Low Antioxidant Levels Research Articles

Exploring Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, and it has a growing prevalence worldwide. Symptoms include cognitive impairments, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, feeding difficulties, and psychological problems. A significant concern in ASD is food selectivity, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Common GI issues in ASD, such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, stem from abnormal gut flora and immune system dysregulation. Sensory sensitivities and behavioral challenges exacerbate these problems, correlating with neurological symptom severity. Children with ASD also exhibit higher oxidative stress due to low antioxidant levels like glutathione. Therapeutic diets, including ketogenic, high-antioxidant, gluten-free and casein-free, and probiotic-rich diets, show potential in managing ASD symptoms like behavior, communication, GI issues, and oxidative stress, though the evidence is limited. Various studies have focused on different populations, but there is increasing concern about the impact among children. This review aims to highlight the food preferences of the ASD population, analyze the effect of the physicochemical and nutritional properties of foods on the selectivity in its consumption, GI problems, and antioxidant deficiencies in individuals with ASD, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic diets, including diets rich in antioxidants, gluten-free and casein-free, ketogenic and essential fatty acids, and probiotic-rich diets in managing these challenges.

Plasma monomeric ApoA1 and high-density lipoprotein bound ApoA1 are markedly decreased and associated with low levels of lipophilic antioxidants in sickle cell disease: A potential new pathway for therapy.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibit high levels of reactive oxygen species and low plasma levels of lipophilic antioxidants, which may contribute to end-organ damage and disease sequelae. Apolipoprotein A1, the major apolipoprotein of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is mainly secreted by the intestine and liver in the form of monomeric ApoA1 (mApoA1) present in plasma. Cholesterol and α-tocopherol are delivered to ApoA1 via the ATP-binding cassette transporter, subfamily A, member 1 (ABCA1). We measured cholesterol, mApoA1, ApoA1, and lipophilic antioxidants in the plasma of 17 patients with SCD and 40 healthy volunteers. Mean HDL cholesterol (-C) levels in SCD patients and healthy subjects were 59.3 and 48.1 mg/dL, respectively, and plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, and α-tocopherol were 64.0%, 68.7%, and 9.1% lower, respectively. To compare SCD to healthy subjects with similar HDL-C, we also performed subgroup analyses of healthy subjects with HDL-C above or below the mean. In SCD, the mApoA1 level was 30.4 μg/mL; 80% lower than 141 μg/mL measured in healthy volunteers with similar HDL-C (56.7 mg/dL). The mApoA1 level was also 38.4% greater in the higher versus lower HDL-C subgroups (p = .002). In the higher HDL-C subgroup, lutein and zeaxanthin transported by HDL were 48.9% (p = .01) and 41.9% (p = .02) higher, respectively, whereas α-tocopherol was 31.7% higher (p = .003), compared to the lower HDL-C subgroup. Plasma mApoA1 may be a marker of the capacity of HDL to capture and deliver liposoluble antioxidants, and treatments which raise HDL may benefit patients with high oxidative stress as exemplified by SCD.

Relationship between types and levels of free fatty acids, peripheral insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in T2DM: A case-control study.

Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) are vital for energy homeostasis and the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including diabetes. For the first time, we presumed and investigated the types and levels of FFAs and their links to Insulin Resistance (IR) and Oxidative Stress (OS) in T2DM. A case-control study was conducted on 60 individuals with diabetes, 60 prediabetics with IFG, and 60 control groups. A Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) was used to estimate FFAs, which were then classified based on length and saturation. Indeed, antioxidant parameters such as TAC, MDA levels, PON-1, SOD-3, and CAT activity were assessed. Higher levels of LCFFA, SFFA, USFFA, and total FFA were found in people with diabetes and prediabetes. These levels were also linked to higher levels of HOMA-IR, BMI, FBS, HbA1C, and MDA, but lower levels of antioxidants. Furthermore, adjusting the above FFAs with age, sex, and antihypertensive medication increased T2DM development. SCFFA and ω3/6 fatty acids had a negative relationship with HOMA-IR, FBS, and insulin and a positive relationship with TAC. Adjusted SCFFA reduces T2DM risk. According to our models, total FFA is utilized to diagnose diabetes (AUC = 83.98, cut-off > 919 μM) and SCFFA for prediabetes (AUC = 82.32, cut-off < 39.56 μM). Total FFA (≥ 776 μM), LCFFA (≥ 613 μM), SFFA (≥ 471 μM), and USFFA (≥ 398 μM) all increase the risk of T2DM by increasing OS, BMI, and HOMA-IR. On the other hand, SCFFAs (≥ 38.7 μM) reduce the risk of T2DM by reducing BMI, HOMA-IR, and OS. SCFFAs and total FFAs can be used for the diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes, respectively.

Total Antioxidant Status and Oxidative Stress in Patients with COVID-19 Infection.

Oxidative stress (OS) may have a role in the pathogenesis and severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. The present study was conducted to estimate the association of inflammatory markers, total antioxidant status (TAS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with the severity of the disease and to identify their trends after recovery. Adult patients admitted with moderate or severe COVID-19 were included after obtaining written informed consent from patient or next of kin. Patients who were critically ill, on ventilator, or in sepsis/septic shock were excluded. Levels of inflammatory markers, TAS, and OS as measured by MDA were estimated within 24 hours of admission and reevaluated at 12 weeks following discharge. The mean age of the 40 patients (42.5% females) was 55 ± 15 years. TAS values (in trolox equivalents/L) were significantly reduced in severe compared to moderate COVID-19 patients at admission (7.2 ± 4.19 vs 12.3 ± 5.21). These increased at 12 weeks after discharge. The MDA levels (in nmol/mL) were significantly higher in severe in comparison to moderate disease (7.1 ± 2.68 vs 4.1 ± 1.81). These values showed a downward trend 12 weeks after discharge in severe disease group. Admission levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were statistically higher in severe COVID-19 patients in contrast to moderate disease. Moderate and severe COVID-19 are associated with a state of high OS and a low total antioxidant levels which tend to recover at 3 months following discharge.

Investigating the association between blood oxidative stress markers and dementia in Egyptian elderly women

BackgroundThe predicted increase in the senior population will have a substantial impact on mental health and dementia development, emphasizing the need to study the biochemical components related to the pathogenesis of dementia. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant balance of the body. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress because of the relatively low levels of antioxidants in the brain, high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and increased oxygen needs. The increase of reactive oxygen species leads to the accumulation of protein oxidation by-products which has a key role in dementia pathogenesis. The aim of the study is to investigate the link between oxidative stress and dementia in Egyptian older women and its possible effect on dementia severity and types. A case–control study was conducted involving 40 elderly women with dementia, and another 40 cognitively intact controls. All participants were subjected to a comprehensive geriatric evaluation, which included cognitive assessment, depression screening, and functional assessment. Blood levels of malondialdehyde (an oxidative stress marker), glutathione peroxidase enzyme and total antioxidant capacity (an antioxidant markers) were measured.ResultsMalondialdehyde’s blood level was significantly higher in dementia cases (p < 0.001), indicating a higher oxidative stress status in dementia cases. While blood levels of both glutathione peroxidase enzyme and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in dementia cases (p < 0.001), indicating a lower antioxidant activity in dementia cases. We found that glutathione peroxidase enzyme at a cutoff point ≤ 122 mu/ml, total antioxidant capacity at a cutoff point ≤ 39.1 mm/l, and malondialdehyde at a cutoff point > 95 nmol/ml had perfect diagnostic value for identifying patients with dementia.ConclusionOxidative stress showed a significant role in the pathogenesis of dementia, with the presence of higher levels of oxidative damage by-products and lower levels of antioxidant status. So, the role of oxidative stress in dementia should not be neglected, and more effort should be directed to prevent unnecessary exposure to oxidative stress in older adults to contribute towards dementia prevention.

Involvement of GPR43 Receptor in Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus on Murine Steroid Resistant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Relevance to Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Oxidative Stress in Human Macrophages.

Cytokine storm and oxidative stress are present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with COPD present high levels of NF-κB-associated cytokines and pro-oxidant agents as well as low levels of Nrf2-associated antioxidants. This condition creates a steroid-resistant inflammatory microenvironment. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr) is a known anti-cytokine in lung diseases; however, the effect of Lr on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in steroid-resistant COPD mice remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the Lr effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in mice and macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and unresponsive to steroids. Mice and macrophages received dexamethasone or GLPG-094 (a GPR43 inhibitor), and only the macrophages received butyrate (but), all treatments being given before CSE. Lung inflammation was evaluated from the leukocyte population, airway remodeling, cytokines, and NF-κB. Oxidative stress disturbance was measured from ROS, 8-isoprostane, NADPH oxidase, TBARS, SOD, catalase, HO-1, and Nrf2. Lr attenuated cellularity, mucus, collagen, cytokines, ROS, 8-isoprostane, NADPH oxidase, and TBARS. Otherwise, SOD, catalase, HO-1, and Nrf2 were upregulated in Lr-treated COPD mice. Anti-cytokine and antioxidant effects of butyrate also occurred in CSE-exposed macrophages. GLPG-094 rendered Lr and butyrate less effective. Lr attenuates lung inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD mice, suggesting the presence of a GPR43 receptor-dependent mechanism also found in macrophages.

The Role of Cdo1 in Ferroptosis and Apoptosis in Cancer.

Cysteine dioxygenase type 1 (Cdo1) is a tumor suppressor gene. It regulates the metabolism of cysteine, thereby influencing the cellular antioxidative capacity. This function puts Cdo1 in a prominent position to promote ferroptosis and apoptosis. Cdo1 promotes ferroptosis mainly by decreasing the amounts of antioxidants, leading to autoperoxidation of the cell membrane through Fenton reaction. Cdo1 promotes apoptosis mainly through the product of cysteine metabolism, taurine, and low level of antioxidants. Many cancers exhibit altered function of Cdo1, underscoring its crucial role in cancer cell survival. Genetic and epigenetic alterations have been found, with methylation of Cdo1 promoter as the most common mutation. The fact that no cancer was found to be caused by altered Cdo1 function alone indicates that the tumor suppressor role of Cdo1 is mild. By compiling the current knowledge about apoptosis, ferroptosis, and the role of Cdo1, this review suggests possibilities for how the mild anticancer role of Cdo1 could be harnessed in new cancer therapies. Here, developing drugs targeting Cdo1 is considered meaningful in neoadjuvant therapies, for example, helping against the development of anti-cancer drug resistance in tumor cells.

Pollen profiles, physico-chemical parameters, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of honeys and anti-browning effect of honeys on apple

BACKGROUND: Honey, a product of the beehive with high nutritional and taste value, is a food much appreciated by consumers for its nutritional value and therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this work are to evaluate the quality of Algerian honeys, their chemical composition, their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-browning enzyme activities, and to confirm the qualitative superiority of local honeys over imported honeys. METHODS: Six local and imported honeys are analyzed for their physicochemical parameters, floral origin, phenolic compound content and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzymatic browning inhibitory power of Algerian honeys is also tested. RESULTS: The pollen study shows that the four local honeys were of monofloral origin, while the two imported honeys are pollen-free. Local and imported honeys are compared on 17 physico-chemical and biological parameters. The results reveal that single-flower honeys generally meet international standards in terms of HMF and proline content, unlike imported honeys. These honeys have lower antioxidant levels than other honeys: polyphenols (161 to 248 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (64 to 74 mg QE/100 g). There is a correlation between honey color, antioxidant contents and biological activities. CONCLUSION: Darker Algerian honeys have higher antioxidant content and better biological properties than others samples.

Transparent injectable sericin-honey hydrogel with antioxidant and antibacterial activities combined with feeding sericin accelerates diabetic wound healing.

Wound healing in diabetics is often impaired or delayed due to the presence of high reactive oxygen species and low antioxidant levels. Here, a sericin-honey semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel with excellent antioxidant activity was prepared. Besides, the sericin-honey hydrogel is transparent, injectable, sticky, highly porous, and has good swelling properties, antibacterial activity, and cell compatibility. Based on its good performance in vitro, sericin-honey hydrogel achieved effective in vivo treatment on a mouse diabetic wound model, significantly accelerating the wound healing process. Furthermore, the combined effect of feeding sericin solution played a positive role in strengthening the effect of diabetic wound repair.

Synergistic effect of nitrate exposure and heatwaves on the growth, and metabolic activity of microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata

Aquatic biota are threatened by climate warming as well as other anthropogenic stressors such as eutrophication by phosphates and nitrate. However, it remains unclear how nitrate exposure can alter the resilience of microalgae to climate warming, particularly heatwaves. To get a better understanding of these processes, we investigated the effect of elevated temperature and nitrate pollution on growth, metabolites (sugar and protein), oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation), and antioxidant accumulation (polyphenols, proline) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The experiment involved a 3 × 3 factorial design, where microalgae were exposed to one of three nitrate levels (5, 50, or 200 mg L−1 NO3−l) at 20 °C for 2 weeks. Subsequently, two heatwave scenarios were imposed: a short and moderate heatwave at 24 °C for 2 weeks, and a long and intense heatwave with an additional 2 weeks at 26 °C. A positive synergistic effect of heatwaves and nitrate on growth and metabolites was observed, but this also led to increased oxidative stress. In the short and moderate heatwave, oxidative damage was controlled by increased antioxidant levels. The high growth, metabolites, and antioxidants combined with low oxidative stress during the short and moderate heatwaves in moderate nitrate (50 mg L−1) led to a sustainable increased food availability to grazers. On the other hand, long and intense heatwaves in high nitrate conditions caused unsustainable growth due to increased oxidative stress and relatively low antioxidant (proline) levels, increasing the risk for massive algal die-offs.

Serum oxidant–antioxidant status and butyrylcholinesterase activity in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy – A pilot study

Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis of idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Although IE is the most common neurological condition, oxidant–antioxidant status in epileptic dogs is still unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum oxidant-antioxidant status in dogs with newly diagnosed IE. The status in 15 dogs with IE and 15 healthy dogs is estimated through spectrophotometric determination of two oxidant markers: advanced oxidation protein products-albumin index (AOPP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); and three antioxidant markers: total thiols (R-SH) level, glutathione (GSH) level, and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity. Also, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity is assessed in both groups of dogs. Higher AOPP is observed in the dogs with newly diagnosed IE, while TBARS level shows no difference when compared to the healthy dogs. In contrast, lower levels of antioxidants (R-SH, GSH, and PON-1) and BChE activity are found in the dogs with IE. No significant differences are observed in the oxidant and antioxidant markers and BChE activity across the investigated IE cases with focal and generalized seizures. Our findings provide evidence that dogs with IE are characterized by an impaired serum oxidant–antioxidant balance and lower BChE activity, which may contribute to a better understanding of IE pathogenesis.

Antiapoptotic and chemotaxis-stimulating effects of poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide)-chitosan and whey proteins against aflatoxicosis-induced splenic and thymic atrophy

BackgroundAflatoxin B (AFB) induces toxicological effects on the liver and immune organs. The whey proteins can modulate the immune response during aflatoxicosis. Our work evaluates the novel polylactic acid-glycolic acid-chitosan-encapsulated bovine and camel whey proteins against AFB-induced thymic and splenic atrophy in rats.Methods and resultsSeventy adult male Wister albino rats were divided into a control healthy group (G1) and six AFB1-intoxicated groups (G2–G7). One of the following supplements: distilled water, camel whey proteins (CWP), bovine whey proteins, poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- chitosan-loaded with camel whey protein microparticles (CMP), PLGA-chitosan loaded with bovine whey protein microparticles (BMP), and PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles were administered as prophylactic supplements to AFB1-intoxicated groups. The AFB-treated group showed significantly higher hepatic levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants. In the aflatoxicated group, atrophy of the splenic lymphatic nodules and disfigurement in the organisation with an apparent decrease in the thickness of the cortex in the thymus were observed, as well as a decrease in splenic and thymic CD4+T and CD8+T lymphocytes. Moreover, CXCL12 levels were downregulated, whereas tumour necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were upregulated. CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements markedly decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as significantly raised CXCL12, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells.ConclusionsThe CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements rescue the liver and immune tissues from the toxic effects of AFB through their antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and chemotaxis-enhancing roles.

Evaluation of vitamin E levels, antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde in women with unexplained infertility

Unexplained infertility is a perplexing disorder. 30% of infertile couples are diagnosed with unexplained infertility with all standard fertility investigations normal. Oxidative stress has been shown to have a negative impact on reproductive function in women with endometriosis and (PCOS) polycystic ovarian syndrome. In another study antioxidant supplementation improved OS induced infertility. Many studies have demonstrated an increase in Malondialdehyde in serum of women with infertility and vitamin E as a protective antioxidant in the body with positive effect on the fertility. There is growing evidence linking OS and unexplained infertility.Based on this knowledge the specific group of unexplained infertile women were chosen to assess their levels of serum antioxidant enzymes, Vitamin E and lipid peroxidation marker. To compare the Levels of Malondialdehyde, Antioxidant enzymes and Vitamin E in the serum of women with unexplained infertility and control group.: Case control study.70 normal ovulatory women who conceived within 12 months of contraceptive free intercourse, and with no history of miscarriage were recruited in the control group. 70 women with unexplained infertility were recruited as study group. All participants included in the study were between 28 and 38 years of age. Serum levels of MDA, Antioxidant enzymes (GST, SOD, Catalase) and Vitamin E concentrations were compared between two groups. Vitamin E concentrations were determined by using High performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant enzymes and MDA were measured by standard spectrophotometric assay.: Data was analysed using SPSS Software. Continuous parameters were analysed using Mann Whitney U test. There is a significant decrease in the vitamin E levels 3.80 ug/ml) in the unexplained infertile group as compared to controls 6.0 ug/ml). All women in the study group showed significantly (P&amp;#60;0.05) higher levels of MDA and lower levels of antioxidant enzymes such as GST, SOD and Catalase as compared to the fertile women. This decrease was found to be significant with p value of &amp;#60;0.05. The study group have a higher oxidative stress status and low level of antioxidants compared to control group. Serial measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers and their defense system may help to understand the aetiology of unexplained infertility and to enhance their chances of conception.

Analysis of Antioxidant Capacity Variation among Thai Holy Basil Cultivars (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) Using Density-Based Clustering Algorithm

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) is a widely renowned herb for its abundance of bioactive compounds and medicinal applications. Nevertheless, there exists a dearth of knowledge regarding the variability among holy basil cultivars capable of yielding substantial bioactive compounds. This study aims to address this gap by shedding light on the diversity of antioxidant capacities within different accessions of Thai holy basil by employing a density-based clustering algorithm to categorize the holy basil cultivars that demonstrate notable antioxidant potential. The study involves the analysis of the anthocyanin, flavonoid, phenolic, and terpenoid content, as well as DPPH antioxidant activity, in 26 Thai holy basil accessions collected from diverse locations in Thailand. Among the 26 tested Thai holy basil cultivars, terpenoids were found to be the dominant class of compounds, with average values of 707 mg/gDW, while the levels of flavonoids and phenolic compounds remained below 65 mg rutin/gDW and 46 mg GAE/gDW, respectively. The DPPH assay in holy basil cultivars demonstrated that the antioxidant activity ranged between 50% and 93%. After standardizing the data, the clustering results revealed four distinct groups of cultivars: the first group, with low antioxidant levels; the second group, with high terpenoid content; the third group, with high flavonoid, DPPH antioxidant activity, and phenolic content; and the fourth group, with elevated levels of anthocyanin, DPPH antioxidant activity, and phenolic content. A strong positive correlation was observed among DPPH antioxidant activity, flavonoids, and phenolics. Specific cultivars: The Red, OC108, and OC106 holy basil cultivars in cluster 4 exhibited high anthocyanin and phenolic production. In cluster 3, the accessions OC113, OC057, OC063, and OC059 showed high DPPH antioxidant activity, flavonoids, and phenolics, while, in cluster 2, only accessions from Udon Thani, Thailand—namely OC194 and OC195—displayed high terpenoid content. Ultimately, this study significantly contributes to the inherent diversity in the antioxidant capacities among various Thai holy basil cultivars. It lays the foundation for targeted breeding strategies and informed choices regarding consumption. The comprehensive insights from this analysis hold the potential to accurately identify holy basil cultivars with promising applications in medicine, functional foods, and the nutraceutical industry.

Prediction of coexisting invasive carcinoma on ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions by mass spectrometry imaging.

Due to limited biopsy samples, ~20% of DCIS lesions confirmed by biopsy are upgraded to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) upon surgical resection. Avoiding underestimation of IDC when diagnosing DCIS has become an urgent challenge in an era discouraging overtreatment of DCIS. In this study, the metabolic profiles of 284 fresh frozen breast samples, including tumor tissues and adjacent benign tissues (ABTs) and distant surrounding tissues (DSTs), were analyzed using desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging. Metabolomics analysis using DESI-MS data revealed significant differences in metabolite levels, including small-molecule antioxidants, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and phospholipids between pure DCIS and IDC. However, the metabolic profile in DCIS with invasive carcinoma components clearly shifts to be closer to adjacent IDC components. For instance, DCIS with invasive carcinoma components showed lower levels of antioxidants and higher levels of free fatty acids compared to pure DCIS. Furthermore, the accumulation of long-chain PUFAs and the phosphatidylinositols (PIs) containing PUFA residues may also be associated with the progression of DCIS. These distinctive metabolic characteristics may offer valuable indications for investigating the malignant potential of DCIS. By combining DESI-MS data with machine learning (ML) methods, various breast lesions were discriminated. Importantly, the pure DCIS components were successfully distinguished from the DCIS components in samples with invasion in postoperative specimens by a Lasso prediction model, achieving an AUC value of 0.851. In addition, pixel-level prediction based on DESI-MS data enabled automatic visualization of tissue properties across whole tissue sections. Summarily, DESI-MS imaging on histopathological sections can provide abundant metabolic information about breast lesions. By analyzing the spatial metabolic characteristics in tissue sections, this technology has the potential to facilitate accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment of DCIS by inferring the presence of IDC components surrounding DCIS lesions. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Beta-caryophyllene inhibits the permeability of the blood–brain barrier in MPTP-induced parkinsonism

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Although the precise pathogenesis of PD remains unclear, several studies demonstrate that oxidative stress, inflammation, low levels of antioxidants, and the presence of biomolecules that generate reactive oxygen species can disrupt the blood–brain barrier (BBB) as an essential feature of the disease. AimsThis study aimed to test whether agonism to cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) through the administration of β-caryophyllene (BCP) could correct BBB permeability in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) parkinsonism induction model. MethodsWe conducted a molecular assessment of proteins (immunochemistry and western blot), BBB permeability, and related biomarkers of PD (lipid peroxidation) in the MPTP mouse model of the disease. ResultsExpression of zonula occludens (ZO-1) and occludin tight junction (TJ) proteins was dampened in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta of mice, while lipid peroxidation and BBB permeability increased in the striatum in the MPTP-treated group, and these effects were reversed under BCP administration. This phytocannabinoid was able to restore protein expression and immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as well as nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) translocation to the nucleus, and NADPH quinone oxidase 1 (NQO1) expression in mice treated with MPTP. ConclusionThese results highlight the role of CB2 as a therapeutic target for PD, suggesting that its activation may ameliorate PD-related BBB disruption and oxidative stress, reducing the selective death of dopaminergic neurons.

Nrf2 protects against renal fibrosis induced by chronic cadmium exposure in mice.

Environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure is a serious public health concern, as the kidney is the primary target for Cd exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) in renal fibrosis induced by chronic Cd exposure. Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2-KO) mice and their wild-type littermates (Nrf2-WT) were exposed to 100 or 200ppm Cd in drinking water for up to 16 or 24 weeks. Following the Cd exposures, Nrf2-KO mice showed elevated urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and BUN levels compared to Nrf2-WT mice. Masson's trichrome staining and expression of fibrosis-associated proteins revealed that more severe renal fibrosis occurred in Nrf2-KO than that in Nrf2-WT mice. Renal Cd content in the Nrf2-KO mice exposed to 200ppm Cd was lower than that in Nrf2-WT mice, which might be a consequence of the severe renal fibrosis in the Nrf2-KO mice. Mechanistic studies showed that Nrf2-KO mice exhibited higher levels of oxidative damage, lower antioxidant levels, and more regulated cell death, apoptosis in particular, than those in Nrf2-WT mice caused by Cd exposure. In conclusion, Nrf2-KO mice were more prone to develop renal fibrosis induced by chronic Cd exposure, partially due to a weakened antioxidant, detoxification capacity and increased oxidative damage.

Kapasitas Total Antioksidan dan Uji Toksisitas Ekstrak Bunga Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm)

Oxidative stress is imbalance between antioxidant production and the formation of free radicals, which are involved in the development of degenerative diseases. Declining organ function is a symptom of degenerative diseases. The antioxidant helps protect the body from free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. Antioksidan classified into exogenous and endogenous. (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm) flower is known for its antioxidants. This study aimed to establish the toxicity and antioxidant features of kecombrang flower. Total antioxidant capacity test by Blois 1,1 Diphenyl-2Picryhydrazyl (DPPH) method, toxicity test by Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method. After acquiring simplicia by grinding and aerating the flowers, the extract was obtained by the maceration process using methanol as the solvent and evaporation. The extract was then analyzed. The total antioxidant capacity test showed an IC50 of 931.53 g/mL, indicating that kecombrang flower has a low total antioxidant capacity. Based on the results of the toxicology tests, the LC50 value for the kecombrang flower extract was 612.66 g/mL, indicating that it possessed toxic properties. This study concluded that kecombrang flower extract was shown to have low antioxidant levels and potential antimitotic activity.

Differential Lipidomics, Metabolomics and Immunological Analysis of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) are the leading causes of liver disease worldwide. To identify disease-specific pathomechanisms, we analyzed the lipidome, metabolome and immune cell recruitment in livers in both diseases. Mice harboring ASH or NASH had comparable disease severities regarding mortality rate, neurological behavior, expression of fibrosis marker and albumin levels. Lipid droplet size was higher in NASH than ASH and qualitative differences in the lipidome were mainly based on incorporation of diet-specific fatty acids into triglycerides, phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholines. Metabolomic analysis showed downregulated nucleoside levels in both models. Here, the corresponding uremic metabolites were only upregulated in NASH suggesting stronger cellular senescence, which was supported by lower antioxidant levels in NASH as compared to ASH. While altered urea cycle metabolites suggest increased nitric oxide synthesis in both models, in ASH, this depended on increased L-homoarginine levels indicating a cardiovascular response mechanism. Interestingly, only in NASH were the levels of tryptophan and its anti-inflammatory metabolite kynurenine upregulated. Fittingly, high-content immunohistochemistry showed a decreased macrophage recruitment and an increased polarization towards M2-like macrophages in NASH. In conclusion, with comparable disease severity in both models, higher lipid storage, oxidative stress and tryptophan/kynurenine levels were seen in NASH, leading to distinct immune responses.

ВЫРАЖЕННОСТЬ ОКСИДАТИВНОГО СТРЕССА У БОЛЬНЫХ С ИНФАРКТОМ МИОКАРДА НА ФОНЕ ХОБЛ

Introduction. Oxidative stress is a pathogenetic link in the development of many diseases, including pathology of the respiratory system and cardiovascular events. Comorbidity is a topical problem of modern medicine. One of the frequent combinations is myocardial infarction against the background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The peculiarities of changes in protein and lipid peroxidation, as well as the state of antioxidant protection in comorbid patients are of interest. Aim. To study protein and lipid peroxidation processes in patients with myocardial infarction against the background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Material and Methods: 195 patients with myocardial infarction against the background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were examined. Comparison groups were represented by 130 patients with myocardial infarction without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 104 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The control group included 110 somatically healthy individuals. The level of malondialdehyde was assessed as a marker of lipid peroxidation, the level of deep protein oxidation products was assessed as a marker of free radical oxidation of proteins. Antioxidant protection was assessed using plasma level of total superoxide dismutase. To evaluate non-enzymatic components of antioxidant protection, total serum antioxidant status was determined by spectroscopy. The data were statistically processed using the SPSS 26.0 software package. Results and discussion. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the levels of protein and lipid oxidation markers were higher than in myocardial infarction. The highest levels were noted in comorbid patients. Antioxidant levels were decreased in all groups compared to controls. Patients with monosomatic myocardial infarction had lower levels of antioxidants compared with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The lowest values were observed in the group of comorbid patients. Conclusion. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is accompanied by a more pronounced activation of lipid and protein peroxidation processes, but accompanied by activation of adaptive mechanisms, which is not observed in acute coronary pathology. The greatest severity of oxidative stress is characteristic of comorbid patients.