Measuring Plasma Malondialdehyde Research Articles

An array of occupationally exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and light at night on melatonin and related oxidative stress in human subjects

During one decade, an increasing percentage of world population has to be attributed to an array of environmental, health and lifestyle factors. The potential effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) emitted from electrical and various electrical devices in the occupational environment and light at night (LAN) to elicit biological response are a major concern for the public and scientists. Controversial genetic and oxidative stress effects have been reported by these polluted environments. Hence this study was undertaken with a purpose to evaluate melatonin hormone and oxidative stress markers in exposure workers along with cumulative effects of smoking and drinking. The study subjects (n=342) included night shift workers for more than 2 years with age, gender, socioeconomic status matched non-exposure controls (n=150). Self-reported symptoms were sought using questionnaire. Plasma Melatonin was evaluated using radioimmuno assay. Oxidative stress was estimated by measuring plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), serum nitric oxide (NO) and erythrocyte catalase levels. When the data of exposed subjects was analyzed, a significant decrease in melatonin levels was observed. Plasma MDA levels demonstrated a significant increase in one sub-group. The serum NO levels and erythrocyte catalase levels shows a significant increase. The cumulative effect of a chemical agent or environmental pollutant could be a possible contributor in enhancing the adverse effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. Certain caution is necessary.

PENGARUH KOMBINASI EKSTRAK JERUK BRASTAGI DAN WORTEL PER ORAL SEBELUM AKTIVITAS FISIK TERHADAP PENURUNAN KADAR MDA PLASMA MENCIT SETELAH AKTIVITAS FISIK

Aerobic metabolism at the cellular level generates free radicals. Under normal conditions, there’s a balance between free radicals and endogenous antioxidants. An excessive amount of free radicals impair DNA, protein, fat, etc. The level of free radicals can be known by measuring plasma malondialdehyde level. Combination of Brastagi’s oranges and carrots juice as exogenous antioxidants supplementation expected to decrease free radicals level. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference of plasma MDA level during several time intervals on mice which are given and not given a combination of Brastagi’s oranges and carrots juice before physical activity using mice’s treadmill for 20 minutes. The research method used in this study is an experimental laboratory study. The objects of this study are 40 mice (mus musculus), white-colored, male, weighting 25-30 grams, which is randomly chosen. The objects are divided into 2 groups, Group A: 20 mice (given a combination of Brastagi’s oranges and carrots juice before physical activity using mice’s treadmill) and group B: 20 mice (not given a combination of Brastagi’s oranges and carrots juice before physical activity using mice’s treadmill). Group A is divided into 5 subgroups: A1 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 0 minutes after treadmill), A2 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 15 minutes after treadmill), and A3 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 30 minutes after treadmill), A4 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 60 minutes after treadmill), and A5 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 240 minutes after treadmill). The same procedures are employed for group B. Plasma MDA level measured after doing a physical activity using mice treadmill. The homogeneity of the result then was tested using Levene’s test and the normality of the result was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p>0.05). Further, the data were analyzed using an independent t-test (p≤0.05), one-way ANOVA (p≤0.05) then Duncan’s test were used. The results reveal significant lowering plasma MDA concentration in mice receiving a combination of Brastagi’s oranges and carrots juice before physical activity, which is measured during several time intervals: 0,15,30,60, and 240 minutes after physical activity than in mice not receiving a combination of Brastagi’s oranges and carrots juice before physical activity. The MDA level differences between groups that are given and not given combination of Brastagi’s orange and carrots juice before physical activity measured during several intervals are 11,44% (0,8920 vs 1,0071) measured 0 minutes after physical activity, 15,47% (0,7902 vs 0,9348) measured 15 minutes after physical activity, 14,42% (0,7473 vs 0,8732) measured 30 minutes after physical activity, 11,35% (0,6696 vs 0,7554) measured 60 minutes after physical activity, and 13,60% (0,5786 vs 0,6696) measured 240 minutes after physical activity.The conclusion of the study suggested that a combination of Brastagi’s orange and carrots juice supplementation has a lowering effect toward plasma MDA level measured during several time intervals.

Relationship between central obesity and oxidative stress in premenopausal versus postmenopausal women

Background: endocrine changes in midlife women produce an increase in central obesity and oxidative stress, thus it is possible that obese postmenopausal women exhibit a higher oxidative stress than premenopausal women. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between central obesity and oxidative stress in premenopausal compared with postmenopausal women using different indices. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study that included 237 pre- and 255 post-menopausal women (40-60 years old). As oxidative stress markers we measured plasma malondialdehyde and serum uric acid levels, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total plasma antioxidant status. We also measured height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences, and we calculated body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Results: we found over 30% of women within the obesity range, whereas 50% were placed in the overweight category in both groups. Plasma malondialdehyde and serum uric acid levels were higher in women with overweight or obesity than in women with normal weight regardless of menopausal status. We found a positive correlation between WHtR and malondialdehyde level (r = 0.298, p < 0.0001) and serum uric acid level (r = 0.263, p < 0.0001), and a negative correlation with erythrocyte GPx activity (r = -0.148, p < 0.01). If we use a WHtR > 0.6, malondialdehyde and uric acid levels increase regardless of menopausal status. The other indices measured did not show any relationship. Conclusion: our findings suggest that there is an association between central obesity, as measured with WHtR, and increased oxidative stress regardless of menopausal status.

Effect of Cisplatin on Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rat and Possible Protective Role of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor versus Citrullus Lanatus Juice: A Histological Study

Background: Cisplatin has a major antitumor effect against a broad range of solid tumors. Yet, its clinical use is limited by its harmful effects especially on the nervous system.Aim of the work: Assessment of the effect of cisplatin on histological structure of cerebellar cortex and the possible protective role of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) versus citrullus lanatus juice. Materials and methods: Forty adult male albino rats were assigned to a group of four: Control group, group I: received cisplatin (10 mg/kg) on the 6th and 13th days of the study via intraperitoneal (IP) injection, group II: received G-CSF (50 µg/kg) for five consecutive days via subcutaneous injection then received as group I, group III: received cisplatin as group I as well as citrullus lanatus juice (4 ml/kg) daily for 16 days via oral gavage. Blood samples were taken to measure plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Cerebellar biopsies were processed for light microscopy using H&E and immunohistochemical stains (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) & caspase-3) as well as for electron microscopy. Morphometric and statistical studies were done for number of Purkinje cells, thickness of granular layer, area percent of GFAP positive cells and optical density of caspase-3 positive cells.Results: Group I showed significantly high MDA and significantly low GSH levels, shrinkage, distortion, deep staining of disarranged Purkinje cells with nuclear pyknosis, swollen mitochondria with destroyed cristae and dilated Golgi apparatus. Separated granule cells were shrunken with dark irregular nuclei. Results were confirmed by morphometric and statistical studies. These changes were ameliorated in both group II and III with great extent in group II than in group III. Conclusion: G-CSF could improve cisplatin induced cerebellar cortical changes better than citrullus lanatus juice.

Association between hot flashes severity and oxidative stress among Mexican postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional study.

ObjectiveTo assess the association between hot flashes (HFs) severity and oxidative stress (OS) in Mexican postmenopausal women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with perimenopausal women aged 40–59 years community-dwelling from Mexico City, Mexico. They participated in Menopause and Oxidative Stress Project. The baseline sample consisted of 476 women recruited to participate; 161 women were excluded due to different reasons. Hence, 315 women were selected to establish two groups, a) 145 premenopausal women (yet with menstrual bleeding), and b) 170 postmenopausal women (without menses). All women were free of cardiovascular, kidney, hepatic or cancer disease, and without antioxidant supplement intake for at least six months prior to the beginning of the study; none had previously received hormone therapy. As OS markers, we measured plasma malondialdehyde using the TBARS assay, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid, and total antioxidant status; also, we calculated SOD/GPx ratio, antioxidant gap and an oxidative stress score ranging from 0 to 7. The HFs were evaluated using the Menopause Rating Scale. The women completed Spanish version of the Athens Insomnia Scale, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and a questionnaire of pro-oxidant factors.ResultsStress score increased with HFs severity (mild 2.7±0.17, moderate 2.9±0.20 and severe 3.7±0.20, p = 0.001) in postmenopausal women. We observed a positive correlation between HFs severity and stress score, r = 0.247 (p = 0.001) in postmenopausal women; other test scores were not correlated. Severe HFs were a risk factor for OS (OR = 5.12, 95%CI: 1.99–13.17, p<0.05) in an adjusted multivariate analysis by different postmenopausal symptoms and pro-oxidant factors; we did not see any association in premenopausal women.ConclusionOur findings suggest an association between HFs severity and OS in Mexican postmenopausal women.

Antioxidatant Effect of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in Hyperlipidemic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk for the development of atherosclerosis leading to cardiovascular complications. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are two widely used important members of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statins). The beneficial effects of statins on clinical events also involve lipid-independent mechanisms which include improvement of oxidative stress status.&#x0D; Objective: To compare the antioxidative effect of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in patients with hyperlipidemia.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized single-center analytic study was carried out in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from March 2016 to August 2017 on 52 hyperlipidemic patients. After randomization patients were assigned to atorvastatin 10 mg or rosuvastatin 5 mg daily for 8 weeks. Blood was collected at baseline and after the intervention to measure plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) (as biomarkers of oxidative stress) and serum lipid profile.&#x0D; Results: The baseline characteristics of patients treated with atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were almost identical. The level of plasma MDA in atorvastatin (1.35 ± 0.94 to 0.97± 0.64) and rosuvastatin (1.56±0.69 to 0.98±0.38) group was significantly reduced after intervention (28.15%, p&lt;0.05 and 37.18%, p&lt;0.001 respectively) but no statistically significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was observed between the two statin-treated groups. Erythrocyte GSH level was increased after intervention in both atorvastatin (2.43±2.90 to 4.14 ± 4.87) group (70.37%, p&lt;0.01) and rosuvastatin (2.76±3.80 to 8.36±12.93) group (202.90%, p&lt;0.01), which was statistically significant. No significant difference was observed between the two groups (p&gt;0.05). Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin significantly improved serum lipid profile.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin significantly improved oxidative stress status in hyperlipidemic patients but no significant change was observed between the two statin-treated groups.&#x0D; Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.14(1) 2018: 54-58

Lactobacillus bulgaricus improves antioxidant capacity of black garlic in the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomized control trial.

Objectives: Lactobacillus bulgaricus may improve antioxidant capacity of black garlic in the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods: Black garlic was prepared with or without L. bulgaricus. Volatile and polysaccharides were analyzed by using LC-MS, Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The study design was parallel randomized controlled trial and 226 GDM patients were randomly assigned into BG (black garlic and L. bulgaricus) and CG (black garlic) groups, and allocation ratio was 1:1. The treatment duration was 40 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 1- and 2-h blood glucose (1hBG and 2hBG) after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were detected. Antioxidant function of black garlic was determined by measuring plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in GDM patients. The comparison between two groups was made using two independent samples t test.Results: The intake of nutrients was similar between two groups (P>0.05). L. bulgaricus promoted the transformation of the glucopyranoside to glucofuranoside. L. bulgaricus increased the abilities of black garlic for scavenging hydroxyl radicals, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzenthiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS) and DPPH free radicals. L. bulgaricus reduced the levels of FBG, 1hBG and 2hBG, and incidence of perinatal complications (P<0.01). Plasma MDA level in the BG group was lower than in the CG group, whereas the levels of SOD, GSH-PX and T-AOC in the BG group were higher than in the CG group (P<0.01).Conclusions: L. bulgaricus improves antioxidant capacity of black garlic in the prevention of GDM.

Exposure to heavy metals alters the surface topology of alveolar macrophages and induces respiratory dysfunction among Indian metal arc-welders

Despite the available clinico-epidemiological evidence of heavy metal-associated respiratory health hazards among metal arc-welders, experimental confirmation of such an association is lacking. In this study, we recruited 15 metal arc-welders and 10 referent workers without direct exposure. We assessed respiratory health through a questionnaire and spirometry; estimated manganese, nickel and cadmium levels in blood, urine and induced sputum; performed differential counts of sputum leucocytes and measured plasma malondialdehyde (MDA). We used atomic force and scanning electron microscopy to assess the physical property of the alveolar macrophages (AMs) obtained from induced sputum and analysed cell surface deposition of heavy metals using energy dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX). Sputum cellular DNA damage was assessed by DNA-laddering assay. There was a higher body burden of manganese and nickel in the metal arc-welders than the referents. Among major spirometric indices, only the forced mid-expiratory flow rates (FEF25-75) were reduced in the welders compared with the referents (63.4 ± 14.7 vs. 89.2 ± 26.7, p < 0.01); this reduction was associated with both heavy metal levels (β: -41.8, 95% CI: -78.5% to -5.1%) and plasma MDA (-0.37; -0.68 to -0.06). In metal arc-welders, significant physical and morphological changes were observed in AMs through microscopic evaluation while EDX analyses demonstrated higher deposition of heavy metals on the AM cell surface than the referents. We also observed a higher degree of DNA damage in the sputum cells of the exposed workers than the referents. Heavy metal exposure-induced adverse respiratory effects among metal arc-welders are mediated through haematological and cytological interactions.

PENGARUH KOMBINASI EKSTRAK JERUK BRASTAGI DAN WORTEL PER ORAL SEBELUM AKTIVITAS FISIK TERHADAP PENURUNAN KADAR MDA PLASMA MENCIT SETELAH AKTIVITAS FISIK

Aerobic metabolism in the cellular level generates free radicals. Under normal condition,theres balance between free radicals and endogenous antioxidants. Excessive amount of freeradicals impair DNA, protein, fat, etc. The level of free radicals can be known by measuringplasma malondialdehyde level. Combination of Brastagis oranges and carrots juice asexogenous antioxidants supplementation expected to decrease free radicals level . The aim of thisstudy is to investigate the difference of plasma MDA level during several time intervals on micewhich is given and not given combination of Brastagis oranges and carrots juice before physicalactivity using mices treadmill for 20 minutes. The research method used in this study is anexperimental laboratory study. The objects of this study are 40 mice (mus musculus), whitecolored, male, weighting 25-30 grams, which is randomly chosen. The objects are divided into 2groups, Group A : 20 mice (given combination of Brastagis oranges and carrots juice beforephysical activity using mices treadmill) and group B : 20 mice (not given combination ofBrastagis oranges and carrots juice before physical activity using mices treadmill). Group Aare divided into 5 subgroups: A1 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 0 minute after treadmill),A2 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 15 minutes after treadmill), and A3 (measurement ofplasma MDA level at 30 minutes after treadmill), A4 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 60minutes after treadmill), and A5 (measurement of plasma MDA level at 240 minutes aftertreadmill). The same procedures are employed for the group B. Plasma MDA level measuredafter doing physical activity using mice treadmill. The homogenity of the result then was testedusing Levenes test and the normality of the result was tested using Kolmogorov-smirnov test (p&gt;0.05). Further, the data was analyzed using independent t-test (p?0.05), one-way ANOVA(p?0.05) then Duncans test were used. The results reveal significant lowering plasma MDAconcentration in mice receiving combination of Brastagis oranges and carrots juice beforephysical activity, which is measured during several time intervals : 0,15,30,60, and 240 minutesafter physical activity than in mice not receiving combination of Brastagis oranges and carrotsjuice before physical activity. The MDA level differences between groups which is given and notgiven combination of Brastagis orange and carrots juice before physical activity measuredduring several intervals are 11,44% (0,8920 vs 1,0071) measured 0 minute after physical activity,15,47% (0,7902 vs 0,9348) measured 15 minutes after physical activity, 14,42% (0,7473 vs0,8732) measured 30 minutes after physical activity, 11,35% (0,6696 vs 0,7554) measured 60minutes after physical activity, and 13,60% (0,5786 vs 0,6696) measured 240 minutes afterphysical activity.The conclusion of the study suggested that combination of Brastagis orange andcarrots juice supplementation has lowering effect toward plasma MDA level measured duringseveral time intervals.

Alteration of HDL functionality and PON1 activities in acute coronary syndrome patients

ObjectiveThe functionality of HDL has been suggested as an important factor in the prevention of cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases. The objective of the present study was to investigate the functionality of HDL and the factors that may affect the anti-atherogenic properties of HDL in ACS patients. Methods and resultsOne hundred healthy subjects and 205 ACS patients were recruited. HDL functionality was evaluated by measuring their capacity to mediate cholesterol efflux from J774 macrophages. Oxidative stress status was determined by measuring plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, and vitamin E levels by HPLC. The PON1 Q192R polymorphism status and PON1 paraoxonase and arylesterase activities of the healthy subjects and ACS patients were also determined. The HDL of ACS patients displayed a limited capacity to mediate cholesterol efflux, especially via the ABCA1-pathway. MDA (7.06±0.29μM) and protein carbonyl (9.29±0.26μM) levels were significantly higher in ACS patients than in healthy subjects (2.29±0.21μM and 3.07±0.17μM, respectively, p<0.0001), while α- and γ-tocopherol (vitamin E) levels in ACS patients were 8-fold (p<0.001) and 2-fold (p<0.05) lower than in healthy subjects. Paraoxonase, arylesterase and HDL-corrected PON1 activities (PON1 activity/HDL ratio) were significantly lower in ACS patients. Logistic regression analyses showed that high PON1 paraoxonase and arylesterase activities had a significant protective effect (OR=0.413, CI 0.289–0.590, p<0.001; OR=0.232 CI 0.107–0.499, p<0.001, respectively) even when adjusted for HDL level, age, BMI, and PON1 polymorphism. ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that the functionality of HDL is impaired in ACS patients and that the impairment may be due to oxidative stress and an alteration of PON1 activities.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Does Not Accelerate the Early Phase of Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy in Rats

BackgroundTwo-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx) is an established model for the study of liver regeneration after resection. This process is accompanied by oxidative stress.AimsIn our study, we tested the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea antioxidant, on the early phase of liver regeneration after PHx.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (I) laparotomy + water for intraperitoneal injections, (II) laparotomy + EGCG 50 mg/kg body weight, (III) PHx + water for injections, (IV) PHx + EGCG 20 mg/kg and (V) PHx + EGCG 50 mg/kg, for 3 consecutive days. The rats were killed 24 h after surgery. Biochemical analysis of rat sera was performed. Histological samples were stained with hematoxylin & eosin and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). In hepatectomized rats, we also measured plasma malondialdehyde, tissue malondialdehyde, glutathione and cytokines levels, the activity of caspases 3/7, expression of Nqo-1 and HO-1 genes at the mRNA level, and expression of p21, p-p27 and p-p53 genes at the protein level.ResultsWe observed lower accumulation of BrdU in group V when compared to groups III and IV. The activity of caspases 3/7 and expression of p-p53 were lower in group V than in groups III and IV. Tissue levels of IL-6 were lower in group V when compared to group III. Significant differences were not noted in other parameters.ConclusionsAdministration of EGCG did not stimulate early phase liver regeneration in rats after PHx. There was even lower DNA synthesis in the group treated with a high dose of EGCG.

Health risk assessment by measuring plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) and DNA strand breakage following metal exposure in foundry workers

Silica particles and metals are important occupational hazards in foundry workers, and exposure may result in DNA damage and lipid peroxidation through oxidative stress. This study aimed to compare oxidative damage by measuring the levels of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) and DNA strand breakage in workers at two foundry plants (exposure group) and in town hall employees (control group) in central Taiwan. Air samples for metals analysis in the workplace were also collected to assess the health risk to foundry workers. Significantly higher MDA levels (4.28 μM versus 1.64 μM), DNA strand breakage (6.63 versus 1.22), and 8-OH-dG levels (5.00 μg/g creatinine versus 1.84 μg/g creatinine) were found in exposure group compared with the control group. Higher levels of these parameters were also found in workers involved in manufacturing than in workers involved in administration. Higher air respirable dust concentrations were found in manufacturing departments (0.99 mg/m 3) than in administrative departments (0.34 mg/m 3). The health risk assessment on metals exposure showed that the cancer risk for Cd, Cr and Ni were all above 1 × 10 −6. Future studies are necessary to determine whether metals exposure can contribute to oxidative damage in foundry workers.

Oxidative damage and antioxidant status in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma of the cervix

Free radicals that induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage have been implicated in many diseases including cancer. Cellular antioxidant defense plays an important role in neoplastic disease to counteract oxidative damage. This study aims to investigate the status of oxidative damage by measuring plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and the level of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix. Urinary 8-OHdG was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. MDA and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry, respectively. Eighty patients with CIN and SCC of the cervix were recruited and compared with normal controls. Urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine ratio did not show any significant changes in any disease status studied as compared with controls (P=0.803). Plasma MDA was found to be increased in CIN and SCC patients when compared with controls (P=0.002). Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased (P=0.0001) whereas superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was decreased (P=0.019 and 0.0001, respectively) in both CIN and SCC patients when compared with controls. Urinary 8-OHdG may not be a good marker for enhanced oxidative stress in cervical cancer. Oxidative damage as demonstrated by the level of MDA is markedly increased in CIN and SCC patients with changes of enzymatic antioxidants observed.

The effect of different treatment modalities on oxidative stress in COPD

Oxidant/antioxidant interactions are known to be important processes in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to evaluate the effects of corticosteroids (CS), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on plasma oxidant/antioxidant levels in patients with COPD. This study utilised a single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group methodology. We enrolled 58 patients with stable COPD and 30 healthy controls with similar demographic profiles. The patients with COPD were randomly divided into three treatment groups. Group 1 received basal treatment (regular ipratropium bromide and beta-2 agonist as needed), placebo CS and placebo NAC. In addition to basal treatment, group 2 received oral CS (methylprednisolone 40 mg/day) and placebo NAC. Group 3 received basal treatment plus NAC (600 mg/day) and placebo CS. Each group received treatment for 15 days. We measured plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) at the start and the end of study. Post-treatment plasma MDA levels were significantly lowered only in group 2 (P=0.004). No significant differences were found with respect to erythrocyte SOD levels. This study demonstrates that oral CS, by aiding the oxidant/antioxidant system, may offer a new therapeutic option in COPD treatment.

Protective Effect of Soy Isoflavones and Activity Levels of Plasma Paraoxonase and Arylesterase in the Experimental Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Model

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by diffuse fatty infiltration in the liver and ballooning degeneration and inflammation in hepatocytes. We aimed to study the protective effect of soy isoflavones on experimental NASH and their effects on plasma paraoxanese and arylesterase levels in rats. Twenty-eight male rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (n=7) received an isocaloric normal diet for 8 weeks, Group 2 (n=7) was fed an isocaloric basal diet plus oral soy isoflavone for 8 weeks (100 mg/kg in diet), Group 3 (n=7) received a special diet that was methionine and choline deficient (MCD) and rich in fat for 8 weeks, and Group 4 (n=7) was fed a special diet that was MCD and rich in fat plus oral soy isoflavone for 8 weeks (100 mg/kg in diet). Blood samples were collected to measure plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), paraoxanese, and arylesterase and biochemical parameters. Tissue samples were duly taken for histopathological examination and measurement of tissue MDA levels. Plasma MDA levels were higher in Group 3 than in Groups 1, 2, and 4 (P <0.01, P <0.05, and P <0.05 respectively). Liver tissue MDA levels were also significantly higher in Group 3 compared to Groups 1, 2, and 4 (P <0.001, P <0.001, and P <0.05 respectively). A significant decrease was found in the plasma and liver tissue MDA levels in Group 4 compared to Group 3 (P <0.05 and P <0.05, respectively). The activity levels of plasma paraoxanase and arylesterase were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 3 (P <0.05 and P <0.01, respectively). Also, the plasma paraoxanase and arylesterase levels were significantly higher in Group 4 compared to Groups 1 and 3 (P <0.05 and P <0.01, respectively). A significant reduction was observed in Group 4 in steatosis, inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis compared to Group 3 (P <0.05 for each). We conclude that soy isoflavones seem to be effective in preventing liver damage by decreasing lipid peroxidation in the NASH model induced by a MCD diet. They stimulate and increase the activity of the antioxidative paraoxanase enyzme while decreasing the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Assessment of paraoxonase activity and lipid peroxidation levels in diabetic and senile subjects suffering from cataract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant effect of paraoxonase 1 activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of oxidative stress in patients suffering from cataract due to diabetes and aging. Design and methods: One hundred cataract patients (senile and diabetic) and age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Paraoxonase 1 and arylesterase activities in plasma samples were measured using paraoxon and phenylacetate as substrates, respectively. The magnitude of lipid peroxidation was established by measuring plasma MDA and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox LDL) levels. One-way ANOVA was employed for analysis of results. Results: We observed significantly lower plasma paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in senile and diabetic cataractous patients as compared to respective controls ( p < 0.001). Plasma MDA and ox LDL levels were found to be higher in patients suffering from cataract ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of present study suggest that the observed decrease in PON1 activity may be due to increase in oxidative stress. It can be concluded that lower paraoxonase activity could contribute to the higher risk of cataract formation.

Effects of Nasal Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Oxidative Stress in Patients With Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

To analyze whether nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces oxidative stress in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). Thirty-six patients with SAHS requiring nasal CPAP treatment and 10 controls in whom SAHS was ruled out were enrolled. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations to assess lipid peroxidation at the beginning of the study and then again after a mean (SD) of 2.9 (0.6) months of nasal CPAP. Plasma MDA concentrations were determined by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. We controlled for the following factors known to influence oxidative stress: age, sex, use of vitamin supplements, smoking habit, body mass index (kg/m2), ischemic cardiopathy, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. The mean age of patients with SAHS was 51.4 (9.9) years and the mean body mass index was 32.9 (5.3) kg/m2. Nasal CPAP was titrated to a mean pressure of 8.9 (3.4) cm H2O. The mean score on the Epworth sleepiness scale was 10.2 (4.3) before treatment and 4.2 (2.8) after treatment (P<.001). The apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 43.7 (22.6) before treatment to 4 (3.5) after treatment (P<.001). Mean MDA concentrations in patients with SAHS were 2.0 (1.1) micromol/mL before treatment and decreased significantly to 1.6 (.07) micromol/mL after treatment, whereas MDA concentrations remained unchanged in control subjects. Nasal CPAP treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress in patients with SAHS in our study.

Various forms of homocysteine and oxidative status in the plasma of ischemic-stroke patients as compared to healthy controls

Objectives: We compared various forms of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) including total Hcy (tHcy), free reduced Hcy (reHcy), free oxidized Hcy (oxHcy) and reHcy plus oxHcy between patients with acute/subacute-ischemic stroke and healthy controls. We also investigated whether the patients have increased oxidative stress. Design and methods: Using an in-tube derivatization method, we measured plasma levels of tHcy, reHcy and oxHcy in 55 ischemic-stroke patients (14 females and 41 males, median age 64) and 52 age-matched healthy subjects (15 females and 37 males, median age 60). We also measured plasma malondialdehyde (MDA, as lipid peroxidation marker) and oxygen-radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, as total antioxidant activity). Results: The plasma levels of reHcy and reHcy plus oxHcy and the ratio of reHcy to oxHcy were significantly higher in the patients than in the age-matched controls, whereas tHcy and oxHcy levels were not significantly different. The patients had a significantly higher level of MDA but a lower value of ORAC than that of controls. A significantly positive correlation was found in the levels of reHcy vs. MDA ( r = 0.19, P < 0.03), whereas significant negative correlations were found for reHcy vs. ORAC ( r = −0.30, P < 0.001) and free Hcy vs. ORAC ( r = −0.30, P < 0.001). Conclusions: reHcy and reHcy plus oxHcy Hcy, rather than tHcy, are significantly elevated in patients with acute/subacute ischemic stroke. The elevated reHcy along with elevated MDA level and lowered ORAC value in the plasma of the stroke patients indicates an imbalance of antioxidant–prooxidant status in acute ischemic stroke.

Persistencia del estrés oxidativo postrasplante cardíaco: estudio comparativo entre pacientes con trasplante cardíaco y con insuficiencia cardíaca crónica estable

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with oxidative stress. Heart transplantation, an important therapeutic alternative in these patients, could reduce oxidative stress by improving cardiac function. Our aim was to evaluate post-heart transplantation oxidative stress. We studied three experimental groups: a) heart transplant recipients without evidence of rejection (n = 11); b) NYHA class III CHF patients (n = 19), and c) healthy control subjects (n = 14). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring plasma malondialdehyde levels (MDA), and determining the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The demographic characteristics of the three groups were similar. Mean time from transplantation was 20.0 4.8 months. Mean MDA plasma levels in heart transplantation and CHF patients were significantly higher than in normal subjects (3.35 0.8; 3.27 1.7 y 0.9 0.3 microM, respectively). GSH-Px activity increased after transplantation compared to control subjects (0.40 0.06 and 0.33 0.05 U/g Hb, respectively), but not the CHF group. A significant decrease in SOD activity was found in the heart transplant vs. CHF group (0.44 0.1 vs. 0.87 0.6 U/mg Hb). There were no differences in CAT values between heart transplant and CHF patients. These findings demonstrated the presence of permanent oxidative stress in patients who have undergone heart transplantation, characterized by an increase in MDA and a decrease in SOD activity, despite an increase in GSH-Px activity.

Effect of thinner inhalation on lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzymes of people working with paint thinner

Paint thinner is a commonly used industrial solvent with considerable potential for abuse by inhalation. Paint thinner is taken into the body by inhalation or by contact with the skin. Paint thinner is oxidized gradually by cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase and consequently free radicals are produced. In the present study we measured plasma malondialdehyde (MDA, a product of lipid peroxidation) levels as an indicator of oxidative damage and activity levels of antioxidant enzymes gluthatione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes of a group of people (n = 18) working with paint thinner. The control group was composed of 18 healthy adults. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase in MDA (2.0+/-0.7 nmol ml(-1)) and GSH-Px (86.5+/-16.6 U g(-1) Hb) activity levels in people working with paint thinner compared with control subjects (MDA: 1.0+/-0.3 nmol ml(-1); GSH-Px: 53.9+/-14.5 U g(-1) Hb). Similarly, there was also an increase (p < 0.05) in the SOD levels (1079+/-214.6 U g(-1) Hb) of people working with paint thinner compared with controls (953.3+/-46.7 U g(-1) Hb). Based on our results, it can be concluded that paint thinner inhalation may increase lipid peroxidation and consequently induce antioxidant enzymes.