Increase In Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Agomelatine pretreatment prevents development of hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

The main objective of this study was to investigate potential effectiveness of agomelatine pretreatment in the prevention of diabetes itself and encephalopathy, with a focus on brain tissue oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Interleukine-1β (IL-1β) and TACR1 (NK1), which is a tachykinine receptor, were used for the investigation of inflammation in the brain regions including raphe nucleus, periaqueductal gyrus (PAG), amygdala, and nucleus accumbens. The effects of agomelatine on total antioxidant capacity were also evaluated. In the invitro part of the study, the effects of agomelatine on cell viability were investigated in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured 72h after STZ injection to determine the diabetic condition. Agomelatine pretreatment prevented both hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia in STZ-treated mice. When STZ was injected to induce diabetes in mice, neither hyperglycemia nor hypoinsulinemia was developed in agomelatine pretreated mice and 6weeks after development of diabetes, agomelatine treatment significantly decreased levels of IL-1β mRNA in raphe nucleus and nucleus accumbens. TACR1 mRNA levels were lower in raphe nucleus, PAG, and amygdala of agomelatine-treated diabetic mice. The increase in total antioxidant capacity after agomelatine administration may responsible for its beneficial effect in the prevention of diabetes. We showed that agomelatine reversed high glucose-induced cell viability decreases in DRG neurons. Both the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of agomelatine might have contributed to the DRG neuron viability improvement. In conclusion, agomelatine seems to both prevent development of diabetes and reverse the encephalopathic changes caused by diabetes.

Oxidative modifications of foetal LDL-c and HDL-c lipoproteins in preeclampsia

BackgroundOxidative modifications have been observed in lipids and proteins in lipoproteins isolated from women with preeclampsia. Thus, newborns could also be susceptible to this damage directly through their mothers. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative profile of LDL-c and HDL-c lipoproteins isolated from the umbilical cord from newborns born to women with preeclampsia.MethodsThirty newborns born to women with preeclampsia and thirty newborns born to women with healthy pregnancies were included. Lipid-damage biomarkers, including conjugated dienes, lipohydroperoxides and malondialdehyde, were measured. The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, formation of dityrosines, and carbonylation of proteins were assessed as indicators of protein damage. The protective activity of paraoxonase-I on HDL-c particles was evaluated. The total antioxidant capacity and lipid profiles were quantified in plasma. Data were analysed using Student’s t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsCompared with the control group, the preeclampsia group had an increase in the percentage of lipid damage in both lipoproteins. There was an increase of 23.3 and 19.9% for conjugated dienes, 82.4 and 21.1% for lipohydroperoxides, and 103.8 and 51.5% for malondialdehyde in LDL-c and HDL-c, respectively. However, these infants did not show evident damage in protein oxidation. The activity of the enzyme paraoxonase-I was decreased by 36.2%; by contrast, the total antioxidant capacity was increased by 40% (protein) and 28.8% (non-protein).ConclusionsThe oxidative modifications that occur in HDL-c and LDL-c isolated from newborns from women with preeclampsia are mainly caused by lipoperoxidation processes related to evident paraoxonase-I inactivation. The absence of protein damage is likely linked to an increase in total antioxidant capacity. Therefore, antioxidant support could be helpful in reducing oxidative stress in mother/newborn dyads.

Long-Term Vitamin D Supplementation and the Effects on Recurrence and Metabolic Status of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 or 3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the recurrence and metabolic status of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out among 58 women diagnosed with CIN2/3. Participants were randomly assigned into 2 groups to receive either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 (n = 29) or placebo (n = 29) every 2 weeks for 6 months. Results: The recurrence rate of CIN1/2/3 was 18.5 and 48.1% in the vitamin D and placebo groups respectively (p = 0.02). When we excluded CIN1, the recurrence rate of CIN2/3 became nonsignificant. Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (–7.8 ± 9.2 vs. –1.1 ± 8.6 mg/dL, p = 0.006) and insulin levels (–3.2 ± 4.8 vs. –0.9 ± 3.4 µIU/mL, p = 0.03), and significantly increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.01 ± 0.02 vs. 0.002 ± 0.01, p = 0.02) compared with the placebo. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (–815.3 ± 1,786.2 vs. 717.5 ± 1,827.3 ng/mL, p = 0.002) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (113.4 ± 137.4 vs. –53.7 ± 186.7 mmol/L, p < 0.001) following the supplementation of vitamin D compared with the placebo. Conclusions: Vitamin D3 supplementation for 6 months among women with CIN2/3 had beneficial effects on CIN1/2/3 recurrence and metabolic status; however, it did not affect CIN2/3 recurrence.

Sevoflurane improves gaseous exchange and exerts protective effects in lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury in mice models

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of sevoflurane against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in amice model.Methods: Seven week-old female BalB/C mice were used. Lung water content and cell count were estimated by standard protocols. Cytokine and chemokine analysis was performed using commercially available kits. Myeloperoxidase activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically while histopathological analysis was carried out by H and E staining.Results: The results revealed that sevoflurane treatment significantly improved gaseous exchange, and reduced lung water content and lung inflammation as evidenced by a decrease in neutrophil migration into BALF (p &lt; 0.01). Sevoflurane also significantly reversed the LPS-triggered suppression of IL-10 in the lung tissues of LPS-treated mice, when compared to saline-treated controls (p &lt; 0.01). It reversed LPS-induced oxidative stress, as demonstrated by increase in total antioxidant capacity (T-AC), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), as well as an increase in reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio. In addition, sevoflurane blocked LPS-induced lung tissue injury in ALI mice, and exerted protective effects against acute LPS-induced lung injury.Conclusion: These results suggest that sevoflurane improves gaseous exchange and exerts a protective effect against LPS-triggered lung injury in mice model, most probably due to its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.Keywords: Lung injury, Sevoflurane, Respiratory distress, Superoxide dismutase, Liposaccharide

Resistance training and hawthorn extract ameliorate cognitive deficits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

It has been shown that diabetic rats display cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training and natural antioxidants on learning and memory in type 1 diabetic rats. For this purpose, fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: (i) Control (Con, n=10), (ii) Diabetic (D, n=10), (iii) Diabetic+Resistance training (DRT, n=10), (iv) Diabetic+natural antioxidants (DHE, n=10), and (v) Diabetic+Resistance training+ natural antioxidants (DRH, n=10). Climbing the ladder for a period of 5days/week for 10 consecutive weeks was considered as the resistance training model in our study. Natural antioxidants (100mg/kg per day) were administered to natural antioxidant groups for a period of 10 weeks. Moreover, spatial and passive avoidance learning and memory function were evaluated by Morris Water Maze (MWM) and shuttle box tests. The results showed that, mean of total escape latency decreased 25% (P<0.0001) in the DRH group compared with the D group in MWM. The percentage of time spent in the target quadrant identically decreased (34%) in the D and DHE groups compared with the Con group (p=0.001). In this regard, time spent in the dark Compartment (TDC) respectively rose 86% and 95% in the D and DHE groups compared with the Con group (p<0.05), and decreased 88% in the DRT and DRH groups compared with the D group in the shuttle box test (p<0.05). Furthermore, we noticed that total antioxidant capacity increase and lipid peroxidation decrease in response to the treatments in the diabetic rats as well. Therefore, the current study indicated that exercise training and natural antioxidants synergistically ameliorated learning and memory deficits in type 1 diabetic rats via reducing oxidative stress. Hence, it may propose a potential role of resistance training and natural antioxidants as an adjuvant therapy for the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications.

Green tea protects against memory deficits related to maternal deprivation

Maternal deprivation (MD) in early life affects the development of the brain, causing cognitive losses in adulthood. Oxidative imbalance may be one of the factors that trigger these deficits. Therapies with antioxidant components, like green tea from Camellia sinensis (GT) has been used to treat or prevent memory deficits in a variety of conditions related to oxidative stress. Here we demonstrate that memory deficits caused by MD can be prevented by GT antioxidant activity in hippocampus. Pregnant female rats were used. Her puppies were submitted to MD and intake of GT. Recognition and aversive memory were evaluated, as well as hippocampal oxidative status. Data showed that MD prejudice short and long-term recognition and aversive memory and that GT protected memory. Hippocampal reactive oxygen species levels were increased in MD rats; this increase was avoided by GT supplementation. GSH was decreased on hippocampus MD rats. GT did not avoid GSH decrease, but promote the increase of total antioxidant capacity in MD rats' hippocampus. In conclusion, GT protects against memory deficits related to MD, and one of the implicated mechanism seems to be the antioxidant effects of GT.

Redox status in the sentinel lymph node of women with breast cancer

Background: Lymphatic metastasis is regulated in multiple steps including the transit of tumor cells via the lymphatic vessels and the successful seeding in draining lymph nodes. Thus, several molecular signals and cellular changes must be involved in this complex process to facilitate tumor cell entry, colonization, and survival in the lymph node. To our knowledge, the present work explores, for the first time in the literature, the redox status (oxidative stress parameters and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems) in the sentinel lymph node (SLN) of women with breast cancer.Patients and methods: SLNs from 75 women with breast cancer were identified using the one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) method as negative (n = 43), with micrometastases (n = 13), or with macrometastases (n = 19). It will allow us to gain knowledge about the pro-oxidant/antioxidant mechanisms involved in the processes of distant metastases in breast cancer and also to assess whether these parameters may be alternative techniques for staging.Results: We found different levels of lipid peroxidation in SLNs with micrometastases (increased) and macrometastases (decreased), a decrease in carbonyl group content in SLNs with macrometastases only, and an increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in SNLs with micrometastases and macrometastases. A decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) also appears in the SLNs with macrometastases only. Finally, we show increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in SLNs with micrometastases and macrometastases, and decreased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in SNLs with macrometastases but not with micrometastases.Conclusions: Redox status of lymph node microenvironment participates in the progression of metastatic breast cancer.

The Antioxidant And Hepatoprotective Effects Of Ginger And Fish Oil On Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Oxidative Stress In Male Rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of ginger and fish oil against oxidative stress induced by atherosclerotic diet that enhanced hepatic changes in rats. The animals were divided into four groups of twelve rats each. Group I served as the control. Rats in groups II, III and IV were fed with an atherogenic diet for 8 weeks, group III received atherogenic diet supplemented with 5% ginger, and group IV received atherogenic diet supplemented with 10 % fish oil. Hypercholesterolemia was confirmed by significant elevation of total cholesterol. The protective role of those treatments was confirmed by the significant reduction in the elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP levels) and increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione reduced (GSH) levels , while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was significantly reduced when compared with hypercholesterolemic group. We concluded that ginger and fish oil have modulatory effects on antioxidant status and liver functions in hypercholesterolemic male rats.

EFFECTS OF MORINGA LEAFAS A NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BLOOD LIPID PROFILES AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF RABBITS UNDER MODERATE HEAT STRESS

Heat stress has negative effects on the performances of growing rabbits. The rabbit sector is a more vulnerable to global warming and climate change. The objective of this paper was studying effects of moringa leaf meal (MLM) on performance, immune response, and blood lipid profiles of growing rabbits under moderate heat stress. Forty-eight V-line unsexed rabbits, 5 weeks old, with initial weight of 704.4±68.19 g were used and allocated randomly to four groups of 12 rabbits each. Frist group fed basal diet free of feed additives (control). Second, third and fourth groups fed basal diet with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 % MLM supplementation, respectively. The results revealed that final body weight was significantly increased by the inclusion of MLM at 0.2 and 0.3 % compared with control. There was significant decrease in daily feed intake with an increase in the rate of MLM up to 0.2 %. Moringa significantly increased antibody titters against SRBCs compared with control group at 7, 14 and 21 days after vaccination. Also, it stimulated significantly IgM immune response of growing rabbits in comparison with the control group. Serum cholesterol, LDL and MDA levels were significantly decreased as MLM concentration administered increases. Significant increase in total antioxidant capacity was recorded due to MLM supplementation in comparison with control. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that supplementing rabbits under moderate heat stress with MLM could be better strategy to improve immune response and blood lipid profiles.

Effects of Dried Onion and Ascorbic Acid on Performance, Immune Response and Serum Blood Lipid Profiles of Growing Rabbits

Thirty-six growing V-line rabbits of both sexes, 5 weeks old, with initial weights of 791.7 ± 14.1 g were used for the study through summer season from June to September(2104). The rabbits were randomly allocated to four treatments groups of 9 rabbits each. Each treatment was further sub-divided into 3 replicate of 3 rabbits. Group one fed control diet free of feed additives and served as a control group. Group 2 and 3 supplemented with 400 and 800 mg dried onion / kg diet, respectively. Group 4 received control diet, but drinking water supplemented with 200 mg vitamin C / l water. Results showed that at 15 weeks of age the live body weight was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased by the addition of ascorbic acid and dried onion at different inclusion rate. A significant decrease in feed consumption was recorded in the group received diet supplemented with 800 mg onion / kg diet in comparison with the control group. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvement in feed conversion ratio was observed in dried onion or ascorbic acid groups in comparison with the control. Hematological parameters were insignificantly affected by treatments. Dried onion and ascorbic acid failed to induce any significant impact on sheep red blood cells(SRBCs) in comparison with the control group. All feed additives significantly (P ≤ 0.01) reduced serum total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein, however, they had insignificant effect on high density lipoprotein concentration in comparison with the control group. Malondialdehyde as an indicator of lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased in all treatments, however, only the group received 400 mg onion in their diet recorded significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in total antioxidant capacity in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, rabbit dietary supplementation with ascorbic acid or dried onion could have beneficial effects on performance under summer environment without any side effects.

Investigation of selenium pretreatment in the attenuation of lung injury in rats induced by fine particulate matters.

Selenium (Se) is vital for health because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammation functions. The aim of this study was to determine if dietary selenium could inhibit the rat lung injury induced by ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated in seven groups (n=8). The rats in PM2.5 exposure group were intratracheally instilled with 40mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) of PM2.5 suspension. The rats in Se prevention groups were pretreated with 17.5, 35, or 70μg/kgb.w. of Se for 4weeks, respectively. Then, the rats were exposed to 40mg/kgb.w. of PM2.5 in the fifth week. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to count the neutrophil numbers and to analyze the cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)) related to inflammation, the markers related to oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA)), and the indicators related to cell damage (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP)). The lung lobe that has not undergone bronchoalveolar lavage was processed for light microscopic examination. The results showed that the proportions of neutrophils in the BALF and the pathologic scores of the lung in PM2.5-exposed groups were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Se pretreatment caused a dose-dependent decrease in TNF-α, IL-1β, sICAM-1, LDH, TP, AKP, and MDA when compared with the PM2.5-only exposure group. Meanwhile, the dose-dependent increase in T-AOC, T-SOD, and GSH-Px activities were observed in rats pretreated with Se. In conclusion, Se pretreatment may protect rat lungs against inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PM2.5, which suggests that Se plays an important role as a kind of potential preventative agent to inhibit the PM2.5-induced lung injury.

Effects of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic mice.

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms of the antidiabetic activity of Moringa oleifera. This study investigates the antidiabetic effect of M. oleifera and its impact on the immune tolerance. Alloxan-induced diabetes model for mice was used. A dose of 100 mg/kg of Moringa extract was orally administered to diabetic treated mice. Glucose and insulin levels were evaluated to calculate insulin resistance. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured. The relative percentage of CD44, CD69, and IFN-γ was investigated by flow cytometry. In diabetic mice, insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was increased 4.5-fold than in the control group, and HOMA-IR was decreased 1.3-fold in the Moringa treatment group. The level of TAC was declined 1.94-fold in diabetic mice, and increased 1.67-fold in diabetic treated group. In diabetic mice, creatinine and BUN levels were significantly reduced 1.42- and 1.2-fold, respectively, in Moringa treatment mice. The relative percentage of CD44 was not changed in diabetic mice, but the relative percentage of CD69 was found to be increased. INF-γ was decreased 2.4-fold in diabetic mice and elevated in treated groups. Moringa may ameliorate insulin resistance, increase TAC, and improve immune tolerance.

An invivo study on the hepato-protective effects of Crocus sativus, Ziziphus jujuba and Berberis vulgaris against acute acetaminophen and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity

BackgroundDrugs are an important cause of liver injury. The use of natural remedies for the treatment of liver diseases has a long history and medicinal plants are still used all over the world for this purpose. For their medicinal and nutritional values, Berberis vulgaris, Crocus sativus and Ziziphus jujuba plants are of particular interest. In current study we aim to explore hepato-protective effects of three medicinal plants; C.sativus (petal and stigma), Z.jujuba and B.vulgaris in acute drug-induced hepatotoxicity and evaluation of their preventive effects in acetaminophen and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rat.MethodsOne hundred thirty healthy male Wistar rats (200–220 g) were randomly assigned into 26 groups (n = 5). Different doses of Z.jujuba, C.sativus and B.vulgaris are used to treat acetaminophen and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity. Serum level of liver enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation measured using specific kits at the end of the experimental period. Furthermore, total phenol content; flavonoids and flavonol were also measured in each extract.ResultsTreatment with medicinal plants decreased liver enzyme levels and improved oxidative stress status in hepatotoxic rats. This effect was notable in case of C. sativus and Z. jujuba. It is noteworthy plants used effectively treated acetaminophen group in comparison with rifampicin group.ConclusionNormal levels of liver enzymes, an increase in total antioxidant capacity and a decrease in lipid peroxidation level uncovered hepato-protective effects of these plants. It seems antioxidant and hepato-protective effects of botanical extracts are basically linked with their phenol and flavonoid properties that neutralized oxidant agents. However, more studies required to implement our strategy.

Effect of Astaxanthin, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C in Combination with Calorie Restriction on Sperm Quality and Quantity in Male Rats

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calorie restriction and dietary antioxidant supplementation, separately or in combination, on the quality and quantity of sperm in male rats. Forty male rats were randomly allocated to four groups of 10 animals each, and fed for at least 86 days with an ad libitum diet (group 1), a restricted diet (group 2), an ad libitum diet and astaxanthin, vitamin E, and vitamin C supplements (group 3), or a restricted diet with astaxanthin, vitamin E, and vitamin C supplements (group 4). At the end of the study period, sperm count and motility were determined with a hemocytometer, and differences between the groups were analyzed by analysis of variance. In addition, total antioxidant capacity and 8-epi prostaglandin F2 alpha were measured at the beginning and end of the study period with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. After 86 days, a significantly higher sperm count was seen in group 4 compared to other groups. The percentage of immotile sperm was significantly decreased in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to group 1. A significant increase in total antioxidant capacity was observed in group 3 (p = 0.02) and group 4 (p = 0.02) compared to groups 1 and 2. Antioxidant supplementation with or without calorie restriction had no significant effect on the serum isoprostane level in any group. Astaxanthinin, combined with vitamin E, vitamin C, and calorie restriction, was able to ameliorate, in part, infertility in male rats.

Lutein modulates transcription dysregulation of adhesion molecules and spermatogenesis transcription factors induced by testicular ischemia reperfusion injury: it could be SAFE.

Testicular ischemia reperfusion injury (tIRI) is considered as the underlying mechanism of testicular torsion, which can cause male infertility. tIRI-induced damage was investigated by assessing the gene expression of spermatogenesis master transcription factors (TFs) and that of major adhesion molecules of the blood-testis barrier. The effect of lutein, a hydroxyl carotenoid, in alleviating tIRI-induced damage was also studied. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham, unilateral tIRI, and tIRI + lutein (0.2 mg/kg). tIRI was induced by occlusion of the testicular artery for 1 h, followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Lutein was injected 15 min after the start of ischemia. Histological analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed significant decreases in tissue biopsy scores, reduced seminiferous tubule diameters, and downregulated the mRNA expression of the TFs cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), TATA box-binding protein-related factor 2 (TRF2), and regulatory factor X 2 (RFX2) compared with the sham group. Lutein treatment reversed these effects. The mRNA expression of the adhesion molecules N-cadherin, nectin-2, claudin-11, occludin, and connexin-43 was significantly downregulated during tIRI, but this change was prevented by lutein treatment. In addition, lutein normalized the tIRI-induced increase in total antioxidant capacity, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, augmented number of TdT-mediated dUTP-X nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive nuclei, and activated caspase-8 pathway. The components of survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) were also activated during tIRI. Increased tissue expression of TNF-α and its receptor, TNFR1, was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK) and STAT3, which was prevented by lutein treatment. Our findings suggested that tIRI-induced spermatogenic damage may involve modulation of the SAFE pathway and could benefit from lutein treatment.

A khorasan wheat-based replacement diet improves risk profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): a randomized crossover trial

PurposesThe aim of the present study was to examine whether a replacement diet with products made with organic ancient khorasan wheat could provide additive protective effects in reducing glucose, insulin, lipid and inflammatory risk factors, and in restoring blood redox balance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients compared to diet with product made with modern organic wheat.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial with two intervention phases on 21 T2DM patients (14 females, 7 males). The participants were assigned to consume products (bread, pasta, crackers and biscuits) made using semi-whole flour from organic wheat that was either from ancient khorasan wheat or modern control wheat for 8 weeks in a random order. An 8-week washout period was implemented between the interventions. Laboratory analyses were performed both at the beginning and at the end of each intervention phase.ResultsThe metabolic risk profile improved only after the khorasan intervention period, as measured by a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol (mean reduction: −3.7 and −3.4 %, respectively), insulin (−16.3 %) and blood glucose (−9.1 %). Similarly, there was a significant reduction in circulating levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-1ra, and a significant increase of total antioxidant capacity (+6.3 %). No significant differences from baseline were noted after the modern control wheat intervention phase. The change (from pre- to post-intervention) between the two intervention arms was significantly different (p < 0.05) for total and LDL-c, insulin and HOMA index.ConclusionsA replacement diet with ancient khorasan wheat consumption provided additive protection in reducing total and LDL cholesterol, insulin, blood glucose, ROS production, and some inflammatory risk factors, which are all key factors warranting of control in secondary prevention of T2DM compared to a diet with products made with modern wheat.

Anaerobic exercise affects the saliva antioxidant/oxidant balance in high-performance pentathlon athletes

PurposeInvestigate free radical production and antioxidant buffering in military pentathletes’ saliva after their performance of a standardized, running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST).MethodsSeven members of the Brazilian Navy pentathlon team were recruited to perform a running-based anaerobic test (~90 sec). The participants provided samples of saliva before and after the test that were analyzed for biomarkers of oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and the quantity of two specific antioxidants, glutathione and uric acid.ResultsThe lipid peroxidation increased ~2 fold after RAST, despite an increase in total antioxidant capacity (46%). The concentration of reduced glutathione did not change, while the uric acid concentration increased by 65%.ConclusionsThe evaluation in saliva following a sprint test that lasted no more than 90 sec was sensitive enough to reveal changes in redox state.

Efficiacy of resveratrol and quercetin after experimental spinal cord injury.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of natural antioxidants resveratrol and quercetin on oxidative stress and secondary cell damage in rats with acute spinal cord injury. In this experimental study, 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Spinal cord injury was performed with clip compression method at level of T4-5. The study was conducted using 6 groups: control, trauma, trauma and solvent, trauma and resveratrol, trauma and quercetin, and trauma with combined resveratrol and quercetin. All rats were euthanized 48 hours after the procedure. Effects of resveratrol and quercetin on serum and tissue total antioxidant capacity and paraoxanase activity level were examined. Compared to trauma group, there was a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity and paraoxanase activity level in resveratrol, quercetin, and combined treatment groups. There was no significant difference between resveratrol and quercetin groups with regard to total antioxidant capacity and paraoxanase activity level. Total antioxidant capacity and paraoxanase activity level were significantly higher in solvent group than trauma group. In histopathological evaluation, there was a decrease in polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in solvent, resveratrol, quercetin, and combined treatment groups. Biochemical and histological staining results of present study showed that resveratrol and quercetin may be effective in preventing secondary damage in spinal cord injury.

An association of cocoa consumption with improved physical fitness and decreased muscle damage and oxidative stress in athletes.

Several studies have demonstrated the protective effects of cocoa consumption, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Acute exercise induces oxidative stress and causes muscular damage during training. This study was designed to examine the effect of cocoa consumption on the markers of muscle damage, oxidative stress and physical fitness in professional soccer players. Fifteen players (15-18 years old) were included in the study. Biochemical parameters, markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress, and physical performance were evaluated before and after cocoa consumption. Biochemical parameters determined the healthy metabolic status of the study group; biomarkers of muscle and oxidative damage were measured in blood to establish muscle and redox status. However, high levels of biomarkers of muscle damage were detected. Interestingly, cocoa consumption decreased the muscle damage biomarkers of CK and LDH by 39.4% and 23.03%, respectively. The redox status was modified by a decrease in oxidative damage (carbonyl groups, 26.31%; thiol groups, 27.52%; MDA, 32.42%) and an increase in total antioxidant capacity (15.98%) and GSH-Px activity (26.37%). In addition, we observed an increase in physical performance by 4% in the Cooper Test. Our findings suggest that a short period of cocoa consumption could be useful in maintaining a good physical fitness, due to the favourable effects on muscle and redox status in athletes during exhaustive exercise.

A Combination of Prebiotic Inulin and Oligofructose Improve Some of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on some of cardiovascular disease risk factors in women with type 2 diabetes. 52 females (25<BMI<35 kg/m2) with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to two groups. Participants received 10g/d oligofructose-enriched inulin (n=27) or 10g/d placebo (n=25) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure metabolic profiles, malondialdehyd and antioxidant enzymes at baseline and after the 8 weeks intervention. Paired, unpaired sample t-test and analysis of covariance were used to comparison of quantitative variables. After 8 weeks, in the oligofructose-enriched inulin group there was a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (0.2 mmol/l, 20.0%) and a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (19.2 mg/dL, 9.4%) HbA1c (0.5%, 8.4%), total cholesterol (TC) (28.0 mg/dL, 14.1%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (22.0 mg/dL, 21.7%), TC/HDL-c ratio (0.73, 20.7%), LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (0.55, 27.5%) and malondialdehyd (1.7 nmol/ml, 39.7%) compared to the placebo group. Changes in concentrations of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were not significant in oligofructose-enriched inulin group compared to the placebo group. Oligofructose-enriched inulin may improve glycemic indices, lipid profile, antioxidant status and malondialdehyd in women with type 2 diabetes.