Oxidative Stress In Subjects Research Articles

Effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in subjects with and without the metabolic syndrome.

Beneficial effects of probiotics have been reported on body weight, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, inflammatory state and oxidative stress in healthy subjects and in many metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on inflammatory state and nitro-oxidative stress in patients with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The usual diets of the thirty-three subjects were supplemented with probiotic milk for 90 d. Inflammatory markers and oxidative measurements were performed. In relation to the baseline values, subjects in both groups showed a decrease in homocysteine (P=0·02 and P=0·03, respectively), hydroperoxides (P=0·02 and P=0·01, respectively) and IL-6 levels (P=0·02). Increases in adiponectin (P=0·04) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx, P=0·001) levels were only seen in the group with the MetS in relation to the baseline values, whereas only the individuals without the MetS had increases in total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter levels (P=0·002). In conclusion, B. lactis HN019 have several beneficial effects on inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in healthy subjects and the MetS patients. Patients with the MetS showed a specific improvement in adiponectin and NOx levels, whereas a specific favourable effect was shown in the antioxidant defenses in healthy subjects. If the results obtained in the present study are confirmed, supplementation of fermented milk with probiotics in healthy subjects and patients with the MetS must be further discussed.

The effects of Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture supplementation on blood glucose and oxidative stress in subjects with prediabetes or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

Background/ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with a Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture on blood glucose and oxidative stress levels.Subjects/MethodsThis randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The subjects were randomly assigned to either a group that ingested 40 g of a Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture (19.45 g each) daily or a group that received a placebo for 12 weeks. Paired t-test and independent t-test were performed for comparisons within groups and between groups, respectively.ResultsSupplementation with the Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture reduced the levels of fasting glucose (p < 0.001) and FFAs (p = 0.034), glucose at 60 min (p = 0.004), glucose (p = 0.006) areas under the response curve (AUC), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (p = 0.018), and the urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α) level (p = 0.028). The changes (Δ) in urinary 8-epi-PGF2α, glucose at 60 min, 120 min, and AUC, FFAs at 0 min and AUC were significantly different between the two groups. In addition, Δ glucose at 120 min (r = 0.472, p = 0.027) and the Δ glucose AUC (r = 0.572, p = 0.005) were positively correlated with △ plasma malondialdehyde in the test group.ConclusionsThe consumption of a Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture for 12 weeks was effective for reducing postprandial glucose and oxidative stress level, particularly 8-epi-PGF2α, in subjects with IFG, IGT, or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

The Impact of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Oxidative Stress in Subjects With Medication-Resistant Depression.

Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress is involved in the neurobiology of depression. We investigated the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on a novel oxidative stress marker, thiol-disulfide homeostasis, in subjects with medication-resistant major depression (MRD). Twenty-six subjects with MRD underwent 15 rTMS sessions. Sociodemographic and baseline and post-rTMS Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) data were collected. Serum levels of native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide and their pairwise ratios were measured in baseline and post-rTMS blood samples. Serum levels of native and total thiol were significantly decreased after rTMS treatment (P < 0.05). Serum levels of thiol-disulfide and their ratios did not significantly differ (P > 0.05) between rTMS treatment responders (>50% reduction in MADRS score, n = 11) and rTMS treatment nonresponders (n = 15). The percentage MADRS score changes did not correlate with the changes in the levels of serum thiol-disulfide from baseline to post-rTMS treatment in any subject (P > 0.05). Our results showed that rTMS treatment was effective in subjects with MRD and was associated with changes in serum thiol levels regardless of improvement in depression severity. Thus, the results did not support a possible therapeutic relationship between rTMS and thiol-disulfide homeostasis in subjects with MRD.

The effects of synbiotic supplementation on hormonal status, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundTo our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of synbiotic supplementation on hormonal status, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This research was done to assess the effects of synbiotic supplementation on hormonal status, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with PCOS.MethodsThis randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 subjects diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to take either synbiotic (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Endocrine, inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers were quantified at baseline and after the 12-week intervention.ResultsAfter the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, synbiotic supplementation significantly increased serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: + 19.8 ± 47.3 vs. in placebo group: + 0.5 ± 5.4 nmol/L, p = 0.01), plasma nitric oxide (NO) (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: + 5.5 ± 4.8 vs. in placebo group: + 0.3 ± 9.1 μmol/L, p = 0.006), and decreased modified Ferriman Gallwey (mF-G) scores (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: − 1.3 ± 2.5 vs. in placebo group: − 0.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.01) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (changes from baseline in synbiotic group: − 950.0 ± 2246.6 vs. in placebo group: + 335.3 ± 2466.9 ng/mL, p = 0.02). We did not observe any significant effect of synbiotic supplementation on other hormonal status and biomarkers of oxidative stress.ConclusionsOverall, synbiotic supplementation for 12 weeks in PCOS women had beneficial effects on SHBG, mFG scores, hs-CRP and NO levels, but did not affect other hormonal status and biomarkers of oxidative stress.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for registration of clinical trials (IRCT201509115623N53), on 2015–09-27.

Effects of 6-month treatment with the glucagon like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide on arterial stiffness, left ventricular myocardial deformation and oxidative stress in subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

BackgroundIncretin-based therapies are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. We investigated the changes in arterial stiffness and left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation after 6-month treatment with the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide in subjects with newly diagnosed T2DM.MethodsWe randomized 60 patients with newly diagnosed and treatment-naive T2DM to receive either liraglutide (n = 30) or metformin (n = 30) for 6 months. We measured at baseline and after 6-month treatment: (a) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) (b) LV longitudinal strain (GLS), and strain rate (GLSR), peak twisting (pTw), peak twisting velocity (pTwVel) and peak untwisting velocity (pUtwVel) using speckle tracking echocardiography. LV untwisting was calculated as the percentage difference between peak twisting and untwisting at MVO (%dpTw–UtwMVO), at peak (%dpTw–UtwPEF) and end of early LV diastolic filling (%dpTw–UtwEDF) (c) Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and percentage difference of FMD (FMD%) (d) malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCs) and NT-proBNP.ResultsAfter 6-months treatment, subjects that received liraglutide presented with a reduced PWV (11.8 ± 2.5 vs. 10.3 ± 3.3 m/s), MDA (0.92 [0.45–2.45] vs. 0.68 [0.43–2.08] nM/L) and NT-proBNP (p < 0.05) in parallel with an increase in GLS (− 15.4 ± 3 vs. − 16.6 ± 2.7), GLSR (0.77 ± 0.2 vs. 0.89 ± 0.2), pUtwVel (− 97 ± 49 vs. − 112 ± 52°, p < 0.05), %dpTw–UtwMVO (31 ± 10 vs. 40 ± 14), %dpTw–UtwPEF (43 ± 19 vs. 53 ± 22) and FMD% (8.9 ± 3 vs. 13.2 ± 6, p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences of the measured markers in subjects that received metformin except for an improvement in FMD. In all subjects, PCs levels at baseline were negatively related to the difference of GLS (r = − 0.53) post-treatment and the difference of MDA was associated with the difference of PWV (r = 0.52) (p < 0.05 for all associations) after 6-month treatment.ConclusionsSix-month treatment with liraglutide improves arterial stiffness, LV myocardial strain, LV twisting and untwisting and NT-proBNP by reducing oxidative stress in subjects with newly diagnosed T2DM.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03010683

Study of biochemical and oxidative stress markers in the first-degree relatives of persons with type 2 diabetes stratified by glucose tolerance test

Background and Aim: The present study has been attempted to compare the relative tolerance to glucose in first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients and estimate the anthropometric, biochemical parameters and markers of oxidative stress in subjects with the different degree of glucose tolerance. Methodology: The study consisted of 34 subjects aged between 20-45 years, with established family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were subjected to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Those without any family history of diabetes served as controls. Results: Out of the 34 subjects, 5 subjects exhibited high tolerance, 18 showed a moderate degree of glucose tolerance and 9 subjects were with low glucose tolerance. Only 2 subjects were categorized as highly intolerant after OGTT. In almost all subjects with glucose tolerance test, the peak plasma glucose level was recorded at 60 minutes after oral glucose administration. In the present study subjects, with a high degree of glucose intolerance showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride (171±9.8**) mg/dl and VLDL levels (34.2±1.9**) mg/dl. A significant increase in the TBARS levels (2.9±0.053**) µg/ml was recorded in subjects with a high degree of glucose intolerance. A corresponding decrease in the reduced glutathione (1.6±2.2) mg/ml and superoxide dismutase activity (0.7±0.08) units/min/mg protein was also recorded. Conclusion: The study revealed disturbance in the lipid parameters and antioxidant defenses in the first degree relative of diabetic patients even before the establishment of disease.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition involving the airways and characterized by airflow limitation. Gaseous and noxious particles play an important role in this process. Antioxidants are the substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. The increased oxidative stress in patients with COPD is the result of an increased burden of inhaled oxidants, as well as increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by various inflammatory, immune and epithelial cells of the airways. A total of 150 subjects with COPD and 100 healthy controls subjects were enrolled in this study from the period October 2015 to January 2016. The investigation included measurements of plasma superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione content (GSH) reduced form, (GPx) glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Absorbance was measured by UV spectrophotometer. The estimated values of SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH and GR were found to be significantly (P=0.0001) lower among the cases compared with controls. But, the levels of MDA were higher (P=0.0001) in cases as compared to control group and there was significant difference in the oxidative stress parameters among the various stages of COPD. The post hoc analysis revealed that SOD was significantly (P<0.01) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. The catalase was also observed to be significantly (P=0.01) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. The GPx was found to be significantly (P=0.002) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. MDA was observed to be significantly higher in mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe (P=0.001). GR was significantly (P=0.003) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. However, there was no significant difference in GSH among severity of COPD patients. This study suggests that oxidant and antioxidant imbalance plays an important role in various stages of severity of COPD. These results revealed the presence of an oxidative stress in subjects with COPD, and it is proportionate to the severity of disease.

Ground flaxseed increased nitric oxide levels in adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized comparative effectiveness study of supplemental flaxseed and psyllium fiber

Despite reported benefits of flaxseeds and psyllium, to our knowledge no studies have compared their effectiveness in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). While both psyllium and flaxseeds are plant-derived fibers, flaxseeds contain additional compounds associated with cardiovascular health including alpha linolenic acid, phytoestrogen lignans, vitamin E and carotenoids. The objectives were to determine primarily whether flaxseeds were more effective than psyllium at improving weight and cardiovascular health (glucose, lipids and blood pressure) and secondarily inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with T2D. We hypothesized, when matched for fiber mass content, daily supplementation with ground flaxseeds (28 g/d) would be more effective than ground psyllium fiber (9 g/d) for improving adiposity and glycemic regulation, serum lipids, blood pressure and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in participants with T2D. In this comparative effectiveness parallel-design study, adults (18-75y) with T2D were randomized to consume either supplement for 8 weeks with anthropometrics and blood samples collected at baseline and week 8. Flaxseed and psyllium reduced waist circumference (−2.8 ± 2.0 and −1.2 ± 2.4 cm, respectively; p = 0.002 within groups) and oxidized lipoproteins (−2.8 ± 4.2 and −0.1 ± 1.5 nM/L, respectively; p = 0.037 within groups) without affecting body mass, lipids, or blood pressure. Flaxseeds alone increased nitric oxide (+2.4 ± 3.3 vs −0.9 ± 2.7 nM/L; p = 0.044 between groups) suggesting flaxseeds may offer additional vasoprotection. Thus, fiber supplementation is an effective means to reduce waist circumference and oxidative stress in individuals with T2D. In addition, this study was the first to show that flaxseeds increase nitric oxide bioavailability in the vasculature of subjects with T2D.

Postprandial Clearance of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Patients with Stroke Due to Atherosclerosis

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) is a contributor to atherosclerosis development. OxLDL formation increases in the postprandial state due to oxidative stress in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes, but has not been studied in patients with atherosclerotic stroke. We aimed to determine differences in postprandial OxLDL in patients with atherosclerotic stroke compared to stroke from other causes. Patients with ischemic stroke but no history of CAD (n = 42) were enrolled and categorized by stroke subtype as extracranial atherosclerosis (EC), n = 12; intracranial atherosclerosis (IC), n = 16; or other cause, n = 14. After fasting overnight, subjects consumed a standardized fat meal. OxLDL levels were measured at t = 0 and t = 4 hours postprandial using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparisons between the mean changes in OxLDL between the groups were performed using the analysis of variance procedure. The IC group had the highest mean baseline level of OxLDL and the greatest decline during the postprandial period. There was a trend toward a difference in the mean change in OxLDL between the 3 groups (P = .0553). Subjects with atherosclerotic stroke (EC and IC groups) had higher fasting OxLDL and had a significant decline in OxLDL compared to those with stroke from other causes (P = .0164). Subjects with stroke due to atherosclerosis, particularly intracranially, demonstrated high fasting OxLDL and a decline in OxLDL during the postprandial period. This decline in OxLDL may indicate an accelerated clearance of OxLDL resulting from meal-induced oxidative stress.

Antioxidant Activity of Heracleum persicum Fruit Extract: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTOxidative stress is a unifying feature of several cardiometabolic risk factors, and has been suggested to be implicated in atherogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of supplementation with Heracleum persicum fruit—a common dietary spice—in modulating systemic biomarkers of oxidative stress in subjects undergoing coronary angiography. Twenty-seven subjects with minimal coronary artery disease (CAD; defined as < 50% obstruction in the coronary arteries) were selected for this trial and were randomly allocated to Heracleum persicum hydroalcoholic fruit extract (n = 15; 300 mg/day) or placebo (n = 12) for a period of six months. Patients were visited monthly and asked to report the adverse events during the treatment period. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were determined at baseline and at the end of trial. Comparison of changes in the evaluated biomarkers of oxidative stress indicated a significantly greater effect of H. persicum extract versus placebo in reducing serum MDA (p = .001), and elevating GSH (p = .001), and TAC (p = .001) concentrations, as well as activities of GPx (p = .001) and CAT (p = .001). The groups were comparable with respect to changes in serum SOD activities during the course of trial (p = .255). The findings of the present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial clearly support the efficacy of H. persicum fruit extract as a safe antioxidant supplement in subjects with minimal CAD.

English

Abstract Melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep and circadian functions. Melatonin also regulates inflammatory and immune processes acting as both an activator and inhibitor of these responses. Melatonin differentially modulates pro-inflammatory enzymes, controls production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and leukotrienes and regulates the lifespan of leukocytes by interfering with apoptotic processes. Moreover, its potent antioxidant ability allows scavenging of oxidative stress in the inflamed tissues. The antioxidant role of melatonin may be of potential use for conditions in which oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiologic processes. The multiplicity of actions and variety of biological effects of melatonin suggest the potential for a range of clinical and wellness-enhancing uses. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. Melatonin supports lung function and prevents from the injury to the airway structure through the inhibition of the oxidative stress in subjects with pulmonary diseases. This review summarizes and discusses the potential therapeutic uses of melatonin for lung diseases.

NOX2-generated oxidative stress is associated with severity of ultrasound liver steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BackgroundChronic oxidative stress is one of the key mechanisms responsible for disease progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, so far, few studies reported increased circulating levels of oxidative stress markers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver and no study has been performed with newer markers of systemic oxidative stress. The aim was to assess the relationship between urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α and serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide and the severity of liver steatosis in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver.MethodsThe study was performed in 264 consecutive patients referred for suspected metabolic disease. Steatosis was defined according to Hamaguchi ultrasonographic criteria. Oxidative stress was assessed by urinary 8-iso- prostaglandin F2α and serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide levels.ResultsPatients with non-alcoholic fatty liver had higher (p < 0.001) mean values of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and of serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide, alanine aminotransferase, Cytokeratin-18 and homeostasis model of insulin resistance and lower values of serum adiponectin as compared to those without. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and of its clinical features was significantly higher in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Same findings were also observed after the exclusion of obese subjects, or subjects with diabetes or with metabolic syndrome and in those not taking statin medication. In addition, the levels of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α were independent predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver and a strong association of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and of serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide with the severity of steatosis at ultrasound was also observed.ConclusionsWe demonstrated increased markers of oxidative stress in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Urinary 8-iso-PGF2α and serum soluble NOX2-derived peptide levels were independent from obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome and increased with the severity of liver steatosis at ultrasound.

Effects of A379V variant of the Lp-PLA 2 gene on Lp-PLA2 activity and markers of oxidative stress and endothelial function in Koreans

A379V variant in the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA 2) gene is known to be functional, but there are contradicting data concerning the A379V polymorphism, Lp-PLA2 activity and cardiovascular disease risk. We determined the interplay between A379V SNP, Lp-PLA2 activity, and markers of oxidative stress and endothelial function with and without the effect of V279F variant. 3,220 unrelated and healthy Koreans (40-79 years) were genotyped for the Lp-PLA 2 polymorphism (A379V and V279F). Lp-PLA2 activity and markers of oxidative stress and endothelial function were measured. Lp-PLA2 activity was 3.9% higher in A/V subjects (n = 821) and 7.8% in V/V (n = 79) than in those with A/A (n = 2,320). Urinary levels of 8-epi-PGF2α were significantly lower in subjects with the A/V or the V/V genotype than in those with the A/A genotype (A/A; 1,426 ± 14, A/V; 1,371 ± 26, V/V; 1,199 ± 58 pg/mg creatinine, P = 0.003). Subjects with the 379 V/V genotype had lower serum concentrations of sICAM-1 and p-selectin compared to those with the A/A or the A/V genotype. When subjects were further stratified into subgroups based on the combination of A379V and V279F genotypes, there was no significant association between A379V genotypes and Lp-PLA2 activities in the 279 V/V group. However, the associations of the A379V SNP with levels of 8-epi-PGF2α, sICAM-1, and p-selectin remained in the subset analysis based on the V279F genotypes. This study showed a reduction in oxidative stress in subjects carrying 379V allele and the recessive effect of the A379V on the endothelial function. It is likely that the A379V polymorphism has a qualitative effect, probably by disrupting the affinity of Lp-PLA2 for platelet-activating factor substrate, towards a more anti-oxidative or anti-atherogenic form.

Epinephrine, DNA integrity and oxidative stress in workers exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) at 132 kV substations

There is apprehension about widespread use of electrical and electromagnetic gadgets which are supposed to emit electromagnetic radiations. Reports are controversy. These electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have considerable effect on endocrine system of exposed subjects. This study was focused to assess the possible bioeffects of extremely low-frequency (ELF)-EMFs on epinephrine level, DNA damage and oxidative stress in subjects occupationally exposed to 132 kV high-voltage substations. The blood sample of 142 exposed subjects and 151 non-exposed individuals was analyzed. Plasma epinephrine was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, DNA damage was studied by alkaline comet assay along with oxidative stress. Epinephrine levels of sub-groups showed mean concentration of 75.22 ± 1.46, 64.43 ± 8.26 and 48.47 ± 4.97 for high, medium and low exposed groups, respectively. DNA damage ranged between 1.69 µm and 9.91 µm. The oxidative stress levels showed significant increase. The individuals employed in the live-line procedures were found to be vulnerable for EM stress with altered epinephrine concentrations, DNA damage and increased oxidative stress.

Total antioxidant status and markers of oxidative stress in subjects with normal or impaired glucose regulation (IFG, IGT) in diabetic patients

Background. We investigated the ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), prooxidants–antioxidants balance (PAB), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) concentrations in patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) and compared the results to those of normoglycemic individuals at baseline and 2 hours after glucose loading. Methods. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on age-matched subjects (n = 110) with a body mass index (BMI) < 27 kg/m2. Subjects were categorized as normoglycemic (n = 35), IFG (n = 25), IGT (n = 30) and DM (n = 20) according to the WHO criteria. The IMA, AOPP, PAB, FRAP concentrations were determined by colorimetric methods. Results. At baseline, the AOPP concentrations were significantly higher in subjects with IFG and DM compared to normoglycemic subjects (p < 0.01 for all cases). The IFG, IGT and DM patients had a significantly higher IMA at baseline when compared with the normoglycemic individuals (p < 0.001 for all cases). The IMA in IFG subjects was significantly elevated (p < 0.05), while in DM patients, the IMA was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) after glucose loading with respect to baseline concentrations. Following glucose loading, the PAB was significantly decreased from baseline concentrations in normoglycemic individuals (p < 0.001) and in the IFG (p < 0.001) and IGT (p < 0.001) patients. Conclusion. In subjects with impaired glucose metabolism, the hyperglycemia is associated with increased IMA, AOPP and PAB concentrations. Increased IMA in subjects with IFG and decreased FRAP concentrations in subjects with IGT after glucose loading suggests that an increase in glucose concentrations can lead to tissue damage by increasing oxidative stress.

Comparison of the effect of simvastatin versus simvastatin/ezetimibe versus rosuvastatin on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in subjects with hypercholesterolemia

ObjectivesStatins may exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Whether different statins at equivalent doses or the combination of low-dose statin with ezetimibe have comparable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of simvastatin, simvastatin/ezetimibe or rosuvastatin at equivalent low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering doses on inflammation and oxidative stress indices in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. MethodsThis was a pre-specified analysis of a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) study. We enrolled one hundred and fifty three (n = 153) hypercholesterolemic subjects who were randomized to receive simvastatin 40 mg or simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg or rosuvastatin 10 mg daily. Plasma 8-Epi prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-epiPGF2a), oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity and mass were measured at baseline and following 12 weeks of treatment. ResultsA significant reduction in plasma 8-isoprostane and oxLDL levels was observed in all treatment groups [by 10%, 8% and 6% (p < 0.05 compared with baseline) and 41%, 40% and 39% (p < 0.001 compared with baseline) in simvastatin, simvastatin/ezetimibe and rosuvastatin groups, respectively]. In all treatment groups a significant reduction in total plasma Lp-PLA2 activity and mass was observed (by 36%, 31% and 38% and 36%, 32% and 32% for simvastatin, simvastatin/ezetimibe and rosuvastatin, respectively, p < 0.001 compared with baseline). No intergroup differences were observed. ConclusionsSimvastatin 40 mg, simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg and rosuvastatin 10 mg significantly reduced 8-epiPGF2a, oxLDL and Lp-PLA2 activity and mass to a similar extent.

Effects of black soy peptide supplementation on blood pressure and oxidative stress: a randomized controlled trial

Black soy peptides have been shown to possess properties that may decrease blood pressure (BP). To examine the effects of black soy peptide supplementation on BP and oxidative stress in subjects with prehypertension or stage I hypertension, 100 participants with an initial untreated systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130-159 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80-99 mm Hg or both were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to either a group ingesting supplement containing 4.5 g black soy peptides daily or a placebo group for 8 weeks. SBP and DBP decreased after 8-week black soy peptide supplementation versus controls (P<0.001). At 8 weeks, SBP decrease was significantly greater for the black soy peptide group (-9.69 ± 12.37 mm Hg) than for the control group (-2.91 ± 13.29 mm Hg) after adjusting for the baseline levels (P = 0.015). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α decreased (P = 0.004 and P = 0.046, respectively) and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased (P<0.001) following 8 weeks of black soy peptide supplementation versus baselines. The MDA decreases (P = 0.022) and SOD activity and nitric oxide (NO) increases (P = 0.022 and P<0.001, respectively) were greater for the black soy peptide group than for the control group. Changes in SBP negatively correlated with changes in NO (r = -0.343, P = 0.001). Changes in angiotensin-converting enzyme activity negatively correlated with NO decreases (r = -0.490, P<0.001) and SOD activity increases (r = -0.338, P = 0.001). Black soy peptide dietary supplementation significantly reduces SBP and oxidative stress in patients with prehypertension and stage I hypertension.

DASH‐style diet is effective in patients with treated hypertension and diastolic heart failure independent of change in body weight – a pilot study

“Diastolic heart failure” (DHF) is the most common type of heart failure over age 65 and is frequently associated with hypertension. The “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension” diet can reduce blood pressure, but its effects in patients with DHF are unknown. This project tested the sodium‐restricted DASH diet in patients with hypertensive DHF using three weeks of controlled‐feeding with effort to maintain body weight. The experimental diet achieved DASH guidelines for nutrient intake without a significant change in total calories. DASH increased six‐minute walk distance and K+ excretion while it reduced Na+ excretion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, post‐walk test dyspnea, and urinary 8‐ isoprostane. Of over 200 metabolites tested, few were significantly altered; changes in macronutrient metabolism were unlikely associated with clinical findings. Instead, altered micronutrient intake and phytochemicals from fruits/vegetables may be instrumental. Three weeks of the sodium‐restricted DASH diet significantly reduced blood pressure and oxidative stress in subjects with hypertensive DHF. This pilot study revealed endpoints affected early in a DASH diet intervention in this population, independent of changes in body weight. Furthermore, the study provides a model for longer DASH interventions aimed to affect cardiac geometry and function. Supported by NIH UL1TR000433 and K23HL109176.

Airway oxidative stress in chronic cough

BackgroundThe mechanisms of chronic cough are unclear. Many reactive oxygen species affect airway sensory C-fibres which are capable to induce cough. Several chronic lung diseases are characterised by cough and oxidative stress. In asthma, an association between the cough severity and airway oxidative stress has been demonstrated. The present study was conducted to investigate whether airway oxidative stress is associated with chronic cough in subjects without chronic lung diseases.MethodsExhaled breath condensate samples were obtained in 43 non-smoking patients with chronic cough and 15 healthy subjects. Exclusion criteria included a doctor’s diagnosis of any lung disorders and any abnormality in lung x-ray. The concentration of 8-isoprostane was measured. In addition, the patients filled in Leicester Cough Questionnaire and underwent hypertonic saline cough provocation test, spirometry, ambulatory peak flow monitoring, nitric oxide measurement, and histamine airway challenge. In a subgroup of patients the measurements were repeated during 12 weeks’ treatment with inhaled budesonide, 800 ug/day.ResultsThe 8-isoprostane concentrations were higher in the cough patients than in the healthy subjects (24.6 ± 1.2 pg/ml vs. 10.1 ± 1.7 pg/ml, p = 0.045). The 8-isoprostane concentration was associated with the Leicester Cough Questionnaire total score (p = 0.044) but not with the cough sensitivity to saline or other tests. Budesonide treatment did not affect the 8-isoprostane concentrations.ConclusionsChronic cough seems to be associated with airway oxidative stress in subjects with chronic cough but without chronic lung diseases. This finding may help to develop novel antitussive drugs.Trial registrationThe study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov database (KUH5801112), identifier NCT00859274.

Effects ofAloe veraSupplementation in Subjects with Prediabetes/Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome affects 1 in 3 U.S. adults. The primary target of treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome is therapeutic lifestyle change. Numerous animal trials have reported positive effects of Aloe vera in in vivo models of diabetes, but there is a paucity of controlled clinical trials in patients with prediabetes. Thus, the objective of this pilot study was to examine the effect of aloe compared to placebo on fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in subjects with prediabetes/metabolic syndrome. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved pilot study of two aloe products (UP780 and AC952) in patients with prediabetes over an 8-week period. A total of 45 subjects with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance and having two other features of metabolic syndrome were recruited (n=15/group). Parameters of glycemia [fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fructosamine, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)] and oxidative stress (urinary F2-isoprostanes) were measured along with lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels before and after supplementation. There were no significant baseline differences between groups. Compared to placebo, only the AC952 Aloe vera inner leaf gel powder resulted in significant reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, glucose, and fructosamine. In the UP780 Aloe vera inner leaf gel powder standardized with 2% aloesin group, there were significant reductions in HbA1c, fructosamine, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA. Only the UP780 aloe group had a significant reduction in the F2-isoprostanes compared to placebo. Standardized aloe preparations offer an attractive adjunctive strategy to revert the impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance observed in conditions of prediabetes/metabolic syndrome.