Markers Of Antioxidant Status Research Articles

The effectiveness of a Lactobacillus probiotic on measures of psychosocial health in adults diagnosed with subthreshold depression: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide(1). The microbiota-gut-brain axis may play a role in the aetiology of depression, and probiotics show promise for improving mood and depressive state(2). Further evidence is required to support mechanisms and in high-risk populations, such as those with sub-threshold depression (which may be 2-3 times more prevalent than diagnosed depression)(3). The aims were to assess the efficacy of a probiotic compared with placebo in reducing the severity of depressive symptoms in participants with subthreshold depression, and to investigate potential mechanistic markers of inflammatory, antioxidant status and stress response. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in participants meeting diagnosis of subthreshold depression (DSM-5); aged 18-65 years; ≥18.5 kg/m2 body mass index; not taking antidepressants, centrally acting medications, probiotics nor antibiotics for at least 6 weeks. The probiotic (4 × 109 AFU/CFU, 2.5 g freeze-dried powder containing Lactobacillus fermentum LF16 (DSM26956), L. rhamnosus LR06 (DSM21981), L. plantarum LP01 (LMG P-21021), Bifidobacterium longum BL04 (DSM 23233)) or placebo was taken daily for 3-months. Data was collected at 3 study visits (pre-, mid- (6 weeks), post-intervention). Self-reported questionnaires measured psychological symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI; Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, HADS) and quality of life. Blood and salivary samples were collected for biomarkers including cortisol awakening response (CAR). General linear models examined within-group and between-group differences across all time points. Thirty-nine participants completed the study (n = 19 probiotic; n = 20 placebo) using intention-to-treat analysis. The probiotic group decreased in BDI score by −6.5 (95% CI −12.3; −0.7) and −7.6 (95% CI −13.4; −1.8) at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The HADS-A score decreased in the probiotic group by −2.8 (95% CI −5.2; −0.4) and −2.7 (95% CI −5.1; −0.3) at 6 and 12, respectively. The HADS-D score decreased in the probiotic group by −3.0 (95% CI −5.4; −0.7) and −2.5 (−4.9; −0.2) at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention, respectively. No between group differences were found. There were no changes in perceived stress or quality of life scores. The probiotic group had reduced hs-CRP levels (7286.2 ± 1205.8 ng/dL vs. 5976.4 ± 1408.3; P = 0.003) and increased total glutathione (14.2 ± 8.9 ng/dL vs. 9.3 ± 4.7; P = 0.049) compared to placebo, post intervention. Lower levels of CAR were found in the probiotic compared to placebo (−0.04 ± 0.17 μg/dL vs. 0.16 ± 0.25; P = 0.009). A significant reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety was observed within the probiotic group only. These results were supported by improvements observed in biomarkers, suggesting probiotics may improve psychological wellbeing in adults experiencing sub-threshold depression, by potential pathways involved in central nervous system homeostasis and inflammation. Future analyses are required to understand changes within the intestinal microbiota and to clarify how their metabolites facilitate emotional processing.

Ameliorative Potentials of Persea americana Mill (Avocado) Seed Extract on Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Insufficiency in Rats

Aim: The ability of ethylacetate extract of Persea americana Mill (avocado) seed to ameliorate the hepatotoxic effect of acetaminophen in rats was assessed. Methodology: Thirty experimental rats were placed in 6 groups of 5 animals per group. Two animal groups received distilled water and the drug vehicle, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). Four other groups received acetaminophen (750 mg/kg bw/day) in DMSO for 3 days with 3 of the 4 groups receiving, after 3 days of acetaminophen administration and for 11 days, Persea americana seed extracts (150-, 350 mg/kg bw) and silymarin (200 mg/kg bw). Animals were sacrificed and both serum and liver tissue analysed for markers of liver integrity (AST, ALT, ALP), liver function (total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride), antioxidant status (SOD, Catalase) and liver architecture. Results: The result showed induction of hepatotoxicity by acetaminophen with increased AST, ALT, ALP and decreased SOD and CAT activities. Hepatotoxicity was also observed as increase in total and conjugated bilirubin and decrease in total cholesterol and triglyceride. Administration of Persea americana seed ethylacetate extract reversed the status of the parameters towards normal (except for AST, total protein and albumin). Also the liver architecture which hitherto revealed inflammation, fatty changes and hepatocyte necrosis also reversed to mild inflammation to normal histology. The action of the extract was dose dependent and its effectiveness comparable to silymarin (200 mg/kg bw). Conclusion: The ethylacetate extract of Persia americana showed ameliorative effect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity at higher dose, with potentials to reverse disruptions in liver integrity and function, and restore balance in endogenous antioxidant system.

Antioxidant responses driven by Hesperetin and Hesperidin counteract Parkinson's disease-like phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster

The study investigated the protective effects of Hesperetin (HSP) and Hesperidin (HSD) on 1 methyl, 4 phenyl, 1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced Parkinsonism in Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster). After a lifespan study to select exposure time and concentrations, flies were co-exposed to MPTP (0.4 mg/g diet), Hesperetin (0.2 and 0.4 mg/g diet), and Hesperidin (0.1 and 0.4 mg/g) for 7 days. In addition to in vivo parameters, we assayed some markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, thiol content, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrate/nitrite levels, mRNA expression of Keap-1 (Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1), /Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2), catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities), and cholinergic (acetyl cholinesterase activity (AChE) and dopaminergic signaling content and the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), monoamine oxidase (MAO-like) activity). In addition to increasing the lifespan of flies, we found that both flavonoids counteracted the adverse effects of MPTP on survival, offspring emergence, and climbing ability of flies. Both flavonoids also reduced the oxidative damage on lipids and proteins and reestablished the basal levels of pro-oxidant species and activities of antioxidant enzymes in MPTP-exposed flies. These responses were accompanied by the normalization of the mRNA expression of Keap1/Nrf2 disrupted in flies exposed to MPTP. MPTP exposure also elicited changes in mRNA expression and content of TH as well as in MAO and AChE activity, which were reversed by HST and HSD. By efficiently hindering the oxidative stress in MPTP-exposed flies, our findings support the promising role of Hesperetin and Hesperidin as adjuvant therapy to manage Parkinsonism induced by chemicals such as MPTP.

Eugenol Improved Antioxidant Status, Proinflammatory and Apoptotic Markers on Rats Exposed to Cardiotoxicity

The current study was conducted to evaluate the cardioprotective potentials of eugenol against hypertension induced by doxorubicin in rats. Rats were exposed to Doxorubicin HCl (2mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally to induce cardiotoxicity and treated with eugenol (5 mg/kg) orally for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, the blood pressure was assessed in the tested animals and the levels of serum lipid profile and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Also, the heart was dissected and the oxidative stress and apoptotic markers in heart homogenate were assessed. There was high statistically significant difference between all the tested groups regarding the systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure. The Serum oxidative stress markers and lipid profile markers showed a statistically significant increase in the positive control group compared to other groups. The heart homogenate level of all the tested parameters showed a statistically significant increase in the positive group compared to other groups except for the MDA levels that was comparable between the positive group and protection group. Eugenol's antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties protect against hypertension. Eugenol's antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects protect the heart from hypertension's long-term effects at the tissue level.

The contribution of Coriandrum sativum in enhancing Oreochromis niloticus rearing at sub-optimal temperatures: effect on growth, health status, survival rate, and resistance to Aeromons Veronii

This study (60 days) was conducted to investigate the ability of diet enriched with Coriandrum sativum powder or its extract to protect Oreochromis niloticus health and survivability at suboptimal temperature (21 ℃). One hundred and twenty (33.14 ± 0.5 g) were divided into four groups; each group has three replicates.. The first control group fed on a basal diet. Second and third groups fed on diet enriched with 30 mg/kg coriander seed powder (CP) and coriander seed ethanolic extract (CE), respectively. The fourth group (OT) fed on diet enriched with 500 mg oxytetracycline/kg diet. The results revealed that CE exhibited a considerable improvement in hematological parameters, hepatic-renal functions, antioxidant status, and immunological markers as well as remarkably increased resistance against Aeromonas veronii. It could be concluded that feeding tilapia CE enriched diet at 30 mg/kg is a recommended strategy to enhance tilapia health and resistance to A. veronii infection reared at 21 ℃.

Toxicological assessment of sodium benzoate in Drosophila melanogaster.

Sodium benzoate (SB), the sodium salt of benzoic acid, is a food preservative with wide applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its ability to kill many microorganisms effectively. Experimental evidence however suggests that excessive intake of SB poses detrimental health risks among consumers in the population. The present study investigated the toxic effects of various concentrations of SB using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. Adult wild-type flies of Canton S strain (1- to 3-daysold) was orally exposed to SB (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg/5 g diet) to evaluate survival rates for 21days. Thereafter, we evaluated markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant status and behavioral activity in D. melanogaster exposed to SB for seven (7) days. We observed that SB (2.0 and 5.0 mg/5 g diet) decreased the survival of D. melanogaster. Also, SB inhibited glutathione-S-transferase activity and depleted total thiols and nonprotein thiols contents. Moreover, SB (5 mg/5 g diet) increased nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) level and reduced flies' emergence rate. Conclusively, findings from this study revealed that exposure to high concentrations of SB reduced survival rate and induced toxicity via the induction of oxidative stress and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes in D. melanogaster.

Relationship between Malondialdehyde Serum Levels and Disease Features in a Full Characterized Series of 284 Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a marker of oxidative stress and antioxidant status. Oxidative stress has been observed to be increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Some studies have shown that MDA is upregulated in SLE compared to controls. However, the literature lacks reports regarding the relationship of MDA to disease manifestations. This is relevant since SLE is a multisystemic disease which may affect virtually any organ in the body. In this study, we set out to analyze how MDA serum levels are associated with disease expression in a large series of SLE patients who were fully characterized in clinical and laboratory terms. A total of 284 patients with SLE were recruited. Serum levels of MDA, and the activity (SLEDAI), severity (Katz) and damage index (SLICC-DI) scores, full lipid profile, and carotid subclinical atherosclerosis were assessed. In addition, a full characterization of the complement system was performed in SLE patients' samples. Multivariable linear regression analysis was executed to study the relationship between clinical and laboratory disease characteristics and MDA. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between disease duration and MDA. In contrast, the presence of anti-nucleosome antibodies was positively associated with MDA. Regarding the SLICC-DI areas, both the musculoskeletal domain and the cutaneous domain were significantly related to higher serum MDA values. Furthermore, after adjustment for confounding factors, lower levels of the classical complement pathway, which denotes activation, were associated with higher serum levels of MDA. In conclusion, cumulative musculoskeletal and skin damage in SLE patients is associated with superior serum levels of MDA. In addition, activation of the complement system is also related to higher circulating MDA levels.

Co-administration of thymol and sulfoxaflor impedes the expression of reproductive toxicity in male rats

This study investigated the capability of a co-delivery system of thymol (THY) and sulfoxaflor that can serve to minimize the development of epididymal and testicular injury arise from SFX exposures alone. Forty-eight adult male rats were orally treated by gavage for 28 consecutive days. The rats were divided into six groups comprising control, THY alone (30 mg/kg), low SFX alone (79.4 mg/kg), high SFX alone (205 mg/kg) and co-exposure groups. After euthanasia, the rats epididymal and testicular damage and antioxidant status markers, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, levels of nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative stress (TOS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were analyzed. Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 b (IL-1β) and caspase-3 activity were assessed using ELISA kits. The results revealed that SFX exposure caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the body weight, sperm functional parameters, serum testosterone level with widespread histological abnormalities in a dose-dependent manner. Increased relative organ weights, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were observed in low SFX-treated rats. Similarly, the epididymal and testicular myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (RONS), tumor necrosis-α, interleukin-1β levels and caspase-3 activity were significant (p < 0.05) increased and a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) were revealed in SFX-treated rats. However, co-treatment of THY with SFX prevented SFX-induced epididymal and testicular toxicities. Thus, thymol protected against potential epididymis and testes alterations elicited by oxido-inflammatory mediators and up regulated antioxidant status.

The Prophylactic Effect of Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 against Ultraviolet-C-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats.

Ultraviolet C (UVC) devices are an effective means of disinfecting surfaces and protecting medical tools against various microbes, including coronavirus. Overexposure to UVC can induce oxidative stress, damage the genetic material, and harm biological systems. This study investigated the prophylactic efficacy of vitamin C and B12 against hepatotoxicity in UVC-intoxicated rats. Rats were irradiated with UVC (725.76, 967.68, and 1048.36 J/cm2) for 2 weeks. The rats were pretreated with the aforementioned antioxidants for two months before UVC irradiation. The prophylactic effect of vitamins against UVC hepatotoxicity was evaluated by monitoring the alteration of liver enzyme activities, antioxidant status, apoptotic and inflammatory markers, DNA fragmentation, and histological and ultrastructural alterations. Rats exposed to UVC showed a significant increase in liver enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant balance disruption, and increased hepatic inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and IDO-1). Additionally, obvious over-expression of activated caspase-3 protein and DNA fragmentation were detected. Histological and ultrastructural examinations verified the biochemical findings. Co-treatment with vitamins ameliorated the deviated parameters to variable degrees. In conclusion, vitamin C could alleviate UVC-induced hepatotoxicity more than vitamin B12 by diminishing oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. This study could provide a reference for the clinical practice of vitamin C and B12 as radioprotective for workers in UVC disinfectant areas.

Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate

A strong controversy persists regarding the effect of red wine (RW) consumption and health. Guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancers discourage alcohol consumption in any form, but several studies have demonstrated that low RW intake may have positive effects on CVD risk. This review evaluated randomised controlled trials (RCTs), examining the recent literature on the correlations between acute and chronic RW consumption and health. All RCTs published in English on PubMed from 1 January 2000 to 28 February 2023 were evaluated. Ninety-one RCTs were included in this review, seven of which had a duration of more than six months. We assessed the effect of RW on: (1) antioxidant status, (2) cardiovascular function, (3) coagulation pathway and platelet function, (4) endothelial function and arterial stiffness, (5) hypertension, (6) immune function and inflammation status, (7) lipid profile and homocysteine levels, (8) body composition, type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism, and (9) gut microbiota and the gastrointestinal tract. RW consumption mostly results in improvements in antioxidant status, thrombosis and inflammation markers, lipid profile, and gut microbiota, with conflicting results on hypertension and cardiac function. Notably, beneficial effects were observed on oxidative stress, inflammation, and nephropathy markers, with a modest decrease in CVD risk in five out of seven studies that evaluated the effect of RW consumption. These studies were conducted mainly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and had a duration between six months and two years. Additional long-term RCTs are needed to confirm these benefits, and assess the potential risks associated with RW consumption.

Ellagic acid alleviates pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress in mouse model of diisononyl phthalate-induced asthma

Polyvinyl chloride is plasticized using diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), and exposure to phthalates has been linked to the emergence of asthma and allergies. The adjuvant impact of DiNP exposure results in allergic airway inflammation. In the current study, we looked into how ellagic acid (ELA) impacted asthma brought on by DiNP. Male BALB/c mice (n=40, 20-30 g) were divided into 4 groups of 10 mice each, and the following treatments were given to each group: group 1 (control) received saline orally for 30 days; group 2 (ELA) received 10 mg/kg of ELA (oral) for 30 days; group 3 (DiNP &amp; ELA) received 10 mg/kg of ELA (oral) for 7 days prior to DiNP (50mg/kg) exposure (intraperitoneal and intranasal); group 4 (DiNP) received 50 mg/kg DiNP. After the last administration, mice were sacrificed, lungs were removed and their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected which was used for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The mice given DiNP had changes in their histoarchitecture, inflammatory cells, antioxidant status, and inflammation markers. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and inflammatory biomarkers (NO, MPO) were considerably higher (p&lt; 0.05) in the lungs of DiNP-treated mice than in the control group. In the lungs, DiNP reduced the concentration of non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH and AA), and the activity of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and GST). DiNP also altered inflammatory cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, leucocytes) in the BALF. ELA administration ameliorated these changes. Histopathological analysis revealed airway inflammation characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, oedema, hemorrhage, and constricted alveoli space. Additionally, the mice co-treated with ELA and DiNP experienced mild inflammation of the alveoli and interstitial spaces as well as mild thickening of the alveolar septae. ELA offered a protective effect against DiNP-induced allergic asthma in mice.

Effects of Different Hydration Strategies in Young Men during Prolonged Exercise at Elevated Ambient Temperatures on Pro-Oxidative and Antioxidant Status Markers, Muscle Damage, and Inflammatory Status.

Physical exercise is associated with an increase in the speed of metabolic processes to supply energy to working muscles and endogenous heat production. Intense sweating caused by the work performed at high ambient temperatures is associated with a significant loss of water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of different hydration strategies in young men during prolonged exercise at elevated ambient temperatures on levels of pro-oxidative and antioxidant status, oxidative status markers (TAC/TOC), muscle cell damage (Mb, LDH), and inflammatory status (WBC, CRP, IL-1β). The study was conducted on a group of 12 healthy men with average levels of aerobic capacity. The intervention consisted of using various hydration strategies: no hydration; water; and isotonic drinks. The examination was di-vided into two main stages. The first stage was a preliminary study that included medical exami-nations, measurements of somatic indices, and exercise tests. The exercise test was performed on a cycle ergometers. Their results were used to determine individual relative loads for the main part of the experiment. In the second stage, the main study was conducted, involving three series of weekly experimental tests using a cross-over design. The change in plasma volume (∆PV) measured im-mediately and one hour after the exercise test was significantly dependent on the hydration strategy (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). The mean values of oxidative status did not differ signifi-cantly between the hydration strategy used and the sequence in which the test was performed. Using isotonic drinks, due to the more efficient restoration of the body's water and electrolyte balance compared to water or no hydration, most effectively protects muscle cells from the negative effects of exercise, leading to heat stress of exogenous and endogenous origin.

Women with preeclampsia exposed to air pollution during pregnancy: Relationship between oxidative stress and neonatal disease - Pilot study

Oxidative imbalance as a pathophysiological mechanism has been reported as an adverse outcome in pregnant women who develop preeclampsia and in their newborns. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests the same mechanism by which air pollutants may exert their toxic effects. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the biomarkers of oxidative stress and their relationship with neonatal disease in premature newborns from mothers with preeclampsia exposed to air pollution during pregnancy. The data of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10 and ozone) were collected at fixed monitoring stations. Oxidative and antioxidant status markers were obtained through special techniques in women with preeclampsia and in umbilical cord blood of their premature newborns. The oxidative stress markers were significantly higher in women with preeclampsia and their newborns who were exposed to higher levels of ambient air pollutants in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Neonatal diseases are associated with preeclampsia in pregnancies, specifically intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). A significant correlation was identified in the levels of prooxidant agents and antioxidant enzyme activity in the presence of neonatal diseases associated with preeclampsia. There is increased oxidative damage in both the maternal and fetal circulation in women who develop preeclampsia exposed to air pollution during pregnancy. Therefore, these pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia have a greater adverse outcome as neonatal disease in the preterm infant.

Chemical composition of the dietary supplement Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, and its effect on antioxidant status and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Herbal dietary supplements are widely used throughout the world with reports of their use among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present work aimed to provide a comprehensive depiction of the dietary supplement Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (in the form of aqueous extract of freeze-dried powder), and to determine its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with T2DM. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the dietary supplement were evaluated through a three-month long, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 158 newly diagnosed patients with T2DM. The dietary supplement consisted of phytoconstituents including loliolide, neophytadiene, palmitic acid methyl ester, among others. The absence of microorganisms was observed for a month at 40°C. In vitro antidiabetic assays revealed the inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzymes, and also the enhancement of glucose uptake in cells. Administration of C. grandis dietary supplement (500 mg/day) for three months was able to change variables from the baseline to the end of the intervention, in the test and placebo groups, as -3.25 ± 3.93 and 1.42 ± 4.84 U/L for glutathione reductase (p &lt; 0.001), 12.75 ± 33.35 and -1.45 ± 41.93 nmol/dL for malonaldehyde (p = 0.025), and 5.89 ± 11.49 and 0.46 ± 13.11 pg/mL for interleukin-6 (p = 0.002), respectively. The standardised dietary supplement showed antidiabetic activity in vitro. The clinical study revealed its promising commercial application as a dietary supplement, by improving antioxidant status and reducing inflammation in newly diagnosed patients with T2DM.

Combined effects of bee pollen supplementation and resistance training on aerobic capacity, muscular performance, antioxidant status, and bone metabolism markers in young men: A randomised controlled trial

Introduction: This study investigated the combined effects of bee pollen and resistance training on aerobic capacity, muscular performance, antioxidant status, and bone metabolism markers among young men. Methods: Forty young men were randomly assigned into four groups: sedentary control (C), bee pollen supplementation (BP), resistance training (RT), and combined bee pollen supplementation and resistance training (BPRT) groups. Bee pollen was consumed by participants in BP and BPRT groups (1500 mg daily for eight weeks). Resistance training was performed thrice per week for eight weeks in RT and BPRT groups. Participants’ anthropometry, aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscular peak torque (strength), and average power were measured. Concentrations of serum total antioxidant status (TAS), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (1CTP) were determined. Results: After eight weeks of intervention, there was a significant decrease in 1CTP in BP group. In RT group, significant increases were observed in both muscular strength and power. In BPRT group, significant increases in both muscular strength and power, and a significant decrease in 1CTP were observed after 8 weeks. There were no significant changes in aerobic capacity, serum TAS, SOD, and ALP in all the study groups. Conclusion: Resistance training using dumbbells and elastic bands seemed to elicit beneficial effects on muscular strength and power, while bee pollen supplementation alone reduced the level of bone resorption marker. In addition, combining bee pollen with resistance training seemed to offer additive benefit in muscular strength and power.

Evaluation of Pro/Antioxidant Imbalance in Blood of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Determination of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma Values.

We investigated selected pro/antioxidant parameters in a group of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) divided according to age, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (Quicki). We chose oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL-C) as a marker of oxidative stress and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) as a marker of antioxidant status. In women with PCOS, the values of BMI, WHR, age and concentration of glucose significantly affected oxLDL-C concentration and FRAP values. FRAP correlated with oxLDL-C level in the whole group and in women who were insulin sensitive (HOMA-IR < 2.0). There was a negative relationship between the concentration of Anti-Müllerian hormone and both oxLDL-C and FRAP. Furthermore, the value of FRAP was inversely correlated with luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and androstenedione, whereas it was positively correlated with the LH/FSH ratio. The concentration of oxLDL and the value of FRAP are significantly associated with selected metabolic and hormonal parameters in the course of PCOS.

Saffron reduces some inflammation and oxidative stress markers in donepezil-treated mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's Disease patients: A randomized double-blind placebo-control trial

BackgroundMounting evidence indicates the possible positive effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This study assessed the effects of saffron on cognitive outcomes and circulatory markers in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. MethodsSixty adults with mild-to-moderate AD were found eligible to take part in a 12-week, randomized double-blind placebo-control clinical trial with a parallel-group design. Volunteers were randomized to receive donepezil plus either saffron capsule at 15 mg/twice a day dose or placebo (n = 30 each). The main outcomes of this study were the changes in the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score, serum inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and serum antioxidant and oxidative stress status markers (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)). ResultsMMSE score of the patients in the saffron group was not significantly different from the placebo group (p = 0.303). When compared to the placebo treatment, saffron administration significantly decreased IL-1β (p = 0.036) and MDA (p = 0.021) levels and increased TAC (p = 0.032) in the serum sample of mild-to-moderate AD patients. ConclusionThis study showed no additional effects of saffron supplementation on cognitive outcomes in donepezil-treated mild-to-moderate AD patients; however, patients in the saffron group had improved inflammatory, antioxidant, and oxidative stress profiles compared with the placebo group, which may prove the beneficial effects of the additive on circulatory markers in AD patients.

Effects of nature identical essential oils (carvacrol, thymol and cinnamaldehyde) on growth performance of piglets and non-invasive markers of antioxidant status and calprotectin release

The post-weaning phase is one of the most critical periods in pig production due to many stress factors that may negatively affect the response of the immune system and lead to intestinal gut dysfunction in pigs. The use of products of natural or synthetic origin could support the animals’ health in this stressful situation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nature identical essential oils (SEOs; carvacrol, thymol and cinnamaldehyde) added to post-weaning piglets’ diet on growth performance, fecal antioxidant status and calprotectin (CALP) release. At weaning, a total of 72 crossbred piglets were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: a control group fed with the basal diet (CTR) and treatment groups fed with the basal diet with either a low dosage of SEOs (T1, 50 ppm) or a high dosage of the product SEOs (T2, 100 ppm). The body weight (BW) was measured at 0, 14 and 42 days, and the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed efficiency (FE) were calculated at the end. From fecal samples, we measured the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), by FRAP and ABTS assays, and the CALP release. The ADG was higher in the treated groups (p < 0.05), although there was no significant effect of a treatment x time interaction. No significant differences were detected between the groups for BW, ADFI and FE. As for the antioxidant activity, the FRAP after SEOs administration showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction at the end of the trial, probably due to an accumulation of a complex mixture of antioxidant compounds and a consequent underestimation of the antioxidant capacity. Calprotectin, a marker of gut inflammation, decreased in the SEOs-treated groups with a significant (p < 0.05) time effect after 42 days. The results of this study demonstrate that the use of a natural extract can improve some parameters of growth performance and gut health.

Evaluation of antioxidant status and oxidative stress markers in HTLV-1 infected individuals: correlation with the severity of virus-induced complications.

Introduction. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a well-known member of the retroviridae family, potentially causes serious outcomes including adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM-TSP). Oxidative stress plays a key role in progression and clinical exacerbation of several chronic infections. We have previously shown a reduction in serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) during HTLV-1 infection and this study was set out to investigate the reasons for TAC reduction.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance during HTLV-1 infection may result from disruptions in oxidant levels or antioxidant defence system.Aim. This study aimed to analyse the key enzymes and oxidant molecules playing important roles in virus-induced oxidative stress.Methodology. We measured serum activities of the major antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) as well as serum concentrations of the main oxidant markers: nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Totally 40 HTLV-1 infected patients and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The patient group consisted of chronic carriers and patients with HAM-TSP (N=20).Results. The current study found that serum levels of MDA and NO were significantly higher in patient groups particularly in HAM-TSP patients (P<0.05). In addition, a reductive trend was observed in the serum activities of CAT, SOD, and GPX in HTLV-1 infected patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.05).Conclusion. Reduced activities of CAT, SOD, and GPX antioxidant enzymes along with the observed elevated concentrations of oxidant molecules may contribute to oxidative stress and worse outcomes during HTLV-1 infection.

The protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine against selenium toxicity and gamma irradiation in rats

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a nutritional supplement and greatly applied as an antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the metabolic and antioxidant protective effect of NAC against selenium (Se) toxicity and gamma irradiation in rats by measuring biochemical and molecular parameters. This study was conducted on sixty rats divided into six equal different groups; control, NAC, Rad, Se, Rad + NAC, and Se + NAC groups. Oxidative/nitrosative makers (LPO, NO, and NOS), antioxidants status markers (GSH, GPx, and SOD), liver metabolic markers (LDH, SDH, and ATP), and plasma metabolic markers (Glucose, total cholesterol, and total proteins) were measured using commercial colorimetric kits while plasma corticosterone concentration was measured using commercial ELISA kit. Also, Levels of NR3C1 and Glut-2 genes expression using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were done. Our results revealed that Se toxicity and gamma irradiation induced significant increases in oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and a significant decrease in antioxidant status markers in the liver and adrenal tissues. Moreover, metabolic disorders were recorded as manifested by elevation of plasma ALT, Albumin, glucose and cholesterol, and decrease in protein levels associated with a significant increase in corticosterone concentration. This was also accompanied by a significant decrease in SDH activity and ATP production in the hepatic tissue. Molecular analysis showed a marked increase in NR3C1 mRNA and decrease in Glut-2 mRNA in liver tissue. However, NAC supplementation attenuated the changes induced by these toxins. Finally, we could conclude that, oral supplementation of NAC can modulate the metabolic disturbances and has protective effects in rats exposed to Se toxicity and gamma irradiation.