Oral Antioxidant Research Articles

Computational design of rasagiline derivatives: Searching for enhanced antioxidant capability

AbstractA set of new rasagiline derivatives is presented. They were designed to be antioxidant compounds with the potential to be used for treating neurodegenerative disorders. They are expected to be multifunctional molecules that can help reduce oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. The CADMA‐Chem computational protocol was used to produce rasagiline derivatives and to evaluate their likeliness as oral drugs and antioxidants. Three of them were identified as the most promising ones. They are proposed to be better free radical scavengers than rasagiline. In addition, they are expected to keep the parent's molecule neuroprotective capability. Hopefully, the results presented here would promote further experimental and theoretical investigations on these compounds.

TMT-Based Proteomic Analysis of Human Spermatozoa from Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage Patients before and after Oral Antioxidant Treatment.

Recently, sperm quality and the presence of double-stranded breaks (DSB) has been pointed out as a possible cause of recurrent miscarriage, and the use of antioxidants has expanded as a treatment for male infertility. The aim of the present study was to analyze the proteomic effects of antioxidants on sperm from RM patients with high incidence of DSB. Proteomic analysis was performed using a tandem mass tag labeling technique, and subsequently compared with the PANTHER database for DEPs, and the STRING database for protein–protein interactions (PPI). Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) both before and after antioxidant oral treatment were identified. PPI involving DEPs clustered into networks related to cell metabolism, cytoskeleton, and DNA damage. Results show that the sperm proteomic profiles before and after antioxidant treatment do not significantly differ from each other. However, some DEPs found after the antioxidant treatment shifted towards a DEPs profile typical of fertile donors. This indirect measurement suggests an improvement caused by antioxidants on the expression of several proteins. Among them were proteins involved in sperm DNA remodeling (LMO7, MMP28, BNC2, H2B, and PRDM2). The results presented here represent the first approach in the analysis and repair of the proteomic change caused by antioxidants in recurrent miscarriage patients, elucidating biomarkers that may be useful for the diagnosis and further sperm selection in this type of patient. Further studies should be conducted to validate the usefulness of these biomarkers in larger study groups.

A randomized control trial of high-dose micronutrient-antioxidant supplementation in healthy persons with untreated HIV infection

Although micronutrient and antioxidant supplementation are widely used by persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a therapeutic role beyond recommended daily allowances (RDA) remains unproven. An oral high-dose micronutrient and antioxidant supplement (Treatment) was compared to an RDA supplement (Control) for time to progressive immunodeficiency or initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial. PLWH were recruited from Canadian HIV Trials Network sites, and followed quarterly for two years. Eligible participants were asymptomatic, antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve, HIV-seropositive adults with a CD4 T lymphocyte count (CD4 count) between 375-750 cells/μL. Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive Treatment or Control supplements. The primary outcome was a composite of time-to-first of confirmed CD4 count below 350 cells/μL, initiation of ART, AIDS-defining illness or death. Primary analysis was by intention-to-treat. Secondary outcomes included CD4 count trajectory from baseline to ART initiation or two years. A Data and Safety Monitoring Board reviewed the study for safety, recruitment and protocol adherence every six months. Of 171 enrolled participants: 66 (38.6%) experienced a primary outcome: 27 reached a CD4 count below 350 cells/μL, and 57 started ART. There was no significant difference in time-to-first outcome between groups (Hazard Ratio = 1.05; 95%CI: 0.65, 1.70), or in time to any component outcome. Using intent-to-treat censoring, mean annualized rates of CD4 count decline were -42.703 cells/μL and -79.763 cells/μL for Treatment and Control groups, with no statistical difference in the mean change between groups (-37.06 cells/μL/52 weeks, 95%CI: (-93.59, 19.47); p = 0.1993). Accrual was stopped at 171 of the 212 intended participants after an interim analysis for futility, although participant follow-up was completed. In ART-naïve PLWH, high-dose antioxidant, micronutrient supplementation compared to RDA supplementation had no significant effect on disease progression or ART initiation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00798772.

Improvement in sperm quality by oral antioxidant supplementation in infertile men with varicocele who have not undergone surgical repair: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether oral antioxidant supplementation improves sperm quality in men with infertility and varicocele (VCL) who have not undergone surgical repair. In men with infertility and VCL who had not undergone surgical repair oral antioxidant supplementation significantly increased sperm concentration (WMD +5.86 × 106 /ml 95% CI: +1.47 to +10.24, p < 0.01; random effects model, six studies, 213 patients), total motility (WMD + 3.76%, 95% CI: +0.18 to +7.34, p=0.04; random effects model, three studies, 93 patients), progressive motility (WMD + 6.38%, 95% CI: +3.04 to +9.71, p < 0.01; random effects model, three studies, 84 patients) and seminal volume (WMD +0.55 ml, 95%CI: +0.06 to +1.04, p=0.03; random effects model, four studies, 120 patients). On the other hand, no significance difference was observed in sperm morphology (WMD +3.89%, 95% CI: -0.14 to +7.92, p=0.06; random effects model, five studies, 187 patients). In conclusion, limited evidence suggests that the use of oral antioxidants in men with infertility and VCL, who have not undergone surgical repair improves their seminal volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility.

P-055 Evaluation of seminal plasma targeted metabolomics (amino acids) following untargeted antioxidant therapy in asthenozoospermia patients: A proposed approach for Personalized Medicine

Abstract Study question To evaluate amino acids profile of Seminal Plasma following untargeted antioxidant therapy in asthenozoospermia patients. Summary answer Random Antioxidant therapy in asthenozoospermia could alter seminal plasma amino acids profile,and any prescribed antioxidant therapy should be based on individual human seminal plasma profile. What is known already The mitochondria of Spermatozoa perform aerobic metabolism and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). When ROS production exceeds the antioxidant capacity of cells, they cause deleterious effects on sperm functions. Asthenozoospermia patient is defined based on 5th WHO (2010) as having normal morphology &amp;gt;4%, count &amp;gt;15 × 106/ ml, and motility&amp;lt; 32%. One of the important aspects of sperm functions that are affected by ROS is sperm motility. Oral antioxidants seem to be one of the latest trends in counteracting high ROS levels and improving sperm motility for this group of patients. Study design, size, duration Semen samples of asthenozoospermia patients (n = 51) with a mean age (36.3 ±6) were collected after 3 – 5 days of abstention. Routine antioxidant supplementation (Vitamin E 400 IU / day + Selenium 60 mg / day + Folic acid 5 mg / day) was prescribed daily for 3 months. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen analysis was done before and after antioxidant therapy. The seminal plasma amino acids profile was analyzed by using HILIC-LC-MS/MS. In detail, 34 amino acids were evaluated quantitatively before and after administrating supplementation. Main results and the role of chance In our study MetaboAnalyst, software was utilized for metabolomics investigations. The volcano plot appeared a noteworthy diminish in 12 amino acids after antioxidant treatment. The foremost noticeable decrease was seen in Beta-Aminoisobutyric and L-tryptophan as Improvers of sperm motility, also hydroxyproline which has to be present within the normal semen had a significant decrease after antioxidant therapy. Interestingly, after antioxidant treatment, only sperm count increased (163 × 106 ± 9) compared with the pre-treatment group (104 × 106 ± 6) but not sperm motility. Moreover based on the Enrichment Analysis information; Urea Cycle, Ammonia Recycling, and Aspartate Metabolism are the foremost prevailing cycles in asthenozoospermia patients. The literature recommends that the Urea cycle has a negative correlation with sperm count and Ammonia Recycling contains a negative relationship with sperm motility in infertile men. Our findings propose that the most important cause of sperm count increase after the mentioned treatment is suppression of the Urea cycle without having any effect on Ammonia Recycling to improve sperm motility, which was in contrast with our objectives. thereupon any prescribed antioxidant treatment ought to be based on individual human seminal plasma profiles and metabolomics pathways to have the desired result at the end. Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitations of this study are the exact patient selection and involving the pure asthenozoospermia patients in the study. Wider implications of the findings Knowing the exact etiology of each affected semen parameter and normal metabolomics of sperm and seminal plasma can prepare important data for personalized medicine and the administration of suitable interventions to improve sperm quality and male fertility status. Trial registration number not applicable

P1307: TESTING THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF B CELL LYMPHOMA

Background: Our group found that antioxidant supplementation of the diet – in doses that reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels – markedly accelerates progression and metastasis of malignant melanoma and lung cancer in mice. These findings can help explain the puzzling outcome of clinical trials with antioxidants and led to a heated debate about the safety of supplements for cancer patients. The findings, combined with those of dozens of clinical antioxidant trials, suggest that cancer patients and survivors should avoid antioxidant supplements. Although multiple other cancer types including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer has been found to respond similarly to antioxidants, little is known about the effects in hematologic malignancies. In the latter, high doses of VitC – that increase oxidative stress – have shown therapeutic effects in some studies, including in B cell lymphoma. However, other studies have raised doubts about high-dose VitC therapy. Thus, many questions remain about the impact of antioxidant administration for B cell lymphoma progression, in particular in ROS-lowering doses. Aims: Define the impact of antioxidant administration on B cell lymphoma cell proliferation and viability in vitro and on the progression and survival of lymphoma in vivo. Methods: For in vitro experiment, we performed analyses of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and ROS levels; RNA from cells following interventions was isolated for RNAseq analysis; real-time PCR was performed to confirm candidate genes; and ChIP-qPCR to study protein-DNA binding. For in vivo experiments, we used xenograft models by subcutaneous injection of human B lymphoma cell lines, and used λMYC mice as a model of endogenous B cell lymphoma (these mice harbor a mutant human MYC gene controlled by a reconstructed Igλ locus). In vivo antioxidants were administered both orally in the drinking water, and was injected in different doses and combinations. Results: The antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C (VitC), L-Cystein, and glutathione in doses that reduce ROS levels markedly reduced the viability of human B cell lymphoma cell lines in a MYC-dependent fashion. Intraperitoneal injections of NAC and VitC dose-dependently reduced tumor growth in xenograft experiments. Knockdown of MYC restored tumor growth in the presence of antioxidants and switching-on MYC expression in B cells rendered them sensitive to NAC and VitC. Molecular analyses revealed that antioxidants increased the binding of EGR1 to MYC and stimulated EGR1/MYC binding to apoptotic gene promotors—thus stimulating apoptosis. Intraperitoneal injections or life-long oral antioxidant administration reduced tumor growth and improved survival in λMYC transgenic mice. Summary/Conclusion: High MYC expression renders B lymphoma cells sensitive to therapy with common soluble antioxidants and indicates that this strategy might be useful—alone or in combination with lower doses of standard chemotherapy—in patients with MYC-driven lymphomas such as the diffuse large B cell variant.

Efficacy of oral and topical antioxidants in the prevention and management of oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

To evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidants in the prevention and management of oral mucositis in adults undergoing radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy with diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) compared to placebo intervention. Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral or topical antioxidants with placebo in clinically diagnosed HNC adult patients receiving radiotherapy with/without chemotherapy. The primary outcome was to assess the efficacy of the antioxidant to prevent and decrease the incidence/prevalence and severity of oral/oropharyngeal mucositis. The risk of bias was assessed following Cochrane's guidelines. The database search resulted in 203 records up to February 19, 2021. Thirteen RCTs were included with 650 HNC-diagnosed patients. Included studies showed a statistically significant improvement in mucositis severity score for all antioxidants except melatonin. However, further studies are needed as only one study reported outcomes for zinc, propolis, curcumin, and silymarin. Patients receiving vitamin E were 60% less likely to develop severe mucositis grade 2 or higher than those receiving placebo in one study (P = 0.040). Patients receiving zinc were 95% less likely to develop severe mucositis (grades 3-4) in one study compared to placebo (P = 0.031). One meta-analysis showed no statistical difference in the risk of having severe mucositis (grades 3-4) with 199 patients compared to placebo for honey (n = 2 studies, P = 0.403). Meta-analyses could not be conducted for zinc, propolis, curcumin, melatonin, silymarin, and selenium due to the lack of studies reporting similar outcomes for the same intervention. Though oral and topical antioxidants significantly improved mucositis severity scores in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy with/without chemotherapy in individual studies, the quality of the evidence was low due to the small number of studies and unclear/high-risk bias. Additionally, large RCTs are needed to confirm these results.

Antioxidants for male subfertility.

Antioxidants for male subfertility.

Microwave assisted synthesis of heterocyclic metal complexes and evaluation of their in vitro anticancer activity against oral cancer cells, antioxidant and molecular docking study

Heterocyclic complexes of Cr(III) and Fe(III) have been synthesized through condensation of succinic dihydrazide with 5-chloroindoline-2,3-dione in alcoholic medium by template method in 1:1:1 ratio using microwave irradiation technique. On the basis of physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques the geometry of the complexes are identified as octahedral. The synthesized complexes are screened for their bioactivity. In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated against HNSC cell line and antioxidant activity is done by DPPH assay method. In-silico study is done by molecular docking with EGFR tyrosine kinase. The results show that synthesized compounds have significant anticancer as well as antioxidant property.

EFFICACY OF ORAL AND TOPICAL ANTIOXIDANTS IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ORAL MUCOSITIS IN PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

<h3>Objectives</h3> The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidants in the prevention and management of oral mucositis in adults undergoing radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy with diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) compared with placebo intervention. <h3>Study Design</h3> The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE libraries were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral or topical antioxidants with placebo in clinically diagnosed adult patients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were included. Primary outcome was to assess the efficacy of the antioxidant to prevent and decrease the prevalence and severity of oral/oropharyngeal mucositis. Risk of bias was analyzed based on Cochrane's handbook. <h3>Results</h3> The initial search strategy yielded 202 unduplicated references up to February 5, 2020. Fourteen RCTs were included, with 647 adult patients diagnosed with HNC. Meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in mucositis severity score for all antioxidants except melatonin; however, further studies are needed because only 2 studies were available for propolis/honey and zinc, and only 1 study reported outcomes for curcumin, silymarin, and vitamin E. Patients receiving vitamin E had 60% less chance of developing severe mucositis Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 2 or higher in 1 study than those receiving placebo (<i>P</i> = .040). No statistically significant differences were found in incidence of severe mucositis or the number of patients requiring analgesics for melatonin, propolis/honey, aloe vera, or vitamin E in 1 trial. Owing to unclear or high risk of bias, the small total sample size of participants in each meta-analysis (<400), plus the small number of studies pooled, the quality of the evidence was low. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Though oral and topical antioxidants provided a significant improvement in mucositis severity scores, evidence was of low quality owing to the small number of studies and unclear or high risk of bias; additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effect of Pelargonium graveolens on Glucose Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The study aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic activity of Pelargonium graveolens. Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) (Geraniaceae) is a medicinal plant frequently used in traditional medicine in Morocco and Algeria as remedy against a multitude of illnesses. Interestingly, it is used in the Moroccan pharmacopeia for managing diabetes. The current study was carried out in order to assess the antihyperglycemic activity of P. graveolens in normal and streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats, as well as to evaluate the acute toxicity of the leaves aqueous extract of Pelargonium graveolens (PGLAE). The therapeutic effect of PGLAE at a dose of 40 mg/kg on blood glucose levels was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats after a single oral (6h) and a repeated (15 days) oral administration. The acute toxicity of the PGLAE was examined in accordance the OECD test guideline. Post-treatment, body weight, signs of toxicity, and/or mortality were observed for 14 days. Further assays such as the oral glucose tolerance test, histopathological examination and antioxidant activity was also performed according to standard protocols. Findings exhibited that both single and repeated oral doses of PGLAE (40 mg/kg) produced significant reduction of blood glucose levels in normal and diabetic rats. All treated animals survived and no apparent adverse effects were observed during the duration of the acute toxicity study. Importantly, oral LD50 of PGLAE was greater than 2000 mg/kg BW. Furthermore, a remarkable influence on glucose tolerance was also noticed after PGLAE treatment. Moreover, PGLAE was able to improve histopathological structure of liver and possesses a potential antioxidant effect in vitro. In conclusion, this study reports the antidiabetic effect of PGLAE in rats supporting then its traditional use for the management of diabetes.

Review on the role of antioxidant supplementation against oxidative stress: a human and animal approach to male fertility

Male infertility is one important factor among the multifactorial causes of couple infertility, being oxidative stress one of the main related sources. Sperm is a specialized cell extremely susceptible to stress. To understand and mitigate this event, many studies have used different antioxidants, orally or in vitro supplementation, trying to improve sperm quality and function. Considering the extensive available literature regarding approaches and attempts to solve male fertility issues, the aim of this review is evaluating the effects of antioxidant supplementation on sperm, in both humans and experimental models with animals. This review selected original data from PubMed. The keywords used were: antioxidant, sperm, male fertility, antioxidant supplementation, male infertility; and the term "rodents" was added to the descriptors “antioxidant” and “male fertility”. Only studies published in indexed journals, in English, between 2015 and 2019 were included. This review involves i) human sperm and ii) rodent sperm. For the human approach, the search retrieved 496 articles and 80 were included, among which 28 studies were of in vitro antioxidant supplementation, 19 involved oral antioxidant supplementation and the remaining 33 concerned quantification of oxidants and antioxidants already present in the seminal samples. For the rodent approach, 152 articles were retrieved and 52 were included: 3 of varicocele, 11 of diabetes, 10 of therapeutic drugs, 3 of physical exercise, 10 of environmental exposure and 3 of heat stress. The remaining studies involved oxidative stress status in experimental models. Antioxidants use for reproductive purposes is increasing in an attempt to achieve better gametes and embryos. Vitamins C, B and E, selenium and zinc are the most commonly used antioxidants, with remarkable evidences in improving pathophysiological seminal conditions.

Efficacy of combined antioxidant therapy in male subfertility-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Antioxidant therapy is a potentially promising approach to improve clinical outcomes for couples undergoing assisted reproduction techniques long-term. The review aims to (a) collate evidence for the effectiveness of combined oral antioxidant supplementation, including a head-to-head comparison in the treatment of male subfertility, and (b) investigate whether other intervention features, including duration, specific combinations, or dosage affect clinical outcomes in this population. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effectiveness of combined antioxidants on male subfertility, electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PSYCHINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched. We also searched for unpublished data and references of identified articles. Two reviewers screened eligible studies according to pre-defined criteria and relevant data extracted. The Jadad scale assessed the quality of studies. The study used RevMan version 5.4.1 Meta-analysis software to analyze the effect of combination antioxidants for each outcome measure. Metadata was presented as relative risks for dichotomous outcomes and as standardized mean differences (or mean differences) for continuous outcomes. The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to report available evidence of whether combination antioxidant is effective and safe in sub-fertile men undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Also, this review highlighted whether any specific oral antioxidant combinations, dosage, or duration of therapy have a major influence on the clinical outcomes.

Supplementation with açaí (Euterpe Oleracea Martius) for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: effects on perception, anxiety levels and oxidative metabolism biomarkers.

To investigate the effects of antioxidant supplementation with açaí extract on the discomfort with chronic tinnitus and the relationship with the levels of anxiety and oxidative metabolism, not excluding the overlap of diseases. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 30 individuals participated, with an average of 50.5 years, 14 males and 16 females, with normal hearing thresholds or sensorineural hearing loss up to mild degree, divided into two groups: Placebo Group (without active) and, Açaí Group (100mg of açaí extract). The following procedures were applied before and after three months of treatments: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and blood samples for evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers (Lipid Peroxidation and Protein Carbonylation). There was a reduction in the discomfort of tinnitus for the açaí group verified through THI (p = 0.006). Significant differences were found in the score of common symptoms for anxiety disorders in the placebo group (p = 0.016), however, the same was not observed for oxidative metabolism biomarkers, although there was a decrease in post-treatment values for all groups. Oral antioxidant supplementation, with açaí extract, showed favorable effects on tinnitus, reducing discomfort with the symptom, regardless of the underlying etiology, and can be considered a treatment modality. However, the effect of this supplementation on anxiety symptoms and oxidative stress biomarkers needs further investigation.

Effect of oral antioxidants on the progression of canine senile cataracts: a retrospective study.

BackgroundCataracts are the leading cause of impaired vision or blindness in dogs. There are many antioxidants that can prevent cataract progression, but whether they are clinically effective in dogs has not been established.ObjectivesTo analyze the delaying or preventing effect of oral antioxidants on canine senile cataracts through retrospective analysis.MethodsMedical records of dogs from January 1, 2015 to July 10, 2020 were reviewed. Dogs that were 8 yr of age or older with senile cataracts were included in this study. The dogs were divided into two treatment groups (dogs administered with Ocu-GLO supplement and dogs administered with Meni-One Eye R/C supplement) and a control group (dogs that were not administered any supplement). Dogs with incipient and immature cataracts were included in this study. Altogether, 112 dogs (156 eyes) with incipient cataracts and 60 dogs (77 eyes) with immature cataracts were included. The period of time that cataracts progressed from incipient to immature, and from immature to mature was recorded for each dog.ResultsThere was no significant delaying effect on the progression of incipient cataracts. However, both Ocu-GLO (hazard ratio = 0.265, p = 0.026) and Meni-One (hazard ratio = 0.246, p = 0.005) significantly delayed the progression of immature cataracts compared to the control group.ConclusionsAlthough there was no significant delaying effect of oral antioxidants on incipient cataract progression, antioxidants could be used to delay the progression of senile immature cataract.

Oxidative Stress and Varicocele-Associated Male Infertility.

Despite being regarded as one of the most common causes of male subfertility, the pathophysiology of varicocele remains largely unknown. Recently, oxidative stress (OS) is proposed to be the mediator in how varicocele may negatively impact fertility. The imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and seminal antioxidants results in damage to sperm DNA and lipid membrane. There is evidence demonstrating higher OS level in men with varicocele which is also positively correlated with clinical grading of varicocele. Moreover, a number of studies have revealed the negative correlation between OS and conventional semen parameters. Furthermore, various interventions have shown their potential in alleviating OS in men with varicocele-associated infertility. Although direct evidence on improving pregnancy rate is not available at the moment, varicocelectomy has demonstrated promising results in relieving OS. Oral antioxidants represent another option with a favourable safety profile. The supplement can be used alone or as adjunct to varicocelectomy. However, most of the studies are hampered by heterogenous dose regime and high-level evidence is lacking.

Duration of oral antioxidant therapy in male infertility with increased DNA damage: 3 month versus 6 month

Duration of oral antioxidant therapy in male infertility with increased DNA damage: 3 month versus 6 month

Black Turmeric and Aloe Vera in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Aim:To determine the therapeutic efficacy of Kali haldi in the management of Oral submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) v/s steroid therapy. Materials and Methods:A clinical prospective study was conducted on 42 patients of oral submucous fibrosis were equally divided into 2 groups. Group A patients were treated with a mixture of powdered Kali Haldi and aloe vera gel in equal ratio 3 times a day for 3 months. Group B patients were treated with intralesional injection of hydrocortisone and hyaluronidase for 6 weeks with oral antioxidant supplements for 3 months. Burning sensation, cheek flexibility, mouth opening, and tongue protrusion were evaluated before, during, and after treatment at an interval of 15 days, 1 month, 2, month and 3 months. Results:Statistically significant results were obtained at the end of 3 months duration for both the groups (P < 0.001). The Symptomatic correction was more evident in the case of Group A patients than Group B. Response of the ayurvedic regimen was potentially better as compared to the regular steroid therapy. Conclusion:The study concludes that Combination therapy works wonders in the case of OSMF in stages I, II, III and can be a good option, comparatively safe and with negligible side effects, but potent and equally effective management of oral submucous fibrosis. Henceforth, it will be better to do such kinds of studies on a vast scale including larger samples and longer duration to check the efficacy and durability of this ancient ayurvedic regimen.

Effects of antioxidants supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines in non-critically ill covid-19 patients

Rationale: Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Antioxidants are frequently prescribed for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. However, the clinical evidence is lacking1. This study investigated the effect of oral antioxidants on the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), and the general inflamatory biomarkers in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.

Oral vitamin C restores endothelial function during acute inflammation in young and older adults.

Oxidative stress has been linked to reductions in vascular function during acute inflammation in young adults; however, the effect of acute inflammation on vascular function with aging is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine if oral antioxidant administration eliminates vascular dysfunction during acute inflammation in young and older adults. Brachial flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured in nine young (3 male, 24 ± 4 yrs, 26.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) and 16 older (13 male, 64 ± 5 yrs, 25.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2) adults before and 2‐h after oral consumption of 2 g of vitamin C. The vitamin C protocol was completed at rest and 24 h after acute inflammation was induced via the typhoid vaccine. Venous blood samples were taken to measure markers of inflammation and vitamin C. Both interleukin‐6 (Δ+0.7 ± 1.8 pg/ml) and C‐reactive protein (Δ+1.9 ± 3.1 mg/L) were increased at 24 h following the vaccine (p < 0.01). There was no change in FMD or PWV following vitamin C administration at rest (p > 0.05). FMD was lower in all groups during acute inflammation (Δ‐1.4 ± 1.9%, p < 0.01), with no changes in PWV (Δ‐0.0 ± 0.9 m/s, p > 0.05). Vitamin C restored FMD back to initial values in young and older adults during acute inflammation (Δ+1.0 ± 1.8%, p < 0.01) with no change in inflammatory markers or PWV (p > 0.05). In conclusion, oral vitamin C restored endothelial function during acute inflammation in young and older adults, with no effect on aortic stiffness. The effect of vitamin C on endothelial function did not appear to be due to reductions in inflammatory markers. The exact mechanisms should be further investigated.