Blood Oxidative Stress Research Articles

Environmental Exposure to Metals, Parameters of Oxidative Stress in Blood and Prostate Cancer: Results from Two Cohorts.

We studied the potential role of exposure to various metal(oid)s (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb) in prostate cancer. Two cohorts were established: the Croatian cohort, consisting of 62 cases and 30 controls, and the Serbian cohort, consisting of 41 cases and 61 controls. Blood/serum samples were collected. Levels of investigated metal(oid)s, various parameters of oxidative stress, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were determined in collected samples. A comparison of the measured parameters between 103 prostate cancer patients and 91 control men from both Croatian and Serbian cohorts showed significantly higher blood Hg, SOD, and GPx levels and significantly lower serum SH levels in prostate cancer patients than in controls. Correlation analyses revealed the significant relationship between certain parameters of oxidative stress and the concentrations of the measured metal(loid)s, pointing to the possible role of metal(oid)-induced oxidative stress imbalance. Furthermore, a significant inverse relationship was found between the blood Pb and the serum PSA in prostate cancer patients, but when the model was adjusted for the impacts of remaining parameters, no significant association between the serum PSA and the measured parameters was found. The results of the overall study indicate a substantial contribution of the measured metal(loid)s to the imbalance of the oxidant/antioxidant system. Although somewhat conflicting, the results of the present study point to the possible role of investigated metal(oid)s in prostate cancer, especially for Hg, since the obtained relationship was observed for both cohorts, followed by the disturbances in oxidative stress status, which were found to be correlated with Hg levels. Nevertheless, further studies in larger cohorts are warranted to explain and confirm the obtained results.

Placental and Umbilical Cord Blood Oxidative Stress Level and Telomere Homeostasis in Early Onset Severe Preeclampsia.

Although the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) is unknown, evidence suggests that it may be associated with increased oxidative stress. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can affect DNA fragments called telomeres. However, the interactions of PE, oxidative stress, and telomere length are not clearly known. This study aims to evaluate the oxidative/anti-oxidative stress balance in the placenta and umbilical cord and examine the effect of oxidative stress on telomeres. Cord blood and placental samples were collected from 27 pregnant women with severe PE (280/7-336/7 gestational weeks) and 53 healthy pregnant women. Telomere length (TL) was measured by real-time PCR in the cord blood and placenta tissue. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured in the cord blood and placenta tissue using a colorimetric method. No significant differences were found between groups regarding age, BMI, gravida, parity, and newborn gender (p>0.05). Cord blood and placental TL of PE patients were significantly shorter than the control group, while cord blood and placental TAS and TOS levels were higher (p<0.05). The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the level of placental TOS in PE patients (OR=1.212, 95% CI=1.068-1.375) was an independent risk factor affecting PE. This study found that oxidative stress is an independent risk factor in the development of PE and shortens TL in both placental and umbilical cord blood. Future research on telomere homeostasis may offer a new perspective for the treatment of PE.

Short-Term Exposure of PM2.5 and Epigenetic Aging: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Epigenetic age (EA) is an emerging DNA methylation-based biomarker of biological aging, but whether EA is causally associated with short-term PM2.5 exposure remains unknown. We conducted a quasi-experimental study of 26 healthy adults to test whether short-term PM2.5 exposure accelerates seven EAs with three health examinations performed before, during, and after multiple PM2.5 pollution waves. Seven EAs were derived from the DNA methylation profiles of the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip from CD4+ T-helper cells. We found that an increase of 10 μg/m3 in the 0-24 h personal PM2.5 exposure prior to health examinations was associated with a 0.035, 0.035, 0.050, 0.055, 0.052, and 0.037-unit increase in the changes of z-scored DNA methylation age acceleration (AA,Horvath), AA (Hannum), AA (GrimAge), DunedinPoAm, mortality risk score (MS), and epiTOC, respectively (p-values < 0.05). The same increase in the 24-48 h average personal PM2.5 exposure yielded smaller effects but was still robustly associated with the changes in AA (GrimAge), DunedinPoAm, and MS. Such acute aging effects of PM2.5 were mediated by the changes in several circulating biomarkers, including EC-SOD and sCD40L, with up to ∼28% mediated proportions. Our findings demonstrated that short-term PM2.5 exposure could accelerate aging reflected by DNA methylation profiles via blood coagulation, oxidative stress, and systematic inflammation.

Assessment of blood mercury, immune response, heat shock and oxidative stress marker in free-ranging chicken (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from gold mining areas in Zamfara State, Nigeria

We investigated serum mercury, immune response, heat shock and oxidative stress marker in free-ranging chicken (Gallus Gallus domesticus) from Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) areas. Six groups were created from sixty free-ranging chickens (Gallus Gallus domesticus), three each from ASGM and non-ASGM areas. Immune response, heat shock and oxidative stress markers were analysed, and multivariate and univariate data analysis were used to discriminate the difference in the study group. Results revealed a significant increase in serum mercury (Hg) from chicken in ASGM areas. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), catalase and total antioxidant capacity significantly decreased, while lactic acid dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased in animals from ASGM areas. A unit increase in GPx and GSH significantly corresponds to a decrease in serum Hg by 0.001 μg/mL and 0.206 μg/mL, respectively. While a unit increase in MDA significantly corresponds to an increase in serum Hg level by 0.003 μg/mL. The activities of HSP-70, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly higher in the serum of chicken from ASGM areas. All significance at p < 0.05. ASGM activities result in mercury bioaccumulation with potential health effects caused by dysregulated immunity, heat shock and oxidative stress.

A multi-biomarker approach to assess the sublethal effects of settleable atmospheric particulate matter from an industrial area on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Iron and steel industries discharge a large amount of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) containing metals and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) that contaminate not only the air, but also settle into the aquatic environments. However, the effects of settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM) on aquatic fauna are still poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the sublethal effects of a short-term exposure to a realistic concentration of SePM on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using a multi-biomarker approach: relative ventricular mass (RVM) and heart function, blood oxidative stress, stress indicators, hemoglobin concentration, metallic NPs internalization, and metal bioaccumulation. Exposed fish exhibited reduced hemoglobin content and elevated plasma cortisol and glucose levels, reflecting stressed states. Furthermore, SePM caused blood oxidative stress increasing lipid and protein oxidation, decreasing glutathione levels, and inhibiting superoxide and glutathione reductase activities. SePM exposure also increased RVM and improved cardiac performance, increasing myocardial contractile force and rates of contraction and relaxation. In the heart tissue there was a significant accumulation of Fe > Zn > > Cr > Cu > Rb > Ni > V > Mn > Se > Mo > As. On the other hand, in the erythrocytes there was significant accumulation of Sn > Zn > > Cr > Ti > Mn = Ni > Nb > As > Bi. The highest bioaccumulation factors were found for Cr, Zn and Ni in both tissues. NPs (Ti, Sn, Al, Fe, Cu, Si, Zn) were also detected in ventricular myocardium of fish exposed and nanocrystallographic analysis revealed a predominance of anatase phase of TiO2-NP, which is regarded to be more cytotoxic. The association between blood oxidative stress and energy expenditure to sustain increased cardiac pumping capacity under stress condition suggests that SePM has negative impacts on fish physiological performance, threatening their survival, growth rate and/or population establishment.

Treadmill exercise training alleviates diabetes-induced depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment by improving hippocampal CA1 neurons injury in db/db mice

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have an increased risk of diabetic encephalopathy symptoms such as depressive-like behaviour and cognitive impairment. Exercise is an effective strategy for preventing and treating DM and diabetic complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of treadmill exercise training on diabetes-induced depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment in db/db mice. In this study, the mice were divided into three groups (n = 10 per group) as follows: healthy-sedentary (db/m), diabetes-sedentary (db/db), and diabetes-treadmill exercise training (db/db-TET). The db/db-TET mice were performed five days per week at a speed of 8 m/min for 60 min/day for 8 weeks, following which body weight, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, behavioral, synaptic ultrastructure, oxidative stress, apoptotic signaling, and inflammatory responses were evaluated. As a result, treadmill exercise training significantly decreased body weight and fasting blood glucose levels, increased insulin sensitivity, protected synaptic ultrastructure, reduced depression-like behavior, and improved learning and memory deficits in db/db mice. In addition, treadmill exercise training significantly suppressed NOX2-mediated oxidative stress, resulting in a decrease in NOX2-dependent ROS generation in the db/db mouse hippocampus CA1 region. Reduced ROS generation prevented the apoptotic signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby ameliorating hippocampus neuronal damage. In summary, the results indicated that treadmill exercise training significantly ameliorates hippocampus injury by suppressing oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, consequently ameliorating diabetes-induced depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment in db/db mice.

Oxidative Stress and Emergence of Psychosis.

Treatment and prevention strategies for schizophrenia require knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the psychotic transition. Increasing evidence suggests a redox imbalance in schizophrenia patients. This narrative review presents an overview of the scientific literature regarding blood oxidative stress markers’ evolution in the early stages of psychosis and chronic patients. Studies investigating peripheral levels of oxidative stress in schizophrenia patients, first episode of psychosis or UHR individuals were considered. A total of 76 peer-reviewed articles published from 1991 to 2022 on PubMed and EMBASE were included. Schizophrenia patients present with increased levels of oxidative damage to lipids in the blood, and decreased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants. Genetic studies provide evidence for altered antioxidant functions in patients. Antioxidant blood levels are decreased before psychosis onset and blood levels of oxidative stress correlate with symptoms severity in patients. Finally, adjunct treatment of antipsychotics with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine appears to be effective in schizophrenia patients. Further studies are required to assess its efficacy as a prevention strategy. Redox imbalance might contribute to the pathophysiology of emerging psychosis and could serve as a therapeutic target for preventive or adjunctive therapies, as well as biomarkers of disease progression.

Oxidative Stress as a Biomarker for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Introduction: Excess oxidative stress is generated by inflammation and cancer, and it is involved in the development and metastasis of colorectal cancer. However, there are few reports on the relationship between blood oxidative stress and prognosis. This study examined the usefulness of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), a measure of oxidative stress, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory marker, as prognostic markers in colorectal cancer. Methods: The study enrolled 163 patients who underwent colorectal cancer resection at our institution between 2013 and 2018. Blood samples were taken preoperatively to measure d-ROMs and NLR. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between d-ROMs and NLR, and Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with d-ROMs and NLR. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate disease-specific survival (DSS). Results: There was no correlation between d-ROMs and NLR. Tumor size was significantly associated with d-ROMs and NLR. DSS was significantly worse among patients with high d-ROMs or high NLR, although patients with high d-ROMs and high NLR had the worst DSS. In the multivariate analysis, distant metastasis and the high d-ROM/NLR combination were significant factors associated with DSS (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 22.880 and p = 0.049, HR = 2.391, respectively). Conclusion: Preoperative d-ROMs and NLR reflect the tumor size among patients with colorectal cancer. The combination of d-ROMs and NLR may effectively predict prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer.

Deciphering the lncRNA and mRNA profiles of Min pig backfat after acute cold stress

ABSTRACT Cold stress can promote fat metabolism and reduce fat deposition. The present study compared differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs in the subcutaneous back fat of Min pigs subjected to 24 h acute cold stress. Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify DE lncRNAs and mRNAs. A lncRNA mRNA co expression network was constructed using the confirmed lncRNAs. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to investigate the biological processes involved in the response to acute cold stress. A total of 166 DE lncRNAs and 269 DE mRNAs were found. Several genes such as ANGPTL4, KLF11 and NUPR1 were related to lipid metabolism. Interferon stimulating genes (ISGS) such as RSAD2, ISG20, ISG15, DDX60, MX2, MX1 and IFI6 were all significantly up-regulated. In addition, genes related to blood flow, respiration, and oxidative stress were also up-regulated. Many terms related to defense response to a virus were found in the GO annotation. A lncRNA mRNA co expression network comprising 46 specific mRNAs and the top 10 up-regulated DE lncRNAs was constructed. According to the results, the interaction between lncRNAs and mRNAs was complex. This study provides genome-wide gene and lncRNA expression profiles in adipose tissue of pigs after acute cold stress.

Cucumis melo Var. agrestis Naudin as a potent antidiabetic: Investigation via experimental methods

BackgroundThe present study reveals that the ethanolic extract of Cucumis melo var. agrestis (CMVA), can influence the activity of blood glucose level, insulin level, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in Alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic rats. MethodsWistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6), viz. Normal control (non-diabetic), diabetic control (alloxan induced), diabetic treated group (infused with doses 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w) of CMVA ethanolic extract, and standard treated diabetes (infused with pioglitazone 1 mg/kg b.w). Diabetes was induced by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg i.p). The ethanolic extract of CMVA was supplemented orally in different doses for 45 days. Biochemical investigations as well as histopathological examination were carried out accordingly. ResultsThe diabetic rats supplemented with CMVA significantly decreased blood glucose levels in a dose dependent manner (#p < 0.001). The plasma insulin level was found significantly increased in rats treated with CMVA. However, in CMVA treated group, the oxidative stress parameters (such as SOD, CAT, GSHpx and GSH) and lipid parameters were restored up to normal level (#p < 0.001). Histopathological studies showed that the microscopic architecture of pancreatic cells were improved in CMVA treated groups. ConclusionThe research illustrated that CMVA has potent antidiabetic as well as antioxidant activity along with hypolipidemic effect. Therefore, active phyto-compounds of the selected plants can be isolated and further formulation can be develop in near future.

A Preliminary Study on the Effects of Nitrite Exposure on Hematological Parameters, Oxidative Stress, and Immune-Related Responses in Pearl Gentian Grouper

Nitrite represents one of the most typical contaminants in aqueous species. The research was conducted to evaluate the impacts of nitrite exposure on the survival, gill morphology, hematological parameters, immune response, and meat flavor of pearl gentian grouper. The fish were exposed to 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L of nitrite for 96 h (note: N-0, N-5, N-10, and N-20 indicate nitrite concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L, respectively). The blood, gills, and muscles were collected from fish to determine hematological parameters, immune response, oxidative stress, and meat flavor after 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 96 h of exposure. The data showed that the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cortisol (COR), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and free amino acids (FAAs) contents were significantly increased, while the glutathione (GSH), immunoglobulin M (IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lysozyme (LZM) contents were remarkably declined in the N-20 group after 72 h of exposure. In gills, exposure to the higher concentrations of nitrite resulted in the proliferation and hypertrophy of epithelial cells of gill lamellae, as well as an increase in mucous cells. In addition, all fish in the N-10 and N-20 groups died after 96 h of exposure. Our findings suggested that exposure to higher concentrations of nitrite disrupted blood physiology and oxidative stress, leading to dysfunction in the pearl gentian grouper.

Potential benefits of dihydroartemisinin in suppression of dexamethasone induced osteoporosis, osteoclast formation and RANKL induced signaling pathways in adult female albino rat

Osteoporosis is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures. Fractures cause a considerable increase in mortality, disability, and morbidity incidence. Artemisia annua is a medicinal plant, used for long time in Asian countries and its active metabolite is Dihydroartemisinin (DHA). It is proven to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study is the first to investigate the role of different doses of DHA in treatment of Dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced osteoporosis. Thirty female Wister adult rats were divided into three groups for three months. Control and Dexa groups were both six in number. Dihydroartemisinin treated groups, eighteen in number, received intramuscular injection of Dexamethasone and intraperitoneal injection of DHA, then subdivided in three different groups according to DHA doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body wight). Blood level of Ca, P, calcitonin, alkaline and acid phosphatase, and Tissue MDA, GSH were estimated. Tibiae were stained with H&amp;E, Masson- Goldner, and immunological examination of β catenin and RANKL was done. Then, one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test, was used in order to compare groups, and P value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. A highest dose of DHA showed normalization of blood parameter and oxidative stress markers. Also, bone histology improvement, reduced RANKL and increased β catenin expression were recorded. Treatment with DHA has significantly improved the oxidative stress, biochemical parameters, and bone histology. Dihydroartemisinin might represent a novel approach for modulation of osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoid.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Ameliorates Acute Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Upregulating AMPKα1 Expression.

Acute renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury often occurs during kidney transplantation and other kidney surgeries, and the molecular mechanism involves oxidative stress. We hypothesized that ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a saponin derived from ginseng, would protect the renal tissue against acute renal I/R injury by upregulating 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) expression and inhibiting oxidative stress. The models of acute anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) damage in normal rat kidney epithelial cell lines (NRK-52E) and acute renal I/R injury in mice were constructed. The results revealed that pretreatment with 25 μM Rg1 significantly increased NRK-52E viability, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and apoptosis, suppressed reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative stress, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced mitochondria permeability transition pore openness, decreased adenosine monophosphate/adenosine triphosphate ratio, and upregulated the expression of AMPKα1, cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 2, NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 beta subcomplex subunit 8, and B-cell lymphoma 2, while downregulating BCL2-associated X protein expression. The effects of Rg1 pretreatment were similar to those of pAD/Flag-AMPKα1. After acute renal I/R injury, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, LDH activity, and oxidative stress in renal tissue significantly increased. Rg1 pretreatment upregulated AMPKα1 expression, which protects against acute renal I/R injury by maintaining renal function homeostasis, inhibiting oxidative stress, and reducing apoptosis. Compound C, a specific inhibitor of AMPK, reversed the effects of Rg1. In summary, Rg1 pretreatment upregulated AMPKα1 expression, inhibited oxidative stress, maintained mitochondrial function, improved energy metabolism, reduced apoptosis, and ultimately protected renal tissue against acute renal I/R injury.

Maternal Serum Vitamin E Levels and its Association with Cord Blood Telomere Length and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes.

Oxidative stress is one of the pathophysiological factors of pPROM and Vit. E being antioxidant may have preventive role. Study was conducted to estimate maternal serum vitamin E levels and cord blood oxidative stress markers in pPROM cases. This was a case-control study including 40 pPROM cases and 40 controls. Maternal serum vitamin E levels were measured at recruitment. Cord blood was collected at delivery for estimation of telomere length and mtDNA copy number as oxidative stress markers. Levels were compared using student's t test or Mann Whitney test. For correlation Pearson coefficient was used. Maternal serum vitamin E levels were normal in pPROM cases. Cord blood telomere length was more in pPROM than controls (428.99 ± 290.65 vs 322.35 ± 180.33) (p value 0.05). Cord blood mtDNA copy number was more in pPROM than controls (516.46 ± 443.55 vs 384.77 ± 328.27) (p value 0.13) though it was not significant. mtDNA copy number had negative correlation with Vit. E levels but it was statistically not significant (p value 0.49). There was no association of vitamin E levels with telomere length (p value 0.95). pPROM was not associated with vitamin E deficiency. There was insignificant oxidative stress in cord blood as measured by mtDNA copy number but cord blood telomere length measurement did not detect any oxidative stress in pPPROM cases.

GlaucoMag Study: Does Magnesium Improve Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)?

Introduction: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multi-factorial progressive optic neuropathy that results in gradual vision loss. Alongside an elevated intra ocular pressure (IOP), other factors influence the progression of retinal ganglion cells loss in POAG. Blood flow dysregulation and oxidative stress are believed to be important risk factors in the evolution of glaucomatous degenerative lesions. Magnesium is an essential cation for many reactions and enzyme activities in the human body. One of its crucial roles is vascular regulation and blood flow improvement by modifying endothelial function through endothelin (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) pathways. It is also considered as a neuro-protective molecule as it reduces the harmful effect of oxidative stress on retinal ganglion cells. Objective: the objective of this study is to assess the impact of daily intake of Magnesium on the stabilization of the glaucomatous damages on optic nerve. Methods: it is a nonrandomized monocentric clinical study. Patients having only POAG with an IOP values ≤ 19 mmHg and a visual acuity &gt; to 5/10 were included. All patients had a daily supplementation of Magnesium for a period of at least 6 months each. All patients were assessed before the start of the study (T0), after 3 months of treatments (T1) and after 6 months of treatments (T2). At each visit, patients were given a full eye examination including IOP measures, perimetry, RNFL and GCC using OCT. Results: 46 patients with a mean age of 54 years old and a mean IOP of 16 mmHg were included. At T1 and T2 the values of mean deviation have regressed compared to T0. The mean IOP have significantly lessened and the RNFL and GCC values on OCT were stabilized. Conclusion: daily supplementation of Magnesium in patients with POAG has shown to be of great help on reducing the rate of progression of glaucomatous functional damage, therefore improving visual function and patients’ quality of life.

Diabetic bone regeneration with nanoceria-tailored scaffolds by recapitulating cellular microenvironment: Activating integrin/TGF-β co-signaling of MSCs while relieving oxidative stress

Regenerating defective bone in patients with diabetes mellitus remains a significant challenge due to high blood glucose level and oxidative stress. Here we aim to tackle this issue by means of a drug- and cell-free scaffolding approach. We found the nanoceria decorated on various types of scaffolds (fibrous or 3D-printed one; named nCe-scaffold) could render a therapeutic surface that can recapitulate the microenvironment: modulating oxidative stress while offering a nanotopological cue to regenerating cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) recognized the nanoscale (tens of nm) topology of nCe-scaffolds, presenting highly upregulated curvature-sensing membrane protein, integrin set, and adhesion-related molecules. Osteogenic differentiation and mineralization were further significantly enhanced by the nCe-scaffolds. Of note, the stimulated osteogenic potential was identified to be through integrin-mediated TGF-β co-signaling activation. Such MSC-regulatory effects were proven in vivo by the accelerated bone formation in rat calvarium defect model. The nCe-scaffolds further exhibited profound enzymatic and catalytic potential, leading to effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species in vivo. When implanted in diabetic calvarium defect, nCe-scaffolds significantly enhanced early bone regeneration. We consider the currently-exploited nCe-scaffolds can be a promising drug- and cell-free therapeutic means to treat defective tissues like bone in diabetic conditions.

Cerebrolysin administration counteracts elevated oxidative stress in blood of patients with Parkinson’s disease

Effects of cerebrolysin (CBL) on prooxidant-antioxidant balance and oxidative stress (OS) developing in blood of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) were studied. Twenty patients with PD and 10 healthy persons (control) participated in this study. Clinical diagnosis of PD was established according UK Brain Bank Criteria; the grades of PD were II-III after Hoehn/Yahr. PD patients received therapy with CBL administration intravenously at dose 20 ml (61.5 mg/kg) per day along 10 days. As OS biomarkers, lipid peroxidation (from the formation of thiobarbituric acid – reactive substances, TBARS), H2O2 production, the activities of SOD, catalase, and GPx, as well as glutathione pool indexes were measured in blood plasma and erythrocytes. It was established a significant rise in TBARS in plasma and H2O2 contents in erythrocytes from patients with PD compared to control. These events were accompanied by an increase in the SOD and catalase activities in plasma and a decrease in GSH content and GPx activity in erythrocytes. CBL administration counteracts the TBARS accumulation, reduces hyperactivation of SOD and catalase in plasma compared with the CBL-untreated patients. In erythrocytes of PD patients, CBL injection caused the limitation of H2O2 production as well as promotion the GSH pool recovery through an increase in GSH level and GPx activity.

Effect of winter feeding frequency on growth performance, biochemical blood parameters, oxidative stress, and appetite-related genes in Takifugu rubripes.

Tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) is one of Asia's most economically valuable aquaculture species. However, winter production of this species in North China is limited by low water temperature and unavailability of high-quality feed, resulting in high mortality and low profitability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency (F1: one daily meal; F2: two daily meals; F3: four daily meals; F4: continuous diurnal feeding using a belt feeder) on the growth performance, plasma biochemistry, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, and expression of appetite-related genes in T. rubripes (initial weight: 266.80 ± 12.32g) cultured during winter (18.0 ± 1.0°C) for 60days. The results showed that fish in the F3 group had the highest final weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, and best feed conversion ratio. Additionally, daily feed intake increased significantly with increasing feeding frequency. The protein efficiency and lipid efficiency ratios of fish in the F3 group were significantly higher than those of fish in the other groups. Furthermore, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels increased with increasing feeding frequency, peaking in the F2 group and decreasing under higher feeding frequencies. The antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase) and digestive (trypsin, amylase, and lipase) enzyme activities of fish in the F1 group were significantly higher than those of fish in the F3 and F4 groups. Additionally, there was a decrease in orexin expression with increasing feeding frequency. In contrast, the expression levels of tachykinin, cholecystokinin, and leptin increased with increasing feeding frequency, peaking in the F4 group. Overall, the findings of this study indicated that a feeding frequency of four meals per day was optimal for improved growth performance of pufferfish juveniles cultured during winter.

Assessment of the Immune Response of Clinically Infected Calves to Cryptosporidium parvum Infection

Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) infection is one of the main causes of diarrhea in calves. The current study assessed the role of blood biomarkers (acute-phase proteins (APPs), procalcitonin, neopterin, cytokines, and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of calves naturally infected with C. parvum. Fifty-seven calves, aged from 10 to 45 days, were detected positive for C. parvum and were allotted into the diseased group; twenty healthy calves were selected as a control group. Serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, cytokines, neopterin, procalcitonin, and stress biomarkers were tested in the diseased and healthy groups. The serum levels of APPs, cytokines, neopterin, procalcitonin, and malondialdehyde increased, whereas antioxidant levels were significantly decreased in diseased calves compared to the healthy group. Moreover, all examined biomarkers were significantly altered towards normal values in infected calves following different treatment protocols. All biomarkers examined were highly effective in discriminating between C. parvum-infected calves and healthy individuals. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) showed that all tested parameters had a higher degree of prognostic accuracy in predicting the treatment response of calves naturally infected with C. parvum. Our data suggest the usefulness of the examined biomarkers in the immune pathogenesis of the C. parvum infection in calves, contributing to diagnosis and treatment efficacy.

P-131: Changes in the parameters of oxidative stress in blood of patients over 50 years old with multiple myeloma after participation in a 6-week health training cycle

P-131: Changes in the parameters of oxidative stress in blood of patients over 50 years old with multiple myeloma after participation in a 6-week health training cycle