissues.