Levels Of Protein Carbonyl Groups Research Articles

The Effect of Piperidine Nitroxides on the Properties of Metalloproteins in Human Red Blood Cells.

Nitroxides are stable, low molecular-weight radicals containing a nitroxide group that has an unpaired electron. The presence of a nitroxide group determines their redox properties. The effect of the piperidine nitroxides, Tempo, Tempol, and Tempamine, on metalloproteins (hemoglobin, superoxide dismutase, catalase) and lactate dehydrogenase in red blood cells was investigated in this research. In addition, the level of lipid peroxidation and the level of protein carbonyl groups were examined as indicators of the effect of oxidative stress. Nitroxides increased superoxide dismutase activity and oxidized hemoglobin to methemoglobin, and also slightly decreased the catalase activity of red blood cells treated with nitroxides. Tempol significantly decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity. All three nitroxides had no effect on membrane lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation. Our results confirm that nitroxides have both antioxidant and prooxidative effects in human red blood cells. The piperidine nitroxides do not initiate the oxidation of proteins and lipids in the membranes of human red blood cells.

Evaluation of advanced protein oxidation and RAGE gene variants in the risk of laryngeal cancer

Laryngeal tumours with multifactorial etiopathogenesis constitute ∼1% of all body cancers. The imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative systems affects redox-homeostasis. The oxidative stress generated by the continuous formation of reactive oxygen species results in the oxidation of cellular molecules. The present study investigated the protein oxidation levels and the distribution of receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) variants in the risk of laryngeal carcinoma (LC). RAGE gene polymorphisms were determined by restriction endonuclease-based assay in 120 controls and 120 LC patients. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine oxidant and antioxidant parameters including protein-carbonyl-groups (PCO), advanced-oxidation-protein-products (AOPP), lipid-hydroperoxides (LPH), thiol-fractures, superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activity. The distributions of rs1800624 and rs2070600 genotypes differed non-significantly among the study groups, however, the rs2070600-Ser allele had a higher frequency among the patients. While rs1800624-A allele carriers had higher frequency of perineural and lymphatic invasion, rs2070600-Ser allele frequency was higher in advanced-stage patients and in patients with muscle and perineural invasion. PCO, AOPP, LPH levels, and SOD activity were significantly higher in the patients. According to AUCs all of them are of diagnostic importance, therefore, cut-off values were determined. The analysis of the combined effects of RAGE polymorphisms and the oxidative stress parameters showed that LPH, thiols, and SOD activity differ among RAGE variants. Our results suggest that high levels of serum PCO, AOPP, LPH, and SOD activity and rs2070600-Ser allele may have effects on LC risk individually and both polymorphisms of RAGE may affect the progression of the disease by interacting with the oxidant–antioxidant system.

Mix of natural extracts to improve the oxidative state and liver activity in bulls finished feedlot

This study was realized to evaluate the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Tamarindus indica L extracts, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and clove oil blends on oxidative state of bulls finished in feedlot and fed with high-grain diets. A total of 32 young bulls were divided into four treatments: CONT, without natural extract; MIX2, inclusion of 2 g/anim./d of natural mix; MIX4, inclusion of 4 g/anim./d of natural mix; MIX6, inclusion of 6 g/anim./d of natural mix. The blood samples were collected of the all animals. The levels of protein carbonyl groups were 30% lower (P < 0.05) in plasma of bulls supplemented with of MIX4 and MIX6 as compared to CONT group. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), an antioxidant marker, was 20% higher (P < 0.05) in the plasma of MIX6-fed animals when compared to CONT group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels were 38% lower (P < 0.05) in the liver of bulls supplemented with MIX6 diet. The results show that the inclusion of the mixture of Baccharis, tamarind, CNSL and clove oil improves the oxidative status of bulls finished feedlot, particularly in animals supplied with 6 g/anim./d.

Alpha-tocopherol-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles improve the inflammation and systemic oxidative stress of arthritic rats

Background and aimThe present study investigated the effects of orally administered α-tocopherol-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles on the articular inflammation and systemic oxidative status of middle-aged Holtzman rats with Freund's adjuvant-induced polyarthritis, a model for rheumatoid arthritis. Intraperitoneally administered free α-tocopherol provided the reference for comparison. Experimental procedureTwo protocols of treatment were followed: intraperitoneal administration of free α-tocopherol (100 mg/kg i.p.) or oral administration of free and nanoencapsulated α-tocopherol (100 mg/kg p.o.). Animals were treated during 18 days after arthritis induction. ResultsFree (i.p.) and encapsulated α-tocopherol decreased the hind paws edema, the leukocytes infiltration into femorotibial joints and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tibial anterior muscle of arthritic rats, but the encapsulated compound was more effective. Free (i.p.) and encapsulated α-tocopherol decreased the high levels of reactive oxygen species in the brain and liver, but only the encapsulated compound decreased the levels of protein carbonyl groups in these organs. Both free (i.p.) and encapsulated α-tocopherol increased the α-tocopherol levels and the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione in these organs. ConclusionBoth intraperitoneally administered free α-tocopherol and orally administered encapsulated α-tocopherol effectively improved inflammation and systemic oxidative stress in middle-aged arthritic rats. However, the encapsulated form should be preferred because the oral administration route does not be linked to the evident discomfort that is caused in general by injectable medicaments. Consequently, α-tocopherol-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles may be a promising adjuvant to the most current approaches aiming at rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

The Relationship between the Antioxidant System and Proline Metabolism in the Leaves of Cucumber Plants Acclimated to Salt Stress

The study examines the effect of acclimation on the antioxidant system and proline metabolism in cucumber leaves subjected to 100 and 150 NaCl stress. The levels of protein carbonyl group, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, α-tocopherol, and activity of ascorbate and glutathione peroxidases, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, pyrroline-5-carboxylate: synthetase and reductase as well as proline dehydrogenase were determined after 24 and 72 h periods of salt stress in the acclimated and non-acclimated plants. Although both groups of plants showed high α-tocopherol levels, in acclimated plants was observed higher constitutive concentration of these compounds as well as after salt treatment. Furthermore, the activity of enzymatic antioxidants grew in response to salt stress, mainly in the acclimated plants. In the acclimated plants, protein carbonyl group levels collapsed on a constitutive level and in response to salt stress. Although both groups of plants showed a decrease in proline dehydrogenase activity, they differed with regard to the range and time. Differences in response to salt stress between the acclimated and non-acclimated plants may suggest a relationship between increased tolerance in acclimated plants and raised activity of antioxidant enzymes, high-level of α-tocopherol as well, as decrease enzyme activity incorporates in proline catabolism.

FTSC-Labeling Coupled with 2DE-LC-MS/MS Analysis of Complex Protein Mixtures for Identification and Relative Quantification of Tissue Carbonylome.

Carbonylation is a nonenzymatic irreversible posttranslational protein modification and the main hallmark of protein oxidative damage. Elevated levels of protein carbonyl groups have been detected in age-related and metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer, Parkinson, and several other oxidative stress-related maladies. Interestingly, many studies have shown that only a subset of proteins is carbonylated under the conditions of oxidative stress, demonstrating that carbonylation is a highly selective process. As a consequence, identifying and quantifying the disease-induced changes on a certain carbonylome are crucial to understanding the etiology and progression of numerous diseases and then designing adequate prevention/palliation strategies. However, the low abundance of carbonylated proteins in vivo, the enormous diversity of reactive species, and their relative lability make the analysis of carbonylated proteins a challenging task for redox proteomic technology. Therefore, we present a proteomic approach based on the labeling of carbonyls formed in vivo on proteins using the fluorescein 5-thiosemicarbazide (FTSC) tag to detect the subset of carbonylated proteins among a complex mixture of proteins regardless of the nature of carbonyl adduct, isolation and relative quantification of carbonylated proteins in 2D gel electrophoresis, and protein identification by LC-MS/MS analysis. This method has been successfully used for the evaluation of in vivo protein carbonylation in very diverse animal tissues (plasma, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue) and species (from fish to mammalian) and has also been applied in different research fields (from food technology to nutrition), demonstrating its robustness and reliability.

Sialic acid associated with oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) expression level as a predictive indicator in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Several studies have shown many risk factors associated with disease onset, but the sialic acid association with oxidative stress biomarkers may a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aim to find out the most specific biomarker from the peripheral blood samples in moderate to severe Alzheimer's patients. This study examined the level of sialic acid associated with oxidative stress biomarkers and total antioxidant capacity level (TAC) in the plasma samples. Different parameters of Oxidative stress and Total antioxidant capacity by the immunoassay method have been examined in AD patients as compared to controls. The Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Total Glutathione (GSH), and Protein carbonyl group levels were estimated in this study. Increased level of sialic acid is found associated with a higher level of reactive oxygen species parameters in the patients. The antioxidant parameter levels have been found significantly lower in AD, while Protein carbonyl group and lipid peroxidation were increased in cases as compared to controls with the area under the curve (AUC) 0.816, p<0.0001 and 0.754, p<0.0001. The Protein carbonyl group, Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Sigma-Aldrich TAC levels were higher in females as compared to males in AD patients. During AD pathology, sialic acid, protein carbonyl, and lipid peroxidation were found as the more sensitive marker that may be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Liver of Growing Male Rats Receiving Various Alcoholic Beverages.

Typical alcohol consumption begins in the adolescence period, increasing the risk of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in adolescents and young adults, and while the pathophysiology of ALD is still not completely understood, it is believed that oxidative stress may be the major contributor that initiates and promotes the progression of liver damage. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of alcohol consumption on the markers of oxidative stress and liver inflammation in the animal model of prolonged alcohol consumption in adolescents using various alcoholic beverages. In a homogenic group of 24 male Wistar rats (4 groups—6 animals per group), since 30th day of life, in order to mimic the alcohol consumption since adolescence, animals received (1) no alcoholic beverage (control group), (2) ethanol solution, (3) red wine, or (4) beer (experimental groups) for 6 weeks. Afterwards, the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as levels of cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl groups, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukine-10 (IL-10) were measured in liver homogenates. The difference between studied groups was observed for CYP2E1 and protein carbonyl groups levels (increased levels for animals receiving beer compared with control group), as well as for ALT activity (decreased activity for animals receiving beer compared with other experimental groups) (p < 0.05). The results suggested that some components of beer, other than ethanol, are responsible for its influence on the markers of oxidative stress and liver inflammation observed in the animal model of prolonged alcohol consumption in adolescents. Taking this into account, beer consumption in adolescents, which is a serious public health issue, should be assessed in further studies to broaden the knowledge of the progression of liver damage caused by alcohol consumption in this group.

PSXI-14 Supplementation with a blend containing Baccharis dracunculifolia and Tamarindus indica improve the oxidative state of steers in finishing phase

Abstract Tissue oxidative stress has been associated with low productivity of beef cattle. Supplementation of animals with natural antioxidants added to the diet may be an alternative to improve the tissue oxidative status and the productivity of steers at finishing phase. The present study evaluated whether the addition to the diet of a blend (Mix) containing Baccharis dracunculifolia (40%), Tamarindus indica seed (40%), cashew nutshell oil (10%) and clove oil (10%) modifies the oxidative state in the plasma and liver of steers (Angus x Zebu) in finishing phase. Forty animals were randomly distributed into four groups (ten animal per group), which received Mix respectively at the daily dose of 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 g per animal during 84 days. Blood and liver were taken at slaughter of the animals. Blood samples were also taken before starting the supplementation and served as control. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), thiol groups and protein carbonyl groups were measured as plasma parameters of oxidative stress. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl groups, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured as hepatic parameter of oxidative stress. Plasma levels of protein carbonyl groups were 30% lower in the animals supplemented with 4.0 and 6.0 g Mix and FRAP was 20% higher in the animals supplemented with 6.0 g Mix (P &amp;lt; 0.05; compared to the 0.0 g). Hepatic levels of TBARS were 38% lower in animals supplemented with 6.0 g Mix (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The other parameters were not modified. In conclusion, the supplementation of steers with Mix improved the systemic oxidative status and may be a complementary alternative to the diet of these animals in the termination phase.

Proteomic Profiles of the Longissimus Muscles of Entire Male and Castrated Pigs as Related to Meat Quality.

Simple SummaryThe meat (loin muscle) of entire male pigs and barrows (surgical castrates) was analyzed for various properties to understand the etiology of differences in quality. Proteomic analysis indicated a higher level of proteolysis in the entire male pigs. Nevertheless, their meat exhibited more toughness, which could be associated with lower intramuscular fat and lower water holding capacity, the latter resulting from higher levels of protein oxidation. There are indications of reduced meat quality in entire male pigs (EMs) in comparison to surgically castrated pigs (SCs); however, the differences are not strongly confirmed, and the etiology is not clarified. In the present study, samples of the longissimus dorsi, pars lumborum muscle (LL) from EMs (n = 12) and SCs (n = 12) of the same age and weight were evaluated at the physico-chemical and proteomic level. EMs exhibited lower intramuscular fat content, higher collagen content with higher solubility, a higher level of protein carbonyl groups (indicating higher protein oxidation), lower water holding capacity, and tougher meat than SCs. Proteomic analysis revealed differences in heat shock proteins expression, while a greater abundance of several other identified proteins (malate dehydrogenase, Na/K-transporting adenosintriphosphatase (ATP-ase) subunit alpha-1, and blood plasma proteins) indicates that EMs have a more oxidative metabolic profile than that of SCs. More abundant protein fragments (mainly actin and myosin heavy chain) suggest a higher degree of proteolysis in EMs, which was not followed by lower meat toughness.

Effect of С60 fullerenes on the intensity of colon damage and hematological signs of ulcerative colitis in rats

The application of pristine С60 fullerene aqueous colloid solution (C60FAS; 0.5 mg/kg body weight) for rats experienced acute colitis, either intraperitoneally or intrarectally (1) restores the colonic mucosa healing and epithelial barrier integrity, evidenced by autopsies and histological findings and the normalization of phenolsufonphthalein dye daily excretion; (2) attenuates the consequences of hemorrhages, such as signs of anemia and increased platelet count; (3) improves the liver redox status suppressing the lipid peroxidation (malonic dialdehyde and protein carbonyl group levels tended down) and stimulating the antioxidant defense system (glutathione peroxidase activity grew up). In addition, C60FAS intrarectally increases the monocyte count and decreases content of neutrophil granulocytes, i.e. diminishes the rate of the inflammatory process and activates the processes of colon tissues restoring with monocytes involvement. Therefore, intrarectal administration of C60FAS may serve as an efficient tool of ulcerative colitis therapy.

Oxidative stress-induced renal telomere shortening as a mechanism of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity.

Due to the association of oxidative stress and telomere shortening, it was aimed in the present study to investigate the possibility whether cyclosporine-A exerts its nephrotoxic side effects via induction of oxidative stress-induced renal telomere shortening and senescent phenotype in renal tissues of rats. Renal oxidative stress markers, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl groups were measured by standard methods. Telomere length and telomerase activity were also evaluated in kidney tissue samples. Results showed that cyclosporine-A treatment significantly (P<0.05) enhanced renal malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and protein carbonyl groups levels, decreased renal telomere length, and deteriorated renal function compared with the controls. Renal telomerase activity was not affected by cyclosporine-A. Renal telomere length could be considered as an important parameter of both oxidative stress and kidney function. Telomere shortening and accelerated kidney aging may be caused by cyclosporine-induced oxidative stress, indicating the potential mechanism of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity.

The role of carbohydrate-protein metabolism products during acute pyelonephritis with concomitant diabetes mellitus in an experiment

The results of experimental work on rats are analyzed in the study, by determining the possibilities for correcting the level of glycosylation products and the state of the functional ability of proteins at an early stage of the infectious inflammatory process in the kidneys. The intensity of the formation of methylglyoxal in acute pyelonephritis complicated by concomitant diabetes is due to the development of oxidative stress, which is confirmed by an increase in the level of protein carbonyl groups in the tissues studied. The presented data allow deeper to lower the features of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the development and course of acute pyelonephritis complicated by diabetes mellitus, and the use of multivector drug products reduced the severity of pathological abnormalities in blood and kidney tissues to a greater extent in diabetes mellitus type II, which creates conditions to improve the morphofunctional state of the kidneys.

Food restriction promotes damage reduction in rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

There are several animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus induction but the comparison between models is scarce. Food restriction generates benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress, but there are few studies on its effects on diabetes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the differences in physiological and biochemical parameters between diabetes models and their responses to food restriction. For this, 30 male Wistar rats were distributed in 3 groups (n = 10/group): control (C); diabetes with streptozotocin and cafeteria-style diet (DE); and diabetes with streptozotocin and nicotinamide (DN), all treated for two months (pre-food restriction period). Then, the 3 groups were subdivided into 6, generating the groups CC (control), CCR (control+food restriction), DEC (diabetic+standard diet), DER (diabetic+food restriction), DNC (diabetic+standard diet) and DNR (diabetic+food restriction), treated for an additional two months (food restriction period). The food restriction (FR) used was 50% of the average daily dietary intake of group C. Throughout the treatment, physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. At the end of the treatment, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and insulin were evaluated. Both diabetic models produced hyperglycemia, polyphagia, polydipsia, insulin resistance, high fructosamine, hepatic damage and reduced insulin, although only DE presented human diabetes-like alterations, such as dyslipidemia and neuropathy symptoms. Both DEC and DNC diabetic groups presented higher levels of protein carbonyl groups associated to lower antioxidant capacity in the plasma. FR promoted improvement of glycemia in DNR, lipid profile in DER, and insulin resistance and hepatic damage in both diabetes models. FR also reduced the protein carbonyl groups of both DER and DNR diabetic groups, but the antioxidant capacity was improved only in the plasma of DER group. It is concluded that FR is beneficial for diabetes but should be used in conjunction with other therapies.

Destabilization of ROS metabolism in tomato roots as a phytotoxic effect of meta-tyrosine

meta-Tyrosine (m-Tyr) is a non-protein amino acid produced in both plants and animals. Primary mode of action of this phenylalanine analog is its incorporation into protein structure leading to formation of aberrant molecules. An increased level of m-Tyr in animal cells is detected under oxidative stress and during age-related processes characterized by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to link m-Tyr physiological action to disturbances in ROS metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings roots. Treatment of tomato seedlings with m-Tyr (50 or 250 μM) for 24–72 h led to inhibition of root growth without a lethal effect. Toxicity of m-Tyr after 72 h was connected with an increase in hydrogen peroxide concentration in roots and ROS leakage into the surrounding medium. On the contrary, membrane permeability and lipid peroxidation in roots were the same as for the control. This was accompanied by a decrease in total antioxidant activity and an increased accumulation of phenolic compounds. Catalase (CAT) activity declined in roots exposed to 50 μM m-Tyr after 24 h while after 72 h activity of this enzyme was inhibited in both treated and non-treated samples. Activities of different superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms were similar in m-Tyr stressed roots and in the control. Prolonged culture resulted in decrease of transcript level of genes coding CAT and SOD with the exception of FeSOD. Moreover, m-Tyr increased the level of protein carbonyl groups indicating induction of oxidative stress as a non-direct mode of action.

The effects of valsartan on renal glutathione peroxidase expression in alleviation of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in rats.

Introduction: Nephrotoxicity as a side effect caused by the immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine-A (CsA), can be a major problem in transplant medicine. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. It has been shown that the antihypertensive drug, valsartan (Val), has also renoprotective effects but, its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate the Val effect in the alleviation of CsA nephrotoxicity via probable renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) upregulation and oxidative stress decrease. Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups based on CsA and/or Val administration: group A (Control, 1 mL/kg/day of olive oil as vehicle), group B (CsA, 30 mg/kg/day), group C (CsA+Val, 30+30 mg/kg/day), and group D (Val, 30 mg/kg/day). After the administration period (six weeks), renal GPx expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasma levels of GPx and 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl groups (PCG) were measured by spectrophotometer. Plasma levels of urea and creatinine were measured by an autoanalyzer. Results: CsA treatment led to the decrease in renal expression and plasma levels of GPx in comparison to other study groups. Rats received CsA were detected to have significantly (p<0.05) higher plasma 8-OHdG, MDA, PCG, urea, and creatinine levels in comparison to other groups. Plasma urea and creatinine levels were negatively correlated with renal GPx expression and positively correlated with the oxidative stress markers. Conclusion:Administration of Val may result in attenuating the nephrotoxic side effect of CsA via probable renal GPx upregulation, and subsequently oxidative stress decrease.

Oxidative state and oxidative metabolism in the brain of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the oxidative status of the brain of arthritic rats, based mainly on the observation that arthritis induces a pronounced oxidative stress in the liver of arthritis rats and that morphological alterations have been reported to occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis were used. These animals presented higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the total brain homogenate (25% higher) and in the mitochondria (+55%) when compared to healthy rats. The nitrite plus nitrate contents, nitric oxide (NO) markers, were also increased in both mitochondria (+27%) and cytosol (+14%). Arthritic rats also presented higher levels of protein carbonyl groups in the total homogenate (+43%), mitochondria (+69%) and cytosol (+145%). Arthritis caused a diminution of oxygen consumption in isolated brain mitochondria only when ascorbate was the electron donor. The disease diminished the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity by 55%, but increased the transmembrane potential by 16%. The pro-oxidant enzyme xanthine oxidase was 150%, 110% and 283% higher, respectively, in the brain homogenate, mitochondria and cytosol of arthritic animals. The same occurred with the calcium-independent NO-synthase activity that was higher in the brain homogenate (90%) and cytosol (122%) of arthritic rats. The catalase activity, on the other hand, was diminished by arthritis in all cellular fractions (between 30 and 40%). It is apparent that the brain of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis presents a pronounced oxidative stress and a significant injury to lipids and proteins, a situation that possibly contributes to the brain symptoms of the arthritis disease.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Serum Amyloid A and Protein Carbonyl Group Levels in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases.

Introduction: Serum amyloid-A (SAA) and protein carbonyl group are rigorously related with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as a sensitive marker of an acute inflammatory state and as an important index of oxidative stress, respectively. Moreover, diet is one of the main factors that can modify cardiovascular risks. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on SAA and protein carbonyl group levels in patients with CVDs. Methods: Twenty-one patients (21 male; mean age 52±9 years old) with CVDs (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial diseases) were participated in this study. Biochemical parameters were measured in patients 2 days before and 2 days after Ramadan fasting. SAA levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Cayman’s protein carbonyl colorimetric assay was provided for measuring protein carbonyl groups. Results: According to the findings of the study, post-Ramadan levels of inflammatory biomarker, SAA was decreased significantly in patients with CVDs in comparison with the baseline before-fasting values (16.84±8.20 vs. 24.40±6.72 μg/ml, P = 0.021). In addition, Ramadan fasting significantly reduced the levels of protein carbonyl group in patients as compared with those of baseline values (33.08±15.31 vs. 43.65±16.88 nmol/ml, P = 0.039). Conclusion: Ramadan fasting has impressive effects on modulating CVDs by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress markers. However, to get a clear conclusion with more results, further investigation is warranted.

Bazhen decoction protects against acetaminophen induced acute liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in mice.

Bazhen decoction is a widely used traditional Chinese medicinal decoction, but the scientific validation of its therapeutic potential is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate corresponding anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities of Bazhen decoction, using acetaminophen-treated mice as a model system. A total of 48 mice were divided into four groups. Group I, negative control, treated with vehicle only. Group II, fed with 500 mg/kg/day Bazhen decoction for 10 continuous days. Group III, received a single dose of 900 mg/kg acetaminophen. Group IV, fed with 500 mg/kg/day Bazhen decoction for 10 continuous days and a single dose of 900 mg/kg acetaminophen 30 min before last Bazhen decoction administration. Bazhen decoction administration significantly decrease acetaminophen-induced serum ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, TNF-α, IL-1β, ROS, TBARS and protein carbonyl group levels, as well as GSH depletion and loss of MMP. Bazhen decoction restore SOD, CAT, GR and GPx activities and depress the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6, respectively. Moreover, Bazhen decoction down-regulate acetaminophen-induced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9. These results suggest the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis properties of Bazhen decoction towards acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.

Exposure to bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) increases levels of hepcidin mRNA and impairs the homeostasis of iron but not that of manganese

The aim of this study was to examine whether alterations in iron homeostasis, caused by exposure to vanadium, are related to changes in the gene expression of hepatic hepcidin. Two groups of rats were examined: control and vanadium-exposed. Vanadium, as bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) was supplied in the drinking water. The experiment had a duration of five weeks. Iron and manganese were measured in excreta, serum and tissues. Leptin, ferritin, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit were determined. Protein carbonyl group levels and hepcidin gene expression were determined in the liver. In the vanadium-exposed rats, iron absorption, serum iron and leptin and all haematological parameters decreased. Levels of IL-6, TNF-α and ferritin in serum and of iron in the liver, spleen and heart increased. In the liver, levels of protein carbonyl groups and hepcidin mRNA were also higher in the vanadium-exposed group. Exposure to vanadium did not modify manganese homeostasis. The results obtained from this study provide the first evidence that bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) produces an increase in the gene expression of the hepcidin, possibly caused by an inflammatory process. Both factors could be the cause of alterations in Fe homeostasis and the appearance of anaemia. However, Mn homeostasis was not affected.